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November 2007
If you are a regular reader, you may have noticed that I'm direct. It is a management strength that I nurture, and I coach others to do the same.
I know that some of you read this newsletter and quietly wonder what coaching would be like. So I have to tell you, it is really easy to find out if I can help you or someone in your organization. Invite me out for coffee. That's it. Call me, say you'd like to buy me a coffee, and I'll give you about an hour to kick my tires.
If you like, we can talk about what you want to accomplish, what's pissing you off, or what's wearing you down. With just a regular conversation, we'll mutually, and confidentially explore if there's a coaching fit. I'm always happy to spend time building my business and talking about core management issues. And you can ask me anything you like. So no matter what, we both leave having gained.
If you ever want to get off the page and into a discussion about something you read, or about an issue that you are struggling with at work, I invite you to drop me a line, pick up the phone, or buy me a cup o' joe. Let Me Ask You This Each month I'll share a question that made me stop and think. You might want to pause for a moment on this too, or write it on a white board and share it with your staff. Someone around you is waiting for you to ask them a direct question, can you ask that question today? |
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MANAGE YOUR PEOPLE: Own Your Meetings
A lot of managers struggle with leading effective, powerful meetings. And a lot of people, including managers, hate meetings full stop. People REALLY hate meetings because they rarely see the benefit of the time and energy spent. How often do you think your direct reports see a substantial connection between meetings and actions? If your people are getting frustrated because they perceive an imbalance between the amount of time spent in meetings, and the value of the results, I hope you will do two things:
Lead your meetings like you lead your team. Start from a place of respect. Set a clear agenda. Start on time. End on time. Make sure everyone that is there knows what they are there to do and give them an opportunity to do it.
Don't EVER meet for the sake meeting. It is a waste of everyone's time, and indicates disrespect. Always put a clear goal on the table. But don't lose control of the floor either. Meetings are an opportunity for rich discussion.If someone is dominating, or sabotaging things with their own agenda, it is up to you to bring the goal of the meeting back into focus, and move your team forward. Be honest and direct. As a manager, you set the tone in your meetings and in your corporate culture. If your team trusts you to do the real deal in the meeting, they'll stop whispering about their issues in the backroom, and start laying them down on the table. Call people out, and if they turn around and call you out, take a breath, and enjoy the fact that they've learned by your good example. (If you say one thing in a meeting, then walk out the door and do something else, you're leading by dysfunctional example.) Make sure action is taken. Planning a meeting includes planning to follow up. It is up to you to ensure action is taken and results are communicated. Leave them wanting more. Effective meetings are exciting. Inspire yourself and your team so that everyone looks forward to participating in the next meeting. FYI: You may occasionally have to attend lousy meetings, but you absolutely do not have to lead them. If you haven't before, swear to yourself that as of today, you run meetings that people leave energized and ready for action. If you want more on managing great meetings, just ask. |
Who Is This Guy? Chris Obst is a:
Still asking
Call me
Satisfied clients say the darn'dest things:
“Chris Obst’s style and approach are exceptional.
I highly
recommend him to anyone at the management level, He helped me and two of our other senior managers immensely.”
Heather
What's NOT working on your team? Call Chris for a customized workshop or coaching program, based on the Manage Your People and Manage Your Energy principles. |
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Manage Your Energy: Eat Breakfast
"Don't skip breakfast, it's ___________________. " If you guessed "the most important meal of the day", give yourself a pat on the back. It turns out Mom was right, but here's what she might not have told you. When you go to sleep at night your body continues to run and burn calories. After a while of not being fed, your body goes into a fasting mode, this slows down your metabolism and your energy systems. You need to eat within an hour of waking up to literally break the fast, and kick start your metabolism and your energy systems. Ideal breakfast choices for energy management:
The best start to the day is a low fat combination of protein and carbohydrates. This combination stabilizes your blood sugar and sets you up for sustained energy.
Check back next month to find out why coffee isn't a real energy drink... |
2-Day Program For Leaders
November 22-23 2007
Hosted by the Human Performance Institute and Core Dynamics Group Co-facilitated by A Good Read
Death By Meeting "It is not enough to have great qualities,
we should also have the management of them."
Questions about
Wisdom @ Work or about the Management Coaching services provided by Core Dynamics Group? Email Chris Obst
Thanks!
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Do you want to go for coffee?
If I were to ask your direct reports about your meetings, what would they say?
It's time for a game of fill in the blanks.
