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#leadershipdevelopment Excerpts from the highly acclaimed white paper from Mckinsey and Company titled: Leadership in a crisis- Responding to the coronavirus outbreak: 5 behaviors and accompanying mindsets that can help leaders navigate the pandemic.

#leadershipdevelopment On this rainy rainy day, let’s explore ways to become more trustworthy at work. Here is a simple model to develop Trust. To know more about improving the Trust quotient in your organization, contact me on +971503423552/sangeethibrahim@yahoo.com

#leadershipdevelopment Dear Leaders, here is how you can create a High-Performance culture- by RESPECTing your people more. To know more about enabling these rituals in your organization, contact me on +971503423552/sangeethibrahim@yahoo.com

Work Habit/Strategy 27: Though I strive to agree with my Bosses, I exercise critical thinking and express my views.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-disagree-with-your-boss-without-getting-fired

https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-thoughts-that-go-through-your-boss-head-when-you-disagree-with-her

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-disagree-with-your-boss-and-thrive-1917873

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2017/06/16/4-thoughts-that-go-through-your-boss-head-when-you-disagree-with-her/#27dd5024e2ef

Work Habit/Strategy 28: I actively search for achievement gaps in the organization, even if it’s outside my scope of work and try to add value.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-ways-to-go-above-and-beyond-at-your-job

https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/5-powerful-ways-to-build-a-successful-career-by-the-big-3-0.html

Work Habit/Strategy 29: I am well aware of organizational politics and I manage it appropriately.

Web References

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bonniemarcus/2017/04/04/what-i-learned-about-office-politics-that-changed-my-career/#4fef1c86168e

https://www.inc.com/martin-zwilling/7-steps-for-navigating-office-politics-even-if-yo.html

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2017/may/30/how-to-deal-with-office-politics

Work Habit/Strategy 30: I use psychometric assessments to understand my strengths and ineffective behaviors.

Web References

https://www.psychometric-success.com/

https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/top-5-psychometric-tests-your-career-success/

Work Habit/Strategy 31: I have a Career Growth plan in my mind and I am actively working for it.

Web References

https://www.workitdaily.com/career-plan-importance/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-reasons-why-you-need-career-plan-now-joya-martin/

https://www.chimebank.com/2018/05/02/why-career-planning-is-important-and-how-to-do-it/

Work Habit/Strategy 22: I keep delegating work to ensure that I work at a strategic level.

Web References

https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1940026471/the-role-of-effective-delegation-in-professional-and

https://www.potential.com/articles/7-top-reasons-delegate/

https://www.managementstudyguide.com/importance_of_delegation.htm

Work Habit/Strategy 23: I try hard to be a very helpful person.

Web References

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/naturally-selected/201308/being-helpful-work-paysquite-literally

https://www.inc.com/john-hall/7-simple-habits-for-becoming-a-more-helpful-person.html

https://www.careeraddict.com/the-benefits-of-being-nice-at-work

Work Habit/Strategy 24: I try hard to exude high amounts of energy and enthusiasm.

Web References

https://www.livecareer.com/interview/questions/the-importance-of-enthusiasm

https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/why-employers-are-seeking-passionate-candidates

https://www.wow4u.com/enthusiasmkey/

Work Habit/Strategy 25: I strive to be assertive, especially in saying No and in Negotiations when I want to.

Web References

https://www.lcca.org.uk/blog/careers/assertiveness-and-career-success/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2013/10/10/the-6-secrets-of-successfully-assertive-leaders/#62ab34856668

Work Habit/Strategy 26: I attempt to prove myself repeatedly by winning.

Web References

https://gothinkbig.co.uk/features/without-ambition-no-one-can-be-successful

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/improve-confidence-ambition-at-workhttps://www.16pf.com/en_US/ambition-personality-important-career-success/

Work Habit/Strategy 15: I strive hard to become good at making presentations and speeches.

Web References

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2014/09/25/new-survey-70-percent-say-presentation-skills-critical-for-career-success/#640dc0388890

http://careerbright.com/career-self-help/better-presentation-skills-can-get-you-ahead-in-your-career

https://businessblueprint.com.au/presentation-skills-for-career-success/

Work Habit/Strategy 16: I actively seek feedback from people who I work with including my boss, peers and subordinates.

