Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Be tactful when the boss seeks your feedback
Q: My boss asked for my honest assessment about a decision he made which I strongly disagree with. How do I tell the truth without alienating him or should I keep my opinion to myself? A: While honesty is the best policy, some delivery methods are more effective than others. Rather than react immediately, take […]
Don’t let resolutions slip away
Visualize and plan ahead to make your New Year’s commitments stick Q: Every year I set new professional goals as my New Year’s resolutions. However, within weeks I lose traction as other priorities take over. How can I create sticky resolutions? A: There is a lot riding on New Year’s resolutions when viewed as wiping […]
Team lead needs support from boss
Q I am the newest member of a national sales team. My remote boss has told me how he expects us to conduct business in a completely different manner from how the rest of the team operates. I am having a hard time implementing the leader’s directives. The team is sabotaging me by not following […]
Give employees time to follow your ideas
Q: I have a new leadership team of very smart but silent managers. I want dialogue and debate but all I get is blank stares. So to keep the meetings moving efficiently I end up supplying all the answers. How do I get them to speak up? A: Sounds like the rate at which you […]
Make new employees feel welcome, part of the team
Q : We’re in the midst of a huge project and I am hiring some new team members. What’s the quickest way to get them up to speed? A Research shows that the success of new hires is set as early as the first two weeks. The degree to which you can make them feel […]
Coaching a sign you’re valued
Q: I am a new team leader and feel I am being pressured by my boss to take coaching. I don’t feel I need it, but they are insisting I take it. Since the external coach has been hired by the company, I am suspicious that he will try to force the company’s agenda on […]
Isolating worker IS bullying
Q I’ve hired a new employee and I am observing the five existing team members excluding him and talking about him behind his back. How should I handle it? A: Ignoring a co-worker with the intent to harm or control, treating them differently than other peers and co-workers, or ostracism, isolation, dissociation or exclusion from others […]
Time outs can help you reach your goals
Q I have so much on my plate that I don’t know where to begin. I feel so overwhelmed that all I do is procrastinate. I have to meet my deliverables; how do I get back on track? A Everyone procrastinates from time to time. We negotiate, rationalize, justify or excuse ourselves just to avoid […]
Right brain thinkers bring new ideas to team
Q I’ve always hired the best and brightest with the top expertise and track record. As a result, my high-performing team keeps producing successful but predictable solutions. What else should I be looking for in new hires to add innovation? A: Innovators are also often well-trained experts in their field who are also curious nonconformists, […]
Take high road and don’t question decision
Q: I was promised a promotion to vice-president based on my knowledge, experience and performance. Then last month a political appointment was inserted above me, pushing me down a level. I’m convinced my opportunity has been torn from my grasp. I feel betrayed and want to get to the bottom of how this happened. What’s the […]
Coach's Corner Postings
- Show Belief in your Employees
- Best ways to deal with work stress
- Startup salary too small- Autonomy, stimulating work may compensate for less pay
- Rewire your brain for 2016
- Apps will keep you grounded during hectic travel schedule
- The right apps are invaluable organizing tools
- Defeating ‘impostor syndrome’ is a must
- New position overwhelms manager- Too much feedback can lead to information overload and cause poor decision-making
- Travel for work, family life clashing
- Coaching helps employees achieve their goals
- Be tactful when the boss seeks your feedback
- Don’t let resolutions slip away
- Team lead needs support from boss
- Give employees time to follow your ideas
- Make new employees feel welcome, part of the team
- Coaching a sign you’re valued
- Isolating worker IS bullying
- Time outs can help you reach your goals
- Right brain thinkers bring new ideas to team
- Take high road and don’t question decision
- Effective mentors make great leaders
- Firing can be overcome
- MBA no guarantee of success
- Take time to get back in the work flow
- Keep your global team well engaged
- Lead from the middle
- Succession planning faux pas
- Timely tips save effort
- Confidence needed to be team leader
- Motivate your staff by reviving effective work habits
- Play nice with vicious co-worker
- Clear communication key to managing offshore staff
- Taking high road pays off in the end
- Give critics a chance to be heard
- Introverts need time and trust to open up
- Managers need to buffer staff from stress
- How to give feedback to under-performers
- Expert status now a barrier
- Hints to help bump up 2012
- Take positives from negative
- Steer clear of minefields
- Set the tone for meetings
- Dealing with clashing values
- Get set up -then unplug
- Meet Gen-Yers on their turf
- Try handling with care
- Make change easier on staff
- Plan project in four steps
- Team resists new vision
- New exec tip: take it slow
- It pays to hire female execs
- How do I keep staff?
- Emails that get attention
- 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