Leadership

It's been in my photo album for ages.

I tend to forget that we have those here.

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Ok, so who here has experience managing people?

What can you do to motivate them?
Get them to show up on time?
Put forth their best effort?
And how do you get all three, when Plan A falls apart?

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I think one of the most important things is making sure you're someone who is respected. Someone with good leadership skills is the one who works the hardest even if you could ask someone else to do it. Real leadership is going the extra mile knowing no one is going to see it or recognize you. If you're managing people, you can never be the person without a solution and don't ever let anyone catch you without one.

In the past when I've been running a project, or at work when I'm "in charge" I work right along side everyone, and often times do the jobs I know no one else wants to do. I'm appreciative towards everything everyone else brings to the table. I've been around people where treating them like a magical snowflake does wonders for their work ethic and is a huge motivator, but I've also worked with people who really don't give a shit.


If someone doesn't give a shit I straight up ask them to leave. I tell them we don't need them. If it was at work and I could fire them, I would. With the people I've told "we don't need you" I've seen immediate improvements.


Always make sure people are held accountable, and keep your expectations consistent and high. Creating a pleasant work environment is good as long as it isn't too cushy. (I make things too cushy sometimes...)

I lead with fear. It's the most effective way to get what you need.

Who the fuck would fear you but midgets and 12 year old women?

Your mom.

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Originally Posted by Rated E

If you're managing people, you can never be the person without a solution and don't ever let anyone catch you without one.

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never ever go by this with educated or intelligent men. They will see through it in a second and think you're a stupid bitch. You are always better admitting you are wrong and getting input from others. Even better, never actually say you don't know what to do, but hold a meeting where you brainstorm ideas and then move in a logical direction. This also build team moral if it works out.

But never ever pull a solution out of your ass just because you believe you should always have one. People always hate that person and lose respect for them. Always.

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Originally Posted by Drewbacca

I don't think bringing in a box of donuts really does anything, though, cheeks. It's a nice gesture every now and again but, really, it's just a box of pastries. You need to have a professional and supportive work atmosphere. Don't rely on a box of donuts alone to get that feeling (it may work for a short time, but it's a lazy fix). Most of that comes from a good team dynamic. Our success is your success. But some environments just aren't like that from a business necessity standpoint - so it's always a balancing act.

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... I'm really going to have to explain this...

donuts as in breakfast

people are more likely to not have mistaken lateness if they know they can skip breakfast. It doesn't even have to be donuts. It can be biskets or something else cheep. If an employ KNOWS they can leave this very second and skip breakfast because you have something there that they can eat, they are more likely to do so.

No, it isn't a cure all. But I've seen it get people in earlier. I've seen it get people to work 30 minutes and sometimes even an hour earlier. It will not fix all tardiness problems but it can help with some and get more work out of others.



I like my old managers policy on being late. Make it up.

It worked better than you could imagine.

1) many eng like to work alone and will lose track of time. They will work many hours after the time they missed. For free.

2) the clock at work was set funny. If you were late 5 minutes, you'd have to work 15 to make up for it.

EDIT: something that no one is pointing out, is that there is a difference between leading people that view what they are doing as a career or a job.

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Originally Posted by buttcheeks

never ever go by this with educated or intelligent men. They will see through it in a second and think you're a stupid bitch. You are always better admitting you are wrong and getting input from others.

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I do agree with that, I've seen some people make very reckless decisions just because they feel they need to do something. I was definitely not talking about pulling something like that with superiors, or in a situation where you didn't have a clue and had to resort to talking out of your ass. I'm talking about being resourceful in finding ways to come up with a solution, (and often times that means addressing people who know more about the situation) or letting others know the steps you're taking to solve the problem.

Contrary to what E posted earlier, I find it helpful to approach individuals at all levels of the department with questions, even if you know the answers already. At work, I would engage both those above and below me in the food chain and give them a chance to problem-solve and pontificate as appropriate. You need to maintain professional relationships to lead, and that takes more than bringing in bagels and exchanging easy jokes. You need to foster a real team identity and be the most qualified member of that team.

I am always solving issues for other, helping them, cheering them up. That puts them in your debt. Then I come to them with a question that I'm reasonably sure they know the answer to. That makes them feel connected and valuable. If you always have the answers, people are just waiting for you to trip up and eat canvas. Play up others' strengths while guarding your own reputation and well-earned authority. It may not be easy, but true leadership is rare.

Who moved my cheese? This thread

My estimation is that if it's taking this many explanations and posts to describe "leadership skills" that most of you don't have them. Which IS not a big deal or a flame.

Most leaders have a small template and manage by gut and experience.

One valuable thing that is overlooked 98% of the time, believe it or not, is that women and men most be treated differently. Men are simple 90% of the time, set goals and watch. Women 90% of the time require an additional level: set goals, supply feedback, watch.

Sounds simple, but when emotions are involved (and they usually are) you need to realize yelling or demeaning isn't going to cut it and will generally get you a call from H.R. to. "Discuss the incedent". Trust me :)