Web References

https://www.workitdaily.com/feedback-help-professional-development/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-naumann/5-reasons-why-feedback-is_b_8728332.html

http://www.degarmo.com/feedback-seeking-and-job-performance

https://www.talkdesk.com/blog/how-effective-feedback-impacts-job-performance/

Work Habit/Strategy 17: I spend considerable time reflecting on my work and coming up with ways to improve my productivity.

Web References

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-were-22-self-awareness-most-important-skill-career-success-guber/

https://www.uis.edu/career/students/career-planning/self-reflection/

http://www.pocklingtonschool.com/Why-self-reflection-is-an-important-part-of-the-careers-journey?returnUrl=/The-HM-Blog

https://www.bridgewateruk.com/2016/03/power-self-reflection/

Work Habit/Strategy 18: I make sure that my dressing and grooming is very impressive.

Web References

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-your-clothing-impacts-your-success-2014-8

https://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/channels/partners/national-association-of-professional-women/2015/12/5-tips-on-how-to-dress-for-career-success.html

Work Habit/Strategy 19: I am always aware of the top priority areas that I must work on

Web References

https://bitesizebio.com/33189/prioritize-success-4-steps/

https://liveyourlegend.net/warren-buffetts-5-step-process-for-prioritizing-true-success-and-why-most-people-never-do-it/

https://www.fastcompany.com/1842583/3-ways-successful-people-prioritize-their-do-lists

Work Habit/Strategy 20: I actively keep myself away from distractions- be it Social Media, unwanted visitors & low impact work.

Web References

https://www.fastcompany.com/3033416/5-ways-to-stay-focused-in-a-world-full-of-distractions

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/work-interrupted-6-ways-to-avoid-distractions-hot-jobs

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/06/20/how-to-avoid-distractions-in-the-workplace/#20ab8791b0d4

Work Habit/Strategy 21: I know what my boss wants to know and I keep him/her informed about that.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-become-your-boss-dream-employee

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2017/07/24/6-actions-you-should-always-take-with-your-boss-when-you-work-remotely/#23dc89a4525c

Work Habit/Strategy 8: I take time to meet and interact with key stakeholders of other areas in my organization.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/6-rules-for-communicating-with-executives

https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2016/05/4-dos-and-donts-of-speaking-to-senior-executives.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2017/04/16/how-to-get-a-senior-executive-you-dont-regularly-work-with-to-notice-you/#6706fd5558d6

https://www.fastcompany.com/3049998/your-guide-to-communicating-with-upper-management

Work Habit/Strategy 9: I always take time to participate in key activities initiated by departments other than my own.

Web References

https://www.fastcompany.com/3037092/9-ways-to-take-more-initiative-at-work

Work Habit/Strategy 10: I have a good network of experts who I can contact and learn from.

Web References

https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/network-like-an-expert-networking-tips-from-the-industrys-finest

https://study.com/academy/lesson/networking-for-career-success-how-to-make-professional-contacts.html

https://www.eatyourcareer.com/2013/08/why-networking-is-essential-for-career-success-and-everyone-should-do-it-now/

Work Habit/Strategy 11: I have identified mentors in my organization who help and promote me.

Web References

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-mentoring-workplace-18437.html

https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/benefits-of-having-a-mentor

https://www.michaelpage.at/en/advice/career-advice/career-development/top-5-benefits-having-mentor

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141124121303-47571147-10-concrete-reasons-why-everyone-needs-a-mentor-at-work/

Work Habit/Strategy 12: I learn a lot about my work from books, online articles etc.

Web References

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/what-can-reading-more-do-for-your-career

https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-sciencebacked-reasons-why-readers-do-better-in-their-careers

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/292874

https://leaderonomics.com/personal/power-of-reading-and-success

Work Habit/Strategy 13: I have invested in trainings and certifications from my own personal savings.

