“I am taking over a new department,” explained Ellen. “It’s not a promotion, just a new department. I heard through the grapevine that some people are off-balance wondering what life is going to be like under my direction. Two people said they might quit. How do I let them know that I am not going to be some micro-managing monster?”
“You could wear a sign,” I suggested.
Ellen laughed. “Be serious. I want to let them know that I am not some control freak boss.”
“It sounds backward,” I started, “but instead of telling them about you, why don’t you find out about them?”
Ellen looked puzzled.
“Look, you may be under the microscope. If you become genuinely interested in each of your team members, you will accomplish two things. First, the focus will immediately shift away from you. Second, asking questions about them will speak volumes about you.” -TF
Tom:
Great post — reminds me of something I read in Jeffrey Gitomer’s new book “The Little Black Book of Connections”. He is speaking about selling, but the priniciple is the same. We all need to learn to connect with other people.
Some of his suggestions:
GIVE VALUE — build relationships by giving value to others. Help them succeed.
FIND LINKS — Find something in common with other people — don’t be afraid to ask for personal information about them, and to share personal information about you.
TELL STORIES — Stories help people relate. Tell them one, and they tend to tell you one back. Stories are personal. Stories are revealing.
Anyway, the common sense point here is do what it takes to learn about other people — whether they’re your customers or employees — and you’ll build strong relationships that will endure.
All the best,
Bud Bilanich
The Common Sense Guy
http://www.CommonSenseGuy.com
The key to me in the situation is the word “genuine.” Anyone who is genuinely interested in another human being and shows it, will have no troubles quenching the inevitable concerns about what the new bosses management style will be.
No healthy human being ever recents someone showing a genuine interest in them.
Simple theory is “STICK TO THE BASICS”. simple Process/discipline and a little discovery of the past sucessful leadership will win you the deal