Shadows Abound!
Today's
most famous rodent will again dominate headline and get us focused on
the shadows in Punxsutawny that might bring six more weeks of winter
our way. While this may or may not be good news depending on your
climate and love of snow, the foreboding nature of shadows can be a
problem on non-groundhog's days as well.
This
year, more than any other, there seem to be shadows lurking around
every headline. Many of my clients are pondering corporate
strategies in the midst of our current economy - some are wondering if
new initiatives should be tabled while others are dealing with the
after effects of lay-offs or downsizing of a portion of their
workforce. And, much like the reliability of the groundhog's
prediction, it seems no one can tell us exactly what next quarter, next
month, or next week will bring.
Here are some ideas for keeping productivity and morale high no matter what shadows may be lurking in your work-world.
Clear Focus and Feedback
While
performance management isn't rocket science, many leaders have had a
groundhog "head in the soil" approach --going through the motions
rather than upsetting the status quo. If ever there were a time for
honest performance feedback, it's now! Many have realized
that providing clear expectations and honest feedback is
essential in identifying and rewarding stellar performers, and
helping pinpoint areas of improvement for others.
For some clients it has meant a new tool, in others an
improved process, and for most -- tweaking both the tool and the
process for maximum effectiveness. It's clear that hibernating is
not the answer -- be brave and have those tough conversations!
Two Way Communication
Even
if you aren't in a position to affect change in performance feedback,
all of us can work harder to improve the two-way nature of our
communication. Did you know the groundhog's main form of
communication is a shrill whistle in times of danger or anger?
Seems like that's the time when many of us shift our communication into
high gear as well! Creating on-going two-way communication during
"normal" times can go a long way in promoting cohesiveness during
conflict, anger, or tough discussions. And as much as I love
e-mail, it's time to realize that it is NOT a two-way
communication vehicle. Step away from the computer, and have a
face-to-face with those important to your workplace success on a
regular basis.
Celebrate the Small Stuff
While
legends are mixed, many believe groundhog's day festivities
started as a way of celebrating the half-way point between winter and
spring. For those of us in the Midwest, finding something to
celebrate is essential this time of year, as Spring seems to be forever
away. If times are tense in your organization, permission to
"escape" from the everyday realities may be in order as well.
February has ample celebrate-able events such as:
- Leap Day -- in what ways have we leaped ahead this year?
- Presidents Day -- get your company president in on the fun!
- 500 Day -- celebrate the Indy 500 & Daytona 500 with your own day of 500 jokes, cookies, massages -- you name it.
- Academy Awards -- Outstanding comedy at
work, unparalleled drama by a customer, production excellence
during a project? Creating your own categories and awards can be
a lighthearted way to seriously improve morale.
- Westminster Dog Show -- Bring your pooch
to work day or match up the co-worker and his/her pet contest can turn
any day into a winner.
Whatever
you do, take a moment on this groundhog's day to dispel the gloom and
doom of the shadows in your life. While Punxsutawney Phil might
get scared off, we've can embrace the shadows and confidently tackle
the challenges ahead.
Best wishes for a groundhog's day filled with good things!
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