This blog post will discuss the case study of horse leadership training. We will also reveal how HR and L&D heads like you could benefit by incorporating this seemingly unconventional yet highly effective training into your leadership pipeline.
Horse Leadership Training: A New Approach to Leadership Development
Leadership development and training is suffering heavy stress under today’s business environments. HR and L&D professionals like you are constantly pursuing new, efficient, and innovative ways of emotionally intelligent and authentic leadership. Here is one such very effective transformative approach gaining popularity under the name of Horse Leadership Training. It is a hands-on, experiential method, based on the natural wisdom of horses, that helps leaders sharpen their communication, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills in an absolutely unique way.
In this blog, we will dive deep into Horse Leadership Training with insights from Janis Cooper, the director of Leadership and Staff training at Best Friends Animal Society.
In the 14th episode of Risely’s podcast- RiseUp Radio, Janis explains how to craft effective learning experiences through Horse Leadership Training or what she calls, Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). EFL has become increasingly popular for training as it engages all of a person’s senses. It is a profound and memorable method that supports immediate change.
Horse Leadership Training, or Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), offers a new and experiential approach to learning leadership, the type that never happens in the classroom. Because horses are very sensitive and social animals, they can read human body language and emotions a great deal of which people ignore. The idea behind this method, as Janis mentions, is the way people or teams complete the task provided to them with the horse reflects how they’re actually doing things in the workplace.
As an HR or L&D leader, you know how important it is that your team members really experience leadership and not just learn about it. EAL makes this happen by allowing participants to work directly with horses, where they immediately see how their behavior influences others.
Through some carefully designed trust-building exercises, your team will learn how to communicate with the horses without using any words. This very unique experience makes you a very clear communicator nonverbally, helps you calibrate your emotional responses appropriately, and understand how your actions affect others. It is a journey that builds trust and self-awareness while providing an increase in respect and, along with these, strengthening core leadership skills.
What is The Science Behind Equine Leadership Development?
Dogs are known for their loyalty and friendliness and monkeys are the closest living relatives to humans. So, why horses?
The success of equine-assisted experiential learning on leadership development isn’t built on experience alone but is supported by sound science in both animal behavior and human psychology. As an HR or L&D leader, you understand the importance of blending practical learning with evidence-based insights. Horses are social animals that naturally herd together for survival. This characteristic makes them highly sensitive to minute changes in their surroundings, and to the feelings of their acquaintances, making them an excellent partner for leadership training.
An Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) session provides participants with immediate, unfiltered truthful feedback from the horses. The way a horse responds to them reflects their own emotions, intentions, and leadership style—like looking in a mirror. The raw feedback provided reveals blind spots, biases, or behaviors that most likely are holding them back from being totally effective leaders.
Observing how horses interact within their herd provides powerful lessons on teamwork, conflict resolution, and the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations. These can easily be applied to the workplace to help your team improve their communication, collaboration, and overall performance.
The Core Principles of Horse LeadershipTraining
At the center of Horse Leadership Training are a few key principles that help develop important leadership skills:
Authenticity & Congruence: Horses can easily notice when a person’s words and actions do not match. This helps people show their true selves and align their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Clear Communication & Boundaries: Horses are prey animals. They need clear communication and set boundaries to feel safe. During EAL sessions, participants learn how to communicate their goals clearly and set healthy boundaries to build trust and respect.
Emotional Intelligence & Regulation: Horses excel at reading human emotions. This means participants need to have emotional intelligence and know how to regulate their feelings. They learn to develop self-awareness, empathy, and manage their emotions well, especially in tough times.
What Makes Horse Leadership Training Effective for HR/L&D Professionals?
For HR and L&D professionals like you, Horse Leadership Training is a powerful way to create real, lasting change in your organization’s leaders. Unlike traditional methods that often focus on theories and simulations, this training puts your team in real, hands-on situations where they must lead, communicate, and adapt—right in the moment. Working with horses requires leaders to step out of their comfort zones and sharpen their emotional intelligence, decision-making, and communication skills.
What makes this especially valuable for you is how deeply it engages participants. They aren’t just sitting through another lecture—they’re immersed in an experience they’ll remember long after the training ends. The immediate feedback from horses shows leaders exactly how their behavior impacts others, which helps them understand and adjust in real time.
Janis shared a story of someone seeking help with leadership skills. This person was paired with a horse named Andrew, with the task of leading him from point A to B without touching or bribing him—she had to rely solely on influence. Initially, Andrew followed her, but midway, he stopped. When asked why, she admitted that she’d begun doubting herself at that moment. She realized that the same thing happens at her workplace; people don’t follow her because she lacks confidence.
This kind of direct, memorable learning experience leads to real behavioral change that sticks, making your leadership development efforts much more impactful when your team faces tough situations back in the workplace.
Implementing Equine Leadership Development in Your Organization
Incorporation of Horse Leadership Training in your company’s human resources and learning and development strategy can be a game-changer, and it’s more flexible than you might think. You begin by taking your employees to a one-day workshop and introducing them to the core principles of horse leadership training. That way, they are able to experience this unique interpersonal link between leadership and working with horses, which will come in very handy for them in their respective roles.
Participants working with horses during an Equine-assisted learning program. Image by Forbes
For an even more comprehensive experience, you may integrate horse leadership training into your existing leadership programs. Single multiple-day retreats or even continuing coaching sessions offer the best chance for traditional leadership training and the application of equine activities through a very potent combination that appeals to most learning styles. Such programs deepen the learning experience through a more engaging and impactful method for the team.
It doesn’t matter what you choose, but it would be advisable to ensure that the sessions are conducted by a certified expert or professional who has a strong background in leadership development and working with horses, the idea is that your team receives a well-rounded, professionally guided experience truly delivering results.
Horse Leadership Training: A Strategic Development Tool
Organizations like yours are increasingly recognizing the strategic value of incorporating equine leadership programs into their talent development initiatives. These programs offer much more than individual growth—they create stronger teams, improve communication, and foster a more positive, productive work environment.
Here’s a concise comparison of traditional leadership development approaches and equine-assisted learning:
Working with horses encourages authenticity and emotional intelligence in a manner that traditional methods often miss. Exercises for building trust carry through to equine partners but come directly into how those members then interact with their colleagues. Doing so helps foster a culture in which your team feels supported and connected—that’s an essential ingredient for long-term success in any organization.
Conclusion
Horse Leadership Training offers a refreshing approach to leadership development, utilizing horse-related principles to enhance your team’s skills. As an HR or L&D professional, you can leverage the Equine Leadership Program to foster genuine change and elevate teamwork within your organization. Safety during training sessions is crucial, so implementing solid measures will ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. By embracing this innovative method, you’ll cultivate strong leaders and a culture of collaboration and growth—transforming your organization for the better!
Avantika holds an undergrad degree in Political Science and Psychology, bringing a unique blend of analytical and psychological insight to her writing. With extensive experience in content creation and research, she crafts engaging and well-informed content that resonates with readers and drives meaningful conversations.
Avantika Anand
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Horse Leadership Training: A New Approach to Leadership Development Leadership development and training is suffering heavy stress under today’s business…
In this blog, we explore thirteen training and development programs for employees and the key benefits of investing in your employees’ growth, including boosting productivity, enhancing job satisfaction, and reducing turnover.
Empower Your Workforce: 13 Training and Development Programs For Employees
Skilled and adaptable employees are the key to succeeding in this highly competitive business world. As an L&D leader, you can understand the value placed on investment through holistic training and development programs for employees that drive growth professionally and enable your employees to do their jobs well by acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge while making your organization stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. Your efforts are crucial in building an ideal workforce that can meet the critical challenges of tomorrow.
Training and development programs for employees aim to boost their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. You are well aware of how crucial aligning these programs with personal and organizational goals is to assess and eliminate skill gaps and develop a learning culture.
Choosing the right training and development program is essential in building your L&D strategy. You need to figure out which program aligns with your organization’s needs and culture. Effective programs focus on more than just technical skills. They focus on building soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Offering your team growth opportunities through the right training and development program improves their productivity, satisfaction, and capacity to adjust to changes and new technology.
1. Orientation and Onboarding Programs
Orientation is the crucial first step in training and development programs for employees as it welcomes new hires, and gives them an understanding of your company’s culture, policies, and processes. A well-structured orientation will leave them confident and informed from day one, setting the right tone as they meet other members of the team and learn about your company’s mission and values.
Onboarding upgrades this process, providing new employees with the tools, training, and support they need to fit into their roles well. From job-specific training to working hands-on with key applications, onboarding programs are important in facilitating new employees’ transition into meaningful, productive members of the team. New hires who feel supported are more engaged, perform at a higher level, and are more likely to stay committed to the company long-term.
2. Compliance and Ethical Training
Compliance and ethical training make an organization aware of the standards that would be used during their working hours, which are regarded as both lawfully and industrially standard-based. As an L&D leader, you understand that such training and development programs for employees equip them with awareness about different laws, regulations, and company policies pertinent to them, be it anti-harassment, data security, workplace safety, or ethical conduct.
This will create a compliance and ethics culture that complements the elimination of risks coming from potential lawsuits or penalties. It will create a safe and respectful workplace. Employees will be able to participate in the organization if they understand ethical standards and are empowered to speak up, thereby encouraging transparency and a sense of accountability that will reflect favorably on the company’s reputation with clients, partners, and the community.
3. Technical Skills Development
With the progressing technology scenario, one must keep oneself updated with emerging technical skills. As an L&D leader, you must identify and bridge the gap in the skill set with the appropriate training from learning new software packages, coding languages, data analysis, or any other industry-specific tool, among others.
This competitive advantage can only be sustained by introduction of learning culture that encourages the employee to acquire certifications and to attend industry events and online courses for sharpening technical skills.
Technical skills development is considered an investment in your people, which then develops the ability to innovate from your company side and to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. A technically skilled workforce is a building block of enhanced efficiency and future growth.
4. Leadership and Management Training
Leadership and management training focuses on developing leaders who lead teams and advance organizational effectiveness. This can be achieved by the development of communication skills, delegation, decision-making, and conflict management skills to make for a more solid pipeline of leadership.
A good leadership development process, in most cases, consists of workshops, coaching, mentoring, and online courses that facilitate one choice after another wherein leaders could apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
Aligning leadership development to your organizational objectives will help in increasing the level of engagement in the workforce, improving morale, and therefore resulting in longer-term successes through empowered future leaders.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Enhancement
As an L&D leader, you understand that in today’s workforce, strong communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution capabilities foster better teams and fewer conflicts in the workplace.
You should train your employees to be more vigilant, use non-verbal communicative expressions, empathize with others, and express themselves assertively. Training in conflict resolution is also essential since employees constructively address their disputes and create a harmonious working environment. Soft skill training has the added advantage of better teamwork, increased output, enhanced customer care, and reduced workplace conflicts that usually damage the organization.
6. Customer Service Excellence Training
Enhanced customer service is the success of an organization. As an L&D leader, you provide customer service training to your teams for the effective delivery of response support, quick resolution of issues, and building good relationships with customers. Product knowledge, good communication, conflict resolution, and creating real connections with a customer are some of them.
Promote a customer-centric culture with your employees to empower them for that extra push. Such an approach not only improves the satisfaction level of the customers but also increases loyalty. Offering customer service excellence is the training and development program for employees that sets your organization apart; you build brand loyalty and ensure that customers keep coming back.
7. Sales and Marketing Mastery
Sales and marketing are essential to generate revenue and make your business prosper. Trainable sales skills help your employees in lead identification, lead qualification, objection handling, negotiation, and closing a deal. In addition, it assists them to be updated with the latest trends and developments of the industry, strategies of the opponent, and present-day techniques on sales.
Skills in marketing include research, targeting the audience, and developing a strategy for digital marketing campaigns. It makes marketing professionals equipped with skills for the design of an effective campaign. Continuous investment in sales and marketing training will help your company increase revenue, expand its customer reach, and gain an edge over its competitors.
8. Project Management Fundamentals
Project management skills are important for leaders and those involved in project planning and execution. As an L&D leader, offering project management training ensures that your team will know the basics of starting, planning, executing, monitoring, and successfully completing projects.
Good teamwork, open and clear communication, and problem-solving are essential for effective project management. Such training could highlight the need for transparent communication, regular updates, and a collaborative resolution of problems to be on top of things and achieve the objectives.
Investing in project management learning and development is essential for your organization can improve outcomes, optimize the use of resources, and bring to fruition objectives more efficiently.
9. Innovation and Creativity Workshops
Innovation and creativity are at the core of the modern business model, and the rapid pace at which innovation is happening today means being ahead of competition is crucially important. As an L&D leader, offering workshops on innovation encourages your employees to think outside the box, generate fresh ideas, and solve problems creatively.
The magic happens by tapping into the innovative potential of your team by encouraging a culture that values and rewards creativity. Providing time, tools, and support to employees to explore new ideas and collaborate on innovative projects motivates growth and success.
10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Creating a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is important for success. DEI training emphasizes people’s understanding and respect for individual differences. This program’s focus includes the reduction of unconscious bias, promotion of cultural sensitivity, and inclusive leadership. In sum, this all helps build a fair and inclusive work environment.
You should develop a culture in your organization where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and appreciated. You can do this by using inclusive hiring practices, forming employee resource groups, and leading DEI initiatives. This way, all employees can feel like they belong, no matter their background, beliefs, or identities.
11. Health and Wellness Programs
Employee well-being correlates to productivity, engagement and overall job satisfaction. The strongest predictor of employee wellness as a productivity enhancer is demonstrating an organization’s investment in the health of its employees. These might include a location-based gym, yoga classes, healthy meal options, and even ergonomic assessments for personal body well-being.
Additionally, mental health support, such as counselling or mindfulness workshops, also plays an important role in fostering emotional well-being. Health and wellness create a workplace employees want to be valued in, making for happier, healthier, and more productive teams.
12. Digital Literacy and IT Skills
The term digital literacy refers to the ability to effectively use the internet, computers, and other digital technologies in daily life. It is quintessentially important today in almost every job function to bridge the digital skill gap in the workplace. You must ensure that your employees have a sound basis in all basic computer skills, internet use, data security, and online communication tools required to thrive in a technology-based work setting.
Beyond the basics, you should also build specialized training in areas of advanced technical expertise for some job roles including data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or software development areas that are rapidly emerging in lines of business today.
Education of your employees in digital literacy and IT skills benefits their productivity and enables your organization to adopt new technologies more easily, helping to drive greater efficiency.
13. Financial Literacy and Budgeting
Financial literacy is the best possible way an employee can make informed decisions that aim to reach financial goals. As an L&D leader, you should provide financial literacy and resources to your workforce so they can better manage finances and reduce stress related to finance.
Some recommended topics related to this include budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and planning for retirement using workshops or online courses. By equipping your employees with financial knowledge, you not only enhance their well-being but also foster a more focused, less stressed, and potentially more loyal workforce, impacting retention and overall productivity.
Why Training and Development Programs Matter Beyond Basic Benefits?
Training and development programs for employees are essential for any organization that wants to stay innovative, flexible, and competitive. Fundamentally, these programs have indisputable advantages: they enhance employee performance and productivity, boost job satisfaction and morale, reduce turnover, and encourage continuous improvement. Employees who are encouraged to grow are naturally more involved and dedicated, which further strengthens your organization.
Although the benefits are evident, L&D leaders face the difficulty of transforming these initiatives into focused, highly effective solutions that stick to budgetary limitations. This calls for a culture of continuous learning, technology use, a mix of in-house and outsourced training, and smart prioritization. Here are some tips on how to go beyond the basics and turn training into a real factor in the success of your company:
Prioritizing Training Needs When Budgets Are Tight
Determining which training and development programs for employees will yield the greatest return on investment is essential when the budget is limited. Begin by performing a skills gap analysis, which compares your team’s present competencies with the organization’s goals. By setting priorities in this way, you ensure that every training dollar is used on initiatives that are directly related to the main goals of the organization, thus increasing its impact.
In-House vs. Outsourced Training
One frequently asked question is whether training should be managed internally or outsourced. When it comes to company-specific values or internal procedures, in-house training is beneficial. However, for technical skills, soft skills, or leadership development, outsourcing to specialized providers offers greater expertise and perspective.
How about blended solutions? You manage basic training in-house while collaborating with outside specialists to deliver specialized, high-skilled programs. This balance can be achieved by using a hyper-personalized platform like Risely- your AI Copilot for Leadership Development, which provides tools to support both external and internal training. Regardless of the training source, Risely helps you stay consistent by offering scalable resources and monitoring engagement.
Securing Buy-In from the C-Suite
One of the biggest hurdles in implementing effective training and development programs for employees is securing buy-in from the C-suite. Building a strong business case is essential. Use metrics from pilot programs or case studies to highlight how training directly contributes to the organization’s strategic objectives. You are more likely to gain their support by framing training as an investment rather than an expense.
Leveraging Technology to Streamline and Personalize Training
For learning and development professionals who want to accomplish more with less, technology is a game-changer. You can tailor learning courses according to each employee’s progress and preferred method of learning, with tools like Risely’s Leadership Learning Journeys, and AI coach, Merlin. Real-time tracking, feedback, and insights are also made possible by technology, letting you determine which training and development programs are effective and which require modification.
What are the challenges in executing a successful training program?
Even though investments in training yield many benefits, a lot of companies struggle with factors such as inadequate budget and time. The solution to this is securing buy-in from the C-suite by building a strong business case through pilot programs and case studies.
