one BIG CONCLUSION I’ve made after 20 years of helping people change and develop is that experience is the best teacher.
But do listen to the thoughts and opinions of people you like and trust.
However, their experience will look different from yours. Their truth might be different, too.
Sources of inspiration are many. The one source of truth is your own.
WARNING: If there is a part of yourself that you are hiding from, it will not stay hidden for long. Not if you embrace these ideas.
The next time you need to have a difficult conversation with someone, look at it as a chance build a bridge with them – a bridge that can help you cross a potential danger area together.
Rather than approaching it as a dreaded task that’s going to be difficult, approach it as a way to deepen your connection.
After all, if you go into a situation expecting it to be difficult or painful, it probably will be.
But if you go into it with eyes that are looking to connect and co-create, you’ll generate positive energy to lead the conversation while building trust.
…a head of department who’d like to help lead her people through a change:
Before she can win support for the change, she has to communicate in a way that inspires her key stakeholders (must-have #1).
Next, she has to collaborate in a way that motivates her partners and stakeholders to take action (must-have #2).
And before she can lead or influence anyone to do anything, she has to connect with them on a human level must-have (#3).
…it’s unfair and even dangerous to ask or expect people to act happy when they don’t feel like it, I do believe that it’s important for companies to value the physical and emotional well-being of their workforce.
Furthermore, I believe it’s more important for them to act on what they see and hear from their employees. That is, if they really want to improve it.
Therefore, I welcome the mindfulness and yoga incentives…ones without unrealistic expectations attached.
Provide me with free coffee in the office and I’ll be more alert. But don’t expect a testimonial of gratitude for it. Offer yoga class on Wednesday nights, but don’t monitor my attendance.
Have you ever experienced this The Vicious Change Loop below?No matter how high-performing your team or how agile your organization, I'm sure you have.If the WHAT, WHY, HOW & WHEN for a new change are not clearly communicated, people will fill in the ...
To survive and thrive in the complex modern workplace, your team needs these 3 characteristics:
Diverse – a good mix of functions, disciplines and experience.
Agile – the ability to adapt well on short notice.
Influential – made of people with influence in the organization.
PRO TIP: If your team doesn’t have these characteristics, make the necessary adjustments. That is, if you want to be seen as a top team or project leader in your organization.
You can’t be everything for everybody. Some reports will find you too directive, others not enough. However, you can listen to feedback and adjust your style when needed.
In everything you do, seek to understand first and act second. There is no right way to lead your team or group. It is as unique as every individual in it. Therefore, your paradoxes and the balance you need to find for each of them will look differently than mine.
In parts 1 and 2 I have presented 7 which I consider most relevant to people managers working right now. Apply the relevant tips and examples as needed.
FUN FACTOR. “…as psychological researchers discover more about how the human brain works, we’re gaining insights into exactly how to crank up the enjoyment factor…” - Laura Vanderkam, Fast Company. "THE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN WAY TO HAVE THE BEST VAC ...
