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Performance Management
Practice Self-Leadership |
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| Work is an important part of our
lives and not just because of the money. Work
contributes a sense of self-worth; it gives meaning
and purpose to our lives. It contributes
to our mental and physical health as it helps
keep us centered. But the only way our work can
continue to carry this kind of positive, steadying influence
is for us to keep changing our approach to our job. As
the world evolves, so must we. We must update
our mindsets and our methods. Following is one
of the new work rules for this new millennium. |
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| LEADERSHIP METHODOLGY HAS CHANGED
Organizations are changing.
If they are to be competitive they cannot continue to
operate as they once did -- whether for-profit
or nonprofit, private or public. As a result,
those who are leading organizations cannot continue
to practice the same models of management that
were based on hierarchial, command, and control. Smart
leaders, and those who want to stay ahead of the change
curve, are redistributing power and authority
and sharing information more widely across their
workforce.
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EMPLOYEES MUST FOLLOW DIFFERENTLY
And just as leaders must
adjust their former work habits, employees, likewise, cannot
continue to follow as they've done in the past.
Employees at all levels can influence outcomes in
ways unlike ever before. Each day, employees
need to become less dependent on people higher
up in the management chain. They must relate
differently to their leaders and support them
in new ways. Because technology and customer
demands are resulting in new models for how organizations
operate, employee work habits have to change
to fit these new organizational realities. Practicing
this approach is one way to increase your value to
the organization as well as increase your attractiveness
as job candidates for the future.
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| LESS MANAGEMENT DIRECTION and
OVERSIGHT
Leaders are going to be less generous
with management direction. You can't sit
around waiting on a full set of instructions before
you take action or make decisions-- time is too precious. With
the nature of "business" changing as rapidly as it
does today and with priorities constantly shifting, the
guidelines you receive from the top will often be
vague and incomplete. Rather than operating
under the watchful eye and controlling hand of a boss
or supervisor, many employees will need to carry out
their job responsibilities with minimal oversight.
Good followership in the 21st century will require
much more self-leadership and more personal
initiative. People at all levels are going to
have to contend with much more ambiguity and change
in organizational direction. To perform effectively,
employees must be more in charge of themselves:
- Function
as thinkers and independent problem-solvers.
Make sure, though, that you stay in
alignment with the organization's objectives.
You should not become a maverick that marches to
the beat of your own drummer. Organizations are
making sharper and faster turns so it is imperative
that you put forth more personal effort
to stay abreast of and on track with the
leaders.
- Take personal responsibility
for communication. Communication
challenges are greater if you operate far from those
you report to. Invest more personal effort
in increasing your network within your organization
for the exchange of information. Upgrade your
commuincations skills (both in your ability
to relay and receive accurate information) and work
to keep your communications channels open.
- Take a personal stake
in building a high level of trust with those with
whom you work. Organizations
that have operated with a high level of trust have
always had an advantage. Today, however, trust
is even more important. Those in upper leadership
positions won't have time to be there to watch over
employees' shoulders and monitor clashes and differences.
Employees will need to police themselves and be
highly trustworthy -- even when no one is watching
and when you may not get caught.
Better managing your performance
today requires more personal accountability; it's
all about empowerment. The new work order that
we operate under today positions those, at every level,
to contribute much more in new and different
ways.
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A Leadership Moment" is
designed to give you tips to help you become more
productive. We wish to provide only relevant information,
so if you found this information useful please let
us know.
Human Capital Developers
is a consulting company specializing in leadership
and organizational development. At Human
Capital Developers, "Excellence is the Expectation!"
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