Designing engaging training and development programs for employees that meet the diverse learning needs of employees is another great challenge. Keeping the content relevant and accessible boosts retention and impact. Improving future programs through feedback and assessments ensures that the specific goals are targeted more effectively.
CHALLENGE
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Budget
Securing adequate financial resources to cover the costs of training programs, materials, and potential external trainers.
Time
Dedicating sufficient time for employees to participate in training programs without overburdening them or disrupting their regular work schedules.
Engagement
Designing training content that is engaging, relevant, and caters to diverse learning styles to maximize knowledge retention and application.
Relevance
Ensuring that training content aligns with current job roles, business objectives, and industry trends to ensure its practicality and impact.
Evaluation
Establishing clear metrics for measuring the effectiveness of training programs and tracking their impact on employee performance, productivity, and organizational goals.
Technology
Choosing appropriate training delivery methods and leveraging technology effectively to enhance the learning experience, whether through online platforms, virtual simulations, or mobile learning options.
Buy-in
Obtaining buy-in from both management and employees regarding the importance and value of training and development initiatives.
Follow-up
Providing ongoing support and opportunities for employees to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to ensure long-term retention and transfer of learning to the workplace.
Conclusion
Investing in training and development programs for employees is very important for helping your team. These programs cover technical skills and leadership training. They improve employee performance and boost morale. They also help keep employees from leaving their jobs. By creating a culture of continuous improvement with various workshops, you help build a talented team. It is important to solve challenges in program execution for these initiatives to succeed. Providing regular updates and custom approaches can meet changing needs well. Small businesses can gain a lot from such programs too. They help grow and build a strong and flexible team. Focus on employee growth, and your organization will thrive.
Avantika holds an undergrad degree in Political Science and Psychology, bringing a unique blend of analytical and psychological insight to her writing. With extensive experience in content creation and research, she crafts engaging and well-informed content that resonates with readers and drives meaningful conversations.
Avantika Anand
Ready to Transform Your Team’s Performance?
At Risely, we offer tailored solutions to help your employees grow and excel through personalized leadership and development programs.
Horse Leadership Training: A New Approach to Leadership Development Leadership development and training is suffering heavy stress under today’s business…
You’ve poured your heart and soul into building a dream team. You’ve recruited talented individuals with diverse skill sets, and you’re confident they have what it takes to crush any project. But then, reality hits. Deadlines start to slip, communication breaks down, and that initial spark of excitement fizzles out. Sound familiar? The truth is that even the most talented teams can flounder without strong leadership. That’s where Project Manager Training comes in.
Investing in your project managers equips them with the tools and strategies they need to guide your team to success. When your project managers are skilled at planning, execution, and risk mitigation, everyone wins – increased team productivity, happier employees, and a stronger bottom line for your organization. Let’s dive deeper into the how and why of Project Manager Training and explore how it can transform your project teams from good to great.
So, you’ve identified the need to invest in Project Manager Training, but with all the options, where do you begin? The good news is there’s a training approach to fit every budget and learning style.
Internal Knowledge Power: Many organizations offer internal workshops facilitated by experienced project managers within the company. This is a cost-effective way to share best practices and ensure training aligns directly with your organization’s specific processes and tools.
External Expertise: For a broader perspective and exposure to industry best practices, consider external Project Management Training courses. These programs can be delivered in person or online and often cater to different experience levels, covering topics from project management fundamentals to advanced topics like Agile or Waterfall methodologies.
Certification: Taking it a step further, certifications like the PMP (Project Management Professional) offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) validate a project manager’s competency and knowledge. While not always mandatory, certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and can enhance career prospects.
Now, let’s talk about those methodologies we mentioned earlier. Imagine project management as a culinary adventure. Waterfall is like a classic recipe – a linear, step-by-step approach where each phase is completed before moving on to the next. Conversely, Agile is more like a fusion food truck – flexible and adaptable, allowing for course correction as you go. Project Manager Training equips your team with the knowledge and skills to navigate both these popular methodologies and many others so they can choose the right approach for the project at hand.
Read more: Manager Development: What Is The Fuss About?
Common Challenges and How Training Equips You to Conquer Them
We’ve talked about the power of Project Manager Training, but let’s be honest: project management isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Even the most skilled project managers can face some common pitfalls.
But fear not! Project Manager Training equips you with the communication and stakeholder management skills you need to keep everyone on the same page. This includes active listening techniques, clear and concise reporting, and managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
Another common challenge is scope creep. Remember that client who keeps adding “just one more little thing” to the project? Scope creep can derail timelines and budgets faster than you can say “missed deadline.” The good news is that Project Manager Training teaches you to define project scope upfront, manage change requests effectively, and keep your project on track.
Risk management is another one that keeps project managers up at night. Projects are inherently risky—unexpected roadblocks can pop up at any time. But with the right training, you’ll be prepared. Project Manager Training equips you with the skills to identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and course-correct when necessary.
And let’s not forget the importance of time management and resource allocation. Juggling multiple tasks, deadlines, and team members can feel like a high-wire act. Project Manager Training provides the tools and techniques you need to become a master scheduler, ensuring the right resources are allocated to the right tasks at the right time.
Grab the free training and development plan template by Risely!
Refocus on core elements for effective training programs with Risely.
Crafting a Powerful Project Manager Training Program
We’ve established the challenges project managers face and how training empowers them to overcome them. Now, let’s build a robust Project Manager Training program that equips your team with the skills to conquer any project.
Here’s a comprehensive framework that addresses the common pitfalls we discussed:
Laying the Foundation
Planning, Scheduling & Budgeting: A solid foundation is key. This module should cover core project management principles like project life cycle, work breakdown structures, creating realistic timelines, and developing accurate budgets.
Effective Communication & Stakeholder Management: Equip your project managers with active listening skills, clear communication strategies, and techniques for managing stakeholder expectations effectively.
Risk Management & Mitigation: Projects are inherently risky. Train your project managers to identify potential risks proactively, develop mitigation plans, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Choosing the Right Tools for the Job
Not all projects are created equal. This module should introduce project managers to popular methodologies like Agile and Waterfall and industry-specific approaches relevant to your organization. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology allows them to choose the right approach for the project at hand.
Time Management Masters
Juggling deadlines, tasks, and team members can feel overwhelming. This module should equip project managers with time management best practices, including using project management software effectively, resource allocation strategies, and techniques for staying on track.
Tech-savvy Project Managers
Project management software is a game-changer. Train your project managers on popular tools like MS Project or Asana, focusing on features that streamline tasks like scheduling, communication, and resource management.
Resources for L&D Professionals
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Here are some resources to help you design or deliver a top-notch training program:
Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer various project management courses, allowing you to create a customized training curriculum.
Industry-Specific Training Providers: Consider partnering with industry-specific training providers offering specialized project management training tailored to your company’s unique needs.
Books & Case Studies: Encourage your project managers to delve deeper with books and case studies on successful project management methodologies and real-world applications.
By incorporating these elements and leveraging available resources, you can build a Project Manager Training program that transforms your team from good to great. Remember, a well-trained project manager is invaluable, leading your team to project success and driving positive outcomes for your organization.
Grab the free training and development plan template by Risely!
Refocus on core elements for effective training programs with Risely.
Actionable Tips for Powerful Project Manager Development
We’ve explored the key components of a successful Project Manager Training program, but even the most well-designed curriculum can fall short if not delivered effectively. Here are some actionable tips to steer clear of common mistakes and ensure your training truly empowers your project managers:
Building Practical Skills
Memorizing project management principles is only half the battle. Project managers need to be able to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. Here’s how to make your Project Manager Training practical:
Case Studies & Simulations: Don’t just tell, show! Incorporate real-world case studies that showcase successful project management approaches. Take it further with simulations or project management games, allowing participants to practice their skills safely.
Hands-on Exercises & Role-Playing: Learning by doing is key. Integrate hands-on exercises that challenge participants to apply concepts like creating project plans or managing stakeholder expectations through role-playing scenarios.
Project Management Software Exploration: Don’t just talk about project management software – show them how to use it! Dedicate time for hands-on exploration of popular tools like MS Project or Asana, focusing on features that directly address common project management challenges.
A Multi-faceted Approach
People learn in different ways. A one-size-fits-all approach to Project Manager Training won’t cut it. Here’s how to cater to diverse learning styles:
Varied Training Methods: Move beyond traditional lectures. Incorporate group discussions, interactive workshops, and visual aids like presentations and infographics to cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
Prerequisites & Needs Assessments: Not all project managers start at the same level. Consider prerequisites or conduct a needs assessment to gauge project management experience and tailor the training content accordingly. This ensures basic foundational knowledge for beginners and dives deeper into advanced topics for experienced project managers.
The world of project management is constantly evolving. Here’s how to encourage a culture of continuous learning within your project management team:
Post-Training Coaching & Mentoring: Learning doesn’t stop after the training session. Offer opportunities for post-training coaching or mentorship programs where project managers can receive personalized guidance as they apply their newfound skills to real projects.
Access to Online Resources: Provide ongoing support by offering access to online resources like project management blogs, webinars, and knowledge-sharing platforms. This allows project managers to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
By following these tips and focusing on practical application, varied learning styles, and continuous development, you can avoid common Project Manager Training pitfalls and ensure your program equips your team with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in today’s dynamic project landscape.
Conclusion
Remember that frustrated feeling when well-assembled teams underperform? Ineffective project management can be the culprit. But by investing in Project Manager Training, you’re equipping your team with the tools and strategies to navigate challenges and deliver project success. Don’t wait – leverage the “secrets” we’ve unveiled in this blog. From crafting a comprehensive program with practical exercises to catering to diverse learning styles and fostering continuous development, you have the roadmap to design or refine your Project Manager Training program. By empowering your project managers, you’re investing in the future success of your entire organization. So, take action today and unlock the true potential of your project teams!
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
Grab the free training and development plan template by Risely!
Refocus on core elements for effective training programs with Risely.
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Manager Development Goals And How To Reach Them: Opportunities And Areas To Focus On
You’ve meticulously crafted a development program for your high-potential employees, but their managers just aren’t on the same page. Confusing feedback and a lack of clear direction leave these future leaders feeling frustrated and uninspired. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. But there’s good news! Data from Gallup shows that organizations with well-trained managers see a whopping 70% increase in employee engagement. That significantly boosts morale, productivity, and your bottom line.
So, how do we bridge this gap and empower managers to become effective development coaches? The answer lies in establishing clear manager development goals. These goals are a roadmap that equips managers with the knowledge and skills to nurture and develop their teams. By focusing on specific manager development areas and creating targeted manager development opportunities, you’ll transform your managers from bystanders to active partners in building a high-performing leadership pipeline within your organization. Let’s discuss this in more detail!
So, L&D leaders, let’s dive into the compelling reasons why investing in manager development goals is crucial for organizational success.
Boost Employee Engagement and Retention: What sets organizations apart with high employee satisfaction and retention rates? It’s often the presence of effective managers. When managers are equipped with the right development goals, they have the tools to engage and motivate their teams effectively. This increases productivity, creating a positive work environment.
Improve Team Performance: Effective and well-trained managers guide their teams toward achieving goals and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. With the right development opportunities, managers can unlock their teams’ full potential and drive performance to new heights.
Develop Future Leaders: Investing in manager development isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping your organization’s future. By providing managers with opportunities to grow and develop, you’re creating a pipeline of qualified candidates for future leadership positions.
Enhance Employer Brand: In today’s competitive talent market, a strong employer brand is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. Organizations known for their commitment to manager development have a distinct advantage. They attract ambitious professionals who are eager to learn, grow, and advance their careers. Investing in manager development not only benefits current employees but also enhances your organization’s reputation as an employer of choice.
Investing in manager development goals is a strategic move that pays dividends in employee engagement, team performance, leadership pipeline, and employer brand.
Building Better Managers: 5 Core Areas of Focus
Manager development goals are a roadmap that equips managers with the knowledge and skills to nurture and develop their teams. By focusing on specific areas and creating targeted opportunities, you can transform your managers from active partners in building a high-performing leadership pipeline within your organization.
Let’s delve into some essential manager development areas that will empower your managers to become effective development coaches for their teams:
Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
Have you ever encountered a manager who struggles to connect the dots between lofty company goals and their team’s day-to-day activities? This disconnect can be incredibly demotivating for employees. Equipping managers with strategic thinking skills empowers them to bridge this gap.
Why it Matters: When managers understand the bigger picture and how their team contributes to the organization’s success, they can create clear, actionable plans that inspire their teams and drive results.
Development Opportunities:
Workshops on business acumen: These workshops can provide managers with a foundational understanding of key business concepts like finance, marketing, and operations.
Leadership development programs: These programs can help managers develop their strategic thinking skills, such as conducting market analysis, setting SMART goals, and making data-driven decisions.
How to Measure Success:
Track progress on achieving departmental or team-specific objectives aligned with broader company goals. Did sales quotas skyrocket after a strategic planning workshop for managers? Measurable improvements in team performance are a strong indicator of effective development.
Effective Coaching and Development
Great managers are more than just taskmasters; they’re coaches who identify and cultivate their teams’ potential. The manager development goals in this area focus on helping managers provide targeted coaching and development opportunities for their employees.
Why it Matters: Effective coaching empowers employees to grow, develop new skills, and reach their full potential. This translates to increased engagement, improved performance, and a more motivated workforce.
Development Opportunities:
Training on coaching methodologies: Programs that teach managers to provide constructive feedback, set development goals, and hold effective coaching conversations are essential.
Peer coaching circles: Establishing peer coaching circles allows managers to share challenges, exchange ideas, and practice coaching skills with colleagues.
How to Measure Success:
Monitor employee performance improvements. Did employee proficiency increase after receiving coaching from their manager?
Track engagement in training programs. High participation rates in coaching-related training indicate a willingness to develop these skills.
Performance Management and Feedback
Imagine a scenario where employees are unsure of what’s expected of them or where feedback is unclear. This lack of direction can be incredibly demotivating. Manager development goals in this area focus on ensuring clear expectations are set, progress is monitored, and constructive feedback is provided to drive performance improvement.
Why it Matters: Effective performance management systems create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. When employees understand expectations and receive regular feedback, they are empowered to take ownership of their performance.
Development Opportunities:
Develop standardized performance metrics: To ensure performance evaluations are objective and fair, create clear and consistent metrics that align with departmental and organizational goals.
Implement feedback management tools: Provide managers access to online tools and templates to streamline the feedback process and facilitate ongoing communication.
How to Measure Success:
Track completion rates of performance reviews. Consistent completion rates indicate that managers are prioritizing performance conversations.
Assess employee sentiment towards feedback methods. Hold focus groups to understand how employees perceive the feedback they receive.
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Strong communication skills are a cornerstone of effective leadership. When managers can clearly articulate expectations, actively listen to concerns, and foster open team communication, trust flourishes, and collaboration thrives. Manager development goals in this area focus on developing managers’ communication and conflict resolution skills.
Why it Matters: Clear and transparent communication builds trust and psychological safety within teams. Furthermore, effective conflict resolution skills ensure that disagreements are addressed constructively.
Development Opportunities:
Conflict resolution training: Equip managers with strategies for mediating conflict, facilitating productive discussions, and finding solutions that work for all parties involved.
Team-building exercises: Activities encouraging collaboration and communication can help build trust and improve team dynamics.
How to Measure Success:
Observe team dynamics during meetings. Are team members engaged, actively participating, and comfortable expressing their ideas?
Track resolution rates of conflicts. A decrease in unresolved conflicts indicates that managers are effectively addressing team issues.
Building and Leading High-Performing Teams
A high-performing team is more than just a collection of talented individuals. It’s a cohesive unit where members seamlessly work together towards a shared goal. The manager development goals in this area focus on equipping managers with the skills to build and lead such teams.
Why it Matters: When managers cultivate a positive and productive team environment that fosters collaboration, leverages diverse strengths, and celebrates success, they unlock their team’s collective potential, leading to superior results.
Development Opportunities:
Training on diversity and inclusion: Equip managers with the knowledge and skills to build inclusive teams where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Recognition and reward programs: Implement programs that acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements to boost morale and motivate high performance.
How to Measure Success:
Track team performance metrics relevant to your industry. Are key metrics improving over time, indicating a more effective team?
Conduct team climate surveys. These surveys can provide insights into employee perceptions of leadership, teamwork, and overall team dynamics.
Focusing on these core manager development goals can empower your managers to become effective coaches and development partners for their teams.
Additional Considerations for Manager Development Goals
We’ve explored some core manager development goals that can equip your managers with the tools they need to become effective leaders. But before you hit the ground running, let’s delve into some additional considerations to ensure your manager development goals deliver maximum impact:
1. Alignment is Key
Imagine crafting a meticulously designed development program for your managers, only to realize it doesn’t align with your organization’s overall goals. This misalignment can lead to wasted resources and a confused leadership team. When MDGs are aligned with strategic goals, managers develop the skills and knowledge they need to contribute directly to the organization’s success. This creates a unified front where everyone is working towards the same vision.
2. Data-Driven Decisions
Imagine improving your golf swing without knowing your weaknesses. It wouldn’t be very effective, would it? The same applies to manager development. To make informed decisions about MDGs, conduct needs assessments to identify areas for improvement across your management team. By using data to identify skill gaps, you can tailor your MDGs to address your managers’ most pressing needs. This ensures your development efforts are targeted and yield the most significant results.
