WorkMatters Tips Issue #25 – July 25,2007
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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Testing Your Leadership
Just when things seem to be sailing along in your business, you find out something is wrong, terribly wrong. It has nothing to do with your strategic plan, market or competition. It’s happening on the
inside.
There’s a cancer inside your organization in the shape of an employee that has betrayed you, stolen from the business, misrepresented himself, demonstrated some kind of unethical or even criminal behavior.
In working with leaders over the years, it can be devastating when something tragic like this occurs. Some leaders have seen clues along the way, but ignored them. Others have been completely blindsided. The key is how they responded to these unfortunate situations.
Here are a few tips to help you build your leadership resiliency in the face of adversity.
* Get mad and get going!
It’s natural to be angry at the person or situation, so get the anger out of your system in a constructive way and focus on the appropriate action you need to take.
* Determine what’s best for the business.
Many leaders take this kind of betrayal personally. Get better perspective from friends or colleagues. Keep your business goals in plain view.
* Make a decision.
Think through the possible options that are available to you in dealing with the situation, then make the best decision you can under the circumstances. Don’t dwell too long.
* Acknowledge your learning.
You’ve learned a valuable lesson in the midst of such a difficult experience. How will it make you or your business better?
* Trust again.
One of a leader’s greatest challenges is trusting others to do the right thing. Even if someone has let you down in the past, it’s important to reestablish a trusting environment. Maintain an attitude of positive expectation about others with whom you work or those you manage.
When your leadership is put to the test, remember adversity can lead to growth. Keep sailing!
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."
~African Proverb
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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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