Use the Change Grid

Sometimes a leader has to be a manager. This is true when it comes to evaluating the performance of people in your organization. Don’t you just love it? I am sure your people love it – NOT. So, why is there so much anxiety when it comes to appraising the performance of others? I think it has to do with the role of being a judge or being the one judged. It is a big, big issue when it concerns promotion and money.

Many organizations are now giving employees the opportunity to evaluate themselves. It is a step in the right direction but still does not get to the heart of the real issues relating to performance or change development. The real issue is tension and tension management.

Tension management can only be addressed effectively by using the Change Grid. The Change Grid is a tool that reveals the level of productive tension a team member is experiencing at a given moment in time. The tension I refer to relates to the activities involved in the work they do. The Change Grid provides a more subjective examination and it is a non-judgmental process. Think about it the next time you want to address performance for your employees or team members.

Are You A New Creative Leader?

Below is a list of 5 traits of the new creative leader. They are found in the article "Why Are Creative Leaders So Rare," by Navi Radjou. The subject was a tip from Harvard Business Publishing's Management Tip of The Day.

So, Where Do You Stand?

Yesterday's leadership skills will not work in today's fast-moving and evolving world. Only creative leaders who are visionary and empathetic will succeed. Here are five things you can do to succeed as a creative leader:

1. Instead of commanding, coach your team and organization toward success.

2. Don't manage people, empower them. The know-how, experience, and solutions are often out there; it's a matter of helping people discover them.

3. Cultivate respect by giving it, instead of demanding it.

4. Know how to manage both success and failure.

5. Show graciousness in your management rather than greediness. Be humble about your successes and whenever possible, give someone else the opportunity to shine.