Manager Lesson of the Week

I should have listened more closely to not only the content of the manager-tools podcast about Peers in Conflict and the impact on Direct Reports (Part 1 and Part 2). I often rely on the mystical way I select books to read that provide a timely lesson. Why should I assume that podcasts wouldn't also be presented when I most need it?

As you can imagine I encountered the very situation this week that was the subject of the podcast. What were the main lessons of the podcast? The way to do it? The main suggestions are to 1) shut up about peer conflict, 2) filter out emotions, 3) focus on the work, 4) turn the other cheek, 5) instruct them to ask again, 6) help Directs with communication, 7) keep you tightly posted, 8) if cycle repeats then call, and 9) keep a record.

One of the funniest parts of the podcast was about a subordinate who wrote to the speaker's peer, "If you were an effective manager..." The Dilbertian response would likely be, "If you still worked here..." They also presented a great contrast of communication between High D and High S and vice versa, which is a good lead into the DISC assessment area (to be discussed in a future post).

The site www.manager-tools.com has a wealth of good and useful podcasts within the vein of manager and leader development. Each podcast is 10 to 20 minutes addressing specific topics. The podcasters Mark and Mike are also quite entertaining and engaging as well as have great suggestions and ideas.

To sum up my lesson of the week, here is a quote from the 'cast, "You don't want your boss involved in a conflict between you and your peer." Solid advice. Learn it, live it.