Wall Street Journal
Bosses' Small Gestures Send Big Signals
By JOANN S. LUBLIN
Excerpts:
Welcome to the executive suite. But beware: Your smallest acts can cause big consequences.
Yet power makes you "less aware that your behavior matters,'' cautions Adam Galinsky, a professor of organizational behavior at Northwestern University's business school. "That can be a career killer by demoralizing your troops.'' Even lack of eye contact with them as you walk down the hall conveys your disapproval, risking alienation.
Amplification also can work to your advantage because effective, small moves often improve employee motivation. You must recognize that "leadership is a role, and you are always on,'' says Gary Bradt, an executive coach in Summerfield, N.C. "Make sure you send the messages that you want to send.''
Being watched so closely frightened Ms. Hudson. "I wasn't accustomed to being the center of attention,'' the 60-year-old executive recalls. "I felt like I was up on a billboard.''.
"Each one has a lesson that we should remember,'' observes Mr. Rabie, who launched the manufacturer with two classmates in 1994. Staffers viewing his flop-filled wall know "it's okay to make mistakes,'' he continues. "It's like walking the talk."
You may also reap benefits from executive amplification by seeking frequent feedback – and making needed corrections. Easier said than done, however.
"As you rise in the ranks, people stop telling you what they should tell you,'' notes Richard A. Davis, a partner at RHR International, an executive-coaching firm, and author of the new book. "The Intangibles of Leadership.''
He advocates creating a personal board of directors to help identify your blind spots. "They have to know you and the people around you,'' but work elsewhere than your employer, Dr. Davis recommends.
Yet power makes you "less aware that your behavior matters,'' cautions Adam Galinsky, a professor of organizational behavior at Northwestern University's business school. "That can be a career killer by demoralizing your troops.'' Even lack of eye contact with them as you walk down the hall conveys your disapproval, risking alienation.
Amplification also can work to your advantage because effective, small moves often improve employee motivation. You must recognize that "leadership is a role, and you are always on,'' says Gary Bradt, an executive coach in Summerfield, N.C. "Make sure you send the messages that you want to send.''
Being watched so closely frightened Ms. Hudson. "I wasn't accustomed to being the center of attention,'' the 60-year-old executive recalls. "I felt like I was up on a billboard.''.
"Each one has a lesson that we should remember,'' observes Mr. Rabie, who launched the manufacturer with two classmates in 1994. Staffers viewing his flop-filled wall know "it's okay to make mistakes,'' he continues. "It's like walking the talk."
You may also reap benefits from executive amplification by seeking frequent feedback – and making needed corrections. Easier said than done, however.
"As you rise in the ranks, people stop telling you what they should tell you,'' notes Richard A. Davis, a partner at RHR International, an executive-coaching firm, and author of the new book. "The Intangibles of Leadership.''
He advocates creating a personal board of directors to help identify your blind spots. "They have to know you and the people around you,'' but work elsewhere than your employer, Dr. Davis recommends.
Write to Joann S. Lublin at joann.lublin@wsj.com
********************************************************
http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.
No comments:
Post a Comment