Imagine yourself as the most loved leader in your organization. Imagine being honored at a dinner for your skills and talents. What would they say about you? How would you respond?
Leading a team and getting your direct reports to really, really want to get follow you takes lots of deep internal understanding of yourself. As a great leader you set the standard. You do not shy away from conflict, in fact you show others how to maneuver through difficult situations and come out of the tough talks with new and creative ideas.
Great leaders know that the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year has a whole set of problems that usually blend work and family more than any other time of the year. The best leaders understand that when stress hits the hot button there is a tendency to revert to behavior we learned in our original organization, the family to solve problems. Often, becoming like little kids who need more encouragement and appreciation.
Here are important rules to follow all year and underline as vital during the stress of turkey days and mistletoe nights.
Rule 1: Find the positives and make sure to praise individuals as much as possible
Rule 2: Only reprimand when absolutely necessary and do so in private
Rule 3: Set aside time for staff communication about future dreams and possibilities
Rule 4: Encourage more than ever a “you can do it” philosophy
While the holiday songs in the malls and on the radio beg us to be “happy” and in the “holiday spirit”, the added stress that starts with Thanksgiving does not go away until that golden ball drops in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
Great leaders factor in this stress and help employees stay steady. Remember one of the greatest gifts you can give as a leader is your extra understanding at this time.
