Thomas Kilmann Conflict Model Explained
Though conflict is a normal and natural part of any workplace, it can lead to absenteeism, lost productivity, and mental health issues. At the same time, conflict can be a motivator that generates new ideas and innovation as well as leads to increased flexibility and a better understanding of working relationships. However, conflict needs to…
Leader as Visionary
Some of the world’s greatest leaders are considered visionary. Steve Jobs with Apple, Sheryl Sandberg with Facebook, Jeff Bezos with Amazon. Some people would say that’s an expected quality for a leader, but in many ways, it’s also the most difficult. Having vision doesn’t come naturally for many professionals, even those who get high ratings…
Leader as Ambassador
Most of the roles played by leaders involve communication, strategizing, and knowledge acquisition within the organization. However leaders can also benefit from having the ability to communicate and contribute externally as representatives of their teams or organizations. Here’s the challenge though, leaders tend to engage in networking, industry, or community events without a clear understanding…
Leader as Motivator
With fast turnaround times and short deadlines leaders often feel pressured to be efficient and focus on the facts. Customer requirements, specific deliverables, production variables. Sometimes that granular focus prevents leaders from shifting into one of the most impactful, yet overlooked roles, the motivator. Often seen as the energizer, the inspirer. It’s the classic question…
Leader as Change Agent
Of all the roles that leaders play, acting as an agent of change has probably evolved the most over time. At one point, leaders who could successfully guide their team through transitions stood out from their peers. Today, being a change agent is a necessity, and organizations desperately need leaders who can champion and support…
Leader as Subject Matter Expert
Many times, the professionals chosen for leadership roles are the ones who have demonstrated their value as subject matter experts. It’s an obvious choice, since their team members already look to them for guidance. That is why stepping into this role feels completely natural for so many leaders, especially new ones. They’re essentially performing the…
Leader as Manager
When employees are asked to describe their biggest complaints about the workplace, one of the most common answers is this, lack of clear direction. Perhaps the team leader is nice, charismatic, encouraging, and/or inspirational, but can’t articulate the strategy for this quarter. That’s a problem! Teams certainly benefit from motivational input, but they can’t reach…
Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough to do the job you’ve been hired to do and that your boss might figure it out at any moment? That everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing, but you feel lost? You have this fear that the people around you are eventually going to figure…