3. Individualized Impact
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in L&D, and manager development is no exception. When crafting their MDGs, Consider each manager’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Personalized goals resonate more deeply with managers and foster a sense of ownership over their development journey. When goals are aligned with individual aspirations, managers are more likely to be engaged and motivated to achieve them.
By incorporating these additional considerations, you can ensure your manager development goals are well-defined, strategically aligned, data-driven, and personalized.
Progressing and Measuring Manager Development Success
So, you’ve established a solid foundation with well-defined manager development goals. It’s time to translate those goals into action and measure their impact. Here are vital steps to ensure your MDG program thrives:
Develop a Training and Development Plan: Craft a roadmap for each manager, incorporating targeted training programs, personalized coaching sessions, and mentorship opportunities to achieve their goals.
Provide Ongoing Feedback and Support: Regularly assess progress through check-ins, offer constructive feedback, and provide resources and support to help managers overcome challenges on their development journey.
Utilize Performance Management Systems: Integrate MDGs into performance reviews. This will create accountability and allow you to track progress throughout the year.
Measure Impact on Business Outcomes: The true test lies in the results measured by the right training effectiveness metrics. Look for measurable improvements in team performance, employee engagement, and overall business success – a testament to the effectiveness of your MDG program.
Following these steps can transform your MDGs from a strategic plan to a powerful driver of leadership growth and organizational success.
Conclusion
Effective leadership is paramount; by setting and achieving clear manager development goals, you equip your managers with the skills they need to become successful coaches, foster high-performing teams, and drive positive business outcomes. This translates to a win-win situation: managers gain valuable knowledge and growth opportunities while organizations experience increased employee engagement, improved performance, and a stronger leadership pipeline for the future. So, L&D professionals, take action!
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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Leader Competence: The Cornerstone of Effective Leadership Development
Imagine you’re leading a talented team, but somehow, projects are stalling, and motivation seems slipping. You see the potential in your people, but something’s missing that extra spark to ignite their full capabilities. This is where effective leadership development comes in.
Think of L&D as equipping your team with the right tools and knowledge to excel in their roles and inspire and guide others. Here’s where the concept of leadership competencies takes center stage. These specific skills, behaviors, and knowledge define successful leaders within your organization. The same approach applies to building a high-performing organization. Just like athletic prowess needs refinement, effective leadership requires targeted development. That’s where Leadership Development (L&D) programs come in. But simply enrolling leaders in workshops isn’t enough. To truly empower them, you need a well-defined framework – a roadmap that outlines the specific competencies crucial for success.
Imagine yourself leading a project. You need the knowledge to set a clear direction, the skills to navigate challenges, and the right behaviors to motivate your team. That’s the essence of leadership competencies – a combination of what you know and can do and how you act that propels your team toward success.
Think of it this way: strong leadership is like a three-legged stool. One leg represents your knowledge about the industry, the organization, and effective leadership principles. The second leg is your skillset, encompassing your ability to delegate tasks, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Finally, the third leg is your behavioral traits, like your ability to inspire, build trust, and foster collaboration within your team.
Why is it Crucial to have Clearly Defined Leadership Competencies within an Organization?
A shared understanding of what effective leadership looks like in your company is a compass for several reasons.
Firstly, it allows you to design targeted L&D programs. Instead of a generic one-size-fits-all approach, you can tailor development programs to address specific competency gaps identified within your leadership team. This ensures leaders receive the precise training and resources they need to hone their skills and knowledge in critical areas.
Furthermore, clearly defined leadership competencies provide a standardized performance evaluation and development framework. Having a clear picture of the leadership behaviors expected at each level. This enables you to objectively assess your team’s strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement and set specific development goals. It’s like having a roadmap—you know where your leaders are currently positioned and how to help them bridge the gap to reach their full potential.
Finally, a well-defined competency framework is vital in selection and succession planning. When promoting individuals or choosing external candidates for leadership roles, you have a benchmark against which to measure their capabilities. This ensures you select individuals with the specific knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to thrive in leadership positions within your organization. It’s like having a perfect recruiting filter – you can confidently identify the right talent to lead your team forward.
So, we’ve established that clearly defined leader competence is the building block of effective leadership development. But how do you translate this understanding into an actionable framework? Think of it like building a house—you need a solid blueprint to ensure a sturdy and functional structure.
Here’s where L&D leaders like yourself step in. When crafting a leadership competency framework, there are three key considerations to keep in mind:
Alignment with Organizational Strategy: Just like a house needs to fit the landscape, your framework should be an extension of your organization’s DNA. Ask yourself: what are our core values? What are our long-term goals? The competencies outlined in your framework should directly support these objectives. For instance, if innovation is a core value, the framework might emphasize competencies like creativity, risk-taking, and embracing change.
Leadership Levels: Imagine a two-story house – the structural requirements for each floor would differ. Similarly, the leadership competencies required at various levels within your organization will vary. Front-line leaders might need a strong focus on coaching and development, while senior management might require strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex business landscapes. Tailoring competencies to specific leadership levels ensures targeted development and equips leaders with the tools they need to excel in their respective roles.
Industry Standards: While every organization has its unique culture and goals, staying informed about industry best practices is crucial. Researching relevant leadership frameworks within your industry can provide valuable insights and ensure your framework incorporates the essential competencies recognized and sought-after across the field. This ensures your leaders are effective within your organization and possess the skillset to compete effectively in the broader industry landscape.
By carefully considering these factors, you can build a robust leader competence framework as the cornerstone for a successful L&D program. Remember, this framework is a living document – it should adapt to your organization’s and industry’s evolving needs. Regular review and updates will ensure it remains relevant and continues to empower your leaders to drive success.
Deconstructing the Framework: Core, Behaviors, and Proficiency
Now that we have the blueprint let’s delve into the specific components that make up a well-defined leadership competency framework. Imagine this framework as a detailed architectural plan – it outlines the essential elements that contribute to building a strong and successful leadership foundation.
Core Competencies: They are the fundamental building blocks of effective leadership, applicable across all organizational levels. Think of them as the pillars that support the entire structure. Core competencies include communication, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are crucial for leaders to effectively navigate challenges, guide their teams, and achieve organizational goals.
Behavioral Indicators: Here’s where the framework comes alive. Vague statements about possessing a competency aren’t enough. We need to translate those general abilities into concrete actions. This is where behavioral indicators come in. For each core competency, you must define specific, observable behaviors demonstrating successful performance. For instance, a behavioral indicator for “communication” might be “Effectively communicates complex information to diverse audiences, tailoring the message and delivery style to ensure comprehension.” These indicators provide a clear picture of the successful application of competency in everyday situations.
Proficiency Levels: Not all leaders are created equal. The expertise required for each competency will vary depending on the leadership level. Imagine a building with multiple floors; the foundation’s structural requirements differ from those needed for the rooftop. Similarly, proficiency levels establish the expected level of skill development for each core competency at different leadership stages. For instance, a first-line leader might need a basic understanding of strategic thinking, while senior management would require a more advanced ability to formulate and execute complex organizational strategies. Defining proficiency levels ensures targeted development and equips leaders with the appropriate skillset corresponding to their roles and responsibilities.
By incorporating core competencies, behavioral indicators, and proficiency levels, your leadership competency framework transforms from a theoretical concept into a practical tool. It equips you to assess your leaders’ strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for development.
Putting the Plan into Action: Leveraging the Framework for L&D and Beyond
We’ve meticulously built the blueprint and identified the essential building blocks. Now comes the exciting part: putting the leadership competency framework into action. This leader competence framework is not merely a theoretical document; it’s a powerful tool designed to empower your L&D initiatives and propel leadership development within your organization.
Integration with L&D Programs: Imagine your framework as a project management tool. As different tools are used for various construction stages, the framework can be seamlessly integrated into diverse L&D programs to address specific leadership needs.
Workshops: When designing workshops, map the learning objectives to the core competencies outlined in the framework. For instance, a workshop focused on communication skills can target behavioral indicators like “actively listens to understand different perspectives” and “tailors communication style to different audiences.” This ensures the workshop content addresses the competencies deemed crucial for leadership success within your organization.
Coaching and Mentoring: The framework is a guiding light for coaching and mentoring sessions. Leaders can leverage the defined behavioral indicators to identify areas for improvement and set specific, measurable goals. Mentors can then provide targeted guidance and support, helping leaders develop the necessary skills and behaviors to excel in their roles.
Assessment and Development Planning: Performance reviews become more objective and focused when the framework is used as a yardstick. By evaluating leaders against the established behavioral indicators and proficiency levels, you gain valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. This data then paves the way for personalized development plans. Leaders can identify competency gaps and choose appropriate training programs, coaching sessions, or mentoring opportunities to bridge those gaps and enhance their leadership capabilities.
The impact extends beyond current leaders. The framework becomes valuable for identifying high-potential individuals and guiding their development journey. Aspiring leaders can utilize the framework to understand the competencies expected at different leadership levels and proactively seek opportunities to develop the necessary skills and behaviors.
Challenges and Solutions to Building a Robust Leader Competence
While a well-defined leader competence framework offers many benefits, the road to implementation isn’t always smooth. Here, we delve into some common challenges organizations face and explore effective strategies to overcome them:
Lack of Stakeholder Buy-in: Building a framework requires collaboration from various stakeholders, including senior leadership, HR, and L&D professionals. Without their active involvement and support, the framework might be perceived as an HR initiative rather than a strategic tool for leadership development.
Subjectivity in Defining Competencies: Translating abstract leadership qualities into concrete behavioral indicators can be subjective. Relying solely on individual opinions can lead to inconsistencies and a framework that doesn’t accurately reflect the organization’s needs.
Generic Framework, Limited Applicability: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. A generic framework that fails to consider the specific context, industry, and leadership levels within your organization will lack relevance and hinder effective development.
Strategies for Overcoming Obstacles and Maximizing Leader Competence Effectiveness
Foster Collaboration: Ensure active participation from key stakeholders throughout the development process. Conduct workshops, involve senior leaders in defining leadership expectations, and obtain buy-in from HR and L&D teams responsible for implementing the framework.
Data-Driven Approach: Don’t solely rely on opinions. Gather data through surveys, focus groups, and leadership assessments to identify the specific competencies crucial for success within your organization. Industry research and benchmarking can also provide valuable insights.
Tailored Framework Design: Develop a framework specific to your organization’s needs and industry context. Consider the different leadership levels and tailor the required competencies and proficiency levels accordingly.
Communication and Transparency: Once the framework is established, clearly communicate it to all employees, particularly leaders and aspiring leaders. Transparency fosters understanding, ensures everyone is on the same page regarding leadership expectations, and encourages individual development efforts.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: The framework is a living document, not a static one. Regularly review and update the competencies based on evolving business needs, industry trends, and feedback from stakeholders. This ensures the framework remains relevant and effective in driving leadership development within your organization.
By acknowledging these challenges and implementing the suggested solutions, you can navigate the development and implementation process effectively.
Wrapping Up
Effective leadership isn’t a stroke of luck; it’s a product of targeted development. Clearly defined leader competence – the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success – is the building block for this development. A well-crafted competency framework serves as the blueprint, outlining these essential competencies, establishing specific behavioral indicators for assessment, and defining the expected proficiency levels at various leadership stages. So, L&D leaders, the power lies in your hands. By implementing robust leader competence frameworks, you can transform leadership development from a scattered effort into a strategic initiative.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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Leading Beyond Lines: Dhun Chhokar’s Journey from Design to Management
Remember the time when you were jittery and nervous about your career and were seeking advice from everyone? We’ve all been there, collecting tips—some worked, some didn’t. But amidst all the pieces of advice, we received this common success mantra: pick a path, create a plan, and stick to it until you succeed. Sounds foolproof, right? Many of us followed the advice and worked tirelessly because, let’s face it, who wants to fail?
These plans usually lead to two outcomes—success or failure. But one thing is sure: doubt will creep in if you don’t explore and push your boundaries. If you’re currently questioning your choices, Dhun Chhokar’s managerial story will inspire and nudge you to explore your potential.
Dhun is a self-proclaimed wild child who believes in doing things her way. With a background in media and theatre, she’s explored every corner of the creative world—from collaborating with stand-up comedians to trying her hand at acting and working with various production houses. These diverse experiences played a crucial role in shaping the person she is today.
Stepping out of her comfort zone transformed Dhun into a people person, a trait that smoothly carries into her role as a manager. She currently leads On Purpose’s national team for digital and visual storytelling, overseeing a team of over 20+ members. While recognizing her progress, she strongly desires continuous learning and improvement. She consistently strives to be a better version of herself. Let’s have a closer look at her journey.
Dhun’s Evolution: From Designer to Manager at On Purpose
At On Purpose, Dhun started her journey as a designer, leveraging a natural flair for aesthetics and visual composition despite lacking prior knowledge in editing and designing. Through her strong work ethic and determination, she quickly mastered these skills on the job. On Purpose introduced her to the corporate world and PR role, where she not only acquired technical skills but also honed her leadership abilities, gradually assuming more significant responsibilities. Dhun marked a significant milestone by transitioning into a managerial role within three years. Reflecting on this shift, she said
I had no idea what it meant to be a manager. At that moment, it felt cool that people would report to me.
Dhun Chhokar
As a first-time manager without formal training, Dhun felt a bit lost, much like others in her situation. However, her founder’s support helped her navigate the new challenges of managerial duties head-on. Dhun sees On Purpose as more than just a workplace. It is her training ground for professional and personal growth. She credits On Purpose for offering the platform to learn and evolve, from mastering hard skills to developing the qualities required for leadership. Through this journey, Dhun learned that every challenge is an opportunity for development. She believes in embracing experiences and challenges with an open mind, knowing they contribute to the growth of an individual.
Dhun encountered significant challenges as a manager, one of them being fostering genuine empathy and understanding towards her team members.
The biggest challenge personally was when I had to understand people’s problems.
Dhun Chhokar
She admits that empathy wasn’t a skill that came naturally to her. When she assumed the manager role, she realized the importance of empathy in creating a positive team environment and understood that merely hearing her team members’ problems wasn’t a comprehensive solution to address their concerns effectively.
Dhun decided to work on developing empathy to overcome this roadblock. She committed to truly listening, absorbing her team’s perspectives, and empathizing with the various personal or professional situations they faced. This shift in approach allowed her to consider her team’s individual circumstances and personal issues, ultimately contributing to a more understanding and supportive work environment. Dhun realized that this change not only improved team dynamics but also helped their professional growth.
As a manager, standing up for team members when they aren’t able to meet expectations is a significant challenge.
Dhun Chhokar
Dhun encountered a challenge as a manager when she had to advocate for her team members in front of management and clients, especially when they couldn’t meet expectations due to personal reasons. Balancing the needs of her team with organizational expectations demanded considerable effort and posed a significant hurdle for her to overcome.
To address this challenge, Dhun made clear communication a top priority. She encouraged open dialogue among team members and clients, providing a platform for effectively expressing concerns. Dhun ensured that her team felt valued and supported by actively listening and engaging in honest conversations, fostering a cohesive work environment characterized by trust and collaboration. She promoted transparency and mutual support among team members through regular one-on-one meetings, further solidifying their bond and commitment to shared goals.
Clear Communication in Leadership: Dhun’s Perspective and Advice
Dhun’s background in mass communication and her success in the PR field are testaments to her strong communication skills. She believes effective communication is key to tackling any professional challenges. With her experience, she offers valuable insights into the power of communication.
Communication is everything, irrespective of your role.
Dhun Chhokar
Dhun recommends prioritizing honesty and openness. Building trust with your team and stakeholders fosters reliability and credibility. She suggests transparency in addressing positive and negative aspects, strengthening relationships, and building trust over time.
Furthermore, she emphasizes the significance of establishing authentic connections with team members. Rather than simply issuing directives, Dhun advises managers to articulate their expectations clearly. Through respectful assertion, managers can align their expectations with their teams’ goals, eliminating ambiguity and fostering mutual understanding and productivity.
Dhun firmly believes in clear and transparent communication with her team members. However, she also acknowledges that despite her commitment to delivering her best, there are occasions when communication may not be as effective as desired.
Imagine this: You’ve carefully laid out tasks and deadlines for your team, spending time and effort to clarify everything. But, despite your efforts, some team members go off track, causing delays that slow down the project. It’s frustrating, right? Even though you’ve explained everything clearly, seeing your team not follow instructions as you hoped makes you wonder if there’s a better way to make sure everyone understands and gets the job done efficiently. In times like these, Dhun shares her way of handling such situations.
There are still times when I fail to communicate and end up in situations I didn’t expect to be in.
Dhun Chhokar
She acknowledges that setbacks are part of the journey and encourages embracing self-comfort to navigate disappointments. Also, learning from these encounters enhances your ability to understand other team members better.
Despite best efforts, communication may still falter at times. Dhun advises embracing acceptance in such situations. Not every challenge has an immediate solution, and recognizing this alleviates self-blame. Over time, experiences become valuable lessons, enabling individuals to adapt and grow. Understanding that perfection isn’t always attainable fosters resilience and encourages continual improvement in communication skills.
Dhun’s Tips for Effective Management
Dhun has offered two actionable tips to help managers improve their leadership skills and team dynamics.
Your team members are always watching you and constantly making assumptions.
