Excerpt
Personality Chapter Personality is a collection of emotions, social roles, interests, qualities and behavioral patterns unique to a person that is consistent over time. I am not going to get into the scientific theory of personalities that is for the psychology majors but understanding that everyone is not a mirror image of you and how to identify and understand how others may think is important. Yes we clash at times but people are unique and interesting, how boring the world would be if we were all mirror images of one another. We do not have to like each other but we have to respect the differences and work together.
There are many factors that make up our personality from birth on. As you can see in the picture the year of your birth (generational relationship) is just one of many facets that shape our personality and who we are.
Leadership Chapter A recognized leadership trait is the ability to see beyond today, beyond your organization and stay ahead of getting too comfortable. In today’s technological world and customer demands, businesses are fighting to stay out front, introduce new products, disband others, support customer service needs with less resources and cost and move on. I would call this a leader’s comprehensive vision. Not everyone has the ability to think as such and then have the ability to clearly communicate this vision with others getting them onboard. Once the direction is agreed upon a leader hands it off and empowers his direct reports to go forward. I feel the two most common leadership traits that may not be natural for a manager is vision and empowerment, not to say that the trait is not within some managers but they may not feel comfortable exercising them. Managers are as good as their leaders allow them to be. What I mean by that statement is if you have a person in an authoritative position that does not have the traits of a leader they can stifle others (managers) as they may be threatened by their abilities. True leaders have no fear of being outshined.
You may recognize in yourself or in those that have management positions traits of a leader. A manager has a very dynamic purpose where they are charged with making things happen, making a leaders vision come alive. In order to successfully administer the task at hand a manager must be able to promote and lead by influencing others. The manager must demonstrate approachability along with the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings or difficulties. He must be consistent of his expectations of others and unbiased. Others will easily follow a manager where they have witnessed the practice of good work ethics, flexibility and are receptive to ideas, suggestions and change. Managers should empower others to take on certain tasks and allow them to make decisions and direct others. Showing loyalty to employees by empowerment and recognition of their part in the success displays respect as the manager does not see himself above others but as a person that walks side by side sharing his knowledge and providing direction to make others successful. Of course being human allows a manager to laugh at himself and share embarrassing moments.
Coaching Chapter A basic requirement for effective coaching is the ability to understand others and where they are coming from. What are they looking for and why? Inevitable if the coaching is taking place between a person representing the employer and the employee, confidentiality and unbiased listening must exist.
Another reason to have active coaching is to support the demands the employers now put on their employees. Coaching can assist in keeping in touch with each other, getting a feel for the atmosphere. Organizations expect their people to be highly motivated, go above and beyond and be resourceful. They want creative individuals that offer different views in order to keep ahead of their competitors. Employees are expected to take on multiple responsibilities and work smarter not harder. What an employer does not need is to force employees to look elsewhere as they feel used and abused.
As an employer do you know what your employee’s personal goals are? How do they feel about their work load and supporting it? Do they enjoy their job? What are their long term goals? Do they receive the direction and support they need? Do they feel they are being groomed for continual growth?
Team Building Chapter You hear a lot about team building and camaraderie these days. With personality and generational differences being recognized we look out at the business differently now. What may seem scary or annoying to some is exciting to others. Until you get into the crowd and mingle and learn more about each other you will stay in the dark side making assumptions and missing out. Get out of the blinds and open the door to new surroundings. Relaxed team building provides:
* A sense of belonging. * Introduces diversity through different types of events. * An opportunity to meet others and build a relationship. * A decision making activity. * Stress Relief. * Laughter (you find the comedian in the office). * Problem-solving. * Creative thinking and innovation. * Opening up communication. * Project management planning. * Energy. * Conversation, learning about each other outside of work and finding commonalities. * You get paid to relax.
What is important to understand while trying to enforce a team building exercise is that some personalities are not comfortable outside of their working zone! Learn about each others personality by observation. Introverted employees are much more comfortable spending time alone and may feel the need to call off sick on the team day to avoid embarrassment as this may not be fun to them. If you force a team environment upon them at times it may not be a positive experience for them
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