Birds, worms and mice!

Heard the quote "The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese" Well for me this is a great view...and reminds me of a couple of thoughts

1. Life is short...live every moment...don't waste the day in bed, the early mornings are wonderful - and a great time to set those creative juices flowing and feel as though you are ahead for the rest of the day.
2. Never neglect an idea because it doesn't work. Always watch for what others are doing and improve upon it.
3. Just because you tried once does not mean it won't work.....all innovation needs pioneers but pioneers that will learn how to adapt to the traps along the way.

Who are you ignoring?

Strange question...but I bet they work hard, never complain, do a good job, good team player?
You see we spend loads of energy on the bottom 20% of employees in pep talks, disciplining, in managing....this is often to the neglect of the good old fashioned worker! Look round have you told them that you value them, have you told them that you appreciate their hard work...you see thy DON'T MOAN, so they will rarely tell you when they are not happy they will just resign.
Don't allow those Invisible employees leave - they are very difficult to replace......tell them you care!

Understanding and Seeing the Whole Person

A quote from Ralph Hodgson "Some things have to be believed to be seen"

So true, too often we only use our ears and eyes to judge people with, but if you want to fully understand then what about your heart...sounds a bit strange I know!
But if you look for the good in people, if you look for the good in ideas, if you look for the person not just the employee that sits in front of you...you may well see the potential that is inside everyone.

Values and Goal Alignment

One key thing I believe, is that you need to work for a company that shares your values. If you are not aligned then you will just become frustrated and that frustration will lead to stress.
Values are inside us, and are integral to us all, and we have a basic need to have them "satisfied". If, for example, you believe in the power of people and your company says it is, but in fact it is saying it without believing it, then think about whether you really can commit and gain personal satisfaction from working there. The world is full of companies who are looking for people, who have this value, don't frustrate yourself trying to change a corporate culture......find that company that will help you fulfil that basic need.

Emotional Connection

To motivate, to inspire you need to find a way of connecting with each individual. This connection can be emotional or intellectual.
Recognise that people are different and it is up to you to find that connection.
The only way you can do this is by talkbeing with people, and during the conversation make sure 80% of your time is LISTENING, listening to find that connection. People love to talk about themselves! People feel valued, feel needed by others listening.

Listen to make that connection

Information Sharing

People need to understand more about how their job adds value to the business. Ways that you can help this

1. Use a feed reeder to trawl the web for articles of interest on your competitors, your market, your products. Then e-mail them round and discuss at your team meetings how the news affect you.
2. Use a blog! Then you can personalise the information for your team.
3. Use a Wiki for sharing terminlogy, project info etc
4. Tailor the corporate information and translate it for how it affects your team.
5. Email a fact of the day
6. Hold lunch and learn sessions to look at trends etc

Be Transparent

As a leader of a team it is important that people understand that you are human, and that you have objectives to meet. So be open...share your development needs, share your objectives...and give progress updates. Why?

1. It encourages openess...allows dialogue within your team.
2. It builds the community and the feeling that each of you are working towards the same goal.
3. It shows that you know you are not perfect, and that you too have development areas. By sharing it shows the importance of understanding your areas of development and growing.
4. Makes you human, showing both humility and confidence - you are not worried about showing your improvement areas.
5. Helps give you a sense of accountability...now it is public you will have to do something about it!

Solve or Resolve?

Do your people come to you to solve problems... if this is the case and you answer it, you are not coaching. Instead, say "Ok, lets discuss and help you resolve the situation" If it is a big problem, the chances are you cannot solve it but all problems can be resolved.
By discussing how you can resolve the problem and getting them to think about how, you are coaching them, you are growing them and developing the talent within your team.
So today -think RESOLVE not SOLVE.

The most vital word - Thank You!

I have received some lovely comments and e-mails recently, and every time I open them I have one awesome feeling - that of feeling valued. Now I know we all know that the word thank you is so incredibly important, but do we all understand the full power!
I always send personal, handwritten thank you cards with a little personal message specific to the individual - it is important that you show that you are not sending it, because you know it is the right thing to do but because you WANT to - people can tell the difference! Also - sometimes send them to their home address - it adds that special feel and allows them to "show off" to their family!

Thank you for your kind e-mails, thank you for your comments......blogggers really value the feedback!

Leadership

Sometimes people confuse passion and drive. As a leader you need to understand that passion takes you forward to something you cannot resist, but drive pushes you toward something you feel compelled to do. As a leader you need to create a culture which attracts people with passion and give them a vision so compelling that they drive towards it. The goal needs to be clear and tailored to their individual needs. But remember your role is to create an atmosphere where this can thrive....trust, fairness, visibility, accountability......lead with values and lead with an inspiring vision.