AboutJoan Schramm Expertise I can answer questions about handling difficult employees, bosses or co-workers, motivation, team-building, and just getting along in an organization. I am an expert on conflict resolution and communication as well as other issues dealing with business relationships.
Experience Joan is the Workplace Solutions Expert! She is a professional Coach and the founder of Momentum Coaching, www.achieve-momentum.com. Her experience is from over twenty-five years of business leadership, training and coaching.
Organizations Coach Training Alliance, Coachville, Attractionville, 247 Coaching, Solo-E,SHRM
Publications Many of my articles have appeared in local newspapers and online at sites like www.ezines.com, www.marketingseek.com, www.articlecity.com, www.exactseek.com and others.
Education/Credentials BS in English
MS in Human Resource Management
Certified Coach through the Coach Training Alliance
Expert: Joan Schramm Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Weak Managment Style
Question I was promoted rather quickly in my career to a manager. I have been praised by others for having a 'servant leadership' style but that I need to develope my assertive skills. I feel that my the biggest obstical to my success is that I am too nice. When dealing with people with attitudes I tend avoid the situation. This is not good for a manager in my position. How do I overcome this problem? I know I could never be an overbearing boss but I need to get over the fear of coming across abrupt or arogant. Hoe do I do this?
Thanks
Answer Russ --
You can be a strong, assertive (and nice) boss without being overbearing. Treat your people with fairness, respect, honesty, and be clear in your expectations for them. Get to know them as individuals, not just as part of the office group. Take an interest in their personal lives and make sure they know they can come to you with any problems or issues they are having. Don't make promises you can't keep. Don't bad-mouth one employee to another. Don't complain about upper management, but back your people all the way if upper management is being unfair. Make sure your people know how much you value their work and always give them the lion's share of the credit for a job well-done.
One book I recommend for managers is "Winning With the Employee From Hell" by Shaun Belding. It will give you a lot of good insight into dealing with all different types of employees.
You wouldn't have been promoted if someone didn't think you could do the job. So concentrate on being the best manager you can and don't worry about making mistakes -- everyone makes mistakes and you'll learn more from them than from your successes.
