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.