Last week, we answered "Is All Coaching the Same?" (Spoiler alert: We don't think it is, and in fact, we believe there is a very clear distinction between coaching for knowledge versus coaching for skill.) You should definitely hop over and check out that post if you haven't already to read our full explanation, but it essentially boils down to this: Coaching employees to build … [Read more...]
National Blame Someone Else Day Shouldn’t Happen Everyday
Today, Friday the 13th, January 2017, is National Blame Someone Else Day. So, basically, if you don't want to take the blame for a mistake or failure, simply point the finger at someone else. While the spirit of the day is supposed to be in good fun, unfortunately, way too many people make everyday "Blame Someone Else Day," don't though? Even with many tenured employees, … [Read more...]
When An Employee Says “I’m Too Busy”
New leaders in particular deal with more change resistance (and resistance in general) from their employees. Bitter coworkers who were overlooked for the promotion dig in their heels and make life hard for new managers. Some just want to take advantage of the new guy or gal. Others want to see how far they can push you. That sort of behavior, as juvenile as it is, can … [Read more...]
8 Phrases You Must Stop Using Today
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor As we discussed in our recent post "Your Words Are Powerful," you have so much influence over employees' morale, productivity and even happiness. That's why, as a leader, you have to be ultra-careful when you speak to employees. Even seemingly innocent phrases can leave a lasting, negative impression, so do your best to avoid … [Read more...]
Switch Off Your Autopilot Mentality
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor As a new leader, it's easy to slip into a routine and stick to it. After all, why should you change what appears to be working? However, if you simply adapt a previous leader's style or you rely on trusted approaches that come easy to you, you run the risk of slipping into autopilot. When that happens, creativity and innovation … [Read more...]
Small Innovations Can Be Just as Powerful as Big Ones
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor When you step into a new leadership role, you may be determined to leave your mark, and that may drive you to rush and make big—even revolutionary—changes. However, you don't need to make drastic changes to make an impact. "It's easy to be intimidated if you believe you must constantly come up with big, market-disrupting … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Stay Calm When the Storm of Change Hits
By Jaimy Ford, business writer Change is inevitable. That's for sure. As a new leader, you can expect your fair share of change (upheaval even), and how you handle the turmoil early on can set the tone for the months, or years, ahead. Beverley Jones, MBA, JD, PCC, author of THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENEUR, ACT LIKE A CEO: 50 Indispensable Tips to Help You Stay Afloat, Bounce … [Read more...]
The 5 Rules of Giving Gifts to Employees
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor Are you wanting to take advantage of all the cyber deals and retail sales this week to purchase gifts for people at work? If so, do you fully understand gift-giving etiquette for the workplace? Many first time leaders don't know what is and isn't acceptable when it comes to buying and giving presents to employees. While offering … [Read more...]
3 Silly Reasons You Refuse to Ask for Help
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor If the thought of asking for help at work makes you weak in the knees, you aren't alone. According to personal development company Insights Learning & Development, most people struggle when it comes to asking for help. Here's why: We don't like feeling vulnerable When you ask for help, you are basically admitting to … [Read more...]
10 Skills Every Leader Needs
By Jaimy Ford, business writer and editor. According to a recent global Korn Ferry study, these are the top 10 coaching needs for employees wanting to move into mid-level leadership positions, including senior managers and function heads: Interpersonal relationships listening skills, empathy Influence Communication skills Self-awareness Delegation, … [Read more...]