Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Steer clear of minefields
Q: My peer’s hypercritical attitude is wearing me down. Rather than deal with it, her supervisors are waiting for her to retire. I try including her in discussions, but it doesn’t help. What do you suggest? A: Since she interacts with others the same way, this reveals more about her than those she criticizes. Life […]
Set the tone for meetings
Q: My staff’s harsh criticisms of different viewpoints are preventing the sharing of innovative ideas in meetings. How can I create a more open exchange of dialogue? A: Besides bringing in a neutral systems coach trained to resolve the team’s underlying conflict, role modelling by a leader is an effective way to achieve behavioural changes. […]
Dealing with clashing values
Q: Two of my employees clash over their competing values, creating tension in the department. I appreciate both of their viewpoints. How do I get them to do the same so they will work together productively? A: Values conflicts can be more challenging to work through since they are emotionally charged. People tend to feel […]
Get set up -then unplug
Q: Vacations just aren’t worth it. I work like a dog beforehand to get ahead of my workload and race to catch up when I get back. While I’m away my BlackBerry buzzes continuously. I’m thinking of cancelling this year’s holiday altogether. Can you help? A: Others won’t respect your time off until you do. […]
Meet Gen-Yers on their turf
Q: I’ve been a CEO for a long time and frankly this generation has me stumped. Our new hires are 20-somethings. I hate to stereotype but they seem arrogant and self absorbed. During an interview one candidate even checked a text message on his phone! How do I manage and motivate them? A: Generation Y […]
Try handling with care
Q: Due to economics, I am forced to revoke some employee benefits. My HR director says I should inform staff first. To me that’s pointless since they have no say in the matter and that would lead them to think they did. I believe it is better to play it low key and let them […]
Make change easier on staff
Q: My executive team spent six months working on some key changes for our business. The staff agrees it makes complete economic sense for our company and their jobs. But when we rolled it out they balked. How can I gain their support? A: Humans are creatures of habit. Even when change is for the […]
Plan project in four steps
Q: I tried to empower my director with an important project. Each time I checked in with him he said he was on track and didn’t need any support. But when he presented to the client, it wasn’t at all what I envisioned. When I told him how disappointed I was, he said that he […]
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 […]
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