By RoseAnn Sorce Past research as well as conventional wisdom about the use of humor by leaders suggests that positive humor should result in happier employees who are satisfied with their jobs. Conventional wisdom also suggests that leaders should avoid negative humor, though actual support for that belief is scarce and ambiguous. Now, a recent study from the University … [Read more...]
6 Steps to Setting Clear Expectations
The most important thing you can do as a leader is to establish expectations for your employees. After all, if you don't show your employees what success looks like, they may never figure out what it takes to succeed within your organization and team. Follow these six steps to set crystal-clear expectations for your staff: Make them clear for yourself. It is … [Read more...]
Navigating Emotional Minefields When Giving Performance Feedback
As a supervisor, it is absolutely necessary that you provide your employees with performance feedback. For new supervisors, the process is often challenging and uncomfortable. After all, it is not easy for everyone to criticize others. That said, you can't avoid it. Just remember that the words you use are only part of your message. Your full message is a combination of the … [Read more...]
FAQ Series: Getting Clear Expectations
Clear expectations are the foundation of great performance. Check out today's video for an easy 5-step process to help you set clear expectations. http://kevineikenberry.wistia.com/medias/07bdh0345t?embedType=iframe&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Listen to the audio for this episode here: audio Expectations become clear through conversation, agreement, and writing them … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Accelerate Change Successfully
After reading the above title, you may have thought: “I’m really interested in that, but I don’t know if it is possible to accelerate change, given that I am a new leader coming in at a time when so much change is already occurring.” This article will help you think about change in new ways so that you can lead positive change more readily, more quickly and more … [Read more...]
FAQ Series: Getting People to Truly Understand
Are your employees saying "YES, I understand", when they really DON'T? In the video below, you'll learn some tips to ensure that there is real understanding in all of your communications. http://kevineikenberry.wistia.com/medias/iksewu9u1c?embedType=iframe&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640 Listen to the audio for this episode here: audio Do you want people to understand or … [Read more...]
A Lesson from the Reddit Mess
By Jaimy Ford Last week, user-generated news source Reddit experienced a pretty big hullabaloo after firing beloved talent director Victoria Taylor. The online community essentially went dark as moderators of nearly 300 subreddits revolted in response to the news. Since, interim CEO Ellen Pao has issued a public apology, but that hasn't stopped angry users and moderators … [Read more...]
[Infographic]: The No. 1 Key to Unlocking Employees’ Potential
Even brand-new managers have the ability to fully engage their direct reports, and doing so is much simpler than you think. It doesn't always require fancy perks and big salaries. As this infographic developed by 15Five shows, all it really takes is a manager with strong communication skills. … [Read more...]
5 Things a Smart Manager Does to Decrease Change Resistence
As a first-time leader, it is critical that you understand that you can't “make” a change happen. While you can initiate a change, and make it easier for employees to stomach and execute, you need them to do the work, change their behaviors, and, ultimately, make the change happen. If you want them to do all that, you need to follow these steps to lower their resistance and … [Read more...]
Been Promoted? 5 Key Conversations to Have With Your New Boss or Your Employees
If you’ve just been promoted, this is obviously for you. If you have been in your role for awhile, but your relationship and communication with your boss/supervisor/leader isn’t perfect, this will be of great help to you too. If your relationships and communication with those you lead isn’t where you would like it to be, you need this information too. The advice that follows … [Read more...]