Leadership Update, January 2006

A free monthly newsletter by Weiman Consulting. Subscribe at www.weimanconsulting.com. Forward to a friend!

Contents

Quotable: They Said It
Dr. Weiman in BusinessWeek: Call Center Turnover
How to Give Constructive Feedback
Five Cures for the “Business Traveler’s Blues” this Holiday
ADV: The Stress Solution
Reader’s Forum: Your Observations
Subscription Information

Quotable: They Said It

“It is impossible to imagine Goethe or Beethoven being good at billiards or golf.” – H. L. Mencken

“Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.” – Vince Lombardi

DR. WEIMAN IN BUSINESSWEEK: CALL CENTER TURNOVER

I’m frequently an expert source for Karen Klein’s BusinessWeek Online column entitled Smart Answers. Click here for this week’s edition, which covers how to reduce call center turnover.

HOW TO GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

When you are in a leadership role, you are frequently in the position of giving other people critical feedback. And in criticism, as in comedy, timing is everything. When you’re giving constructive feedback (including positive feedback, although I’m focusing on constructive criticism below), try to give that feedback as soon as possible. Here’s why:

The issue(s) will be fresh in everyone’s mind.
You’ll waste less time ruminating over it (if it’s critical feedback) or rehearsing it (whether it’s positive or negative).
You’ll bring closure to the situation quickly. The longer you wait, the other person may wonder why you did, or they may have forgotten about it already and feel blindsided when you bring it up.

Here’s how to give constructive feedback:

Do it in person. It’s the only way to pick up on the body language so critical to making sure your message is being received as intended.
Do it one-on-one. The other person will appreciate the privacy.
Focus on the facts, not your emotions. Criticism is a dish best served cold. If you’re upset about the situation, talk with a third party to lower your upset before discussing it directly with the person it involves.
Avoid interpreting someone else’s behavior. Even agreeing on what happened is sometimes difficult. Getting someone to accept your view of why they did whatever they did may be next to impossible. Focus on the behavior itself and leave it up to them to explain their actions.
Ask questions. Make sure you learn as much as you can about the behavior you’re giving critical feedback about. Your willingness to listen may make the other person open to whatever feedback you’re providing.

FIVE CURES FOR THE “BUSINESS TRAVELER’S BLUES” THIS HOLIDAY

The holidays are filled with good food and good times with family and friends. But for business travelers, being away from home during the holidays can cause a serious case of the blues.

Many business travelers feel lonely and disconnected from loved ones when they’re away from home. And during the holidays, those feelings can be particularly intense.

If you’re traveling over the holidays, here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays while you’re working on the road:

Plan in advance. Many business travelers find themselves alone away from home because they didn’t plan a holiday activity in advance. If you’re traveling with others from the same company, arrange a holiday meal together. If you’re traveling alone, try to re-connect with old college friends or school alumni now living in your destination city.
Keep in touch! Call and e-mail your family and friends while you’re away to send holiday greetings and get caught up on the latest news from home. Scheduling these calls for a specific time will give you something to look forward to.
Stick to your exercise routines. If you usually walk after dinner at home, do that on the road, as well. If you have a specific exercise class or weight lifting schedule, book a hotel that either has an exercise room or is near a gym that you can use. If you’re a swimmer, find a pool where you can do your regular workout.
Do something special. Every city has its attractions. Visit a local art museum, enjoy a concert or take a scenic tour. It will enhance your travel experience and give you holiday memories of your own to share when you get back home.
Give something back. Organizations that depend on volunteers — like hospitals, shelters, and nursing homes — often need more volunteers over the holidays. Volunteering for a local group while you’re traveling on business can connect you with people you would have never met otherwise. And it gives you the satisfaction of contributing to others.

It’s definitely more challenging to enjoy the holidays when you’re traveling for business. But with a little advance planning, you can get the job done and have a great time while you’re at it!

ADV: THE STRESS SOLUTION: WIN IN BUSINESS WITHOUT SACRIFICING IN LIFE

The Stress Solution is a concise, information-rich guide with effective ideas you can use today to begin recognizing and coping better with stress. The Stress Solution teaches you:

How you can recognize the “warning signs” of stress to stop problems before they get out of hand.
How you can distinguish between real and imagined stressors, so you can decide what problems to focus on.
The key techniques that can keep you cool under fire.
How to radically increase your physical and emotional energy so you are prepared to tackle any challenge!

The Stress Solution is not a “touchy feely” self-help guide. It’s a practical, concise business workbook that highlights the essential points quickly and directly. To read sample pages or to order your copy today, click here.

ABOUT DR. WEIMAN

David A. Weiman, Psy.D. is a psychologist who specializes in executive assessment, development and consultation. For information or a confidential consultation, please call 610/642-3040.

333 East Lancaster Avenue, Suite 202
Wynnewood, PA 19096-1929
(610) 642-3040; Fax (610) 642-3041

Reader’s Forum: Your Observations

Have a thought or idea about something you read in this month’s newsletter? Send me a note at david@weimanconsulting.com

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