On the blog today we hear from Marketing Manager Kelly, one of our past trainees. She says:
I am one of those lucky people who loves their job (most of the time) – but mine is not an orthodox role – I can’t think of anyone who would share a similar job description and when I try to describe what I do, it’s a bit of a challenge.
What is it I do? Well, I prioritise, remember (my colleagues and husband might challenge this), plan, make decisions, imagine new things, learn new things, learn new things off by heart, I solve problems and (most of the time) I maintain focus.
These brain functions are scientifically demonstrated to be mentally exhausting. (Argh, that’s why I’m so tired!)
But really, it’s all about people – connecting people.
Here are 10 things I learned about good communication and leadership during the training course that I’m trying to practice in real life:
- Active listening with my ears, eyes, heart and mind.
- Problems are problems; not people. People are not difficult, they have different opinions to me; personality is not the same as behaviour and we fall out over perception, not truth.
- Debating is not the same as arguing; some people enjoy debating, for them it’s sport – some not so much. (I’m the latter.)
- I am responsible for making myself understood. I must check that I’ve been understood, reflect and refine and measure the success of my communication by the outcome.
- I have a choice and sometimes it’s perfectly appropriate to say no.
- Eat the frog; avoid distractions, make a later appointment and stop unnecessary meetings.
- Decide: Do it, delegate it, dump it or defer it. It’s not possible to multitask; it is possible to lots of things in quick succession, but ultimately, I can only do one thing at a time – well.
- Coaching is not therapy, counselling, mentoring, training, or managing.
- Sometimes it’s good to hand over the wheel. Delegate effectively, review skills and wills, get explicit buy in, give authority, and responsibility, support and say thank you. Hold to account and don’t do it yourself, because it’s easier or quicker; even if it is!
- With my team, I will try to encourage experimentation and roundtable appreciation.
With thanks to Kelly for sharing her fantastic feedback.
