Managers that are too amiable to one employee put others at risk
This week, I had an overnight business trip. As I packed my bag, Grace and our two cats were close-by. Oliver tried to nap inside the suitcase, but I nudged him out so I could finish filling with essentials. I shut the case and he perched on top, purring and content with his spot. “Oh […]
This should only take a minute for you to do ….
How to handle unrealistic requests (or ones that seem that way!) The other day, I witnessed exchanges among employees during a cross-department meeting of folks that were working on an important and complex project for their company. The team leader was running a tightly-controlled meeting, covering lots of details about tasks and schedules that needed […]
Are your employees always fighting with each other?
Do you find yourself in the middle of petty spats between employees? Sometimes it’s obvious when two (or more) co-workers aren’t getting along, but other times it might be more subtle, masked with polite-sounding but demeaning, cutting comments that undermine a team’s effectiveness. There are lots of reasons that people don’t get along, but whatever […]
Get both sides of the story before you take action on an employee dispute
Even if you think the situation is already clear-cut On occasion, an employee will come to you, as the manager, with an issue about another employee. After hearing the story, you want to fix the problem (a good thing!) and immediately take action based on this information. Fast action is the right course, but make […]
Why curiosity can look like mutiny
When an employee is constantly curious and challenging, it might seem like you have mutiny on your hands. You, as the manager, just want the person to move on with the task at hand — the way you intended it to be done. Instead, you are left dealing with endless questions, ongoing suggestions for alternative plans, […]
Get off your pedestal! Are you open to receiving feedback?
Most managers say that are open to feedback. And sometimes that’s true. But you know as well as I do, managers are often negligent in soliciting feedback, or they do things that indicate they aren’t open to it even if they say they are. Even managers with honorable intentions can mess this up. I believe managers understand […]
One Size Does Not Fit All: Treating Employees to Meet Individual Needs
It’s crystal clear that this sweater I made for Grace just doesn’t fit her. The top opening swallowed her neck size. The proportions are off. And why did I opt for a bulky yarn when my goal was to have a light-weight covering to keep her warm inside? Grace humored me by sporting it for […]
Put your perspective into proportion and you will improve your workplace relationships
I posted these two photos on Facebook yesterday after Grace surprised me with an uncommon dose of patience. I always feel like I’m the one modeling restraint and tolerance in our relationship, but that’s just not true. That’s MY perspective, not hers. Of course, I’m only thinking about the things I do to ensure she feels […]
Effective communication depends on whether you are on a ‘walk’ or a ‘sniff’
It’s cold. Really cold here in New Hampshire. When it’s six degrees outside, you don’t dawdle. Hanging around sniffing the environment can get your toes frozen, literally. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that when Grace is high-tailing it to the door, she’s ready to get back inside so she can snuggle deep […]
One simple skill that allows managers to stand tall among all others
Nobody likes a know-it-all. Well, I suppose I should speak for myself. But I know (oops bad word choice!) that I don’t like one. That’s why I always suggest that managers approach difficult situations with a healthy dose of curiosity. There is another excellent reason to be curious and inquiring — you might learn something. […]