Dhun Chhokar
Dhun believes that as a first-time manager, it is crucial to take time to pause and reflect on the type of leadership you wish to embody. While doing this, consider the individuals who inspire you and the leadership styles you admire. This reflection can help shape your approach to management. By being intentional about the kind of leadership you want to bring in, you can set a positive example for your team members and earn their respect and admiration.
Team members look at managers critically to see if they are good enough to become their mentors.
Dhun Chhokar
Dhun emphasizes that providing mentorship and guidance to team members is a critical role for managers, often overshadowed by workload. She believes managers should prioritize offering support, even if it begins with just one team member. Recognizing the transformative impact of such support on team dynamics and individual growth is critical. By being approachable, empathetic, and supportive, managers can cultivate a sense of community within their teams and create a lasting positive impact on their team members’ lives, personally and professionally.
How Can Risely Help?
Dhun Chhokar has developed her leadership style by working closely with her company’s founder and her mentor, an opportunity only some aspiring managers may have. But here’s the thing: we miss out on the nitty gritty and don’t always have the support to overcome similar challenges. That’s where Risely steps in as a solution. Risely is an AI buddy for managers, offering the guidance that every manager needs to unleash their true potential. With tailored steps and insights, Risely empowers you to solve challenges in simple steps:
Identify your challenges: The journey begins when a manager starts by defining their challenges. From 50+ challenges, managers and team leaders can identify the issues hurting their team.
Test your skills: In the second step, skills and qualities, such as expectation setting and prioritization skills, are tested with the help of leadership skill assessments to see how well you have achieved these critical functions. These assessments help us create detailed reports for skills and abilities.
Start growing: Now comes the good part: where your progress becomes Risely’s agenda. Managers can start making progress with the help of daily nudges, toolkits, and the interactive AI coach – Merlin, who is there for you through thick or thin, whether day or night.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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Boost Your Confidence and Communication: Top 4 Assertiveness Training Activities
It’s Tuesday morning, and you’re meeting with your team. A colleague proposes an approach you disagree with but hesitates to speak up. Worried about being seen as “pushy” or “difficult,” you hold back your opinion even though you have a valuable alternative. This familiar scenario highlights the importance of assertiveness training activities in the workplace.
Assertiveness is not about being aggressive or domineering; it’s about confidently expressing your thoughts, needs, and feelings respectfully and clearly. Strong assertiveness skills are crucial for effective communication, confidence, and career advancement. By learning to speak up and advocate for yourself, you can navigate workplace challenges with resilience and contribute your unique voice to your team and organization.
Defining Assertiveness and Its Role in the Workplace
Imagine a spectrum of communication styles. At one end, you have passive communication, where individuals shy away from expressing their opinions or needs, often prioritizing the feelings of others over their own. At the opposite end lies aggressive communication, characterized by forceful statements and disregarding the perspectives and feelings of others.
Now, picture yourself standing confidently in the middle of this spectrum. This is the ideal space occupied by assertiveness, a healthy and effective communication style for professional settings. So, what exactly is assertiveness?
Assertiveness is expressing your thoughts, needs, and feelings clearly, directly, and respectfully. It’s about respecting yourself and others while advocating for your interests professionally and appropriately.
Here’s how assertiveness differs from passive and aggressive communication styles:
Passive Communication:
Characteristics: Hesitates to express opinions, avoids conflict, prioritizes others’ needs over their own, and uses apologetic language.
Workplace impact: May be overlooked, undervalued, or taken advantage of.
Example: “Oh, it’s okay if you don’t need my report finished today. I’m not important.”
Aggressive Communication:
Characteristics: Dominates conversations, interrupts others, uses aggressive and body language, disregards others’ feelings.
Workplace impact: Can create conflict, damage relationships, and harm team morale.
Example: “You need to prioritize my task first! Don’t even think about delaying it for anyone else.”
Characteristics: Expresses opinions clearly and confidently, respects the views of others, uses “I” statements, and uses confident body language.
Workplace impact: Fosters effective communication, builds trust and respect, and promotes collaboration and problem-solving.
Example: “I believe this alternative approach could be more efficient. Would you be open to discussing it further?”
By understanding these different styles and mastering the art of assertiveness training activities, you can navigate workplace communication effectively, advocate for yourself, and build strong relationships with colleagues.
There’s quite some difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness, read more about it here: Assertiveness vs. Aggressiveness: How to be an effective leader?
Reaping the Rewards: Understanding the Benefits of Assertiveness
In a professional environment, communicating effectively and advocating for your ideas is paramount. While the concept of “speaking up” may seem daunting at first, cultivating strong assertiveness skills unlocks a multitude of benefits for both individual and collective success. Let’s delve into the key advantages of becoming a confident and assertive communicator in the workplace.
Increased Confidence: Assertiveness empowers you to express your opinions and needs clearly without hesitation. This newfound ability to articulate your thoughts and perspectives fosters self-confidence and bolsters your credibility within the team. As you practice and refine your assertiveness, you gain a deeper sense of self-worth and feel more comfortable taking initiative and embracing new challenges.
Improved Communication: Assertiveness acts as a bridge between respectful communication and expressing your needs. Confidently stating your opinions and concerns encourages open and inclusive dialogue within your team. This fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and heard, leading to more informed decision-making.
Career Advancement: In today’s competitive landscape, advocating for yourself is crucial for career advancement. Assertive individuals are seen as reliable, proactive, and capable of owning their work. They are more likely to seek opportunities and negotiate effectively, demonstrating their value and commitment to their professional goals.
By confidently showcasing your skills and ideas, you position yourself as a valuable asset to the team and organization, paving the way for promotions, increased responsibilities, and professional growth.
Overview of Assertiveness Training Programs and Techniques
In today’s dynamic workplace, navigating effective communication and asserting yourself respectfully can be crucial for success. Recognizing this need, various assertiveness training activities activities and techniques have emerged, offering individuals valuable tools to enhance their communication skills and build confidence. These programs typically:
Provide a foundation for understanding assertiveness: They define and differentiate assertiveness from passive and aggressive communication styles, highlighting the benefits of each style in different situations.
Develop self-awareness: Through exercises and assessments, participants gain insights into their current communication patterns and identify areas for improvement.
Equip individuals with practical skills: Key communication techniques such as “I” statements, active listening, and effective feedback delivery are taught and practiced.
Promote confident and respectful communication: Participants learn to express themselves clearly and directly while respecting others’ perspectives and feelings.
Offer strategies for handling challenging situations: The program may include specific techniques for dealing with conflict, confidently saying ” no, ” and effectively navigating difficult conversations.
Why are practical activities crucial in these training sessions?
Mere theoretical knowledge often fails to equip individuals with the confidence and skills to apply assertiveness training activities in real-world scenarios. Incorporating practical activities into training sessions offers numerous benefits:
Improved learning and retention: Engaging exercises allow participants to actively experience and practice the learned concepts, leading to deeper understanding and better material retention.
Identifying individual challenges and strengths: Through practical activities, participants can identify their specific areas of difficulty and receive personalized feedback to address them.
Fostering a collaborative learning environment: Engaging activities encourage interaction and collaboration, fostering community and shared learning among participants.
By incorporating practical activities into training sessions, assertiveness programs provide a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience that empowers individuals to confidently and effectively advocate for themselves in the workplace.
Stepping Up Your Game: Engaging Assertiveness Training Activities
Equipping yourself with the tools of assertiveness is only the first step. To truly master confident communication, practice, and application are key. Here are some engaging activities that can be incorporated into assertiveness training activities sessions to solidify your learning and build your assertiveness muscle:
1. Role-playing Scenarios: This interactive activity allows you to step into real-life workplace situations and practice using assertiveness training activities and techniques. Participants can tackle various scenarios, such as:
Expressing disagreement with a colleague’s proposal in a meeting.
2. Mastering “I” Statements: “I” statements are a powerful tool for assertively expressing your opinions and needs while avoiding blame or accusations. They begin with the phrase “I feel” or “I believe” and focus on a situation’s impact on you.
Here are some examples of “I” statements for common workplace situations:
Disagreeing: “This approach might not be the most efficient. Could we explore other options?”
Making a request: “I believe my workload has become quite heavy. I would appreciate it if we could discuss delegating some tasks.”
3. Non-verbal Communication Matters: Remember, assertiveness goes beyond your words. Non-verbal communication, such as body language and tone, is crucial in conveying your message effectively.
This activity could involve:
Practicing confident body language: Stand tall, maintain good eye contact, and use open gestures. You can practice in front of a mirror or with a partner.
Modulating your tone: Avoid monotone speech and use variations in your voice to emphasize key points.
4. Putting it All Together: Use downloadable worksheets or online tools that present various workplace scenarios requiring an assertive response to test your newly acquired skills.
These scenarios can cover situations like:
Dealing with a demanding colleague.
Setting boundaries with a micromanaging supervisor.
Saying “no” gracefully to an unreasonable request.
Encourage participants to formulate assertive responses using the techniques discussed throughout the training. This reinforces learning and provides a safe space to experiment and refine their assertiveness training activities skills. By incorporating these engaging activities into your assertiveness training program, you can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that fosters personal growth and equips individuals with the confidence to navigate workplace challenges effectively.
Wrapping Up
In today’s dynamic workplace, assertiveness is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. By mastering the art of confident and respectful communication, you can advocate for yourself, build stronger relationships, and pave the way for career success. This blog has explored the benefits of assertiveness training program and provided a glimpse into engaging activities like role-playing scenarios, “I” statements, and non-verbal communication practice. These activities are designed to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills, empowering you to confidently navigate workplace challenges. Don’t wait! Start incorporating these activities into your personal development journey. Remember, consistent practice is key to unlocking the full potential of assertiveness.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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Top 4 things to include in leadership development program for women
Women are flourishing and becoming pioneers in every field you can think of. We see more and more women entering all kinds of workplaces and bringing value to their work. However, when it comes to the top leadership positions, we see very little female representation. The leadership roles continue to remain male-dominated. This would make you think that if women are doing great as individual contributors and team leads or managers, why do we see fewer women in the top roles of a company?
In this blog, we will delve into the current landscape of women in leadership and highlight the barriers women leaders face. We will also discuss how there seems to be a significant gap in leadership development for women. Many miss out on coaching opportunities due to various reasons. We will explore these challenges and provide solutions to make leadership development framework for women leadership coaching to be made more accessible.
Despite women’s remarkable progress in various professional fields, a significant gender gap persists in leadership roles. Studies consistently reveal that women are underrepresented in top leadership positions across industries worldwide. While women excel as individual contributors, team leaders, and managers, their ascent to the highest echelons of corporate leadership remains limited.
Consequences of this Gap
The absence of female representation in leadership has profound repercussions for organizations and society. It perpetuates gender inequality, stifles diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, and hampers organizational innovation and performance. Moreover, the absence of women in top leadership roles deters aspiring female leaders, fostering a culture of limited ambition and unrealized potential.
Women Missing out on Coaching
One contributing factor to the leadership gap is women’s unequal access to leadership coaching and development opportunities. While some women receive mentorship and coaching, many encounter barriers that prevent them from accessing these valuable resources. Factors such as lack of sponsorship, gender bias in selection processes, and limited resources impede women’s ability to access coaching programs tailored to their leadership needs.
Know more about the top 5 qualities that make a great manager here!
Societal norms and stereotypes play a significant role in perpetuating gender disparities in leadership. For example, traditional gender roles often dictate that women are primarily responsible for caregiving and domestic duties, while men are expected to prioritize their careers. This societal expectation can create barriers for women aspiring to leadership roles, as they may face judgment or discrimination for prioritizing their careers over family obligations. Additionally, cultural stereotypes about leadership attributes, such as assertiveness and decisiveness, may disproportionately disadvantage women exhibiting these traits, leading to exclusion from leadership positions.
Organizational Barriers
Organizational structures and cultures can inadvertently reinforce gender biases, hindering women’s advancement in leadership. For instance, research has shown that women are less likely to receive promotions or be considered for leadership roles than their male counterparts, even with similar qualifications and performance records. Biases in recruitment and selection processes, such as the tendency to favor male candidates or undervalue women’s contributions, contribute to the underrepresentation of women in leadership. Moreover, workplace cultures prioritizing long hours and face time may disadvantage women who require flexibility to balance their professional and personal responsibilities, further impeding their career progression.
Economic Barriers
Economic factors, such as wage disparities and unequal access to resources pose significant challenges to women’s leadership development. For example, women often earn less than men for similar work, limiting their financial resources and ability to invest in education, training, or professional development opportunities. This wage gap affects women’s economic security and undermines their confidence and bargaining power in the workplace. Additionally, women are more likely to bear the financial burden of caregiving responsibilities, such as childcare or eldercare, which can further constrain their ability to pursue career advancement opportunities that require time and resources.
Personal Barriers
Internalized stereotypes and self-doubt can present formidable barriers to women’s leadership aspirations. For instance, women may internalize societal messages that suggest they are less competent than men in leadership roles, leading to imposter syndrome or feelings of inadequacy. These negative self-perceptions can undermine women’s confidence and ambition, causing them to hesitate to pursue leadership opportunities or self-select out of consideration for advancement. Furthermore, the expectation that women should prioritize family responsibilities over their careers can create conflicting pressures and emotional burdens, making it challenging for women to commit to their professional development and advancement fully.
How can leadership development program for women help?
1. Skill Development: Leadership program for women can offer specific modules or workshops designed to develop skills that are particularly beneficial for women in leadership roles. For example, workshops on assertive communication techniques can help women navigate assertiveness challenges commonly associated with gender stereotypes. Leadership simulations or role-playing exercises can allow women to practice decision-making and strategic thinking in a safe and supportive environment.
Here are 8 essential leadership skills for becoming a great manager!
2. Confidence Building: Training initiatives can incorporate activities to boost confidence and self-esteem among women leaders. For instance, leadership retreats or seminars may include inspirational talks from successful female leaders who share their experiences and strategies for overcoming self-doubt. Additionally, peer coaching or mentoring circles can provide women with a supportive network of peers who offer encouragement and constructive feedback to build confidence.
3. Networking and Mentorship: Leadership program for women can facilitate networking opportunities and mentorship relationships essential for women’s career advancement. For example, leadership development workshops may include networking sessions where participants can connect with industry leaders and potential mentors. Formal mentorship programs can pair aspiring women leaders with senior executives who provide guidance, support, and advocacy for their career development.
4. Personalized Development Plans: Training initiatives can offer personalized coaching and development plans tailored to women leaders’ individual needs and goals. For instance, women may undergo assessments or self-reflection exercises to identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and career aspirations. These insights allow coaches to create customized leadership development program for women focusing on targeted skill-building activities, career-planning strategies, and personal growth opportunities.
Making leadership development program for women Accessible
1. Flexible Delivery Methods: Leadership program for women can leverage technology to offer flexible delivery methods that accommodate women’s diverse needs and preferences. For example, virtual coaching platforms or mobile apps can provide on-demand access to coaching resources, self-paced learning modules, and virtual coaching sessions. These flexible options empower women to engage in coaching activities at their convenience, regardless of location or schedule constraints.
2. Financial Support: Organizations can offer financial support or scholarships to make leadership coaching more affordable and accessible to women from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, companies may allocate budgetary resources for coaching stipends or reimbursement programs for women leaders. Alternatively, organizations can partner with external sponsors or philanthropic organizations to fund coaching scholarships for women in need.
3. Diverse and Inclusive Coaching Teams: Leadership program for women should prioritize diversity and inclusion by ensuring that coaching teams reflect women leaders’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. For example, coaching programs may intentionally recruit coaches from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds who can relate to the unique challenges women from different identities face. Additionally, coaches with expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion can provide valuable insights and support for women navigating systemic barriers in their leadership journey.
4. Targeted Outreach and Promotion: Organizations can engage in targeted outreach and promotion efforts to raise awareness of coaching opportunities and encourage women to participate. For instance, companies may host informational webinars or networking events specifically tailored to women leaders to showcase the benefits of women leadership coaching and provide insights into the coaching process. Additionally, organizations can collaborate with women’s leadership organizations, professional associations, and alumni networks to promote coaching programs and facilitate referrals for interested participants.
To conclude
In conclusion, addressing the gender bias in leadership requires a multifaceted approach encompassing training, coaching, and systemic change. By recognizing and addressing the barriers that hinder women’s advancement in leadership roles, organizations can create more inclusive and equitable environments where women can thrive and reach their full potential. Leadership program for women equip them with the skills, confidence, and support networks necessary to overcome obstacles and succeed as leaders.
Additionally, making women leadership coaching accessible to diverse backgrounds ensures that all women can access valuable resources and support for their leadership development. By investing in leadership development program for women and fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity, organizations can drive meaningful change and unlock the untapped potential of women leaders. Together, we can build a future where leadership is truly gender balanced.
Aastha, a passionate industrial psychologist, writer, and counselor, brings her unique expertise to Risely. With specialized knowledge in industrial psychology, Aastha offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional development. Her broad experience as an industrial psychologist enables her to accurately understand and solve problems for managers and leaders with an empathetic approach.
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5 Impactful Leadership Coaching Styles For Your Team
Have you ever wondered what sets great leaders apart from the rest? It’s about more than just authority or expertise but their ability to effectively coach and develop their teams. Imagine you’re working on a project, feeling lost in the woods, when your manager steps in not to dictate but to guide you, nudging you towards clarity and success. That’s the magic of leadership coaching in action.
