WorkMatters Tips Issue #54 – September 23, 2008
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Focus Forward & Let Go of the Past
"But I've always handled that territory. Customers know me well. I've been taking care of them for years. I've got my routine."
The veteran customer service representative was having trouble making the change to the new business development role. Her manager explained the employee's new role, the attractive new incentives, the exciting changes in responsibility and the need for a more proactive approach to develop new business.
The more the manager tried to help the employee accept her new role, the stronger the employee's cling to the past and the more forceful her resistance to change. The employee repeatedly tried to justify why things should stay the same.
Today's times call for change and open mindsets. Employees must be willing to get out of their comfort zones in the midst of uncertainty. Companies are scrambling to determine best ways to move forward or, in some cases, how best to survive. One key will be how swiftly employees can adapt and accept new or even multiple roles.
As a leader, help your employees adapt to change by doing the following:
* Let them air their concerns.
People need to process what's happening, so give them some space to do that constructively. Whether it's one-on-one time with you in the office or group griping, let people know you hear them. Then they will be more open to listen to you.
* Convey the business perspective.
Many employees will take decisions personally. Inevitably you'll see a "How can they (or you) do this to me?" attitude. Help employees focus more on the business, less on themselves. Remember you know more than they do about decisions that are being made and factors that influence the business. Share
what you can about the thinking occurring at the highest levels.
* Stay close to your stars.
In times of trouble, those who step up may be those you least expect. Welcome their ideas. Acknowledge those who are making the extra effort.
* Establish small milestones.
Going through significant change can feel like you're making a big leap into the unknown. Focus your team by identifying small measures of success. Chart a smart path of small immediate steps to move forward.
You may be out of your comfort zone yourself given all the news lately. Be calm, confident and clear. Don't dwell on the past. Consider the new value that you or your team can create in the midst of tough times.
PS: For a few questions to prompt your thinking about creating value,see my latest blog post:
http://gaylelantz.typepad.com/weblog/2008/09/create-high-value-to-build-business-strength.html
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
I find that the further I go back, the better things were, whether they happened or not.
~Mark Twain
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Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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