Do you lead a team at work? Have you struggled with how to communicate with your boss? There are many moving interpersonal parts in the workplace, and sometimes we direct our efforts to the wrong place. Ever wonder why you don’t see the results you desire from your co-workers?
Sometimes the key is managing yourself.
Worrying about how others perform and annoy us can prevent us from accurately perceiving the root cause of why we feel stuck – ourselves. Your communication skills have the power to effectively manage most situations as well as influence group productivity. Here are three ways you can become a better self-manager:
1. Observe how people respond when you talk – this includes body language, eye contact, tone of voice, level of interest, and duration of interaction.
2. Assess your ratio of complaining to motivating – if those around you know exactly what you’re unhappy about, you’re weighing heavily on the complaining side. Instead, shift your focus to creating solutions and collaborative ideas.
3. Schedule bi-weekly performance and task check-ins with your boss – take initiative to cultivate a mentoring relationship where you can receive consistent feedback on your work. This way, you always know where you stand.
Improving your performance and problem-solving, interpersonal issues at work can be very challenging. Don’t be afraid to self-assess and be accountable for your own contribution. Learning to maximize the sometimes forgotten but critical soft skills of communication, leadership, and a positive attitude will help ensure a happy performance evaluation. Check out this Practice 360 Evaluation to pinpoint your strengths and areas needing improvement.
Want more help diagnosing your workplace ills? Our career coaching provides you with essential tools to manage yourself to advancement. Please contact us today to set up a complimentary consultation.
Stacy Smyk-Santiago
Certified Career Coach
