Dear Madeleine, I am a senior manager in what is essentially a call center. I am hoping you can help me. I am too nice. I am a giver; I come from a long line of nice, generous givers. My Mom ran a dentist’s office and headed several volunteer committees, headed up events at our…
A new study conducted by The Ken Blanchard Companies with 1,300 people in managerial and non-managerial roles found important correlations between an individual’s identification as a self leader and positive work behaviors. – People who exhibit the behaviors of a self leader are more likely to expend discretionary effort on behalf of their organizations. –…
More and more organizations are looking for their managers to use coach-like behaviors in conversations with their direct reports. Here are five of the most important techniques coaches use in their conversations with clients. Consider how these techniques could help the managers in your organization be more coach-like in their communication style. Be fully present.…
Dear Madeleine, I’ve recently been promoted to my first managerial role. Prior to my promotion, I had been an individual contributor here for more than 14 years. My new role has me climbing a steep learning curve because I am not working in the same group I had been in before. I’m not worried about…
The fast-paced nature of today’s work environment can create stress and anxiety for workers at all levels in an organization—but especially those responsible for getting things out the door on a daily basis. Even the most organized and efficient among us can feel the strain. Looking for some relief? Recent research confirms that a little…
Think about a leader you admire. Maybe it is the CEO of your company, the principal of your local high school, or the president of your alma mater. If I asked you about the specific qualities that made them successful, you’d probably tell me about their hard skills—teachable abilities such as vision and strategic thinking.…
Dear Madeleine, I recently found, left behind on the photocopier, a list of performance evaluations, pay, and bonuses for all of my coworkers. Turns out new hires are being brought in at substantially higher pay and bonuses than what the old timers are getting. Also, a person who is universally viewed as a total slacker…
