Upon learning the concepts of Situational Leadership® II, leaders often are eager to partner with employees to provide whatever it takes—clear goals, direction, support, feedback, and recognition—to develop skills and confidence. To lead effectively, leaders select from two behavioral categories: directive behaviors and supportive behaviors. This may sound easy, but did you know there are…
In the sixteen years I’ve been a professional coach, I have had the privilege of coaching leaders at every level in organizations. It’s interesting to note that whether the leader is a new manager or an executive, whether they are just out of grad school or nearing retirement, I am often their first professional coach.…
Lots of people are doing too much, feeling too burdened, and finding they aren’t as effective as they would like to be. As a coach, I work with leaders around this reality, and I coach them to take the time to assess situations and plan reasonably. Setting unrealistic deadlines hurts! Not only does it keep…
Clients are often surprised when I tell them, “The problem with being a good problem solver is that everything looks like a problem!” It usually comes up when these leaders are describing how they are assisting colleagues or direct reports by fixing what they perceive needs fixing. They describe being met with resistance, defensiveness, and…
Earlier this month, I noticed that a few of my Facebook friends were posting a link to a Wall Street Journal post titled What Do Workers Want from the Boss? The article describes the results of a Gallup study showing that employees want communication, a trusting relationship, and clear measurement standards from their immediate supervisor.…
I have always loved the word earnest, and I bestow the word on another person when it is, well, earnestly earned! One who, according to Dictionary.com, is “serious in intention, purpose or effort … showing depth and sincerity of feeling” is good company indeed. Consider an earnest friend or an earnest family member. Thoughts of…
I was talking with a Blanchard® coach the other day about the topic of recognition. She told me about a newly promoted VP she’s working with. He believes there is a need for just-in-time recognition in addition to the formal recognition programs that are in place within his company. I reminded the coach that Ken…