Before you move into a well-earned weekend of whatever it is you enjoy doing, take time today to address a few key leadership items on your agenda. The benefits of finishing strong will carry through into a great weekend and positive re-start on Monday.
1. Catch-Up on This Week’s Positive Feedback. Every day is a good day for well-earned, positive feedback, but Friday is a great day to catch-up and not let the good event fade. Too often we miss the opportunity during the week to commend someone for a great performance. Don’t let the positive praise age much longer or it will lose impact. Take time today to find that person and share the input. Send them off on their weekend with acknowledgement of something they did particularly well this week.
And remember, positive praise discussions are just like the constructive kind…they must be behavioral, business-focused and specific. Great job on that presentation to the committee, isn’t very specific or behavioral. Drill down into what impressed you…what specifically the individual did during this presentation that made it effective. Remember, you want to reinforce this positive behavior.
2. Create Fly-By Opportunities to Connect. I know managers who go out of their way to either stop by or phone and chat with team members for the express purpose of simply checking-in and seeing how they were doing. Often there’s no agenda…this is simply a chance to connect.
Don’t interrogate or add to the “to-do” list, just say “hello.” Use a simple prompter to stimulate friendly, idea-oriented discussion. What are we doing right that we should do more of? What’s your view on (insert idea or issue)? End on a lighter note. Fun plans for the weekend? Remember to share a bit about yourself (but don’t make yourself the focal point). Repeat the process weekly. I still smile thinking about the note I would get from a valued team member if I missed making my Friday rounds to check-in. The activity had become part of the communication routine and rhythm of the team. And remember, paying attention to people is a high form of paying respect.
3. Invite Someone from a Different Function to Lunch or Coffee. Great managers network relentlessly and work hard to cultivate an understanding of the picture beyond their silo walls. Use lunch or coffee time on Friday to connect. Strive to understand the priorities and challenges of his/her group. Share yours. Bonus if you find an opportunity to help or collaborate. And remember, if you invite, you buy.
The Bottom-Line for Now:
Every week as a leader or a manager is a gift to positively impact your firm, your team and the individuals you depend upon to keep things moving. While the behaviors above are appropriate any day, often the urgent gets in the way of the important. Take a few minutes to connect, engage and finish strong. And then, have a great weekend!
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