When it comes to communication, we all tend to think we’re pretty good at it. Truth is, even those of us who are good communicators aren’t nearly as good as we think we are. This overestimation of our ability to communicate is magnified when interacting with people we know well. Researchers at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business… Read more →
When it comes to delivering feedback and criticism, there are best practices that, when used correctly, can improve performance, enhance trust and respect, and advance the achievement of mutual goals. Used incorrectly, and it can be toxic to a relationship. Here are four guidelines to delivering criticism that improves performance, trust and respect, and advances the achievement of mutual goals:… Read more →
Active listening is a skill that is often overlooked, but it’s a big problem in management-employment communications. Manager-leaders who practice and embrace active listening will benefit from improved relationships with their employees, and ultimately a more productive and happy team. The art of active listening Active listening is a method of listening in which the listener clearly understands what the… Read more →
Training and development initiatives can transform organisations by providing skills and skill enhancement to your employees, increasing their efficiency and productivity. Training also leads to higher job satisfaction, which shows up in better corporate performance. Most managers recognise this. They want a competitive high performance organisation but they don’t know where to begin. There are 5 key reasons why managers don’t… Read more →
General Norman Schwarzkopf summarised everything he had learned about leadership in his thirty-plus years in the US Army in two rules, one of which he called (for reasons unknown and unexplained) rule number thirteen. Rule Thirteen was “When in charge, take charge.” In his remarks that evening he emphasised the second phrase – take charge – encouraging his young cadets… Read more →
Giving feedback is one of the most important interpersonal skills for any manager. Whenever you give others feedback, keep in mind that you are putting your interpersonal skills to the test. You likely have ongoing interactions with the person you are giving feedback to, so use your feedback to reinforce good relations. Here are recommendations on giving feedback: Be descriptive… Read more →
In modern companies, subordinates are not solely dependent on their bosses. Today’s complexity requires interdependence: the boss needs the team as well. Here are 10 rules on how to manage your boss in order to be more effective, and quicker in taking action and gaining trust: Decisions: If you do not want a ‘no’ or procrastination Manage her time: You may… Read more →
Salespeople and customer service representatives play a vital role in creating a successful interface between customers and the company’s offering. Retail, wholesale, and manufacturing businesses require employees who have developed communication skills that lead to strong customer relationships. Whether working face-to-face with customers or reaching out to clients through sales and marketing, employees are responsible for how an organisation is… Read more →
Many employers are trying to make good on their New Year’s resolutions. One of the biggest resolutions among management this year was to boost employee engagement. And while this is an important goal, it can be incredibly difficult to achieve. One of the biggest hurdles is for management to focus on the process, rather than the outcome. However, by focusing… Read more →
Align your learning & development programs with the following four elements: (click image to enlarge)