Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
If words alone don’t do it….
Q: I was dumbfounded when several of my team separately recalled verbatim what they were convinced I had told them. I never said those words. While they got the gist of the message, how do I ensure that I won’t be misunderstood next time? A: For a team leader to function effectively, your team must […]
How to handle a boss who breaks promises
Q: My boss promises incentives for achieving targets, but when we reach them, he gives every reason why we won’t get them. With the economy the way it is, I can’t afford to make waves and get fired, but I have lost trust and respect for him. How can I get beyond this? A: Your […]
Build on your own success
Q: I’m reflecting on the rocky road my company has been following this year. How do I increase my job performance and security in 2009? A: To continually enhance your performance, it’s always a good practice at year-end to reflect on where you excelled, where you could have been more effective, and to set new […]
Stay in touch with your boss
Q: With the dramatic economic downturn, I am noticing my colleagues are increasingly territorial and protective of their jobs. They are even claiming my results as their own. In spite of my best efforts to resist, I am being drawn into the fray. How do I insulate myself? A: Understand that the threat on their job security […]
Your strengths will sustain you
Q: I’ve just been promoted to senior manager, but I’m intimidated about meeting customers more senior than I. I doubt I have enough to offer someone so experienced. How can I overcome this immediately? A: A new role can definitely push you out of your comfort zone, but if you didn’t have the potential to grow into the […]
Lower sights to return to office
Q: I’ve been self-employed for the last 10 years. I’m 55 and I miss working in a traditional business environment and I want to return to the office setting again. Where should I start? A: After 10 years of self-employment, switching gears may test your resolve. The scope of activities in an organization is typically more limited […]
Is time right to take the leap?
Q: I’m ready to leave my job to launch my own business, but I’m worried about the U.S. recession and the impact it might have on the Canadian economy and my business. Would you recommend I wait until the economy improves? A: New businesses start and succeed at every point in the economic cycle. The advantage to […]
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