Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

It is natural to have people seek out people that are more alike than different. Diversity is very healthy for an organization and helps with creativity and developing fo tolerance for differences in others. The best way to encourgage others to strike out and join in with others is to provide working and extra curricula activities that would include all the working constiuents. I have had opportunities as a manager to provide these activities at work by creating what I called circles of influence. These were made up with employees selected by me. Each circle had specific challenges to work… >>>

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Change Agent or Change Blocker?

I am on a college accreditation board of directors. I am leading a major change event within the organization. We are soon to be a 100 year old agency. Much of the regulations have been outdated with changes in technology and the operations of colleges. Our motivation to the council members is looking at the next 100 years and how we need to be prepared. You are correct in some push back but we have set up an ad hoc committee to begin to put the structure of change into place for implementation. Our process will take two years.

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Crisis Management

We cannot see the crisis that may occur. But basic structures can be put into place for communications, backups to computers, alternatives to sites and employee assurances.

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Stress and Motivation

You are on target with stress. There are different types of stress. Sometimes you work employee will be personal stress from home and this is a completely different type of stress to deal with. Work related stress may be the challenges we place before them at work and this can be rewarding as well as fulfilling. Other work related stress comes from work relationships. (Boss, Peers or third parties) The key is to be sensitive enough as a manager to be tuned into changes in behavior that signifies this change as positive or negative and deal with it appropriately. Good… >>>

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Difficult Interactions

It is always good to separate the parties to neutral areas. This is the part where good communication is to listen to each party. If the parties or one them was inappropriate with their communication for actions you explain a better way of handling this in the future. But first listen to what they have to say and approach the guidance after they have reduced their emotion. Have you had this happen to you?

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Dealing with Difficult Interactions

Great response. Your response always needs to maintain calm and not to raise to the level of emotion that may exist. What would you do if someone was yelling at you and an another employee?

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Identifying Difficult Interactions

Communication comes in many forms. Your ability to read body language and voice tone is right on track. If your read is correct the next step is what to do. How would you handle a bad tone or body language that is not appropriate to conjur positive communication

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Stress and Motivation

The best solution for stress is how you prepare for it. The human mind responds best when it is prepared. We need to give our brain plenty of oxegen and rest. Astronauts are required to take naps while they are in space to have their minds more acute to their responsibilities. Exercise is essential to preparing your body for stress. Stress is best handled when you have a balance in your life of mental challenge, physical activity and spiritual time for yourself. Please see the book "Brain Rules" by John Medina. How do you prepare for stress?

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Handling Workplace Stress

Good Ideas! Somtimes you may have a few saboteurs in your employment. It is best to remain positive. If negative comments continue to influence other employees you can use an activity I have seen used successfully. Have all your employees where a colorful rubber band on their wrist. These are the wide rubber bands. When anyone is saying something negative the person they are talking to can ask them to snap thmesleves for being negative. This is fun and many times people who didn't think what they were saying was negative they found out people thought they were. When you… >>>

Dr. Gary Carlson

Discussion Comment

Stress and Motivation

Your subordinates need to experience the valued added experience to the daily requirments of the job. If people look at their contrbution as a value to there customers they will reduce the unwanted stress. Working hard is not always bad stress but anything that puts undue psychological stress on a person creates a host of problems.