Gossip is like a mushroom. Wait, what? That's right, I'm answering today's question with a little comparison... How do I reduce the amount of gossip in our office? Check out the video below to find out! https://youtu.be/ubdymnwA8vg?rel=0&showinfo=0 Tweet it out: Better communication reduces gossip. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
Focus Half of Your Coaching Time on These Employees
I have the good fortune of working with lots of leaders, and often have the chance to talk with, teach or consult with them on a variety of issues including their role as a coach. The vast majority of those I work with truly want to be more effective and make a difference for their people and their organizations. When the subject of coaching comes up, invariably the … [Read more...]
How to Respond Assertively, Not Aggressively
No matter how great a manager you are, bad things will happen at work. Not every day, but occasionally. It’s how you handle those incidents—the ones that fill you with frustration, anger and dread—that determine what kind of leader you are. If you respond to those occasions aggressively (outwardly or passively), you’ll undermine your team, spread fear and start the rumor … [Read more...]
Do This When You Need to Correct an Employee
I want you to pause for a minute and imagine this scenario: You ask an employee, coworker, friend or family member for an honest opinion. The person offers it, but it's not exactly what you wanted to hear. Perhaps your spouse commented that she didn't like the new dish you prepared. Or your coworker disagreed with your plan of attack on a project. Or your BFF admitted that … [Read more...]
Combating the Comfort Zone
Sometimes it's hard to get out of our own comfort zone to really get down to it and affect change. In today's video, I'll give you four tips to help you combat the comfort zone. https://youtu.be/56Cmv2vjtnY?rel=0&showinfo=0 Combat your comfort zone by finding something better to strive for. @KevinEikenberry … [Read more...]
The Problem With Labeling People
When dictators come to power, they often use a well-planned strategy for ousting their rivals. Part of that strategy helps them to justify the harsh tactics they use against their political opponents. One part of the strategy gradually strips away the human character of people who stand between the dictator and total control of the country. By stripping away human … [Read more...]
7 Tips for When You Don’t Feel Like a “Real” Leader
You've just stepped into this exciting new role as leader, and mixed with the feeling of accomplishment, pride and enthusiasm may be a little apprehension. After all, you've never led a team before, and you may not feel like a true leader just yet, especially if you are managing people who are older or more experienced than you. I'm here to tell you to take it easy on … [Read more...]
That Difficult Person
At some point in our leadership career, we will have to deal with difficult people. And as new leaders, there is little that is more unnerving. In today's video, we're sharing tips on how to handle these people in our lives and we're starting off by re-framing the issue, focusing not on the person but instead on the … [Read more...]
The Wrong Thing to Do When Faced With a Problem (and What to Do Instead)
As I watch what is going on politically across the nation, attend various business meetings and even participate in family discussions, I can't help but notice how the rhetoric and emotion often increase, while the civility and human connection decrease. People become obstinate or angry. Some even resort to insults, and productive conversation flies out the window. The … [Read more...]
Bridge the Generation Gap on Your New Team
Managing across the generations is challenging for many leaders, especially new ones. That's why we love the insightful, tip-filled infographic below created by MidAmerica Nazarene University. First, it offers a look at different research-backed perceptions of Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials, and then it goes a step further and provides action-oriented tips you can use to … [Read more...]