Previous Issues of Kindlings!
Sample excerpts from past issues
© 2009 copyright A. Snowden McFall
Internal Marketing Tip: Set Your Own Standards
No matter what kind of professional you are, CEO, executive, business owner, doctor, lawyer, restaurant owner, manager, you have the right and indeed, the responsibility, to set standards for your workplace. This means standards of excellence in work, but also standards in behavior and performance.
I was recently told, when discussing negative behavior of a high level professional, that "That's just how they are." I simply don't accept that. No matter what level you're at, you are subject to behavioral standards and employment law experts agree. It's very easy to build an "attitude, behavior and professional conduct" clause right into your policy manual and your employment contracts. It needs to be specific and clear about what is acceptable and flexible enough to help you achieve your results. It is not acceptable for anyone at any level to come in regularly in a bad mood, yell at the rest of the staff, complain and whine and make everyone else's day miserable. That is unprofessional conduct and should not be tolerated. It's your business / workplace. Set the standards, inform everyone, put it in writing with your employment attorney and refuse to settle for anything less. Good employees will be grateful and bad employees will leave- which is best for everyone.
Burnout Prevention/ Stress Management Tip Talk to a Supportive Person
When you are upset, about work or other issues, one of the best things you can do is to talk to someone supportive - a friend, mentor, therapist, consultant- someone you know will be open to you, will listen and give you their input, if you want it. As human beings, we all have such a strong need to be heard. Sometimes, the simple action of sharing our worries can lift them and give us a new perspective. Don't try to handle all the problems of your life by yourself - that can lead to tension in your neck and shoulders or ulcers. Rely on your support systems and use them.
Communication Tip- Delivering Negative Feedback
One of the hardest challenges of any boss is to give negative feedback to employees. Some people are so uncomfortable with it that they avoid giving any feedback at all- which is worse. The key to giving feedback is to focus on BEHAVIOR not the person or personality. Ex: " Bob, you are a good worker and I appreciate having you here at the company. However, your behavior in the staff meetings is unacceptable. Your criticisms of others when suggesting new ideas creates tension and stifles their input. Raising your voice when you dislike an idea can be off-putting to the team. It can make others feel devalued. In the future, please refrain from making any comments that are not positive. And try to keep your voice to a normal tone. We are brainstorming and discussing ideas in their early stages. Do you understand what I am saying? Is there anything I can do to assist you in changing this behavior?" And then you can have a conversation about the behavior. The key is to be specific, clear and focused on the actions, not the personality. That way, you maintain professionalism and can offer assistance. Be sure to make your comments timely - feedback about behavior that took place 3 weeks ago is not useful. If you have frequent concerns, put them in writing as well, so you both have a record and a reference point for reviews.
© 2009 Snowden McFall. All Rights Reserved. No duplication without permission. Use in other articles must have copyright credit and www.firedupnow.com website link
