- Do you always find fault with whatever someone does?
- Do you believe your way is the only right way?
- Do you praise privately but rebuke openly?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a critical manager. You attitude and behavior can make it difficult to work with you and nearly impossible to learn from you.
How do you transform your ability to lead a high functioning group?
Look for opportunities to praise. Acknowledge others for a job well done, even if it’s a small step or contribution. Consider ideas that may initially seem off-the-wall, or inappropriate, and acknowledge contributions in a positive manner. Your openness will encourage everyone to stretch their thinking and behavior to improve their skills.
Learn from their mistakes. Every mistake can be turned into a learning moment. It’s important to understand the difference between a Zero Tolerance Policy for unacceptable behaviors, versus, a tolerance for mistakes. Employees will inevitably make some mistakes when they learn a new task, take on a new project, or work with new clients. Ensure your systems are up-to-date, and all your employees are well-trained to minimize errors at repetitive tasks. Develop an infrastructure for creating and executing non-repetitive opportunities.
Make 2-2-2 your paradigm. Acknowledge two positive things they have done well. Then, share very specific areas for improvement, no more than two. Wrap-up with two positives they have done well. This makes feedback easier to give, and receive!
Hire a coach. It’s important for your own career and business development that you learn to effectively work with and through people to get the job done. Effective management produces win/wins on a regular basis.
©Jeannette Seibly, 2010