31 Mar
photo of clocks; time mastery
[email protected] Leadership

Punctual (or not)?

Punctuality is the stern virtue of men of business, and the graceful courtesy of princes.–Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

DO YOU AGREE?

How do you feel about co-workers that are consistently late to meetings? Do you find yourself showing up (or calling in) after the meeting has begun?

We ask this because a newly formed team we were working with encountered this situation regularly, and the perceptions and impacts varied greatly.

(And some were very unhappy!)

PUNCTUAL (OR NOT)?

This was a group of 25 participants with shared goals; they also had individual goals as well as different clients and deliverables.  It should also be noted that the reason they were meeting with us was to become a more collaborative team, and stronger leaders.

Given the size of the group, was it fair to anticipate that there would be late arrivals and early departures?

We heard “grumblings” by some attendees and asked the entire team their perception about punctuality. We were fairly surprised that the split was almost even.  Half felt lateness was “part of business”, with the other half viewing it as a sign of dis-respect which impacted levels of trust. (And Lencioni has taught us that trust is the foundation for successful teams).

How do you feel when you’re punctual and others are not?  Please share your thoughts with is!

QWIKTIPS –

VALUING YOUR STAFF – click to read how

People count the faults of those who keep them waiting.~Proverb

23 Mar
[email protected] Leadership

11 People Secrets

Some people, regardless of what they lack–money, looks, or social connections–always radiate energy and confidence.—Travis Bradberry

Have you ever noticed a leader that others just seem to be drawn to? Where others make it an effort to work with and for them?

Some leaders (and people) seem to have an aura about them. Is it charisma? Personality? Special behaviors?  Travis Bradberry provides the following list of the 11 Secrets of Irresistible People.

11 SECRETS OF IRRESISTIBLE PEOPLE

  1. They treat EVERYONE with respect –  regardless of title or position, everyone is entitled to be treated with respect
  2. They follow the platinum rule – with a twist: treat others as they want to be treated. Not everyone has the same motivators so don’t treat everyone the same
  3. They ditch the small talk – get below the “surface”; be genuine, get real
  4. They focus on people more than anything else – listen and respond to what you’re hearing.
  5. They don’t try too hard – don’t dominate conversations; let your strengths shine through naturally
  6. They recognize the difference between fact and opinion – don’t be afraid to share your opinions, but don’t pawn them off as facts
  7. They are authentic – building trust becomes easier when you’re “real”
  8. They have integrity – walk the talk, follow through, do what’s “right”
  9. They smile – positive behaviors and actions are contagious
  10. They make an effort to look their best – being presentable is a sign of respect to those you’re interacting with
  11. They find reasons to love life – they live and work their passion

Do you have a mentor (or perhaps know another leader) who has qualities that appeal to you? Have you assessed why, and are there qualities you would like to emulate?

Please share them with us!

QWIKTIPS –

5 Must Haves For Leading Teams – Click for more

       My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence. —General Montgomery

 

16 Mar
[email protected] Leadership

9 Rules For Dysfunction

The fact remains that teams, because they are made up of imperfect human beings, are inherently dysfunctional.–Patrick Lencioni

Many of you are familiar with Patrick Lencioni’s book “The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team”. In it, Lencioni shares a model that reflects that in order for a team to accomplish the results they desire, all team members must overcome the:

  • Absence of Trust
  • Fear of Conflict
  • Lack of Commitment
  • Avoidance of Accountability
  • Inattention to Results

Along similar lines, Lesley Wright and Marti D Smye, Ph.D, authors of Corporate Abuse: How “Lean and Mean” Robs People and Profits, shared nine rules you want to avoid having in your workplace.

9 RULES OF DYSFUNCTION TO AVOID AT ALL COST!

  1. Do not discuss the undiscussable
  2. Feelings are undiscussable in the workplace
  3. Never say exactly what you mean to the person who most needs to hear it
  4. One mistake and you’re out
  5. We’ll take credit for your good ideas and punish you for your failures
  6. Everything you are belongs to the company
  7. Do as we say and don’t ask questions
  8. You’re not here to enjoy yourself; you’re here to work
  9. Don’t try to change anything

So, although these may seem obvious, they were found to exist in more than a handful of corporate cultures. You may even be able to relate to some, hopefully not in your current work environment, but rather in times of “old”.

When they do exist, not only do people suffer, but so do results.

As leaders, are you creating a culture to help individuals and organizations thrive? Do you commit to addressing the dysfunctions listed above?  We hope so!

QWIKTIPS – TRANSFORMATION: IT’S A PROCESS NOT AN EVENT – Click for more

TRANSFORMATION, LIKE LEADERSHIP, IS A PROCESS, NOT AN EVENT

09 Mar
[email protected] Leadership

Inspire and Empower

A sense of ownership is the most powerful weapon a team or organization can have.  – Pat Summit

How do you inspire and empower your team or organization? What are you doing to get them on-board to grow results and make them feel they are valued contributors?

The late Pat Summit was a highly successful female basketball coach and a motivational speaker. She shared that successful coaches and leaders require 2 major skills:

  • The ability to convey practical information in a clear and concise way that enables others to learn quickly
  • The knack of motivating your team to put in the necessary effort to achieve successShe also shared the following tips:

For successful motivation, you need to transmit your passion, enthusiasm, and attitude.  “It’s the ability to see in other people more than they see in themselves, and to bring it out of them.”

Learn about the backgrounds and families of your team members. Discover what precisely makes them tick.  This will help you understand what motivates them, and fosters an openness that may pinpoint reasons for under performance.

Be approachable and demonstrate empathy.  This is needed in order for your team to better listen, learn and develop. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.

Transfer responsibility.  Personal responsibility and accountability increase enthusiasm, drive, and lead to more effective performance.  Act as a guide and mentor your team but remember you can’t do the job for them.

Surround yourself with bright, talented people with creative minds that will challenge you.   Listen closely to their ideas and methods; they’re likely to provide options you have not explored yourself.

Evaluate yourself before you evaluate others.  It’s possible you as a leader failed; be honest about what you could have done better.

Which of the tips do you practice consistently?  Do any of your behaviors need to change so you can better inspire and empower others?

QWIKTIPS –

VALUING YOUR STAFF – click to read more!

To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. –Tony Dorsett

02 Mar
[email protected] Leadership, Success

Take Action

Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success. – Shiv Khera

As we head into March, hopefully your 2017 goals have been finalized and communicated, along with your development plan updated with specific growth areas identified.

SUCCESS magazine, March 2017, provides ten suggestions to assist with taking action against your plans.

Talk It Out – Practice responding to questions and obstacles; this will help build confidence

Think Again – Factor in “bumps in the road” and adapt accordingly

Persevere –  We all know things don’t always go as planned!

Push Back – Don’t accept “no” as the final answer; provide details as to why your plan should work.  Same token, don’t be afraid to say “no” when warranted

Be The Calm – Anticipate changing priorities; it may not be a crisis, but “it” may dictate that your plan needs to change

Check Your Ego – Being confident is a plus, being cocky is not

Be Good Enough – Being “good” may serve you better than being “perfect”

Take Risks – Prepare, but take steps forward. Sometimes we just need to “move along”

Practice Self-Care – Don’t forget the value you provide; some may try to erode it so remind yourself of your strengths

Push Yourself –  Expand your comfort zone; growth takes time and dedication
Have you identified your growth areas? What actions have you taken so far?

QWIKTIPS – click to read about ACTIONS AND BELIEFS