Think about it – leadership isn’t just about being at the helm but empowering others to navigate stormy seas confidently. And that’s where coaching comes in. As a Learning and Development (L&D) manager, you’re not just a bearer of knowledge but a cultivator of talent and a beacon of support. Today, we will discuss the fascinating world of leadership coaching styles.
You’ve got a team buzzing with energy, but they need a clear path forward. That’s where the Directive style shines. It’s like being a compass in a storm, providing clarity and direction when required. So, what exactly is the Directive Coaching Style? It’s all about giving precise instructions and guidance and steering your team toward success. Think of it as laying down stepping stones for your team to follow. For instance, imagine you’re launching a new project, and your team needs a roadmap. You step in, outline the goals, and chart the course. That’s directive coaching in action, providing a clear framework for progress.
Characteristics of Directive Coaching Style
The Directive Coaching Style carries several distinct characteristics that set it apart:
Clarity: Above all, this style emphasizes clear and explicit guidance. It’s about leaving no room for ambiguity. When you employ the Directive approach, you provide precise instructions and expectations, leaving little doubt about what needs to be done.
Structured Approach: The Directive style often follows a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making. There’s a systematic nature to how tasks are assigned, deadlines are set, and progress is monitored. It’s like having a roadmap that everyone can follow.
Results Orientation: At its core, the Directive Coaching Style is focused on results. It’s about achieving goals efficiently and effectively. Leaders using this style keep their eyes on the prize, driving their team toward success with unwavering determination.
Examples of Directive Coaching Style
Providing Clear Instructions and Guidance: Imagine you’re leading a team tasked with launching a new product. As the L&D manager, you employ the Directive Coaching Style to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. You provide clear instructions on the project timeline, deliverables, and quality standards. By laying out a structured plan and detailing expectations, you empower your team to work efficiently and effectively toward achieving the project goals.
Urgent Situations or Crisis Management: A sudden disruption in the supply chain that threatens to derail your production schedule. In such urgent situations, as the L&D leader, you step in decisively, providing clear directives to address the crisis. You mobilize the team, assign specific tasks, coordinate efforts to minimize the impact and find solutions swiftly.
In both scenarios, the Directive Coaching Style provides clarity, direction, and prompt action, ultimately facilitating successful outcomes in facing challenges and uncertainty.
The Collaborative Coaching Style
The Collaborative Coaching Style is characterized by inclusivity, mutual respect, and active participation among team members. In this approach, the coach is a facilitator rather than a sole decision-maker, fostering an environment where ideas are shared and consensus is reached through collaboration.
Characteristics of Collaborative Coaching Style
Open Communication: Team members are encouraged to express their thoughts, opinions, and concerns freely. The coach facilitates open dialogue, creating a safe space for honest communication and feedback.
Shared Decision-Making: Decisions are made collectively, with input from all team members. The coach values diverse perspectives and seeks consensus to ensure everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Trust and Respect: Trust forms the foundation of the collaborative relationship between the coach and team members. A mutual respect for each other’s expertise, contributions, and perspectives fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
Examples of Collaborative Coaching Style
Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration: Consider a virtual team spread across different locations. You create opportunities for asynchronous collaboration through collaborative tools and platforms, allowing team members to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects regardless of geographical constraints. You cultivate a culture of inclusivity and teamwork by leveraging technology to foster collaboration.
Encouraging Employee Involvement in Decision-Making Processes: Imagine your organization is undergoing a strategic planning process. As the L&D leader, you leverage the Collaborative Coaching Style to promote employee involvement in decision-making processes. You conduct focus groups, surveys, and brainstorming sessions to gather input from employees at all levels of the organization. Involving employees in the decision-making process fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the organization’s goals, leading to more significant alignment and buy-in.
The Collaborative Coaching Style promotes teamwork, inclusivity, and shared decision-making, resulting in a more engaged and empowered workforce capable of achieving collective goals and driving organizational success.
The Facilitative Coaching Style
The Facilitative Coaching revolves around guiding individuals or teams through self-discovery, problem-solving, and personal growth. Rather than providing direct solutions, the facilitative coach empowers others to explore their capabilities, develop critical thinking skills, and take ownership of their actions.
Characteristics of Facilitative Coaching Style
Active Listening: The facilitative coach listens attentively to understand individuals’ or teams’ perspectives, concerns, and aspirations. Through active listening, the coach builds rapport, fosters trust, and creates a supportive environment for exploration and learning.
Questioning and Reflection: Instead of offering immediate answers, the facilitative coach poses thought-provoking questions to stimulate reflection and critical thinking. By encouraging individuals to explore different perspectives and possibilities, the coach facilitates deeper insights and enhances problem-solving skills.
Empowerment and Autonomy: The facilitative coach empowers individuals to make decisions, take calculated risks, and learn from their experiences. By providing autonomy and support, the coach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, motivating individuals to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
Examplesof Facilitative Coaching Style
Supporting Employees in Problem-Solving: When a team encounters a complex technical issue that requires innovative solutions. As the L&D manager, you guide the team through a structured problem-solving process, employing the Facilitative Coaching. You encourage brainstorming sessions, facilitate discussions, and ask probing questions to help team members identify root causes, explore alternative approaches, and develop creative solutions collaboratively. By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, you enable the team to address challenges effectively and enhance their problem-solving capabilities in the long run.
Empowering Employees to Take Ownership of Their Development: As an L&D leader, you engage employees in reflective conversations about their achievements, challenges, and career aspirations during performance review discussions. By encouraging self-assessment, soliciting feedback from peers and stakeholders, and offering developmental opportunities tailored to individual needs, you foster a learning, accountability, and empowerment culture where employees feel motivated to pursue excellence and contribute to organizational success.
The Facilitative Coaching promotes self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth, enabling individuals and teams to unlock their full potential and thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.
The Transformational Coaching Style
The Transformational Coaching Style revolves around inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by fostering a shared vision, encouraging innovation, and promoting personal and professional growth.
Characteristics of Transformational Coaching Style
Visionary Leadership: Transformational coaches articulate a compelling vision of the future that resonates with individuals’ values and aspirations. They inspire others to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and pursue ambitious goals with passion and purpose.
Empowerment and Trust: Transformational coaches empower individuals to take ownership of their roles, responsibilities, and career development. They cultivate a culture of trust, autonomy, and accountability, enabling individuals to explore new ideas and experiment with different approaches.
Authenticity and Empathy: Transformational coaches lead with authenticity, integrity, and empathy, building meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and support. They actively listen to individuals’ concerns, celebrate their achievements, and provide constructive feedback to facilitate growth and development.
Examples of Transformational Coaching Style
Inspiring and Motivating Employees Towards a Shared Vision: Consider a scenario where an organization embarks on a strategic initiative to expand into new markets and drive innovation. As the L&D manager adopting the Transformational Style, you inspire and motivate employees to embrace the organization’s vision, values, and strategic priorities. Through storytelling, vision casting, and inclusive communication, you paint a vivid picture of the future, highlighting the initiative’s opportunities, challenges, and collective impact.
Promoting Personal and Professional Growth Through Mentorship: Employees who aspire to advance their careers and develop organizational leadership skills. As the L&D leader, you serve as a mentor and guide, offering personalized support, guidance, and encouragement to help employees achieve their goals. You provide constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and developmental opportunities tailored to the employee’s aspirations and growth areas. You can nurture a culture of mentorship and learning where individuals feel empowered to seek guidance, take risks, and explore new opportunities for growth and development.
The Transformational Coaching Style inspires, empowers, and uplifts individuals to reach their full potential, pursue their passions, and positively impact their organizations.
The Non-Directive Coaching Style is characterized by a facilitative approach that empowers individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and solutions through self-discovery and reflection. The non-directive coach adopts a more hands-off approach, allowing individuals to lead the coaching process.
Characteristics of Non-Directive Coaching Style
Questioning and Exploration: Rather than offering immediate solutions or advice, the non-directive coach asks thought-provoking questions to stimulate critical thinking, self-awareness, and exploration. The coach encourages individuals to delve deeper into their values, beliefs, and motivations through open-ended inquiries.
Empowerment and Autonomy: The non-directive coach empowers individuals to take ownership of their personal and professional development journey. By fostering autonomy and self-reliance, the coach instills confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency in individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Reflection and Growth: The non-directive coaching process encourages individuals to self-reflect, introspection, and continuous learning. By exploring past experiences, identifying patterns, and envisioning future possibilities, individuals gain valuable insights, clarity, and direction for growth.
Examples of Non-Directive Coaching Style
Encouraging Self-Discovery and Reflection: Imagine an employee struggling to navigate career transitions, define their professional goals, and overcome self-doubt. As the L&D manager practicing the Non-Directive Coaching, you create a supportive coaching environment that encourages self-discovery and reflection. You help employees explore their passions and values through empathetic listening and powerful questioning, uncovering hidden talents and untapped potential. You guide the employee in identifying their aspirations, setting meaningful goals, and developing actionable plans for growth and development.
Nurturing Creativity and Innovation Within the Team: A team facing creative blocks, brainstorming fatigue, and a lack of inspiration. As the L&D leader, you facilitate creative coaching sessions that ignite the imagination, stimulate curiosity, and unlock innovation. You encourage team members to explore diverse perspectives, challenge conventional thinking, and embrace experimentation. Through open-ended questions and creative exercises, you inspire individuals to tap into their creativity, explore new possibilities, and generate breakthrough ideas.
The Non-Directive Coaching Style promotes self-discovery, creativity, and innovation by empowering individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and solutions through reflective inquiry and open dialogue.
Wrapping Up
This blog explored five leadership coaching styles; each style offers unique approaches to leadership development, ranging from providing clear guidance to fostering self-discovery and innovation within teams. Understanding the diversity of leadership coaching styles is crucial for effective development. It enables leaders to adapt their coaching approach to different situations, personalities, and organizational needs. L&D managers should explore and adopt suitable coaching styles that align with your team dynamics, goals, and values.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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Redefining Leadership: Uday Parmar’s Blueprint for Success
Becoming a new manager is an exciting milestone in every professional’s career. With new responsibilities and expectations on their shoulders, you must have heard them saying I will not be the stereotypical manager you have seen. No micromanaging, no bossing team members; I will be the cool boss the team can come to.
But do you know, according to research conducted by CEB, 60% of all new managers fail within the first 24 months. And the main reason behind it is lack of training. Under work pressure and stress to prove themselves, they end up giving out orders and stop empathizing with the team. Unknowingly, they become the stereotypical manager they always dreaded.
Take a moment to reflect on the managers you’ve encountered throughout your career. If you are lucky, there must be one who stands out in your memory – a manager who left a mark on your career. What traits set them apart from these stereotypical managers? They must be those who understand that with great power comes great responsibility. Leadership is not about standing tall but bending down, rolling up your sleeves, and working twice as hard as everyone else.
Today, we will explore the managerial journey of a leader with a similar approach, Uday Parmar, co-founder of Lilypad, an e-commerce platform for electric vehicles. Despite his extensive global travel and studies, Uday remains humble. He thinks that taking on leadership roles has made him even more grounded. He has 20+ years of experience in international sales and business development. Apart from this, he finds joy in mentoring people, hitting the gym, and spending time with his furry friend.
Ready to be inspired, challenged, and a little humbled as a leader? Uday’s story might give a friendly nudge to those managers who once aimed to be great leaders but might have lost their way.
Humility and Teamwork: Uday Parmar’s Formula for a Thriving Team
Uday Parmar has 15+ years of experience managing teams in traditional job roles and in the startups he founded. Like most new managers, he didn’t have formal training and felt unprepared for the challenges. However, what set him apart was his desire to improve himself continuously. Uday approached his managerial role with an open mind, eager to learn and acquire new skills from everyone around him, regardless of their position or years of experience. This commitment to constant growth and learning played a crucial role in shaping Uday into the adaptive leader he is today.
I was terribly unprepared for it – and have learned, unlearned, and re-learned multiple times over these years.
Uday Parmar
In his initial days as a manager, Uday faced a challenge, which helped him understand that this managerial journey will never be linear and that he will have to reinvent himself based on the situations and team members. Looking back, he recalled one situation wherein one of his high-performing team members disagreed with Uday’s approach to the campaign. Rather than forcing his view on the team member, Uday took an unconventional route to find common ground. He split the team into two groups, each running a different campaign style – one aligned with Uday’s strategy and the other following the team member’s approach.
At the end of the 4-week campaign trial, Uday was surprised by the outcome: his strategy, combined with trust in his team members, resulted in fewer meetings than the alternative gung-ho phone-based approach.
I was amazed to learn that my well-thought-out and time-tested methodology resulted in limited success. It taught me a valuable lesson, for sure.
Uday Parmar
This experience left a lasting impact, shaping two key learnings that became the foundation of his leadership style. First, managers should never have the know-it-all attitude, and second, managers can also learn from their team members, not just the other way around. This incident taught him the importance of humility and that even though you’re a manager, you don’t always have to have all the answers. Learning from others, especially those in your team who might have valuable insights, is necessary.
Uday Parmar’s Approach to Managerial Challenges
Despite Uday’s years of experience, he still faces challenges as a manager. He has shared two of his most common challenges that many fellow managers would relate to.
Firstly, getting the entire team to progress and move along smoothly toward a common goal, and secondly, helping teams spend time on what they have as priorities, as opposed to company priorities.
Uday acknowledges that getting everyone on the same page and ensuring cohesive progress is not a walk in the park. That’s why his leadership style thrives on giving everyone a voice. He believes that when every team member has a say, there is a greater sense of ownership and commitment. By fostering an environment where everyone’s input is valued, Uday found that teams become self-motivated, adding value and working independently towards shared objectives.
I am a believer in ‘What gets measured gets done.’
Uday Parmar
He has also shared a simple yet powerful philosophy. He emphasizes regular measurement and reporting to stay focused and unbiased. He believes many team management problems get solved if one knows what to measure, how to measure, and how to report. He emphasizes. This approach addresses challenges and fosters a proactive environment driven by clear goals and accountability.
Uday’s strategic approach to measurement and reporting is not just a solution but a dynamic process fostering continuous improvement. By implementing these practices, managers can navigate the challenge of aligning team focus with priorities, promoting a culture of transparency and data-driven decision-making within their teams.
Drawing Wisdom from Colleagues and Experiences
Uday’s leadership learning extends beyond his own experiences; he picked a few things through observation and a few from colleagues. While working as a director at EY, he encountered the challenge of the dearth of quality content because of an inexperienced team. Rather than waiting for solutions from the content team, Uday sought advice from Harsha, Head of Forensic Technology at EY India.
Harsha taught me a valuable lesson DIY(Do it yourself).
Uday Parmar
Harsha provided a simple yet powerful solution to the problem: “Why do we need to wait for others when we can do it ourselves.” Reflecting on this, Uday shared that day he learned there are times when managers have to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. He understood the invaluable lesson of leading by example. This hands-on approach sets him apart as a boss who practices what he preaches, emphasizing the importance of taking the initiative.
I observed that not communicating the challenges team members were going through created a wall between managers and their teams.
Uday Parmar
To ensure there’s no communication gap between him and his team. Uday actively takes steps to dismantle the barriers. How does he do it? Through a combination of an open-door policy and candid self-disclosure.
Firstly, he promotes an open-door policy. He encourages the team to discuss challenges, share ideas, and solve problems openly. This policy acts as a bridge, creating a culture where communication flows freely in both directions, eliminating awkwardness.
Secondly, Uday breaks away from traditional leadership by openly embracing vulnerability, sharing his weaknesses, shortcomings, and areas where he may lack understanding. This honesty isn’t a weakness but a demonstration of Uday’s authenticity as a leader. It establishes a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing and building trust and mutual understanding.
Uday Parmar’s Tips for Effective Leadership
For aspiring managers, Uday offers three golden tips:
Be Yourself: Uday suggests new managers not to pretend to be someone they are not, just for the effect. According to him, authenticity is magnetic and helps build real connections. When managers are genuine, they attract trust, inspire others, and foster long-term relationships within the team.
Empower Your Team: New managers often feel the need to prove themselves by handling everything on their own. However, Uday advises against this approach. Instead, he encourages managers to share responsibilities and delegate tasks. When team members are given opportunities and responsibilities, they can showcase their capabilities and untapped potential. By empowering team members, Uday believes that new managers can build a stronger, more capable team and create a workplace where each member feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
Embrace Your Ignorance: The third and most important tip is acknowledging that nobody knows everything. Admitting something you are unaware of without shame creates an open and transparent environment. Uday advises new managers to learn from their team and mentors and even from mistakes. Embracing your lack of knowledge encourages continuous learning and improvement for you and your team.
How Can Risely Help?
Uday Parmar has developed their leadership style by working as an leader in different companies and developing his own startup, an opportunity only some aspiring managers may have. But here’s the thing: we miss out on the nitty gritty and don’t always have the support to overcome similar challenges. That’s where Risely steps in as a solution. Risely is an AI buddy for managers, offering the guidance that every manager needs to unleash their true potential. With tailored steps and insights, Risely empowers you to solve challenges in simple steps:
Identify your challenges: The journey begins when a manager starts by defining their challenges. From 50+ challenges, managers and team leaders can identify the issues hurting their team.
Test your skills: In the second step, skills and qualities, such as expectation setting and prioritization skills, are tested with the help of leadership skill assessments to see how well you have achieved these critical functions. These assessments help us create detailed reports for skills and abilities.
