Relationships
The ability to build and leverage a network of relationships is the best predictor of leadership success, according to a recent article in Fast Company. Relationship building is one of those skills that isn’t taught in schools or part of training people receive when they become managers.
Many of you were tapped for leadership positions because of your strong individual skills and knowledge. Making the transition from individual contributor to group leader begins with helping others achieve their goals. There needs to be a shift in thinking. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Tip 1: Clarity. … Continue reading
Leader
I recently asked a group of corporate professionals what their biggest challenge is at their workplace. There were many answers. One of the answers jumped out at me. This individual wanted to be taken seriously as a leader in their organization.
To be taken seriously as a leader in your organization, you must consistently show your leadership skills on a regular basis. There are plenty of opportunities to show off these skills. Following are some must have skills to be taken seriously as a leader.
Skill 1: Integrity. This is more than being honest. This is living up to… Continue reading
Do I have to?
I read a statistic the other day – 57% of men have negotiated their salary – contrast that with 7% of women. Some of my clients find the art of negotiation a very confusing subject. They don’t know where to begin. Following are some tips to the negotiation process. See what might work for you.
1. The Mars/Venus relationship needs to be top of mind in business negotiations. Communication styles between men and women are different and as a result, negotiations can be complex. Keep your communication style direct by sharing plans, not concepts. Think collaboration not confrontation.
2. Use… Continue reading
Assertive vs. Agressive
There are many definitions for assertive and aggressive behavior in the workplace. The definition that works for me is:
To be assertive, you are confident and direct in putting forward your views. To be aggressive, you are trying to control someone else. Aggression is a form of intimidation.
I recently read an article in the Harvard Business Review that points out leaders need to work on being assertive. “More harm is done when people aren’t assertive enough than by being too assertive.” Keeping your opinions and ideas hidden doesn’t get you anywhere.
Couple your leadership skills with assertiveness and you’ll… Continue reading
Who’s in charge?
I was just working with a client who was having trouble moving projects along, meeting deadlines, last minute changes, you know the drill. Working with their team it became clear that there was some finger pointing going on.
They missed the first step in project management, no one had been assigned as the project leader. There were leaders in many aspects of the project, but no one assigned to own the whole process.
Here are a tip and responsibilities for project leaders to ensure your success.
Tip: Formal authority. When you’re assigned to head up a project everyone… Continue reading
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