As a veteran meeting facilitator, I’ve witnessed a myriad of group dynamics. Some teams work together like a well-oiled machine and some clunk along struggling to find ways to come together productively. Not every meeting needs a facilitator, but when an organization is facing a major change, tackling a weighty subject, or bringing together diverse viewpoints, a facilitator can keep the meeting on track and action-oriented without getting bogged down in personalities and irrelevant...
There’s a lot of talk among my clients about how to better engage different generations in the workforce. Baby Boomers are a large sector the workforce, but over 47% of the total population is under the age of 33 making them Millennials. The differences between these two groups may seem stark at first, but a collaborative approach to management will help both groups work together productively.
Before you read these recommended articles, keep in mind this key point: Generalizations and...
When it comes to dealing with difficult people at work, the toughest ones I hear about in my coaching practice fall into two categories: co-workers or bosses. How you handle your challenging situation should be influenced by your relationship to the person, as well as the general culture at your organization.
All the good advice you’ll read on the subject has one thing in common: the only person you can truly change is yourself. Before you go into a confrontation, take the time to...
There are few more important decisions in an organization than choosing strong leaders and leaders-in-training. The weight of a company’s future rests on the selection of employees that can both perform at high-level immediately and those who can be coached into taking on a leadership role over time.
When making strategic decisions about personnel, keep the following in mind about the employee:
· Their strengths
...
We are living in a constant state of information overload. So how can we sift through the noise and discover what is truly essential to our lives and our goals? Essentialism is a mindset, not a tactic, so it will take practice to achieve the clarity you seek. Here are a few articles and tips on how you can create the white space your brain needs to dream big and achieve.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Greg McKeown’s book espouses the virtue of pursuing only,...
The most common misstep I see with people leaders is that they don't set expectations with their teams. There may be a tendency to just dive into the work at hand, but part of being an exceptional manager is taking the time to set clear and manageable expectations for your employees. Giving yourself time for top-down planning can help shape both the formal and informal practices. This planning will allow you to help your employees set clear performance standards; carve out specific objectives...
In the 21st century, we have many ways to connect with our social and professional networks, with new platforms and interest groups popping up almost daily. And with as many as 85% of all jobs are filled through networking, it’s imperative that you make the most of your relationships and use your own network to benefit others, as well. A recent New York Times article by Adam Grant argued that “networking is overrated.” My experience and...