Start growing: Now comes the good part: where your progress becomes Risely’s agenda. Managers can start making progress with the help of daily nudges, toolkits, and the interactive AI coach – Merlin, who is there for you through thick or thin, whether day or night.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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HR Trends 2024: Paving the Way for Workplace Innovation
Have you ever had someone think your job as an HR Leader is a breeze? We bet you’ve chuckled at the misconception. Because, let’s be honest, as an HR professional, you know the ins and outs of the role, and it is anything but easy. The business world keeps evolving, and you’re right at the forefront, adapting swiftly to the changes.
As we leap into 2024, your responsibilities as an HR are set to get even more exciting and challenging. Strategic plans, talent management, and employee wellbeing are top priorities for HR teams in 2024. After chatting with HR leaders and following trends, we’ve gathered insights on 5 HR trends for 2024. These trends aren’t just about staying ahead; they’re your guide to making the right calls for your organization. Ready to stay ahead of the curve? Let’s dive in!
Last year proved to be a turning point for HR Leaders, navigating uncharted territories shaped by the ripples of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with unprecedented challenges, HR leaders found themselves at a crossroads, prompting a reassessment of traditional workplace norms. What was once a distant echo—conversations around flexibility, work-life balance, and mental health—resonated loudly in the organizational policies.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence sparked debates, yet HR professionals soon realized its indispensable role. AI emerged not as a threat but as a valuable ally, liberating HR teams from mundane tasks and allowing them to channel their efforts into strategic talent management. As we stride into a new year, the trend forecast indicates a readiness among organizations to embrace necessary changes. Companies that initially viewed these transformations with skepticism are now earnestly adapting to the evolving changes. These trends from 2023 set the stage for the future of HR and provide valuable insights into what to expect in 2024.
Top5 HR Trends 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, several emerging trends are expected to shape the future of HR and redefine the HR landscape. You need to prepare for the following HR trends for 2024:
Trend 1: Harnessing the Power of AI in HR
A survey done by Gartner showed that a staggering 76% of HR leaders express concerns that their organizations might lag if they don’t adopt AI solutions in the next 12 to 24 months. This emphasizes the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential in reshaping job roles and responsibilities within HR departments.
As AI advances, HR professionals must adapt to this evolving changes. The adoption of AI holds the promise of streamlining various HR processes, including recruitment, personal development, workforce planning, and administrative tasks. It’s not just a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic move that can redefine efficiency and effectiveness in HR operations.
According to Nutan Mishra, an HR generalist at Papermedia, “HR Leaders need to be tech-savvy and acquire the necessary skills to leverage artificial intelligence to carry out their responsibilities effectively.” By integrating AI into HR practices, you can enhance decision-making, improve candidate experiences, and focus on strategic aspects of human resource management. Integration is a transformative force that HR leaders can harness to lead their teams into a more efficient and impactful future.
Trend 2: The Rising Importance of DEI Initiatives
In 2024, organizations will emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for a more inclusive workplace. A Gartner report shows that 44% of employees feel their organization’s DEI efforts alienate their colleagues. 42% say their peers view their organization’s DEI efforts as divisive and resent DEI efforts. To bridge these gaps, HR leaders can spearhead DEI goals and strategies. You can start by developing comprehensive initiatives, like diverse recruitment and implicit bias training.
Additionally, creating opportunities for diverse career advancement through mentoring programs and inclusive talent management practices is crucial. Prioritizing DEI attracts top talent, boosts employee engagement, and fosters innovation. It’s essential in creating a workplace where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Trend 3: The Pay Transparency Imperative
The call for pay transparency is not just a preference; it’s a fundamental shift in employee expectations. In the modern workplace, employees seek openness and fairness in compensation. Transparent pay practices contribute to a positive work culture, fostering trust and enhancing employee engagement. Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report highlights a significant employee concern pay related issues. A notable 28% of respondents desired changes in pay structures, including more prompt payments and recognition aligned with their roles.
As an HR leader, you should take this seriously because today, top talent values transparency, and organizations that embrace pay transparency are more likely to attract and retain skilled professionals. It aligns with the values of a new generation of workers who prioritize fairness and equity.
Trend 4: Unlocking Hidden Talent in 2024
In 2024, HR Leaders will witness a paradigm shift in talent acquisition strategies, focusing on tapping into hidden talent pools. Hidden talent refers to individuals who are not actively job-seeking but possess valuable skills and experiences. By tapping into hidden talent, HR leaders can diversify their talent sources, bringing unique perspectives and capabilities. Also, hidden talents often possess specialized skills that might be challenging to find through conventional recruitment methods. Proactively reaching out to these individuals will allow organizations to address specific skill gaps more effectively.
You can reach these hidden talents by leveraging AI-driven tools and platforms to identify them within networks. HR teams can also establish talent communities or networks where individuals can connect with the organization. Tapping into hidden talent is not just about expanding the talent pool; it’s about embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and strategically addressing digital skill gaps.
Trend 5: Promoting Sustainability in the Workplace
In 2024, HR professionals will take center stage in championing sustainability within organizations. The growing emphasis on eco-conscious practices requires HR departments to lead the charge in reducing carbon footprints and fostering a workplace culture grounded in environmental responsibility. Key focus areas include promoting eco-friendly habits among employees, integrating green procurement practices, and advocating for remote work to curb commuting-related carbon emissions. To achieve these goals, you must engage in employee education campaigns, collaborate closely with procurement teams to identify sustainable suppliers, and champion policies encouraging remote work and alternative transportation.
How Can HR Leaders Stay Ahead of the Game in 2024?
Focus on Strategic HR Initiatives: HR leaders should prioritize strategic initiatives, such as workforce planning, talent development, employee experience, and organizational culture, to drive business outcomes.
Develop Business Acumen: HR leaders must understand business strategy, financial metrics, and industry trends. Developing business acumen allows HR leaders to align HR strategies with organizational goals, drive decision-making, and demonstrate the value of HR initiatives.
Embrace Technology and Data Analytics: HR leaders should stay informed about emerging HR technologies, AI, and predictive analytics to leverage data-driven insights, streamline operations, and improve talent management strategies.
Foster a Culture of Innovation and Agility: Encouraging innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement within HR departments creates an environment of agility necessary to adapt to changing business needs.
Wrapping Up
2024 is set to be a transformative year for HR. As we move towards a future driven by technology and data, HR professionals must stay ahead of the curve and embrace these emerging HR trends in 2024. The HR landscape is evolving rapidly from the rise of inclusive cultures to embracing AI and prioritizing employee wellbeing. As HR leaders, you are responsible for adapting and navigating these changes, ensuring your organizations thrive in this new era. By staying informed, being proactive, and fostering a human-centric leadership approach, you can shape the future of HR in a way that empowers both employees and organizations.
Suprabha, a versatile professional who blends expertise in human resources and psychology, bridges the divide between people management and personal growth with her novel perspectives at Risely. Her experience as a human resource professional has empowered her to visualize practical solutions for frequent managerial challenges that form the pivot of her writings.
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In the Manager’s Chair: Vivek Singh’s Take on Leadership
Have you ever found yourself viewing your career as a plan or a checklist of actions that you’ve seen others do and be successful ? You did these five things, so you succeeded; you didn’t do those other things, so you failed. It’s a belief many of us carry or carried in our lives, including Vivek Singh, a seasoned leader at the top of his game. At some point, he believed that his specific actions probably led him to where he is today.
However, with time, Vivek’s outlook towards success changed, and he realized that success is never linear and is not about executing a set of predetermined actions or plans, but rather is about having the resilience to navigate the unpredictable twists and turns and fostering personal growth along the way.
Many experienced professionals would agree with Vivek’s opinion that understanding and navigating success is complex. He drew significant inspiration for his views on success from Nassim Taleb’s book “Fooled by Randomness” which sheds light on the role of luck, uncertainty, human error, risk, and decision-making in shaping our actions that lead to success or failure.
So, let’s properly meet Vivek Singh, a management consulting leader with over 14 years of global business and management experience. He leads the supply chain and sustainability transformation services portfolio at Accenture, UK and Ireland. Beyond his business leadership role, Vivek plays a crucial part in shaping the leaders of tomorrow in his organization. As a leader overseeing other leaders, he actively helps them navigate the complexities that arise in the context of their roles, offering insights about potential challenges and relevant guidance to overcome them.
Outside the boardroom, Vivek is a tennis enthusiast and keen world affairs reader, who also enjoys exploring how the human mind works and influences behavior in various settings.
As we delve into Vivek’s managerial journey, we’ll uncover the meaning of success and gain insights into his views on today’s managers and leaders—identifying their hurdles and exploring the ways they can adapt to the ever-evolving professional world.
Stepping into Leadership: Vivek Singh’s Journey from Individual Contributor to Manager
“I got into the managerial role about nine years back. Getting into this role was a part of the natural progression process at my organization, when one consistently delivers great client projects and business results for one’s organization and team.”
Vivek Singh
Like many professionals, Vivek’s moving into a managerial role was a gradual career progression. From the get-go in his career, Vivek wasn’t just clocking in; he was working hard to make a difference with his work ethic, eagerness to do more, discipline to do things well, and desire to make a real impact in whatever he was assigned.
Instead of sticking to the job roles and responsibilities, he actively took on duties and projects others brushed aside as not-so-exciting. His dedication and ownership were noticed early on, making him stand out as a genuine asset to the team and organization. Vivek’s transition from a diligent individual contributor to a managerial role tells us that success favors those who are proactive, take on new side-of-the desk work, and show up everyday at work to fully embrace its challenges.
“Having a manager role title and being able to perform that role are pretty different things.”
Vivek Singh
In the initial stages of Vivek’s career, by chance and for being well regarded for his work, he got the rare opportunity to lead a small project, wherein he gained insights into the responsibilities of being a team leader. Despite lacking formal training or an official title of a manager, Vivek worked doubly hard to deliver the project on time and with the deliverables that were asked for, giving his bosses a slight sense of his innate leadership traits.
But when he officially stepped into the managerial role, he actually understood the gravitas and demanding nature of the role. In retrospect, Vivek shared that he was probably well trained and experienced to lead small to moderate sized projects with limited complexity and ambiguity. But was not prepared to lead relatively larger and more complicated projects that required dealing with vague information and not-so-easy-to-manage stakeholder groups. He tackledthis challenge by taking the initiative to shadow senior leaders on such large projects, and also observing and seeking guidance from his seniors, thus learning the difficult art and science of driving results in difficult environments, and being able to transform hurdles into stepping stones in his career journey.
Navigating Leadership: Vivek’s Lessons from Managers
Vivek gained invaluable insights from his senior leaders by observing them during client interactions with high-profile business leaders and individuals, the kinds we see featured on Forbes and Fortune magazine lists. These experiences helped him learn the nuances of effective communication, the knack for adaptability in dynamic situations, and the importance of being well-versed in the issues at hand by anticipating potential conversation patterns.
“I was proactive and well engaged in my business, so I got the opportunity to be with my bosses, which helped me pick up the right skills and mannerisms for engaging in a dynamic and challenging professional setup.”
Vivek Singh
The significant learning Vivek grasped through these interactions was the ability to steer conversations towards more favorable scenarios, and driving the solution narratives in a way that genuinely engaged the client. In Vivek’s view, in these business setups, it’s not merely about talking of interesting points; it’s largely about confidently leading the discussion with compelling data, facts, and logical business deductions.
“If I can’t simplify my conversations with my team or clients to a level where I can easily explain them to a teenager, then I consider it a conversation that needs improvement.”
Vivek Singh
Consider these two statements about optimizing cost of operations:
The first, “Utilizing cutting-edge technological accelerators and compelling process synergies, we aim to optimize the costs through a multifaceted approach, leveraging different lean sigma methodologies.”
And then, “We plan to improve the cost situation by using a market leading AI enabled planning tool and smart sourcing benchmarking strategies within direct materials.”
The first statement sounded impressive, but the second statement likely resonated more with you, right? This realization struck Vivek early on during his experiences in client discussions. Some of his seniors and colleagues tended to use excessive jargon and verbosity to make their points, much like in the first statement.
Vivek realized that, in communication, less is often more. Bombarding conversations with unnecessary jargon only complicates things. Recognizing the true value of clear and well articulated communications, Vivek tries to simplify and make his discussions more objective with everyone involved. He advises new managers to embrace simplicity in their communication for effective leadership.
On the Managerial Frontline: Vivek’s Take on Managers’ Struggles
In his professional journey, Vivek has gotten the opportunity to mentor and work closely with many fresh minds stepping into leadership roles. After spending time with these budding leaders, he’s identified recurring challenges that today’s leaders commonly face. What are these challenges that managers struggle with under his guidance? Let’s unravel these obstacles and explore the potential solutions Vivek suggests.
Imagine you have a new manager who was recently promoted and is eager to make an impact. But, they find themselves lost while dealing with diverse personalities and challenging situations. Unsure how to navigate these complexities, they lean on to micromanage their team members, thinking it’s the only way to maintain control and ensure tasks are done correctly.
In this scenario, the manager’s inclination toward micromanagement stems from a common struggle — the uncertainty of dealing with challenging situations. It’s a scenario many of us can relate to, where the fear of things going awry leads to an instinctive need for constant oversight.
“Managers should refrain from controlling their team members.”
Vivek Singh
In tricky situations like these, Vivek suggests new managers to resist the temptation of micromanagement. Instead, he suggests focusing on cultivating effective communication skills. According to Vivek, managers should communicate expectations and outcomes, ensure alignment within the team, and hold team members accountable for their understanding and delivery.
This strategic approach establishes an outcome-driven environment and empowers individuals to fulfill their responsibilities more independently. Vivek’s insight provides a valuable alternative to the pitfalls of micromanagement, fostering efficiency and autonomy within the team.
Vivek follows and promotes a purposive leadership style. He defines this approach to leadership as one that is specific to the context and purpose it seeks to achieve. His leadership approach also aligns with the Contingency Theory of Leadership, particularly Fiedler’s, which acknowledges that no universal leadership strategy applies to all situations. He encourages managers to adopt a purposive style if it aligns with their goals and the unique needs of their teams. He believes this slight change in the approach enables managers to tailor their strategies, ensuring effectiveness across different scenarios.
Vivek also shared that it is common for many new managers to start controlling their teams and develop a sense of superiority because of the newfound authority.
“New managers should let go of ego and implicit arrogance.”
Vivek Singh
Vivek emphasizes that humility and acting with responsibility are pivotal in a manager’s role. Individuals in leadership positions are often looked up to and relied upon. According to him, succumbing to ego, displaying arrogance, or getting involved in office politics is detrimental to effective leadership, hindering the creation of a positive, results-driven and collaborative work environment.
Moreover, he believes maintaining a delicate equilibrium between firmness and approachability or flexibility is crucial. Striking this balance ensures that you, as a manager, are neither perceived as weak nor overly authoritative, fostering a work environment conducive to collaboration and growth.
Mid-level managers often grapple with another common challenge—sourcing the right resources and expertise to carry out their responsibilities effectively. In the dynamic landscape of managerial roles, they frequently encounter situations where the available resources either fall short of or are inadequate for the diverse demands posed by their projects.
“Managers are struggling with suitable resources to do a particular task.”
Vivek Singh
According to him, it goes beyond merely obtaining resources; it’s about curating the perfect blend of foresight, vision, tools, time, funds and, most crucially, assembling the right team to tackle the job at hand.
Suppose a manager is gearing up to execute a project but is faced with the challenge of not having all the necessary skills to do the job. In Vivek’s view, managers should see this as an opportunity instead of a roadblock. They should proactively identify the gaps and organize upskilling sessions for the team. Managers should encourage each team member to align their personal development goals with the project’s needs.
In his view, this strategic approach enhances the team’s overall capabilities and creates a win-win scenario. Vivek says this strategic approach ensures a smooth and effective path to progress, transforming the scarcity of resources into an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. By recognizing and leveraging the untapped and unique skills within the team, managers can also find alternative ways to navigate the constraints and propel toward delivery success.
“If managers cannot think through and build a vision, then success can be a struggle.”
Vivek Singh
Another challenge that managers deal with is the development of advanced clarity and vision. In a world of complexities, forming a clear and compelling vision for a business matter or project isn’t always a walk in the park. Vivek suggests that addressing this challenge requires breaking down complex visions into actionable steps, ensuring each team member understands their role and contribution. By fostering a shared vision, managers enhance the likelihood of success.
He believes that having the right resources and a clear vision are interlinked. It’s similar to having the necessary tools and a plan to make your work easier. In the workplace, managing resources well and having a clear vision are like two sides of the same coin. Vivek advises mid-level managers to understand how these aspects work together to lead a team effectively.
“The energy emitted when one is authentic and genuine surpasses that of human love tenfold.”
Vivek Singh
Senior managers often struggle to stay authentic in their leadership roles. This challenge is not unique to leaders; we all face moments where staying true to ourselves amidst professional responsibilities can be demanding. However, according to Vivek, projecting an honest and real image is crucial. This authenticity has a powerful impact on team dynamics, fostering trust and collaboration. When senior managers consistently portray their true selves, it shapes a team that aligns better with the organization’s goals. This genuine approach creates a positive and productive work environment where authenticity catalyzes success.
Vivek’s Tips for Aspiring Managers
Vivek, a mentor to many, has some simple but effective tips for managers that he learned through his journey while interacting with the world’s top leaders. He believes a manager’s success is not just about being good at the job but also about having a team that trusts them and shares the same vision.
“Being a lone wolf in business does not work.”
