Mediating  Solutions
Communication - Teamwork - Productivity

Winter 2008
volume 4, issue 1
In This Issue
Q & A with Candice
Affecting the Bottom Line
7 Steps to Communicating Effectively

Candice Gottlieb
 
Candice Gottlieb-Clark

Q & A with Candice

Q.  I recently transferred departments at work, and my new boss doesn't seem to like me.  He excludes me from contributing in meetings and conversations and recently I heard he "doesn't like transfers".  I don't want to complain to Human Resources, but don't know what else to do. Please help.
L.C.

A.  It sounds as if your new boss didn't have the opportunity to hire/select     you himself and may feel some resentment over this issue.  Regardless, chances are he is restricting you because he isn't familiar with you and doesn't know what you can contribute to the team.  Your best bet is to have a one on one conversation with him to let him know you want to become a more valuable part of the team.  Such a meeting gives him the opportunity to "interview" you and gives you an opportunity to shine.

(For tips on how to have such a conversation, see the article in this issue).

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Hello Valued Business Partner

Happy New Year to you, and welcome to Mediating Solutions' enhanced newsletter! 

Each quarterly edition will include a fresh article, helpful tips and tools, and other information vital to businesses and employees who value a healthy and productive work environment. 

As this is our first newsletter in this format, your feedback would be much appreciated.  Likewise, we hope you will forward this email to colleagues and others whom you feel would be interested or benefit!
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Communication, Teamwork, Productivity
Top Shelf Ideas that affect the Bottom Line

When profitability is down most businesses look to enhance productivity and cut costs.  While important, these actions may not address the real problem. 

Regardless of the industry, productivity is built on the premise that things work together smoothly and efficiently.  And unless you are a manufacturing plant relying primarily on machines, you must consider another key factor - people. 

The way your staff get along, how they work together as a team, is a major determinant of their productivity.  How is teamwork being managed at your company?  Is there a protocol for dealing with teamwork issues?  Are the problems more commonly within the team or between teams? 

Communication is another major player in this process.  Communication isn't just about sharing information, it's also about building rapport.  The way staff communicate has a direct impact on their working relationships, and as a result on their teamwork.  As a result, a breakdown in communication affects both individual and group productivity.  Does your company demonstrate a value in good communication among staff?  How is that fostered?

High quality communication leads to stronger teams and better teamwork.  In turn, this leads to excellence in productivity.    

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Workplace Stress
Have something important to discuss with your boss, but don't know how?
7 Steps to Communicating Effectively with Your Boss

     1.   Prepare yourself

Make a list of your questions, concerns, needs, etc. and review it thoroughly.  Determine your main goal, as well as clearly defining your primary issue or concern.   By being focused on these main points, you will be able to keep your communication clear and to the point.

        2.   Ask for a meeting

Do not be specific about the issue at this time.  Simply state that you have some concerns to discuss, and want to be sure that you will both have time to address them without interruption. 

        3.   Choose a positive angle

To reduce resistance, you will want to approach the topic without blame.  If possible, acknowledge the positive elements, good intentions or appropriate aspects that led to what is now a problem.

        4.   Get their response

Once you have stated your case - briefly, succinctly, and without blame - ask your boss for a response.  Your purpose here is to get information.  If immediate change is not possible, ask your boss to tell you what he can and will do.  Have him be as specific as possible.

        5.   Propose solutions/suggestions

Most likely your boss has spent little if any time thinking about this issue before you brought it up.  Be prepared with your own ideas for a solution and suggest them if you are not satisfied with those offered. 

        6.   Discuss follow-up or next steps

Do not expect this issue to be fully resolved in this one meeting.  More information may be needed or other approvals granted.  Make a concrete plan with your boss for further discussion and follow-up.

         7.   Show appreciation

Before ending the meeting, thank your boss for his/her time and attention to your concerns.   Be sincere and specific.  This will go a long way in building trust and re-establishing a healthy work relationship.