Dr. Gary Carlson

Mentorship is an excellent way to improve your staff and gain trust in the mission of the company. You can often use your experience and education to help others.

Difficult people are often a challenge. I was a teacher and later Director of Special Education. We often had to deal with inappropriate behavior. My advice to you is to always remain calm. Never raise your emotions to the level of the individual. Many times we need to ignore the character flaws but to reward good behavior. Any behavior that is inappropriate or degrading should have a zero tolerance acceptance. Lay the ground rules and stay consistent with these values.

It is important respect an employees right to express themselves but it also important to leave enough time to hear other points of view. Ground rules in the beginning sets the tone.

It is important as a leader to have everyone take part who are stakeholders in the discussion to have a part of the discussion.

A sense of humor is always valuable. Always be careful to not have a sense of humor at the expense of others. If a team can laugh togehter is much better than to laugh at someone.

The best practice to prevent blockers is to create ownership by your employees of all goals and projects. If they can be more involved in the process and the outcomes they will become agents rather than blockers. Transfer of ownership is a leadership talent that can be accomplished by excellent coaching.

Predictions of relationships can very difficult. Being to judgmental could create a lost opportunity. Some our longest and best relationships take some time to mature with patience.

Professionals have always advised us to do or think of something that is pleasnt. Your actions are definitely therapeutic.

When change is necessary people often may not see it from the same perspective. Our best efforts need to be focused on how we can have our team accept the ownership. By allowing the transfer of ownership over to the stakeholders everyone will work towards a positive outcome.

Your technique is a valuable practice to gather ownership in the process. People will adapt better if they feel they are part of the change agent. Your efforts to bring people together for team success encourages this transfer of ownership.