WorkMatters Tips Issue #49 – July 15, 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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Learning from the Front Line
The higher you progress in your level of leadership, the more difficult it becomes to understand what’s really happening in the field or on the front lines. You have to work harder at staying in touch with people at all levels. It’s easy to criticize when you’re so removed from the situation.
While tempting to issue directives and communicate corporate messages “from the top,” remember to learn from those who are closest to your customers. Ask good questions to learn from them directly. What are they seeing and experiencing in their roles?
Midyear is a good time to check in with employees who you don’t have the opportunity to see as much in action.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
* Hold an informal small group meeting with a variety of people that you don’t have the opportunity to
interface with on a regular basis. Even if employees are scattered around the globe, conduct a virtual meeting. Ask for feedback and input on issues that affect the business.
* Spend a day or two in the field. Accompany people on their visits to customers. Or see them “in action” to get a firsthand sense of the challenges they face. It’s a learning opportunity for you, not an evaluation session for them.
* Invite selected employees to spend a day with YOU on the job. Let them experience “your world” — see your unique perspective given your leadership role. What a leadership development opportunity for them!
Employees in all pockets of your organization are eager to share good ideas and suggestions based on their experiences. Some are frustrated that they don’t have natural outlets for doing so.
If you’re part of a large organization, you won’t have the opportunity to meet with all employees. But you can help open channels within your organization for good ideas to surface and, even better,to be implemented.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.
~ Charles Handy
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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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