Confidence and Solo Projects

Confidence is a curious thing. Sometimes we have so much of it we believe we can conquer the world. At other times, it’s as if we don’t have the courage to start the day.

Maybe it’s just me?

Over the years I’ve learned how to manage that inner voice that attempts to erode my self-esteem and confidence.

But it’s difficult sometimes.

Once in a while I post positive messages about taking control. Most of the time those messages are for me. If they help someone else too that’s a nice bonus.

Inspirational posts aren’t what matters most though. The hard work to maintain our confidence and self-esteem is always a solo project.

I wish you nothing but the best as you face your solo project head on, and if I can be a resource to you in any way, please reach out.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

pic

Return to Office = A Compliance Power Play

Just in case employers haven’t noticed, the ENTIRE world of work has shifted post-pandemic. Productivity, innovation and collaboration remained high, while employees enjoyed the benefits of working from home, fewer or no commutes, and a sense that their personal needs were actively supported by their employers.

Until the ‘new’ trend of returning to a command and control management style reappeared.

Really? Have we learned nothing since 2020? 

Trust. This elusive goal that you might have had for your culture quickly evaporated when the “return to the office” memo was released. 

Gone in an instant.

The good news for your competitors however is that there will be a fantastic group of talented professionals on the job hunt who I’m quite sure will be hired faster than you can say “we made an error in judgment.”

Am I being a bit harsh today? I don’t think so. 

In my opinion a blanket “return to the office mandate” is such a big misstep that a strong leadership voice needs to offer a reality-check to this corporate blind spot.

Where are you on return to work?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

Pic

Developing Your Internal Brand

The word brand gets thrown around a lot lately. Candidly, I do a fair amount of that throwing. Why? Because your brand matters.

And just so we’re clear, you already have one whether you’ve invested any time into developing it properly or not.

One more thing, your employees and colleagues are fully aware of your brand regardless of whether or not you are.

So, here’s a quick set of action steps you can take today to improve your internal brand.

1. Schedule regular meetings with important colleagues on a recurring basis. The best professional relationships are built on much more than just meeting deadlines and being a collaborative team member.

2. Start using (or finding) your leadership voice. Simply being on the team is not enough. Demonstrate your expertise, insights, and opinions. Be someone who matters to the overall progress of the company.

3. Take risks. Don’t make every decision based on the safest move. Be bold, and watch how others gravitate toward you.

What else have you done to improve your internal leadership brand?

Thanks for being here.

Jay

Pic

Leading in an Age of Transparency

How comfortable are you being truly transparent?

It’s not a trick question. The issue of transparent leadership is all the rage now, particularly with the workforce no longer buying into the tired, and candidly, lame management speak that has been used for years.

Employees are bright, well-informed (sometimes), and know what they want out of their work experience. Oh, and they also don’t really care about the cliches managers have used for years about paying your dues or sucking it up and keeping your head down.

Did any of us ever truly believe that talk?

So, I’ll ask again…how comfortable are you sharing information with your employees about what is happening in your organization?

I’m reminded of one of my early leadership jobs. I reported to the VP of HR, and he attended health system wide leadership meetings, but modified the notes he shared with his team…and he expected me to do the same.

Um, no. 

I simply shared everything. Good news, bad news, financial information…everything. A funny thing happened. My credibility immediately grew. You see, my VP had been the leader of my team previously and they never received as much information as I was passing along.

I guess I was into this whole transparency thing back in the 90s before COVID and the world turning upside down and demanded it.

How much do you share with your team? 

Do they know you are honest with them?

If you’re holding back, or trying to be “smooth” I have news for you…you’re not. None of us are when we try to pull one over on our people.

Let’s all be better.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

Pic