Leadership Flagship

Feedback – Who Needs it!

November 22, 2016

by Margaret Wood, Editor – LeadershipFlagship.com

Employees are often genuinely surprised at what they learn about themselves with the right feedback. And when they applied that information, their results were more dramatic than they could ever imagine!

What is the performance feedback?

Performance feedback is the on-going process between employee and manager where information is exchanged concerning the performance expected and the performance exhibited. Constructive feedback can praise good performance or correct poor performance and should always be tied to the performance standards.

What is the meaning of feedback in communication?

Some definitions on feedback are given below- According to Bartol & Martin, “Feedback is the receiver’s basic response to the interpreted message”. In the opinion of Bovee & Others, “Feedback is a response from the receiver that informs the sender how the communication is being received in general”. (more…)
6 Ways To [Effectively] Deal With Chronic Complainers

November 16, 2016

Excerpts from an article by GWEN MORAN 08.18.16 5:00 AM

…[I]nto most professional lives a few negative people will fall. Those who veer from negative to toxic could actually be costing an organization money and productivity.

Businesses also run the risk of complaints becoming contagious. “People see it and they’re brought down by it too…If you can’t avoid them altogether, there are several ways to deal with a chronic complainer. Here’s how to change the conversation. (more…)
10 LESSONS FROM KINDERGARTEN THAT’LL HELP YOU COPE WITH BAD BOSSES

November 16, 2016

by Sabrina Son on Mar 14, 2016 8:00:00 AM

Everyone in their life has had at least one bad boss — someone who’s unfair, incompetent, rude, mean, lazy, or who takes advantage of their employees. Often, you might feel like the only options are to either be miserable or to quit, even if you otherwise enjoy your job.

But there’s hope. Travel back to your kindergarten classroom to remember 10 life lessons that will help make your relationship with your horrible boss more positive.

1. Play fair

When you’re working for a horrible boss, one natural inclination is to judge every aspect of what they do as horrible. This is a mistake, as it will likely only build up further animosity.

Instead, try to acknowledge what your boss is doing well or correct — it might help you understand where the negative behaviors are coming from. Remember, your boss is likely also an employee of another boss and could be facing the same pressure and stress.

So play fair, remember that your boss is only human, too, and try to use that understanding to get to the bottom of the situation. Your clarity could help figure out how to work with your boss moving forward.

2. Use your words

If you feel your boss has offended you, is overwhelming you with work, or otherwise is being unfair, speak up and use your words. It’s possible your boss doesn’t recognize that what they said was offensive or that you’re already swamped with work. Open those doors of communication by setting up regular meetings to discuss any pertinent issues.

3. Hold hands and stick together

Join together with your teammates in the office for coffee or lunch. Form friendships — studies show workplace bonds can increase productivity and employee happiness. Maybe your boss woes were based in feeling isolated in the workplace, or maybe colleagues can help you understand how to manage a difficult boss.

4. Be kind

Negative behavior and attitudes from your boss do not excuse the same on your end. Be kind, and be hardworking. Don’t let a manager dictate your work mindset or how you conduct yourself, because you’re only going to drag yourself down.

5. Tell a grown-up

For bosses that go beyond just being difficult, document any persistent behavior you find offensive — or worse. Don’t be afraid to contact HR with anything you find troubling, because you may not be the only one.

6. Listen

Don’t just dismiss and ignore a bad boss; observe and try to understand where they’re coming from. The more you pay attention to their behavior, the more understanding you can have. Even if you still don’t like your boss, you could learn to work civilly with them.

7. Stand up for yourself

Just because someone is your boss doesn’t mean they get to dictate everything about you. You have rights, and you should absolutely stand up for yourself if you feel a boss is crossing the line. People will stand by you.

8. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody

Have you contributed to the negative energy between you and your boss? Step up and accept responsibility in order to let bygones be bygones and move forward.

9. Treat other the way you want to be treated

Don’t let a bad boss sour your attitude about the whole company. Live by example, and treat your boss — as well as your colleagues — with appreciation and respect. You never know who might be paying attention to model their behavior.

