Coach's Corner
Regular columns on workplace issues reprinted from The Province newspaper.
Outlining expectations will save headaches later
Q: I’m an independent contractor and my largest client continually squeezes me for more services for the same fee. How do I stop the bleeding without jeopardizing the deals or the client altogether? A: First, don’t compete on price. Promote the value you are providing for the fee charged. Managing client expectations may be even more imperative than delivery […]
Questions can quell surprises
Q: I interview for jobs that look great until I get into them and usually end up hating them within a year. How can I ensure I make the right choice this time? A: Couples tend to spend more effort on the wedding than they do on the marriage. Similarly, candidates can get side-tracked by the thrill […]
Why job can be like marriage
Q: I interview for jobs that look great until I get into them and usually end up hating them within a year. How can I ensure I make the right choice this time? A: Couples tend to spend more effort on the wedding than they do on the marriage. Similarly, candidates can get side-tracked by the thrill […]
Be calm when short-listed
Q: I have been short-listed for my dream job. They said they’d let me know within days, and it’s now been three weeks. I’ve sent a thank-you and called three times, but they keep saying it’ll just be a bit longer. How much do I pester and how long do I wait? A: It’s a delicate balance […]
Heart has to be in your work
Q: I am unhappy at my work and don’t know how to find the right career path for me. I’m confused and afraid of accepting yet another job that merely becomes unsatisfying later. Should I go back to school for more specific training? A: There are so many choices and a working life is decades long. […]
How to send your message
Q: I give instructions to my team and they just don’t get it. I keep repeating myself yet it doesn’t get any clearer for them, then I get angry and frustrated and nothing gets accomplished. What could I do differently? A: Before you blow another gasket, know that 85 per cent of business issues are people-related not skill-related. […]
Preparing to cast off the safety net
Q: I want to leave my job to start my own consulting business, but I’m nervous about paying my monthly bills until I am up and running. What tips do you have for making a smooth transition? A: Doing market research, setting up business systems, even creating a financial nest egg can provide you with a solid […]
How to mute those inner critics
Q: When I complete a project, I get rave reviews from my supervisor, team and clients. But while I’m running it, I worry someone will discover I’m out of my league. I know it’s ridiculous. How can I change my thinking? A: Most people get stopped by the Fraud Factor from time to time. The […]
You’re still the boss of you
Q: People keep dumping extra tasks on to my plate, even though they’re not my responsibility — and if I don’t do the work, it won’t get done. I can’t say no, yet I’m sick of all the overtime I do to keep up with the additional demands. Help! A: You are a highly responsible individual, but […]
Be yourself, not a work impostor
Q: My supervisor insists that to get promoted to the senior executive level I have to increase my visibility by blowing my own horn. I find that self-serving and offensive. How else can I advance? A: Don’t fake it to make it. Moulding yourself in order to gain a promotion is short-sighted and may have […]
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