The Management Tip : Taking Over from an Incompetent Team Leader

January 08, 2014 Becoming the leader of an existing team can be challenging, but taking over from an incompetent leader is especially difficult.  Even if you find your new team in disarray, you’ll get better results from your team members if you invest the time to appreciate and respond to their needs and concerns before making changes.  By understanding what they have experienced, you’ll better understand the issues that must be addressed to move forward—and your curiosity will show your interest in your people’s well-being, another value that may have been lacking in the previous leader. Adapted from “Taking Over from an Incompetent Team Leader” by Roger Schwarz.

The Manangement Tip of The Day : Should You Be Nice or Tough?

November 06, 2013 Leaders often take one of two approaches: “Drivers” are good at establishing high standards, keeping people focused on goals, and continually improving.  “Enhancers,” by contrast, act as role models, giving honest feedback in a helpful way, developing people, and maintaining trust. Neither approach on its own is sufficient to increase employee engagement.  Instead, think in terms of “and” instead of “or.” You can demand a great deal from employees, but also be seen as considerate, trusting, and collaborative. If you consider yourself a driver, don’t be afraid to be the “nice guy” sometimes.  For example, when setting a challenging target, acknowledge just how hard it might be on your team and offer to help if they need it.  On the other hand, if you’re an enhancer, try setting demanding goals with your usual words of encouragement.  Both approaches need to be used with equal force to maximize engagement. Adapted from “Nice or Tough: Which Approach Engages Employees Most?” by Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman.

The Manangement Tip of The Day :A 1-Minute Trick for Better Negotiations

September 18, 2013 How do you negotiate better?  Simple: Beforehand, take a minute or two to focus on what you have to gain and what you hope to achieve – and banish all thoughts of what you might lose.  List everything you hope to accomplish and the ways you will benefit if you are successful. Re-read this list just before the negotiation begins.  Throughout the exercise, it’s important to try not to focus on what could go wrong.  Great negotiators stay focused on their ideal target, despite the risks they face.  With practice, this focus-training will become easier and, eventually, automatic.  Adapted from “The One-Minute Trick to Negotiating Like a Boss,” by Heidi Grant Halvorson.