Recognize abrasiveness before it takes root
Unfortunately, managers sometimes fall into acting abrasively, which generally means intimidating employees. Workplace pressures may push you into similar behavior unless you recognize the intellectual and emotional patterns that lead in this direction. Check out these three common perceptions and see if they apply to you.
Make the most of audience input
The most commonly used method for handling questions from the audience is to ask the group to hold their queries until you’re finished. However, in some cases, it’s to your advantage to encourage questions along the way. Develop your ability to recognize these cases and to handle questions on the fly.
When employees lose their drive
Most employees start out full of enthusiasm, but some lose their motivation along the way. Here are some common causes of lost motivation—and what you can do about them.
Find the right project leader
With enough time, you can usually train a person to be a great project leader. But you’ll do it better—and more quickly—if you start with someone who has a few innate leadership traits.
MORE ARTICLES, ADVICE AND WISDOM
Strategic thinking: Get in the mindset
Spark creativity in your organization
Disseminate info by ‘cascading’
Get a handle on experts’ bills
Eliminate waste in every form
Rethink your attitude toward managing risk
Enlist your employees in ethics issues
Take the right approach to conflict
When to share sensitive data
Today's Leadership Tip
The problem with brainstorming? As a University of Texas study once noted, people tend to devote too much energy and focus to the very first proposal on the table. It might be best to have participants get their minds working well in advance of brainstorming day.
Features
Q. It seems that technology in the workplace is running away from me. The younger people in my company are using and embracing all these online productivity tools that I know little about, and I’m left in the dark. I’m in the twilight of my career and have little desire to learn all that. I’m sure there are many others who feel the same. Your thoughts?
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