Managers can unintentionally — or even intentionally — undermine teamwork in several different ways, but one behavior that stands out is how managers or team members address conflicts within the team. [Read more…]
In recent years, organizations of all sizes and at all stages of development have faced competitive, excruciating external pressures in dealing with disruption and economic upheaval. At the same time, employees have come to demand a kinder, gentler workplace with managers and supervisors who demonstrate more compassion. The result is a disturbing trend. I want to say that managers and supervisors “balance” too many responsibilities, but it goes further than that. These leaders have more and more tasks and responsibilities assigned to them—often far too many to execute.
With recent layoffs, crushing inflation, and cost cutting across organizations, leaders at all levels of organizations are dealing with belt tightening. More and more they are being asked to do more with less. Easier said than done. Is that request realistic, or does it mean demanding more and more from employees—perhaps to the point of jeopardizing retention?
How can your organization truly do more with less, get the work done, meet goals–all while having sustainable workloads? It is possible, and there are four steps to follow to get there. [Read more…]
Whether you are embarking on a major change initiative such as restructuring an organization or location, implementing a Safety Program, or making smaller changes like process improvement or other activities, there are six keys for aligning important factors to make the change successful. And if you’re missing just one piece, you may be undermining your success. [Read more…]
As we continue to emerge from COVID, employers are planning their employees’ return to work. Many employers have already opened their doors for the return of employees, but how they return to the office and the flexibility provided by employers will determine the degree of success in the Return to Work. How important is creating an effective plan for hybrid work? Very important. Most employees want to work from home at least three days per week, and a large percentage of them will evaluate whether they stay with their current employers based upon their employer’s plan. There are three guiding principles that form the foundation for a successful Return to Work Plan. [Read more…]
Over the past year, many leaders re-envisioned their organizations to overcome the downturn, serve their customers differently, and sometimes launch into new markets entirely. As organizations view a more optimistic future, what framework can they use to plan and solidify their “new normal.” Where to start? [Read more…]
Does kinder, gentler leadership abdicate accountability?
Our experiences in 2020 and 2021 have taught us that leading others has taken on added dimensions requiring the use of stronger soft skills while also managing remotely. Researchers and experts are telling us that a kinder, gentler leader is here to stay. In watching your inbox over the past year, you saw many articles about the need for compassionate and caring leadership and management through times of turmoil. If your career has seen a lot of forceful, dominant, invincible leaders (or if you are one), this new, more compassionate type of leadership may be unfamiliar territory. [Read more…]
