Leadership - Follow the leader - adverse behaviour
Follow the leader - adverse behaviour
Negative behaviour
We know that is a good idea to avoid these. However, as a leader if someone else is using negative behaviour to try to score points this needs to be dealt with.
These unhelpful and unprofessional behaviours can cause considerable disruption to team and individual morale.
You must tackle the problem by speaking to the individual. What you must not do is fight fire with fire and stoop to their level.
Simple steps
Firstly tell the person about their behaviour and then give them the option of stopping.
Make sure this is done in private.
If the problem persists talk to them again and seek the help of a mentor who may be able to give you some tips in this area.
Try to ascertain whether the problem is just with you or whether it is a wider issue.
If all else fails go to your boss.
The main aim is to try to sort out the problem for yourself.
It may be hard but try to remain on good terms with the individual.
Power
Sometimes being in a position of power makes people want to demonstrate the fact.
At its worst it becomes no less than an attempt to bully and put down people.
If you practice this loyalty will soon drop off and, with it, trust any thought of support and influence will disappear. Unfortunately, the boss is in a more powerful position than your self. If you are in such a position you only have a few choices.
- You could move to another job and hope your new boss is better.
- You could read a lot more and train yourself in leadership skills – take responsibility for your career.
- You could try to get a higher placed (above your boss) leader to coach you and make yourself available to him or her for particular jobs.
This and other aspects of ‘the boss’ is discussed in more details elsewhere [see The boss].
Culture
As you move up the ladder of leadership you will begin to deal with a wider variety of people from differing cultures.
It is wise to do your research into these areas so that you make your client feel as comfortable as possible.
It is well known that particular cultures behave in differing ways in particular Japanese culture lends itself to focus on people and ritual courtesies which is a different to the European approach to business.
These behavioural types are also seen in ‘monochronic’ and ‘polychronic’ personalities.
Polychronic societies may be Asian, Arabic, Japanese and favour human contact and patience while the Europe and the USA would be monochronic putting less emphasis on these values in their approach.
These are discussed in more detail in ‘The Complete Time management package’.
Punctuality
Punctuality is the prerogative of kings. There is nothing more irritating than a person continually late for meetings.
Being punctual shows good planning being late gives all the wrong signals.
If this is happening talk to the person in private and wait for improvement. The person almost certainly has poor time management skills which could be improved. Poor planning leads to poor preparation for the meeting and that leads to poor input and performance at the meeting.
Listen
Give people your attention when speaking to them. Try to eliminate any distractions.
Turn off your telephone, mobile phone or have all calls redirected.
Use positive body language. Be more receptive and open, don’t cross your arms in a defensive manner.
When you pose a question make it an ‘open’ question. These are questions that can not be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Use other phrases like ‘describe the event’ or ‘can you expand upon’ to encourage a more open dialogue.
Get the person to talk more about themselves and be attentive. Don’t talk about you and your issues unless absolutely necessary.
Demonstrate that you are listening by asking clarifying questions and summarise what has been discussed at intervals.
Test understanding of any points.
These techniques are very important in helping to create integrity and a lift in staff motivation.
Thank you
Remember to thank people. It will be remembered by the individual. Look for every opportunity to give people a boost about their performance and behaviour.
When you are ‘managing by walking about’ give them a boost by looking for the positives and recognising it and take the opportunity to thank them for their efforts. Seek out opportunities and morale and motivation will improve [see The Complete Motivation package].
Communication
Using the telephone is often taken for granted.
Specific techniques are discussed in more detail in ‘The Complete Time management package’.
Answering the telephone promptly gives out all the right signals and naturally politeness is an absolute necessity.
Improve your email response skills. Make accurate notes of any messages and clarify if necessary.
Sometimes making effort shows commitment. Instead of an email why not write a letter?