Help your managers do their jobs better

When you’re managing managers, your job is twofold: You need to make sure they’re producing good work and that they’re effectively supporting their teams. Manage your people in the way that you expect them to manage their own teams. In your one-on-one meetings, ask directly about how they are coaching people and giving feedback. This sends a signal that these things are important. But don’t dictate exactly how the managers should manage. You have to allow them to lead in their own way, and they need to figure out what’s authentic to them. It also helps if you can boost their profile with their direct reports. Praise them publicly, ask for their advice in front of others or assign them part of a presentation that lets them show off their expertise.

(Adapted from How to Manage Managers, by Amy Gallo)

Stand up to the office soapboxer

We’ve all worked with that person who is utterly convinced that his view is the only view — and isn’t afraid to vocalise it. This can be annoying, and even disruptive, but you don’t have to stand for it. When the person gets on his soapbox during a meeting, hear the opinion out and then refocus the group on the task of making a decision together. Don’t get wrapped up in your emotional response to the person’s behaviour. Instead, stay focused on the work the team needs to get done. Present an example of decorum and mutual respect for the others to follow. If the soapboxer tries to reclaim the stage, you can say: “We heard about that point, and now we are considering others.”

(Adapted from How to Deal With an Office Soapboxer, by Alicia Bassuk)

Make sure you have the right equipment to work remotely

Working from home or on the road can boost your productivity and engagement, but only if you have everything you need to get your work done. Your phone and laptop are essential, of course, but there is other equipment that will make your life easier:

— Your own hot spot. Sometimes wi-fi won’t be easily accessible, so make sure you have a backup.

— A headset. You need one for those lengthy, hands-free conversations.

— Extra chargers. Keep one in your bag and in your car.

— A mini power strip. It’s frustrating when you’re about to run out of juice in a crowded café or at a convention and all of the outlets are taken. With this, you can ask one claimant to plug into your strip instead.

(Adapted from Virtual Collaboration from the 20-Minute Manager Series)

Make feedback feel normal

Giving and receiving feedback can be uncomfortable. To make it easier, you don’t necessarily have to get better at saying the exact right thing; you just need practice. If you see someone doing something they can improve, offer your observations right away. You want as little time as possible between identifying and discussing the problem. After you address the problem, offer a ‘patch up’ to help the employee know that you respect her. The biggest predictor of whether someone will become defensive after presented with feedback is the motive behind it. If the employee knows that you’re trying to help her and hold her accountable, she will be less likely to push back.

(Adapted from How to Make Feedback Feel Normal, by Joseph Grenny)

Don’t make your stressed-out colleague more stressed out

When you see a co-worker at his limit, it’s natural to want to help. But even when your intentions are good, you can make things worse. Avoid talking about yourself and past situations when you’ve dealt with stress. When someone is at his wit’s end, he doesn’t want to hear about your trials; he’s too focused on his own. Be careful not to minimise your co-worker’s situation. Don’t say things like: ‘Don’t worry about it’, ‘You’re exaggerating’ or ‘Get over it’. Instead, say, ‘You can handle this’, and offer an example of a time when he was able to bounce back from a tough situation. Then ask him, ‘What would help?’ If the reply is ‘nothing’ or ‘I don’t know’, sit quietly for 15 seconds. This quiet time could help your colleague come up with his own solution.

(Adapted from What Not to Say to a Stressed-Out Colleague, by Holly Weeks)

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, January 23rd, 2017