Top Tips

I like top tips. Quick learning can be good learning. Less can be more.

Here is a selection of my current favourites.

Please contact me if there is a category you would like me to add.

 

COACHING

1. Contact before contract. Say hello and chat first.
2. Use a Mind Map to take notes to reduce the time you spend writing.
3. If you can’t think of a question ask the client to summarise: “Where are you now?”
4. Ask ‘What’ instead of ‘Why’. It’s easier to answer and can avoid hooking the client into a Parent-Child transaction.
5. Ask permission to share stories or ideas with the client; this keeps them in control of the agenda.

 

CONFLICT HANDLING

1. Break state. Open a window, go to the bathroom, look down, change posture; do something that gets you out of a ‘psychological space’ and into a new one.
2. Change your position so you are both looking at the problem and not each other.
3. Ask questions to find out facts and to encourage the other person to think.
4. Be the first to apologise. Humility goes a long way.
5. Ask them what their concerns are; you can assume that they will have some.

 

CONTRACTING

1. If you have a fear or concern then name it.
2. Find out information; you know less than you think.
3. Think about when a quick agreement can help out at home; clarity up front can save an argument later.
4. Find out who also has an interest in the contract and include them in the discussions.
5. If a contract goes off track then stop and re-contract in the moment.

 

MOTIVATING OTHERS

1. People need Structure, Recognition and Stimulation (from TA). An effective leader puts all three in place. Structure means clear rules, both negotiable and non-negotiable; uncertainty can rob people of confidence, which reduces their motivation to act. Recognition means noticing their effort,their thinking, their successes, their near misses; do this verbally, in writing, at meetings and sometimes with their peers present and on a regular basis. Leaving it to an annual appraisal is just pathetic. Stimulation means giving people work they enjoy, finding ways for them to learn and practice new skills safely, giving them an environment that works for them, setting achievable goals that are properly recognised; involving them in all of this.
2. Pass the ‘leadership baton’ to a member of the team and celebrate their expertise with a chance for them to lead.
3. Allow people to work their own patterns; not everyone is effective in a 9-5 slot.
4. Notice your team at least once a day. Saying “hello” is a good start (it’s amazing how many leaders I’ve met never leave their office).
5. Review your effectiveness against point 1 above. Motivating others is easier than you think.

 

TIME MANAGEMENT

1. If you like to play then plan for playtime and find ways to make the work fun. If you’re bored the chances are that you will not do it.
2. If you strive for perfection save time by going for ‘good enough’. Read once, print once, check once, update once, send.
3. Use what works for you. If you like paper get a paper diary and a day book.
4. Take a break. People can often do in 1 hour when fresh what takes them 3 hours when tired (I speak from experience).
5. Set yourself easier targets that only fill 70% of your day. Leave time for the predictable unpredictable interruptions.