Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Managers lead by example
Q: I’ve just been promoted into my first management position. Without technical to-dos to check off the list each day, I don’t feel I’m accomplishing anything. How do I ensure I am adding value to my company?
A: It’s a common mistake for new managers to gravitate to tasks instead of people. You got the job [...]
Start by finding common ground
Q: Two of my managers have been squabbling for years. Rather than working things out between themselves, they bring everything to me. I’m tired of mediating. How can I put a stop to this so they focus on their jobs?
A: Being a middle man is a no-win position. It fuels their feud as both parties [...]
Be honest with career coach
Q: I am finally warming to my boss’s recommendation to get coaching. Now how do I choose the best coach for me and get the most value from the experience?
A: You’re already on the road to getting more value by your shift in attitude. An open and willing coachee achieves far greater results than a [...]
Coaches build on your career
Q My boss says I need coaching if I want to be promoted. I’m feeling singled out. How is coaching going to help me and what guarantee do I have that what I say won’t be used against me by my boss?
A This is the best possible news. Your boss is actually saying he’s confident [...]
End bullying in workplace
Q: My boss’s friend is disregarding my role as her supervisor, treating me rudely and telling lies about me. As a leader, how can I prevent this kind of behaviour from spreading throughout the organization?
A: Examples of workplace bullying include being spoken to in a dismissive tone ( “talked down to”); spreading malicious rumours; gossip [...]
Bully victim must seek help
Q: I am the victim of office bullying and my supervisor turns a blind eye to the situation. What can I do?
A: We expect bullying will end once we leave the school yard; however, according to the Workplace Bullying Institute (www.workplacebullying.org), almost half of working Americans have been affected by bullying on the job.
Workplace bullies [...]
Be very clear in assigning tasks
Q: Even when I give my staff member a simple task to do, such as creating a news release, and explain how I want it done, she solicits her co-workers’ suggestions and the job ends up getting done differently than I wanted. How can I change this?
A: It sounds like your direct report may need [...]
Be co-operative on feedback
Q: As a new manager, I have to give an employee some feedback on a job she thinks she’s doing well. How can I be direct without getting her back up?
A: Hard feedback is effective when delivered with a soft start-up. First, get a clear picture of how your employee thinks she’s doing and why. [...]
Put the spark back into staff
Q: With sagging sales, our company is re-evaluating our five-year plan. My managers are concerned their jobs may be at risk, yet their motivation is waning. How do I reassure and re-engage them?
A: Even with job security down, disengagement is up. People are torn between knowing they must perform to keep their jobs, and the [...]
Time to air your strong points
Q: In a job interview, how do I respond to the question: “What are your weaknesses?” without jeopardizing my chances? I’ve heard the best way is to turn a negative into a positive such as, “I’ve been told that I am a perfectionist.”
A: Many organizations scout candidates with key strengths they can leverage instead of [...]
Coach's Corner Postings
- Managers lead by example
- Start by finding common ground
- Be honest with career coach
- Coaches build on your career
- End bullying in workplace
- Bully victim must seek help
- Be very clear in assigning tasks
- Be co-operative on feedback
- Put the spark back into staff
- Time to air your strong points
- If words alone don’t do it….
- How to handle a boss who breaks promises
- Build on your own success
- Stay in touch with your boss
- Your strengths will sustain you
- Lower sights to return to office
- Is time right to take the leap?
- Outlining expectations will save headaches later
- Questions can quell surprises
- Why job can be like marriage
- Be calm when short-listed
- Heart has to be in your work
- How to send your message
- Preparing to cast off the safety net
- How to mute those inner critics
- You’re still the boss of you
- Be yourself, not a work impostor
- Walk with your co-worker through his several fears
- A bruised ego won’t kill you
- Leave your work at the office