Washington Leadership--Bring in the Clowns

As a Leadership coach, I am always asked about my views on what is happening in Washington, DC. Well, I have to say that there is an absence of leadership on every level in Washington. First, lets talk about the president. Lets discuss his leadership effectiveness on the following important truths about leadership.

1. Walk your Talk. The President mentioned on the campaign trail that his administration
would be transparent. Well, that has been non-existent. He also mentioned that he would
reach across the aisle and become bi-partisan. Well, everything has stayed partisan and
has not tried to reach across the aisle. If a leader does not "walk his talk", credibility and
trust becomes non-existent.

2. Working through differences. Leaders always have to negotiate through differences.
He work through differences, a leader must be willing to listen and collaborate on ideas. In
all his legislation, he has not tried to listen to differences of opinion. Effective leaders are
open to diverse ideas and willing to discuss them. Our leader does neither.

3. Positive language. Our president likes to engage in "doom and gloom" rhetoric. He does
not speak of the greatness of the country. Rather, he likes to beat others down who do
not agree with him. Calling "tea party people" "tea-baggers" is negative language that
draws people away versus drawing people in. When citizens picketed during the Bush
administration, his comments was "that is what makes America great--it is their right."

Leadership starts at the top and set the tone. If you do not know why Congress is in the mess that it is in, lets take a look at the top. I hope that the president is able to see his greatness and changes his approach. Charisma only get you so far.

Are You Like a "Raged Robin"?

Several weeks ago, I heard a noise off my dining room window. When I looked out the window, I saw a robin fly aggressively from my deck railing into my dining room window. The robin would hit the window, get up, fly back to the railing and fly directly into the window again. The robin did this over and over again for several 10 minutes. Even after I scared the robin away, it would come back and do the same routine. Well, upon further review, I was informed that the robin was noticing his reflection from the window and thought it was another male--so it flew at the window to take out a rival. But, the funny part was that despite its futile efforts, the robin was relentless. It made me think---how often do we do the same things over again, even though it hurts and do not get any different results. Do we step back and figure it out or are we stubborn and try to "hit that window" with full force?

Building a Positive Work Environment--Is it Over-rated?

Getting Results. This is the primary role of the manager. An important aspect of this role is creating and maintaining a positive work environment. Why is it so important? A positive work environment increases productivity, which in the long run--produces extraordinary results. Here is some ways to do it.

1. Positive Feedback. Acknowledge your employees contributions. This action demonstrates that you know and appreciate their efforts. It also shows that you care about their personal development. Individuals always enjoy receiving positive feedback. Don't you?

2. Delegate. Provide employees with ever growing responsibility and authority to get the job done. This makes your staff feel valued, trusted and respected.

3. "Learn from Mistakes." Allowing your staff the freedom to make mistakes encourages them to work "outside the box" and utilize creativity. If your staff feels they will be chasticed for every error, they will become reactive versus proactive and productivity suffers.

4. Laugh and Have Fun. Laughter increases your energy level since you need to intake oxygen during laughter. By having fun, people become more relaxed and their creativity increases along with the effectiveness and productivity.

5. Teambuilding Exercises. Conduct exercises to build "esprit de corps". Take your staff out for a pizza lunch or organize a "walk outside meetings". These exercises improve communication and foster synergy.

So, waht can you do today to bring positive energy to your work environment?

Feeling Overwhelm--This is Good!

Over the past few weeks, I have been encountering an issue that has affected many of my coaching clients---overwhelm. Because of the state of businesses these days, individuals are feeling pressured and stressed. Overwhelm then kicks in--and there goes their performance downhill.

When I hear this, I say "Awesome!" This naturally shocks my clients into thinking that I have gone nuts. But, what I immediately say after is "What is it telling you?" Overwhelm is a condition that is caused by events. It is a cause-and-effect feeling. It is telling us that something is not right. The key is to find that thing that is not right.

It may caused by and ineffective process either internally to you or externally by the company. The key is to recognize the situation and correct it.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed say "Awesome!" You will be on your way to individual serenity.

Delegation in Today's Work Environment

Managers are constantly on the move. Conflicting priorities, times pressures and bottlenecks can produce an abundance of stress. Managers cannot be everywhere doing everything. Therefore,delegation provides a vehicle to lessen these burdens. Here are 5 reasons why delegation is vital to your success.

1. Reduces Stress. Performing under demanding conditions can cause undue stress. Proper delegation can be a toll that can relieve the pressure.
2. Increases Your Time. You will not need to be involved with every decision. This will allow your calendar to be cleared for essential managment tasks. You will not spend time on low priority items.
3. Develops Staff. Your staff will become more effective. Dlegation will assist in their career growth.
4. Creates a Positive Environment. Your staff will feel valued and trusted. Thus, team morale will be positively impacted.
5. Improves Communication. Effective feedback and communication are essential for successful delegation. As a manager, it will be vital to ensure that essential personnel are properly informed on issues.

Masterful Leadership Skills in Tough Times

Leaders are stressed more than ever. Downsizing and tight budgets are challenging leaders. In fact, doing more with less is the rallying call in corporations. To be a successful leaders in trying times, several key skills need to be mastered. Here are my five (5) tops leadership skills.

1. Listen. Truly listen to the messages that your employees communicate. Become an
active listener. Watch their body language as well as listen to the tone and words they use.

2. Communicate. In today's volatile business environment, it is important to keep your
employees informed. You will be amazed at their resilience.

3. Provide Feedback. We live in a "gotcha" environment. We look for what employees are
not doing. Praise in public and criticize in private. As stated by Ken Blancahard in
"Everyone's a Coach", "Feedback is the breakfast of champions, but it can only be given in
an environment where people don't feel they have to defend themselves."

4. Consistency. Be consistent with your employees. Do not send mixed messages. Walk
your talk and talk your walk.

5. Positive Demeanor. Remember, "you catch more bees with honey than venegar."
Focus on what can be done and air your frustrations in private.

Leadership in Congress?

I heard on the radio that Nancy Pelosi wants to pursue contempt charges against the Bush administration. Now, with the country dealing with important, challenging issues, shouldn't Ms. Pelosi being focused on "change" and the future. Leaders look toward the future and want to make the future a better place. Being "stuck" in the past does no good. This os one example why congress has the lowest approval rating in its history. It seems that that the Senate president has some vendetta against the Bush administration. In my experieince, I work with executives who have the same problem. It is a poison that makes them very ineffective.

Feedback--American Idol Style

It was interesting watching the tryouts for American Idol. When the singing is finished, the feedback process begins and what you see is fascinating. Randy provided feedback in a "real, playful" manner always trying to maintain the person's dignity. Simon does not hold anything back. He tells it "like it is" and does not sugar-coat. Paula and Kara (the new judge) are more empathetic. When they provide tough feedback, they will provide in an "empathetic encouraging" way. It is an interesting dynamic that occurs.

When employees come back with the same questions over & over

Several days ago, I coached a manager who was not happy with project deliverables. He said, "Ted--I clearly communicated what I needed and the person kept on coming back to me with the same question." This is the ideal case of mis-matched learning styles. Individuals learn by audio (listening), visual (pictures) or kinesthetic (by doing). Everyone learns in different ways. When leaders teach and provide direction on projects, it is usually done in the style of the presenter--not the receiver. Next time this happens, try providing instructions in a different approach.