Vivek Singh
Vivek emphasizes that authentic leadership is about working together and building trust. He says managers who try to make it alone don’t succeed. Vivek’s most important tip for upcoming leaders and managers is prioritizing long-term relationships for success. He believes sustained success is built on valuing team members and avoiding distractions like ego and arrogance.
“Valuing and investing long-term relationships takes you a long way in a leadership role.”
Vivek Singh
Instead of viewing their position as absolute power, he advises managers to consider it a responsibility. Vivek encourages managers to let go of personal agendas, opting for authentic and caring relationships with their team members. This, he believes, is the path to enduring success in leadership.
“All your successes and failures don’t define you. They are transient.”
Vivek Singh
Vivek believes managers shouldn’t take everyday successes and failures too seriously. According to him, these moments are temporary and don’t define one’s overall success and effort. Instead, he encourages future managers to focus on constant learning, adaptability, and maintaining consistent effort in their work. Success is a continuous journey marked by growth and dedication rather than being solely determined by individual victories or setbacks.
How can Risely help you?
Vivek Singh has honed his leadership style by observing the world’s top leaders, an opportunity not every aspiring manager may have. As he wisely puts it, making mistakes is part of the journey, but the crucial aspect is learning and growing from them.
Recognizing managers’ unique challenges, Risely steps in as a solution. Risely is a platform for managers, offering the guidance and support needed to navigate their leadership journeys. With tailored steps and insights, Risely assists managers in refining their approaches and unlocking their true potential.
Here’s how Risely solves challenges for today’s managers and leaders:
Identify your challenges: The journey begins when a manager starts by defining their challenges. From 30+ challenges, managers and team leaders can identify the issues hurting their team.
Test your skills: In the second step, skills and qualities, such as expectation setting and prioritization skills, are tested to see how well managers have achieved these critical functions. These assessments teach them about their skills and abilities with detailed reports.
Start growing: With time, managers can start making progress with the help of daily nudges provided by Risely. It dynamically supports the manager’s progress through resources like toolkits, samples, and assessments.
Unlock your Leadership potential with Risely!
Skip the mistakes and discover your true skills with Risely’s free assessments.
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Rising to the Challenge: Shruthi Kamath’s Path to Becoming a Manager
“Can I really do this?” It’s a question that echoes in the minds of countless professionals contemplating a leap into management. The fear of the unknown, the anxiety of making decisions that impact others, and the worry about losing the familiar comfort of their existing roles – these are the emotions that grip many aspiring managers.
Meet Shruthi Kamath, a Senior Customer Success manager with nearly eleven years of professional experience. She deals with client communication, understands their requirements, and gives them the experience of the product and services. Shruthi is a creative and self-driven person who enjoys turning her ideas into reality. She always gives her best in every project she takes on.
But as a manager, like so many others, she was initially scared at the mere thought of becoming a manager. We’ll talk about her fears and hesitations about taking on the role and how she turned those feelings around and became the excellent manager she is today. Her professional story demonstrates how embracing the unknown can lead to remarkable professional and personal growth.
A Change of Heart: How Support and Self-Discovery Overcome Hesitation
“I thought I could never become a manager because it never seemed like my cup of tea.”
Shruthi Kamath
Initially, when Shruthi got an opportunity to become a manager, the idea didn’t sit well with her. She had reservations, mainly because of the negative stereotypes associated with the managerial role. The common belief that team members often dislike their managers weighed heavily on her mind.
In retrospect, Shruthi’s reluctance to take on a managerial role primarily stemmed from her concern about positively impacting her team. The thought of stepping into a managerial role brought the weight of wondering whether she could contribute positively to her team’s dynamics. The hesitation wasn’t rooted in self-doubt but rather in a genuine desire to ensure that her influence on the team would be constructive and beneficial. This thoughtful consideration lingered in her mind as she contemplated embracing the role of a manager.
“Managing people is a challenging task.”
Shruthi Kamath
Another reason why the idea of stepping into a manager’s shoes didn’t initially appeal to Shruthi was the complexity associated with the managerial role.She had always been the kind of professional who thrived on improving and streamlining processes. The thought of whether she could effectively manage it all made her uncertain. After all, managing people is often considered one of the most challenging tasks in the professional world.
As a manager, the to-do list seems endless. You need to understand each team member’s unique work style, what motivates them, and how to inspire them to achieve their goals. You have to ensure that the work gets done on time and that your team is content working under your leadership. And, as if that wasn’t enough, you still have your own tasks to complete. The sheer magnitude of it all made her wonder if she could juggle it successfully.
After some conversations with her colleagues and seniors, Shruthi began to see the manager’s role in a new light. It dawned on her that this might be the next step for her growth and professional development. With her seniors’ and colleagues’ support and encouragement, she decided to take the leap.
Stepping into the managerial role turned out to be an enlightening journey and became an opportunity for self-discovery, too. With every interaction, she learned valuable lessons, not just about managing others but about understanding herself better.
Early Days of Leadership: Shruthi Kamath’s Managerial Challenges
“I would explain the tasks at hand clearly and would still sense a little doubt in the room.”
Shruthi Kamath
For Shruthi, a first-time manager, the initial hurdle she faced was ensuring that her team members fully grasped the task at hand, aiming to bridge potential communication gaps. Often, she found herself in a situation where she would explain things to her team, only to realize that her message hadn’t landed as intended. Sometimes, it was frustrating for her to repeat herself and still be uncertain whether her explanations had truly resolved the issues or if her team truly understood her.
This challenge became a significant learning curve, pushing her to find more effective ways to communicate her ideas and tasks. As the meticulous professional that Shruthi is, she was determined to solve this challenge; after a few trial and error methods, she found a method that worked for her team.
“To tackle the communication gap effectively, I started doing a simple exercise after discussions.”
Shruthi Kamath
To handle the communication challenge head-on, Shruthi initiated a simple yet clever exercise within her team. She began by articulating what needed to be done and then asked her team members to repeat what was articulated once she had finished. It was an easy yet effective approach designed to uncover gaps in understanding and ensure that her messages were crystal clear. This exercise not only made it easier for her to identify communication gaps but also allowed her team to actively participate in the process of bridging those gaps. It was a step towards fostering a more cohesive and communicative team where everyone was on the same page.
“I had a hard time understanding the team’s point of view and building empathy.”
Shruthi Kamath
Another significant challenge Shruthi grappled with was seeing things from her team’s perspective to understand what was causing delays and struggles. At times, it seemed to her like they weren’t doing their job properly. It was a learning curve for her, a journey of self-discovery. She realized that in her role as a manager, it was crucial to comprehend what her team members were going through. Without this understanding, frustration might have been her default response when they didn’t meet her expectations.
So, she embarked on a mission to bridge this gap. She knew that it was vital to get to the root of the issue. Shruthi discovered the importance of diving into her team members’ backgrounds, understanding their challenges, and providing support where needed. She understood that without this empathy, simply reprimanding them for not meeting her demands wasn’t a constructive approach.
Shruthi made it a practice to connect with her team members personally. She engaged them in conversations where they felt safe to open up and share their concerns. By creating this atmosphere of trust and open communication, she discovered a whole new dimension to her role as a manager. It wasn’t just about directing tasks; it was about being there for her team, understanding their struggles, and helping them overcome obstacles.
“I used to get worked up easily if something didn’t go according to the plan.”
Shruthi Kamath
Shruthi used to find herself quickly getting worked up when things didn’t go according to plan, often reacting critically in the face of unexpected challenges. Recognizing this as a challenge, she embarked on a mission to improve her approach.
Her turning point came when she realized that not everything unfolds as planned. Instead of reacting impulsively, she opted for a more measured response. When confronted with a situation that triggered frustration, she chose to sit with it, allowing herself to process the emotions it evoked. Only when she felt composed and clear-headed did she engage with the situation.
This transformation wasn’t just about managing her reactions; it was also about fairness. She understood it wasn’t right to react abruptly with her team members for circumstances beyond their control. This shift in her response and perspective marked a significant milestone in her managerial journey.
Shruthi’s Managerial Mantra: Active Listening and Constructive Feedback
“As a manager, I assure that I am here and willing to listen to what my team says.”
Shruthi Kamath
Shruthi has the most visionary ideas in the room, and she recalls that when her managers heard her out and engaged with her thoughts, her job satisfaction and overall work engagement soared. Knowing the importance of out-of-the-box thinking, she, as a manager, carries this belief of active listening into her role. She considers it vital to encourage her team members when they approach her with their ideas. For Shruthi, being open and receptive to these ideas is a fundamental practice.
For her, sharing ideas is not just about whether they will be implemented; it goes far beyond that. She never dismisses her team members’ contributions outright, nor does she label any idea as unimportant. Instead, she listens attentively, asking questions and showing genuine interest in understanding the concepts presented.
This approach is more than just about ideas; it fosters trust and a healthy rapport within her team. By demonstrating a willingness to consider and engage with her team’s input, Shruthi cultivates an environment where every member feels valued and respected. This trust and respect not only lead to stronger teamwork but also contribute to overall job satisfaction and engagement in the workplace.
“I make sure to check in with my team regularly and give them constructive feedback.”
Shruthi Kamath
Shruthi’s experience in her career taught her the value of receiving constructive feedback, something she felt she had been lacking in her career initially. As a manager now, she has made it a point to ensure that her team members receive the feedback they need. What sets her approach apart is her skill in delivering feedback in a manner that doesn’t leave her team members feeling disheartened.
She takes a thoughtful approach to identifying the right way to provide feedback, always aiming for a constructive conversation. Her feedback isn’t about making her team members upset; it’s about helping them improve their work. She provides them with clear guidance on how they can enhance their performance.
Shruthi’s feedback strategy involves beginning with something positive, acknowledging the areas where they’ve excelled, and then gently introducing areas where there is room for improvement. This balanced approach creates an atmosphere of growth and development, where her team members can receive feedback with an open mind, knowing it’s geared towards their success. This approach ensures her team members feel supported and motivated to enhance their work continuously.
Wrapping up
As Shruthi’s journey as a manager unfolds, she’s shown a remarkable ability to recognize her shortcomings and proactively address them. Her determination to avoid falling into the stereotype of managers she once feared has fueled her growth in this new role. While she humbly admits she still has much to learn, it’s impossible to ignore her genuine enthusiasm when discussing her newfound role.
For Shruthi, the real charm of being a manager lies in the trust her team members place in her. It’s not just about overseeing projects and making decisions—it’s about those moments when her teammates approach her with problems or seek her advice. To her, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as being a reliable source of guidance and support for her team. Witnessing her colleagues look up to her, trusting her judgment, and seeking her assistance has become the most fulfilling part of her managerial journey. As Shruthi continues on this path, it’s evident that her journey as a manager is not just a professional milestone—it’s a personal evolution.
How can Risely help?
Shruthi Kamath has developed her leadership style and perspective through her experience and seniors’ guidance. Her journey to overcome hesitance and become a confident manager is commendable. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all managers have the same time, resources, and opportunities to perfect their leadership style.
Every manager is unique in their leadership style and challenges. That’s where Risely comes in. Risely offers a platform for managers to seek the guidance and support they need to navigate their leadership journey. It provides tailored steps and insights to help managers refine their approach and achieve their true potential.
Here’s how Risely solves challenges for many Managers like Shruthi:
Identify your challenges: The journey begins when a manager starts by defining their challenges. From 30+ challenges, managers and team leaders can identify the issues hurting their team.
Test your skills: In the second step, skills and qualities are tested, such as expectation setting and prioritization skills, to see how well managers have achieved these critical functions. Based on these assessments, they learn about their skills and abilities with detailed reports.
Start growing: With time, managers can start making progress with the help of daily nudges provided by Risely. It dynamically supports the manager’s progress through resources like toolkits, samples, and assessments.
Risely, the AI co-pilot for leadership development, makes the road easy for up-and-coming managers and team leaders. While you are navigating the new ways of a managerial role, Risely takes the lead on your growth and creates personalized learning journeys leading toward your professional goals. In a busy world, it’s the buddy you need to succeed!
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Guidance for effective leadership as a General Sales Manager
”Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
– Thomas Edison
Are You Ready to Captain Your Sales Team to Success? A Guide to Becoming a Remarkable General Sales Manager
Imagine yourself at the wheel of a high-performing sales team, navigating the ever-changing currents of the market with confidence and skill. As a General Sales Manager (GSM), your leadership can propel your team to new heights or leave them struggling in the wake of missed opportunities. But what does it take to be a genuinely remarkable GSM?
This article isn’t just another dry job description. Think of it as your roadmap to sales leadership excellence. We’ll dive deep into the essential qualities and strategies that will transform you from an excellent manager to a game-changer, guiding you through:
The core responsibilities of a GSM: From setting targets and coaching reps to building a winning culture, understand the full scope of your role.
The secrets to unlocking sales success: We’ll unveil the proven strategies for motivating your team, exceeding targets, and building a pipeline that keeps your business thriving.
The attributes that make a truly remarkable GSM: Discover the essential qualities that set apart the best leaders, from strategic thinking and communication mastery to emotional intelligence and resilience.
The challenges you’ll face and how to overcome them: From managing diverse personalities to navigating market fluctuations, we’ll equip you with the tools to conquer any obstacle.
Remember, becoming a remarkable GSM isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about inspiring your team, fostering a culture of collaboration, and driving results that leave a lasting impact.Are you ready to take the helm and lead your team to sales victory? Buckle up, grab your metaphorical compass, and embark on this journey together.
A General Sales Manager is crucial to any organization’s growth and profitability. Their role encompasses overseeing sales operations, managing teams, fostering client relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Strong communication skills and decision-making abilities are crucial to be effective in this role. Additionally, a proven track record in sales is vital as it ensures that they can drive business growth and success. A general Sales Manager has experience managing sales teams, and creating effective sales strategies is essential.
The responsibilities of a General Sales Manager include developing sales plans and strategies to meet or exceed revenue targets, analyzing market trends and data to identify opportunities for growth, coaching and training sales teams to improve performance, building solid relationships with clients, negotiating deals and contracts with customers, and ensuring that customer satisfaction remains high.
Read More: Be a Star Sales Manager: Top 6 Skills needed and ways to enhance them
Understanding the Importance of a General Sales Manager
The role of a general sales manager cannot be overstated in driving sales success and ensuring efficient operations and profitability. They lead the sales team, inspiring a collaborative and motivated work environment. Nurturing client relationships is critical for long-term success as it builds trust and loyalty. They can also catalyze business growth, identifying opportunities and implementing strategies to capitalize on them.
Businesses that understand the importance of an effective general sales manager can benefit significantly from their leadership and guidance. Some essential qualities of a successful general sales manager include excellent communication skills, sound judgment, adaptability, and a deep understanding of customer needs. A skilled general sales manager should also have a strong sense of accountability, lead by example, and create a culture of excellence within the sales team.
They must thoroughly know the market trends, competition, and industry developments to make informed decisions that drive business growth. An excellent general sales manager should be able to align the team’s goals with broader organizational objectives while keeping track of key performance metrics such as conversion rates, lead generation numbers, revenue growth rates, etc.
Catalyst for Business Growth
A highly effective General Sales Manager catalyzes business growth by developing and executing growth strategies that drive revenue and expand market share.
They identify new market opportunities and stay ahead of changing trends to foster innovation and adaptability.
Collaborating with other departments creates synergy and maximizes the organization’s overall performance.
They continuously improve sales processes and drive high-performance standards to achieve exceptional results.
Their confident and solution-oriented approach ensures long-term success and profitability.
Ensuring Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty is crucial for the success of any dealership. Building solid customer relationships is key to fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat business. Effective communication is vital in addressing customer concerns and resolving any issues.
A General Sales Manager can enhance customer satisfaction by providing excellent customer service, promoting positive word-of-mouth, and attracting new customers. Understanding customer needs and preferences allows tailoring sales strategies to meet their expectations better. Implementing customer feedback and suggestions is essential for continuously improving overall satisfaction and retention. By focusing on customer satisfaction and loyalty, a General Sales Manager can drive success and growth for the dealership.
Read More: Two Sides of the Same Coin: Customer Satisfaction and Employee Satisfaction
The Roles and Responsibilities of a General Sales Manager
As a highly effective General Sales Manager, your role encompasses developing strategies to achieve sales goals while overseeing and providing leadership to the sales team. Your responsibilities include
Ensuring customer satisfaction
Maintaining strong client relationships
Driving profitability for the sales department
By implementing sales management processes and best practices, you can optimize the performance of your dealership in the competitive market. Your expertise in managing sales operations, team dynamics, and nurturing client relationships will be vital in meeting targets and maximizing revenue. With your solution-oriented mindset, you can overcome challenges and propel your sales team to success.
Overseeing Sales Operations
In the conversation with Mckinsey, Linda Crawford, executive vice president and general manager of Salesforce.com’s Sales Cloud says Selling is a “knowing” skill today -Most of the prospects salespeople encounter today are pretty well educated on the products and services the sellers are providing. A General Sales Manager must possess diverse skills and competencies to oversee sales operations. They are responsible for managing sales operations to meet targets, analyzing sales data to gain valuable insights, and optimizing sales processes for enhanced efficiency. Additionally, they develop and implement sales strategies that align with the organization’s goals and collaborate with other departments to ensure cross-functional success.
By leveraging their expertise in sales management, these managers drive profitability for the sales department while nurturing client relationships. Their ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and technological advancements, such as the internet, is crucial for achieving exceptional results. When hiring a General Sales Manager, businesses should prioritize those with a proven track record, strong leadership qualities, and a clear understanding of customer satisfaction.
