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Q: Recently, I was shocked to find out--from an anonymous source at my office--that most of the people I work with think I'm demanding and insensitive. I'm really angry about this, and think I should tell them so. Your advice? -- Seething in St. Charles

 

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A: Sounds like your anonymous source is a friend who has given you a quite unexpected, but important, reality check. Receiving criticism is usually bitter medicine; and you certainly received a heavy dose. I understand how hurt you must feel. But, for your sake, and those around you, I wouldn't vent my anger at those whom I know or suspect of feeling the way they do; you could wind up alienating the rest of the office and in the process irreparably harm your reputation. I would use a little "creative psychology" to debunk my detractors. Every morning, I'd buck up, put a smile on my face, and enter the office saying "Good Morning" to all who met my gaze. If this expression of goodwill should present a sharp contrast to what others would ordinarily expect from me--great, all the better! In order to change hearts and minds sometimes you have to "shake people up," to give them a reason to moderate their views. I would "stun" them, in a nice way, with a manner so unanticipated, that those who previously held me in low esteem couldn't help but, at least, reconsider. Have you ever heard the expression, "Kill 'em with kindness?"

  

Q: I'm a new department head reporting directly to the president. While he's pleased with my overall performance, he said I need to delegate more often. Thoughts? – Fear of delegating in Frontenac

 

A: You‘re not alone. Many executives tend to micromanage their employees; consequently, they spend too much of their valuable time working on small details--which are best left to subordinates. Your president may be suggesting that -- by not delegating enough -- you are not maximizing your productivity. The ability to delegate effectively is an essential skill one should master before moving up the corporate ladder. It requires that you know your office team well and have trust in their ability to carry out your directives. Yes, delegating can seem daunting, but it can start by simply "loosening up a little on the reins" and affording your staff the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities. In the beginning, keep a watchful eye on those "spreading their wings" for the first time to promptly correct any potential missteps that could derail their progress. Good oversight should help keep mistakes to a minimum and keep your team on-target for success. Understand that your department's success will be "your" success; it should supply you the added confidence, not to mention the extra time, you need to  help maximize your performance going forward.

 

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