10. Live a balanced life

Your boss is just one person. The workplace is just your job. If you live a balanced life where you can find happiness with friends, family, hobbies, volunteer work, and otherwise, you’re less likely to let one single human ruin your daily life.
Time Management – The Ripple Effect

November 16, 2016
by Margaret Wood, Editor LeadershipFlagship.com

Your boss is one-of-a-kind! She has alot on her mind and entrusts you with some of the most important company projects. You love the company and you love the work you do. However, time management is not one of your boss’s strong suits.

Once again, she is getting on a plane in two hours and forgot to mention she needs a certain report before she leaves, for which there is simply not enough time to prepare, considering the 101 other projects you have sitting in your inbox. Not only do you have to make this happen, but you will probably work late and maybe have to aplologize to customers for any delays. By accepting these last-minute requests, you in effect have become your boss’s enabler and have no idea how to make this situation better! However, there are ways to handle this and come out on top!

Your boss’s poor time management skills should not become your crisis

Here are some steps that can help you get this situation under control and turn it into a win-win situation.

Figuring out in advance how you may be able to help your boss get these projects to you in a timelier manner may be challenging. Here are some tips:

Start by letting your boss know how much your appreciate her trust in your ability to get things done

Relate that, while you’ve been successfully completing projects so far, your have concerns that working under these type of last minute deadlines could eventually compromise the quality of your work

If you’ve missed deadlines, be very diplomatic in recounting some occurences where people became upset

Explain that while you don’t mind the workload, working late is also not allowing quality time with your family

Suggest ways you think you could improve the workflow together

Express that you want to set some processes in place to help things run more smoothly, with less stress and get more accomplished

Suggest meeting on a daily/weekly basis to allow everyone to stay ahead of deadlines; set up a shared deadline calendar

A great work-life balance is important to your mental, emotional and physical well-being. Hopefully, you and your rock star boss will come to a meeting of the minds and you can move forward in a healthier workplace environment.
9 TIPS FOR MAKING FRIENDS AT WORK

November 16, 2016

by Robby Berman on Nov 2, 2016 11:00:00 AM

Considering how much time you spend at work, it’s obvious how much better having friends makes the experience. Not to mention how it’s a nice feeling when you have someone’s back, and they have yours. Bustle’s Raven Ishak has compiled nine tips for getting some new friendships going at work, whether you’re new on the job or just looking for more work pals.

01. Avoid office gossip

Friendship has so much to do with trust, and nobody wants to worry that you’re the type of person who talks behind people’s backs. By refraining from gossip, you s
how right away that you’re someone with whom it’s safe to let
down your guard.

02. Do team-building activities

See if you can get some fun events going at work that’ll have you and your coworkers spending enjoyable times together. Maybe pizza parties at lunch or after work, or setting up a sanctioned “escape” room on-site.

03. Chat during breaks

Don’t spend your breaks alone. Try to hang out during coffee and lunch breaks
, just chatting, just being. If people seem resistant, don’t push. Just be available.

04. Ask people about themselves

Most people enjoy talking, as the saying goes, “about their favorite subject: themselves.” You can get to know people better and help them enjoy talking with you by asking them about their lives in a noninvasive way. You can ask how their weekend went or offer a brief, relatable personal story as a natural transition to asking them if they’ve had the same kind of experience.

05. Keep conversations workplace appropriate

Especially as you’re establishing new relationships, keep conversations safe. While gently touching on outside life — see above — is OK, stay away from controversial topics. The last thing you want to do is cause tension with someone you’d like to befriend.

06. Invite people to hang with you outside the office

If you think someone might be amenable, invite them to happy hour after work or come up with something light and fun to do over the weekend. Often the ice can only really be broken away from work where people feel more free to be themselves.

07. Connect through humor

If you’re the type of person who can be funny, humor’s a great way to break the ice with someone. Just make sure it’s office appropriate, doesn’t assume agreement on politics or religion, and can’t be taken the wrong way.

08. Connect through social media

If people are willing to connect with you on social media, it can be the easiest gateway to a friendship. This is because you’ll learn what you have in common and see more of what the person is really like. It’s also a way to be in touch away from work (even if you’re on Facebook at work.)

09. Don’t compete

Nobody’s looking for trouble — what we want is support. Go out of your way to not compete with people whose friendship you seek. Try to identify common goals and succeed together.

Obviously, a little bit of cool goes a long way when you’re making friends. You don’t want to come off as desperate or make people think you’re a stalker. Relax, be yourself, and look for opportunities to apply the suggestions listed here in ways that feel natural and unforced.