When things aren’t going well at work, it is easy to fall into a pattern of blaming others, gossiping or playing the victim, but, even when frustration is justified, these are self-defeating strategies. Things may not be perfect at work, but it is up to each of us to apply self-leadership skills to find solutions that work for ourselves (and hopefully for others as well). For more on this topic, read my New Hampshire Business Review column: https://www.nhbr.com/encouraging-self-leadership/
Read MoreA positive work climate with a sense of belonging enhances employee motivation, and an important component is a leader who helps people see meaning and purpose amid their daily work tasks. How many people do you know who do the minimum required and survive in the workplace, but don’t thrive and are not high performers. Contrast that with those who are fully engaged and always do more than expected. What is the difference?
Read MoreThe most effective leaders have regularly scheduled individual meetings with all their direct reports. This is not the same as typical day-to-day contact that you may have with staff as needs arise. Rather these are biweekly or monthly sessions that include goal setting, collaborative problem solving, coaching/mentoring, feedback on performance issues, and assessing staff development needs.
Read MoreThere are so many titles on leadership, one wonders where to begin. These books challenged me to see things from a new perspective and take my leadership to a higher level. For details, check out my NH Business Review column:
https://www.nhbr.com/great-leadership-reads/.
Read MoreIn their classic book The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner describe “enabling others to act” as of the five practices of exemplary leadership. This important leadership competency includes building relationships and a climate of trust, enhancing collaboration, using influence to facilitate positive engagement, and empowering and mentoring others to grow and take initiative.
Read MoreHow each of us influences others, whether positively or negatively, is critically important to both our personal and work lives. Here are some simple actions every one of us can do to support a healthy work culture:
· Act positive -- it’s contagious
· Encourage others -- we all need a kind word sometimes
· Embrace gratitude.
Read MoreYou have assigned someone a task and are confident they are capable and know what to do. Then you get an office visit asking you to take back all or part of that same task. Of course, you want to help your staff and colleagues, and there are certainly circumstances why you might accept the request. At the same time, it is important to avoid the trap described in the classic Harvard Business Review article “Who’s Got the Monkey?”
Read MoreMost people are quick to agree that trust is a basic building block of leadership effectiveness, but how many leaders actually do what is necessary to achieve it? How many of us are fully honest with ourselves regarding how our actions create (or undermine) positive relationships with colleagues? Achieving trust requires ongoing self-reflection, including a deep understanding of how our actions and behavior impact others.
Read MoreEffective leaders “challenge the process” -- encouraging innovation, accepting and embracing change, encouraging risk taking, and rewarding new ideas. It is human nature to avoid/resist change, but change is necessary to become a better leader or, for that matter, a better person. So how do we get there? First, of course, is painting a picture of what you want the change to be . . .
Read More“It all starts with a commitment to purpose, worthwhile work and making a difference,” wrote Quint Suder in his book Hardwiring Excellence. Do the leaders on your team fully understand and embrace these key ideas in their day-to-day work? Are they so focused on short-term priorities that they don’t have time to inspire and motivate their employees to achieve a high level of performance? Read more in Dr. Teschner’s NH Business Review column: https://www.nhbr.com/January-18-2019/How-to-lead-with-purpose/.
Read More