Last week we discussed the first five of the Top 10 Manager Challenges, all of which had to do with managing conflict. This week, we complete our list with the second five having more to do with how leaders manage themselves and the stress they are put under:
6. Dealing with Constant Change
7. “Baby-sitting”
8. Handling Workload Overload
9. Red Tape and Needless Administration
10. Personal Fulfillment
Monday’s Tip: Be Self-Aware – Listen to your inner voice on how situations and people may be affecting you. You are much more likely to react well to something, if you are constantly gauging the impact of stressful events on you.
Tuesday’s Tip: Constantly ask what would happen if you didn’t do something. Many organizations are great at generating tasks and initiatives that don’t have any impact on the core business, and that no one would notice either way. Always ask what would happen if you “forgot” to do something.
Wednesday’s Tip: Don’t buy problems back from people. Sometimes delegation or other forms of task distribution lands back on your desk. Don’t buy problems back from people. Offer support, but do not take on other’s problems.
Thursday’s Tip: Constantly look to improve systems and process. Many tasks are repeated regularly. Look for better, cheaper and faster ways to complete these tasks. It may cost you some time and effort in the short term, but longer term you will get that investment back several times over.
Friday’s Tip: Don’t try to be all things to all people. The best way to upset everyone is to try to be all things to all people. Have a very clear focus on what you will do, and more importantly what you will not do.