Web References

https://content.wisestep.com/certification-helps-career-value-business/

https://www.careerquest.edu/blog/2015/05/getting-certified-%E2%80%93-4-reasons-why-it%E2%80%99s-important

Work Habit/Strategy 14: I strive hard to get better at writing memos and official emails.

Web References

https://www.businessworld.ie/news/10-Reasons-Why-Business-Writing-Skills-Are-So-Important-569924.html

https://www.business2community.com/blogging/10-important-business-writing-skills-will-need-2020-01270903

https://medium.com/@micheleweldon/write-on-increase-your-career-success-with-these-6-business-writing-tips-175723eca141

Work Habit/Strategy 1: I keep updating myself with industry trends (growth, key changes, threats etc.) and sharing the info with Key Stakeholders.

Web References: 

https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9256-career-boost-learning.html

https://execed.economist.com/blog/industry-trends/lifelong-career-success-lifelong-learning

Work Habit/Strategy 2: I keep updating myself with best practices in my functional area and sharing the info with Key Stakeholders.

Web References

http://www.sfweekly.com/sponsored/experts-agree-that-lifelong-learning-is-the-key-to-career-success/

https://alis.alberta.ca/succeed-at-work/make-your-work-life-more-satisfying/learn-it-will-enhance-your-career/

Work Habit/Strategy 3: Regardless of where I work, I get to know what my organization’s strategic goals are.

Web References

https://blog.clearcompany.com/go-back-to-the-beginning-to-understand-organizational-goals

https://www.successfactors.com/en_us/lp/articles/corporate-goal-alignment.html

Work Habit/Strategy 4: Regardless of where I work, I try to connect my work to key business results like profits, revenue, costs etc…

Web References

https://www.torbenrick.eu/blog/business-improvement/connect-employee-goals-to-larger-company-goals/

https://www.questback.com/blog/how-to-align-employee-engagement-with-business-objectives/

Work Habit/Strategy 5: I meet my boss regularly and take pains to understand exactly what he/she wants from my work.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-questions-you-should-be-asking-your-boss

https://www.ivyexec.com/executive-insights/2016/5-ways-to-manage-the-bosses-expectations-that-wont-get-you-fired

Work Habit/Strategy 6: I meet my boss’s boss and understand exactly what he/she wants from my work.

Web References

https://www.themuse.com/advice/talking-to-your-boss-boss-3-mistakes-not-to-make

https://social.hays.com/2017/10/24/get-noticed-boss/

https://www.fastcompany.com/40470150/invited-to-lunch-with-your-bosss-boss-heres-exactly-what-to-do

Work Habit/Strategy 7: I make sure that I advertise my work and achievements to key people.

Web References

https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2014/02/27/5-ways-to-make-sure-your-boss-knows-just-how-awesome-you-are/#388d6dc26c72

https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2015/01/12/6-smart-ways-to-self-promote-at-work/#76dd682b6f7b

https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/how-to-self-promote-yourself-at-work

In a mad rush to find something useful-some elixir of performance, one gets lucky at times and stumbles upon something promising. Upon previewing it your interest level shoots up. Then you start a frantic search, to get to the depth of the treasure trove. Concepts, examples, steps et al. Once you feel that you have enough to explain the concept authoritatively to someone and deploy it to make a difference, you sit back with a sigh of contentment.

Today the prize catch was “The competing values framework.” Google, YouTube, Slide share… I darted in an out of every possible pit stop for curated content. End result was a neat and brief presentation. I love psychometric tools like MBTI and DISC. Why? Distinctions between profiles are clear and observable, assessments are easy and the content can be presented with loads of humor. CVF had all these qualities.  Moreover it had an uncanny resemblance to the whole brain model, which is a long time favorite. The former is more action oriented and practical though. Now I know how to diagnose organizational culture, and can also help leaders transform it as well. All the needed resources are available and just in 2 days I was able to build up a reasonable level of competence.

Bliss

Thanks to the Almighty for another fulfilling day!

I asked a panel of International experts the question- “Should we stop calculating the Return on Investment of Training ?” Here is a summary of their responses.

Presented at the Informa Learning & Talent Development Summit of 2015