Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Play nice with vicious co-worker
Q: I’m so furious at my colleague who threw me under the bus in front of my entire team. We have to present together to our client next week. How can I work with him when all I want to do is drive over him? A: Sacrificing a colleague is a cheap temporary solution when the […]
Clear communication key to managing offshore staff
Q: I have just been given an offshore team on three continents and I am worried about how I am going to manage and motivate remotely without micromanaging or working 36/8. A: Leading virtual teams with geographic and cultural differences, multiple time zones, and lack of face time is complex. Start strong by hosting a […]
Taking high road pays off in the end
Q: I was wrongfully blasted by my boss in front of my entire team. I was so blindsided that I couldn’t even respond. I’m sure I’ve lost all credibility and want to know if there’s any way to recover. A: You probably feel like you have nowhere to go except out the door right now. […]
Give critics a chance to be heard
Q My team implemented a company-wide technology change and a small but vocal group of detractors is publicly criticizing the move which is thwarting uptake. How do I get their buy in? A dissension is normal and creative conflict can lead to valuable improvements when harnessed. Invite the core group to meet with you and […]
Introverts need time and trust to open up
Q: I have inherited two executives who are challenging me. The rest of the team exchanges ideas and dialogues passionately while they sit withdrawn and silent. When asked to contribute, their ideas are well formulated and sound. But they are painfully slow at articulating so I often pass over them. How can I get them […]
Managers need to buffer staff from stress
Q: Our region has been understaffed and over-worked for almost 18 months due to output demands and a head count freeze. My staff is burned out, tempers are flaring and productivity is dropping. How can I reduce the stress when I can’t hire? A: The high price of stress includes errors in judgment, interpersonal conflicts, […]
How to give feedback to under-performers
Q: One of my managers cannot address his poor performers. We talk about it, he agrees to do it, then returns with reasons why he didn’t have the conversation. Any tips? A: Even seasoned managers can cringe at that thought of confronting their loyal staff with bad news. It can be so anxiety provoking they […]
Expert status now a barrier
Q: I have pride in being an expert people seek out in my organization, only to discover that it is now the barrier to moving into the executive suite. What can I do to change this? A: Years of acquiring technical expertise or knowledge makes you so reliable in your current role that there may […]
Hints to help bump up 2012
Q: I love my work, team and organization, so I don’t understand why I’m feeling so stagnant and bored. I’d appreciate some suggestions to kick start my year. A: Sometimes we need a change and a challenge. Here are some ideas to make 2012 a motivating adventure. – Take on something completely different at work. […]
Take positives from negative
Q: I just got my 360 review and I’m devastated. I thought I was doing a great job because my staff always achieves their results. I discovered that being task focused makes people feel used and ignored. How will I recover from this? A: While the review may be negative, your attitude is positive and […]
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