A competent General Sales Manager maximizes sales team performance and meets sales goals, moving the business toward success.
Team Management and Leadership
To grow as a General Sales Manager, it is essential to possess skills in team management and leadership. A manager is responsible for recruiting, training, and guiding the sales team, ensuring they have the skills to succeed. They establish
Clear sales objectives and expectations
Offering guidance and support to assist their team in meeting targets
A general sales manager is crucial in maintaining loyalty and driving business growth by nurturing client relationships and ensuring customer satisfaction. They possess effective communication and interpersonal skills, strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record in sales. This position requires a deep understanding of the sales management landscape, emphasizing achieving sales goals and building a successful sales team. Hiring the right general sales manager can significantly impact a business’s success while overcoming the challenges faced in this role is crucial for long-term success.
Cultivating a sense of teamwork and collaboration among team members is crucial in creating a positive and fruitful work environment. Additionally, acknowledging and rewarding sales accomplishments motivates the team and reinforces a culture of excellence and high performance. By prioritizing team management and leadership, General Sales Managers can navigate their dealership toward success and growth.
Nurturing Client Relationships
Successful general sales managers understand the importance of nurturing client relationships. They build long-term connections with clients, ensuring their satisfaction and loyalty. By regularly communicating with clients, they gain a deep understanding of their needs and provide effective solutions.
Moreover, these managers identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to boost sales and profitability. In addition, they immediately address any concerns or issues clients raise, resolving them immediately and satisfactorily. With their strong customer focus and solution-oriented approach, general sales managers play a crucial role in fostering positive client relationships, ultimately contributing to the success of the sales department and the overall business.
To ensure the smooth operation of the sales department, a general sales manager collaborates with other managers to align goals. They develop and implement sales strategies and plans, analyzing market trends and competitors. Focusing on profitability, they monitor and report on sales performance, making adjustments as necessary.
Education and Experience Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is essential to gain a strong foundation in sales principles and techniques.
Proven experience in sales management is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the sales department and achieving sales goals.
Familiarity with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and sales software is necessary to manage and analyze the sales team’s performance effectively.
Excellent leadership and communication skills are vital for guiding the team toward success and nurturing a culture of collaboration.
With the right educational background and practical experience, a general sales manager can confidently lead their sales department and drive profitability.
Essentials skills and competencies for an effective general sales manager
Effective Negotiation and Persuasion Skills: A General Sales Manager must possess exceptional negotiation and persuasion skills. These skills are essential for not only closing deals but also for maximizing profitability. Whether negotiating with clients, suppliers, or team members, finding common ground and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes is critical.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Analytical thinking and problem-solving are key competencies for a General Sales Manager. These abilities enable them to analyze complex market trends, identify sales opportunities, and develop effective strategies to overcome challenges. They can guide their team toward success by staying ahead of market changes and proactively addressing issues.
Motivational Leadership: Motivating and inspiring a sales team is crucial to a General Sales Manager’s role. Motivational leadership sets the tone for the entire sales department. They foster a positive work environment through effective motivation where team members are driven to perform at their best. They not only boost morale but also lead to improved sales performance.
Exceptional Communication Skills: A General Sales Manager must excel in written and verbal communication. Effective communication is essential for interacting with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Clear and concise communication helps convey strategies, goals, and expectations, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Results-Driven Mindset: A results-driven mindset is at the core of a General Sales Manager’s approach. They are focused on achieving and surpassing sales targets. This drive to consistently deliver results propels the sales department’s success. It also instills a culture of performance excellence within the team. By harnessing these essential skills and competencies, a General Sales Manager plays a pivotal role in driving the sales department’s success and nurturing valuable client relationships. Their ability to negotiate effectively, analyze market trends, motivate teams, communicate clearly, and focus on results makes them a linchpin in achieving sales objectives.
What Makes a Successful General Sales Manager?
Successful general sales managers are known for their leadership skills, which they use to inspire and motivate their sales teams. They establish clear objectives and guide them to achieve them. Their decision-making is informed by data and analytics, allowing them to drive sales performance confidently. Furthermore, their adaptability and willingness to collaborate with other departments ensure that they maximize sales opportunities.
To be a general sales manager, one must possess excellent communication skills to build relationships with customers and internal stakeholders. They should also have a deep understanding of the market trends and customer preferences so that they can design strategies accordingly. A key component of successful sales management is setting achievable targets for the team while providing them with the necessary support and resources to meet those goals.
The sales manager also prioritizes training and professional development opportunities for their team members. This helps their employees grow and increases the team’s overall skill level, resulting in better results. Lastly, consistent monitoring of team performance metrics like conversion rates, lead generation, and customer satisfaction scores can help identify areas for improvement and guide future decision-making.
Key Performance Indicators
Specific key performance indicators (KPIs) can be used to evaluate a General Sales Manager’s effectiveness. These KPIs provide valuable insights into the sales department’s performance and overall business profitability. Some essential KPIs include:
Conversion rates and sales cycle length
Customer acquisition and retention rates
Average deal size and profit margins
Sales team productivity and quota attainment
Tracking these metrics allows the general sales manager to gauge their strategies’ success and identify improvement areas. For instance, increasing sales revenue and growth rate indicates successful sales initiatives, while high conversion rates and shorter sales cycles indicate efficient sales processes. Additionally, customer acquisition and retention rates reflect the effectiveness of nurturing client relationships. These KPIs are powerful tools for monitoring progress toward sales goals and making data-driven decisions to drive business success.
Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential for a general sales manager. It is vital to communicate clearly and concisely to ensure that all team members have a shared understanding, which promotes unity and efficiency. Actively listening is essential to comprehend customers’ and team members’ needs and concerns, as it supports problem-solving and decision-making.
The ability to resolve conflicts also contributes to a positive work environment, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Furthermore, showing empathy and understanding helps build rapport and trust with customers and team members, resulting in stronger relationships and improved sales outcomes.
Strong Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Abilities
General sales managers possess excellent decision-making and problem-solving abilities. They can analyze situations and make decisions based on data, which leads to increased sales performance. Sales heads are adept at making quick decisions even in difficult circumstances, enabling them to respond promptly to changes and opportunities in the ever-changing sales industry. Their problem-solving skills help them identify and address issues hindering sales performance, ensuring continuous improvement.
Additionally, their creativity and innovation allow them to develop unique solutions that meet the demands of customers and the market. By constantly evaluating and refining sales strategies, they optimize results and contribute to the dealership’s overall success. A highly competent GSM with these abilities is essential for effective sales operations. Top-performing sales leaders today focus on the very important relationship between themselves and the CMO. Companies need to get past fighting about leads versus closed deals and start focusing on the pipeline because that’s where the rubber meets the road between sales and marketing.
Proven Track Record in Sales
A proven track record as a sales executive or sales representative can enable effectiveness as a general sales manager because it demonstrates several vital qualities and experiences:
Understanding of Sales Processes: Sales executives and representatives have hands-on experience in sales processes, customer interactions, and closing deals. This understanding helps them guide and support their sales teams effectively.
Product and Market Knowledge: They are well-versed in the company’s products or services and have insights into market dynamics. Product and Market knowledge is valuable when making strategic decisions and setting sales targets.
Sales Techniques: Sales professionals have mastered various sales techniques, objection handling, and negotiation skills. They can mentor and coach their team members, sharing best practices for successful selling.
Customer Relationship Building: Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is a core skill for salespeople. General sales managers can emphasize the importance of customer-centric approaches to their teams.
Performance Metrics: Sales executives are accustomed to working with sales metrics and KPIs. They can use this experience to set realistic goals, monitor progress, and implement data-driven strategies for improvement.
Motivation and Leadership: A successful sales career often involves self-motivation and leadership. Sales managers who have been effective as representatives can inspire and motivate their teams to achieve sales targets.
A strong sales background equips individuals with the practical knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities necessary to excel as general sales managers, making them well-prepared to lead and drive their sales teams to success.
What Challenges does a General Sales Manager face and How to Overcome Them?
Sales managers face numerous challenges affecting their ability to drive sales and achieve targets. These challenges include:
Balancing Multiple Responsibilities: This can be challenging for sales managers who have to handle various tasks such as coaching sales reps, monitoring performance metrics, creating sales strategies, and managing customer relationships.
Adapting to Changing Market Trends: Market trends are another challenge as they require constant updates on the latest industry trends and customer preferences.
Motivating and Managing Sales Teams: Sales managers must also encourage and manage their team members effectively to consistently meet their targets.
Dealing with Rejection: Salespeople are often rejected more than accepted, leading to demotivation and burnout. To overcome this challenge, sales managers must provide support and training to help their teams better manage rejection.
Staying Updated with Industry Advancements: Sales managers must remain relevant in the competitive market. Continuous skill development through training programs or attending industry events can help them stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies.
Overcoming these challenges requires practical time management skills, resilience, and continuous development of relevant skills. Overall, overcoming these challenges requires a combination of soft skills, such as helpful communication leadership abilities, along with hard skills, such as data analysis, CRM management, etc., for successful outcomes in the long run.
In essence, Risely is a comprehensive platform that empowers managers with hard and soft skills, enabling them to tackle challenges effectively and achieve successful outcomes. Risely is like a helpful toolkit for managers. It gives you the tools you need to do your jobs better. Whether it’s learning new skills, staying organized, or dealing with challenging situations, Risely has your back. It’s like having a mentor and a set of handy tools all in one place. So, when you sign up with Risely, you’re not just getting a product but a partner to help you succeed in your job. Sign up
Conclusion
The role of a general sales manager requires a unique blend of skills and experience. Besides solid leadership and communication, they should have a proven sales track record. Excellent general sales manager impacts the business, driving sales, improving teams, and fostering excellence.
A sales manager must handle various challenges, from managing operations to nurturing client relations. A general sales manager can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. Continual training is crucial to keep managers updated on market trends and best practices, staying ahead of competitors.
Gauri, a passionate writer with a background in commerce and management, brings a unique blend of business sense and creativity to her work. With a heart for storytelling and a mind for strategy, she construct words that resonate with a personal touch, making complex concepts relatable and engaging.
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15+ Sales Manager Best Practices to Boost Your Team’s Performance
As a sales manager, you are responsible for achieving your targets and driving your team’s performance. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of managing a sales team, but taking a step back and focusing on sales best practices can help you significantly improve your team’s performance. In this blog post, we will delve into the core areas of sales management and give you sales best practices that can help you boost your team’s performance.
We cover everything from sales pipeline management, sales operations, and sales training to sales territory management. We will also dive deeper into each area and discuss specific best practices that you can implement to maximize efficiency and drive results. So, let’s get started!
Sales best practices are crucial for the success and sustainability of a sales team and the organization. Here are five key reasons why they are essential:
Consistency and Predictability: Sales best practices provide a standardized approach to selling. When everyone on the sales team follows proven techniques and processes, it creates consistency in performance. Consistency leads to predictability, vital for setting and achieving sales targets and revenue goals.
Efficiency and Productivity: Sales best practices in sales help streamline the sales process, eliminating wasted time and effort. When sales reps have a clear roadmap, they can work more efficiently, handling more leads and opportunities in less time.
Higher Conversion Rates: Implementing sales best practices results in higher conversion rates. These practices are typically developed through a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences, making prospects more likely to respond positively to the sales approach.
Customer Satisfaction: Effective sales best practices prioritize the customer’s needs and concerns. By understanding and addressing customer pain points, sales teams can build trust and foster positive, long-term relationships, leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention.
Continuous Improvement: Sales best practices are not static; they evolve with the market and customer preferences. Implementing these practices encourages a culture of continuous improvement within the sales team. Salespeople can learn from their experiences and the experiences of their peers, refining their techniques to stay competitive and adapt to changing conditions.
It is important to focus on core areas of sales management and apply sales manager best practices to ensure a more streamlined and effective sales function. Sales pipeline management plays a crucial role in tracking and optimizing the entire sales process, while sales operations ensure the smooth functioning of sales activities and processes.
Sales training equips sales reps with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles, and sales territory management involves strategically dividing territories to maximize sales opportunities. Adopting sales best practices in these core areas can enhance your team’s performance and drive better results. Keep reading to know more about them.
Sales Pipeline Management Best Practices
The sales pipeline visually represents the sales process, from lead generation to closing a deal. It’s essential for tracking and optimizing the entire sales process. Sales managers use the pipeline to monitor the progress of leads and opportunities, identify bottlenecks, and allocate resources effectively. A well-managed sales pipeline helps predict future revenue, set realistic targets, and identify areas where additional support or training may be needed.
Clearly Defined Stages: Define and document the various stages of your sales pipeline, from lead generation to closing a deal. Ensure that all team members understand these stages and use consistent terminology.
Regular Pipeline Reviews: Hold regular meetings to review the sales pipeline with your team. Assess the progress of each opportunity, identify potential roadblocks, and strategize how to move deals forward.
Lead Scoring: Implement lead scoring to prioritize leads and opportunities based on their potential value. This helps sales reps focus their efforts on the most promising prospects.
Sales Forecasting: Use historical data and trends to create accurate sales forecasts. This helps set realistic targets, allocate resources effectively, and plan for growth.
Data Quality and CRM Usage: Ensure that your CRM system is up to date with accurate data. Train your team to use it consistently for tracking interactions, recording notes, and maintaining a clean database.
Sales Operations Best Practices
Sales operations are responsible for the smooth functioning of sales activities and processes. They focus on optimizing sales processes, tools, and technology to enhance the sales team’s efficiency. Sales operations teams often handle tasks like territory alignment, compensation plans, sales analytics, and sales software and tools integration. Their role is crucial in ensuring the sales team has the resources and support needed to meet and exceed targets.
Process Documentation: Document all sales processes, workflows, and best practices. This ensures that everyone follows standardized procedures for efficiency and consistency.
Technology Integration: Integrate sales tools and software to streamline operations. This includes CRM systems, marketing automation, analytics, and communication platforms.
Sales Enablement: Develop sales enablement resources, such as sales collateral, playbooks, and training materials, to support your sales team’s daily activities.
Sales Data Analytics: Use data analytics to track and measure the performance of your sales team and processes. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions.
Sales Compensation Plans: Design competitive and motivating compensation plans that align with the company’s goals and incentivize sales reps to meet or exceed targets.
Sales Training Best Practices
Sales training equips sales representatives with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. It covers various aspects, including product knowledge, communication skills, objection handling, and negotiation techniques. Effective sales training leads to higher sales performance, increased customer satisfaction, and improved team morale. It’s an ongoing process that adapts to changes in the market, product offerings, and customer needs.
Role-Specific Training: Tailor training programs address the specific roles and responsibilities of your sales team, whether it’s inside sales, field sales, or account management.
Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning by offering ongoing training and development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and mentorship programs.
Product and Industry Knowledge: Ensure that your sales team deeply understands your products or services and the industry you operate in, allowing them to speak with authority and confidence.
Sales Skills Enhancement: Improve essential sales skills, such as objection handling, negotiation, active listening, and relationship building.
Role-Playing and Practice: Incorporate role-playing exercises and real-world scenarios into training sessions to help sales reps apply what they’ve learned in a practical context.
Sales Territory Management Best Practices
Sales territory management strategically divides geographic or market areas among sales reps to maximize sales opportunities and efficiency. This process considers the potential for sales, the existing customer base, and the resources available to each salesperson. Well-structured territory management ensures that each sales representative can focus on their allocated area, providing better service and potentially increasing sales.
Market Analysis: Conduct a thorough market analysis to understand the potential of different territories. Consider factors like demographics, competition, and economic trends.
Equitable Assignment: Assign territories fairly, considering factors like salesperson experience, skill set, and workload capacity. Avoid overloading or underutilizing your sales team members.
Regular Evaluation: Continuously assess the performance of each territory. Adjust assignments as needed to allocate resources where they can have the most impact.
Customer Segmentation: Divide territories further by customer segments to ensure each sales rep can tailor their approach to specific customer needs and preferences.
Communication and Collaboration: Encourage communication and build collaboration among sales team members, especially when multiple reps cover adjacent territories. This can help identify cross-selling opportunities and share sales best practices.
Conclusion
To be a successful sales manager, it is crucial to implement sales best practices in various areas of sales management. This includes effective sales pipeline management, streamlined sales operations, comprehensive training, and strategic sales territory management. Focusing on these core areas can enhance your team’s performance and drive better results.
Regarding sales pipeline management, leveraging CRM software can help streamline the process and provide valuable insights. Regularly measuring and analyzing sales pipeline reports allows you to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions. Keeping the entire company informed through regular updates is essential for sales operations. Additionally, ensuring that efficient and concise sales processes can save time and improve productivity. Investing in comprehensive sales training is another crucial aspect of boosting your team’s performance.
Customizing training sessions to cater to different roles and regularly conducting follow-ups and refresher sessions can help your team stay updated and motivated. Lastly, implementing sales best practices in sales territory management, such as strategic territory allocation and continuous monitoring, can maximize efficiency and ensure optimal coverage. By adopting these sales best practices, you can elevate your sales team’s performance and drive success in your organization.
Aastha, a passionate industrial psychologist, writer, and counselor, brings her unique expertise to Risely. With specialized knowledge in industrial psychology, Aastha offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional development. Her broad experience as an industrial psychologist enables her to accurately understand and solve problems for managers and leaders with an empathetic approach.
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