Unpopular? Seven tips to avoid isolation.
10 January 2014
Read by 2377 persons
Of course, a leader isn't there to be loved. But for the team to work, they must be appreciated. This is difficult during a crisis. Recommendations from Laurent Tylski, executive coach at Acteo Consulting, to (re)gain the esteem of his troops, without demagoguery.
Managers under immense pressure in these difficult times sometimes forget the basics and act alone. Worse, when they have to work with a new team, they tend to denigrate everything that was done before them. A real malaise then sets in. 7 attitudes to adopt to reverse the trend.
1. Get out of your ivory tower
Avoid phrases like, "I don't have time," "I'm busy." In the long run, trying to do everything yourself isolates you from the team. This is how the senior project manager of a construction company was "blacklisted" by his 70 co-workers. His strategic vision was excellent, but rejected by his troops, he was fired. Instead, practice "management by wandering around," walking around the offices and corridors to shake hands and say hello.
2. Personalize the relationship with each person
This involves showing small acts of kindness to your employees. Take an interest in their lives outside of work and remember this informal information. Listen and ask questions. What does the spouse do? What are the children's names? Where do they go on vacation? etc. If necessary, write a reminder of all these points for each of them. Thanks to this, you will then be able to celebrate Luc's birthday, but also to say kind words about his daughter who is studying for her exam or about his mother's health, which you know is poor. You then consider the other person in all their human dimensions.
3. Develop empathy
On every occasion, take into account what your interlocutor says. When they are sitting in front of you, be 100% available and put down your emails and phone. There's no point in answering the phone to say "I'm in a meeting," it's pointless. Also know how to be helpful. Helping Marie carry a box or bringing Jules a coffee during a rush will immediately bring you down from your pedestal. Plus, staying positive is a great bonus. Even embellish a little: "I'm glad, you came up with an original idea that I hadn't thought of."
4. Mobilize your allies
Rely on your committed and loyal team members. Generally, they are easy to spot. Good soldiers, they never criticize. They are enthusiastic about everything, ready to take action against all odds. Involve them in meetings by asking them: "What would you do [in my place]?" They will come to your rescue. They are also the ones who will speak favorably about you to those who are hesitant or complainers. Sometimes this is enough to turn around a delicate situation.
5. Defend your team
If you are cautious, you will have to push yourself. In difficult times, the manager who shows courage quickly regains esteem. In upper management, value teamwork. Doesn't suit them? Reply: "Okay, I'll get the copy! I'll redo it." Is there a mistake in the file? Accept the idea of being jointly responsible. "I'll take it on myself, my control wasn't satisfactory!" Don't hesitate to stand up for yourself to negotiate resources and deadlines, whatever the outcome, it will be known.
6. Capitalize on your results
You're changing methods, raising your standards to achieve the objectives set by management... It won't necessarily please everyone. Don't give up! Leaders who persevere and ultimately achieve great performance from their department create a sense of pride. As a result, they gain respect and credibility.
7. Make a memorable move
It should be exceptional, but it can be beneficial. This manager in the Lille branch of a consulting firm had to go to headquarters in Paris to present the projects finalized by his entity. His four employees doubted him. Rather than presenting the work of the four himself, he decided to take them with him so that each could explain their achievements to the Executive Committee. It was a feat to obtain the CEO's authorization. But on "D-day," everyone took the train at 8 am, shone before the executives and shared their lunch before returning to the North. The manager thus forged lasting bonds and gained popularity.
Lexpress.fr
Posted online January 10, 2014.
Managers under immense pressure in these difficult times sometimes forget the basics and act alone. Worse, when they have to work with a new team, they tend to denigrate everything that was done before them. A real malaise then sets in. 7 attitudes to adopt to reverse the trend.
1. Get out of your ivory tower
Avoid phrases like, "I don't have time," "I'm busy." In the long run, trying to do everything yourself isolates you from the team. This is how the senior project manager of a construction company was "blacklisted" by his 70 co-workers. His strategic vision was excellent, but rejected by his troops, he was fired. Instead, practice "management by wandering around," walking around the offices and corridors to shake hands and say hello.
2. Personalize the relationship with each person
This involves showing small acts of kindness to your employees. Take an interest in their lives outside of work and remember this informal information. Listen and ask questions. What does the spouse do? What are the children's names? Where do they go on vacation? etc. If necessary, write a reminder of all these points for each of them. Thanks to this, you will then be able to celebrate Luc's birthday, but also to say kind words about his daughter who is studying for her exam or about his mother's health, which you know is poor. You then consider the other person in all their human dimensions.
3. Develop empathy
On every occasion, take into account what your interlocutor says. When they are sitting in front of you, be 100% available and put down your emails and phone. There's no point in answering the phone to say "I'm in a meeting," it's pointless. Also know how to be helpful. Helping Marie carry a box or bringing Jules a coffee during a rush will immediately bring you down from your pedestal. Plus, staying positive is a great bonus. Even embellish a little: "I'm glad, you came up with an original idea that I hadn't thought of."
4. Mobilize your allies
Rely on your committed and loyal team members. Generally, they are easy to spot. Good soldiers, they never criticize. They are enthusiastic about everything, ready to take action against all odds. Involve them in meetings by asking them: "What would you do [in my place]?" They will come to your rescue. They are also the ones who will speak favorably about you to those who are hesitant or complainers. Sometimes this is enough to turn around a delicate situation.
5. Defend your team
If you are cautious, you will have to push yourself. In difficult times, the manager who shows courage quickly regains esteem. In upper management, value teamwork. Doesn't suit them? Reply: "Okay, I'll get the copy! I'll redo it." Is there a mistake in the file? Accept the idea of being jointly responsible. "I'll take it on myself, my control wasn't satisfactory!" Don't hesitate to stand up for yourself to negotiate resources and deadlines, whatever the outcome, it will be known.
6. Capitalize on your results
You're changing methods, raising your standards to achieve the objectives set by management... It won't necessarily please everyone. Don't give up! Leaders who persevere and ultimately achieve great performance from their department create a sense of pride. As a result, they gain respect and credibility.
7. Make a memorable move
It should be exceptional, but it can be beneficial. This manager in the Lille branch of a consulting firm had to go to headquarters in Paris to present the projects finalized by his entity. His four employees doubted him. Rather than presenting the work of the four himself, he decided to take them with him so that each could explain their achievements to the Executive Committee. It was a feat to obtain the CEO's authorization. But on "D-day," everyone took the train at 8 am, shone before the executives and shared their lunch before returning to the North. The manager thus forged lasting bonds and gained popularity.
Lexpress.fr
Posted online January 10, 2014.
