The moment you notice negativity, arguments and drama in the office you must do whatever it takes to end it as soon as possible. You must learn from it as well, but negativity and fighting among team members is not acceptable and has no place on high performing teams. Diversity and differences in opinions should be welcomed, embraced and celebrated, …
Leaders speak last
You are a part of a brainstorming session or a project update meeting and folks are sharing their ideas, suggestions and plans. Last one to speak is the leader of that team. Well, last one to speak SHOULD be the leader of that team. The reason for this tactical decision lies in the desire to empower others to contribute and …
Is your team providing strategic value?
Every once in a while do a complete assessment of your and your team’s contributions to the overall mission, vision and purpose of the organization that you work for. During this process, ask yourself, are you providing strategic value? Are you contributing (directly or indirectly) to the main cause and main reason why all of you are there? If the …
Give people your undivided attention
Wherever you may be, especially when in smaller groups, please provide your colleagues and coworkers the respect that you would expect in return. Give them your undivided attention, focus on what they are saying and the message or need that they are conveying at that time. Focusing your attention on them demonstrates your commitment to their need and clearly displays …
Introduce yourself and meet people
As you join a new team it is crucial to introduce yourself and meet people in this new organization (both within and outside your immediate team and responsibilities). While it is important to familiarize yourself with policies, guidelines and operational structure it is equally important to put names and faces together and by doing so build familiarity and trust.
Work ethic and pride in quality
Work ethic and pride in ones work seems to have be diminishing across various industries and market segments in recent years. Reasons for this nonchalant behavior and lack of work ethic, commitment and quality can and often do vary. However, whatever they may be, it is up to leaders to perform full assessments (audits if you will) and determine these …
People matter the most
People matter the most and as such they should be the primary focus of every leader at every level in every organization. Attracting quality personnel to your team(s) is essential in order to be efficient, effective and competitive. Focus your search and positioning on quality over quantity, every single time. While it is very important to have adequate resources (funding, …
Clear responsibilities and structure
Individual responsibilities for each employee must be clearly communicated and understood by both sides, employee and supervisor. These responsibilities mush also be shared with the entire team as well as with other teams they regularly interact with. People need to know who does what and how they contribute to the entire team and the entire organizational mission, strategy and vision. …
Be resourceful and negotiate
Most of us are faced with lack of resources in some capacity in order to accomplish everything we believe we could and think we should be able to do. This lack of resources can be manifested in lack of personnel, particular skill set; lack of funding, lack of technology; equipment; tools; support services…and the list goes on. Sadly, that is …
Motivating yourself
Sooner or later you will have a day or two, maybe even a week (hopefully not much longer than that) where you will lack motivation to contribute, to put in your 100%. On those days (and in general) you can do several things to try to recapture your motivation: Be grateful what you have – strengthen your spirit Keep your …