Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Team resists new vision
Q: After being in the role of CEO for six months, my executive team continues to resist my vision. I recognize a change in leadership requires an adjustment period. But they agreed to the new direction, so I feel angry and betrayed by them. How do I get them to do what I need to [...]
New exec tip: take it slow
Q: I am the first woman in my organization to be promoted to the executive team. I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself to perform. How can I create a powerful presence so that my perspectives and leadership style will be accepted? A: First there’s no need to prove yourself. A 19-year study showed [...]
It pays to hire female execs
Q: None of my top women managers are applying for executive positions. How can I change that? A: Good idea, since studies reveal companies with more women in the C Suite and on the board financially outperform others by 35 to 65 per cent. Results are best generated with an initiative actively championed by the [...]
How do I keep staff?
Q: I’m having nightmares about coming to work only to find I have no staff left. My company laid off 1/3 of our workforce, and has a wage and hiring freeze so everyone is doing double duty. My staff is overworked, overwhelmed and threatening to leave. How can I hang onto them? A: A Right [...]
Emails that get attention
Q: I don’t get the responses I’m looking for when I send e-mails at work. People either avoid replying or miss the point. How do I get straight answers to my questions? A: Corporate e-mail users receive up to 200 e-mails a day. If the recipient only spends a minute on each one, that’s over [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Coach's Corner Postings
- 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