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Workplace Creativity

Surprise –  I’m not always feeling creative when I sit down at my computer to write this blog.  So this month I searched the Chase’s Calendar of Events, typed in the month of May, hit search and a page came up.  I was just sure I could find an idea on the list so I hit print and went back to work. Suddenly I realized that the pages were still spilling from the ol’ HP LaserJet.  It finally stopped and I picked up the stack in amazement —31 PAGES of events in May.  (The next time I will be more careful before hitting “print!”) There was everything from “Better Sleep Month” to “National Get Happy Week” (first week of May).  And I’m sure most of you would agree that we could get pretty darn happy if we could only get a few more hours sleep each night, right?

This little exercise was a reminder to me that we need to continue being creative in finding ways to celebrate in the workplace. Here’s a starter list for this month.  May is National Barbecue Month, so how about an old fashioned cookout or a “roast the boss” event?  Who knows, you might find out about a blind spot in your leadership style.  May 4-10 is National Post Card Week—so consider sending a funny or inspiring postcard to each of your employees.  Go ahead, get creative and celebrate!

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You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

Here’s a fact we all know: You can’t jump start a dead battery with another dead battery. Well, the same is true for recharging the emotional batteries of your employees. The leader must first have a strong, positive attitude and competent emotional intelligence skills to effectively guide others in that same direction. So be sure to recharge your own batteries! Stay current with and review leadership concepts and skills that will help you serve as an effective leader for your employees. See how you measure up against these recommendations:

  • Read weekly / monthly publications and blogs (like this one) or the Harvard Management Update (http://hmu.harvardbusinessonline.org).
  • Attend a workshop or seminar at least once or twice a year. (Don’t forget the on-line options!)
  • Attend at least one conference a year. (Most industry-specific conferences incorporate leadership sessions.)
  • Read at least one leadership book a year.
  • Consider a dual mentoring arrangement with another leader.

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Employees Aren't Loyal To Companies

Employees are loyal to people, not companies. Just think about your all time favorite job and I’ll bet you loved the people you worked with, including your boss. Now think about how he or she made you feel about yourself and your work. I have posed this very scenario to participants in my workshops for years and here are some of the typical responses:

  • Valued—when I spoke to my supervisor he or she gave me undivided attention and my opinions were really considered.
  • Respected—when I made a mistake, the situation was used as a learning experience and not as an opportunity to belittle or harass me.
  • Appreciated—when I worked overtime or contributed to a project, my leader always showed sincere appreciation. I felt like a major contributor.
  • Significant—my leader trusted me with important assignments and worked hard to give me the autonomy I needed to perform at peak performance.

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