Why You Shouldn’t Describe Subordinates / Employees Like You Own Them

Many managers and leaders may not realize how their language choice can affect the way they communicate about their subordinates. Using possessive language, such as “my team”, “my assistant”, or “my staff”, can imply that subordinates are property or objects that belong to the manager. This can have negative consequences for the work quality, the subordinate engagement and performance, and the perception of the manager by others.

In this article, you will learn how to avoid possessive language when describing subordinates, and how to use respectful and inclusive language instead. You will also discover the benefits of this approach for both you and your subordinates, as well as some tips for better communication that will make you sound like a leader, not a bossy boss.

Why Ridding Subordinates of Individuality Will Hamper Their Output

An employee’s leverage over managerial staff is a situation that managers tend to try preventing. A skilled employee whose expertise a team can’t function without is a danger to a manager’s sense of power over the team. That employee gains leverage; they are able to work on what brings them fulfillment, master a particular skill, whilst retaining negotiating power. 

How to Limit Subordinates From Making Decisions Without Your Sign-Off

In the fast-paced world of business, decision making is a crucial leadership skill. But how can you ensure that your decisions are not overridden or ignored by others without your consent? How can you balance the need for speed and efficiency with the respect for authority and accountability?

In this article, you will learn some practical tips and strategies to limit the decisions that are made without your sign-off. You will discover how to own and guard portions of information needed for proper authorization, how to maintain structured habits of sign-off requests even in casual times, how to give certain employees more sign-off responsibility to make them loyal to you, and how to be stringent with the team but flexible with the client to make external stakeholders want to come to you. By applying these principles, you will enhance your business management, teamwork and communication skills, and become a more effective and respected leader.

How to Properly Assign Ownership of Tasks

Task ownership is a crucial skill for project leaders who want to achieve high-quality results and motivate their teams. It involves assigning tasks to the right people based on their abilities, interests and commitment. Effective delegation requires clear communication, feedback and trust.

In this article, you will learn how to assess the level of task ownership among your team members and how to improve it through various strategies. You will also discover how task ownership can enhance the responsibility and the desire to impress your team members, leading to better performance and satisfaction.

How Helping Newcomers Succeed Increases Your Influence

Newcomers are often eager to learn, grow and contribute to their new environment. However, they may also face challenges such as unfamiliarity, uncertainty and isolation. How can you help newcomers overcome these obstacles and achieve success?

In this article, you will discover some practical and effective newcomer success tips that will help you foster a positive and supportive relationship with your new colleagues, partners or clients. You will also learn how to help newcomers increase their influence and effectiveness in their new roles, and how to benefit from their fresh perspectives and insights. Finally, you will find out how to create a newcomer mentoring guide that will enable you to share your expertise and experience with those who want to make it in your field. By helping newcomers succeed, you will not only enhance their performance and satisfaction, but also strengthen your own reputation and network.

Why Force and Coercion Are Not Solutions When Asking Does Not Work

Many people believe that force and coercion are effective ways to achieve their goals in politics, business, or personal relationships. They think that by imposing their will on others, they can get what they want faster and easier. However, this approach has many dangers and drawbacks that are often overlooked or ignored.

In this article, we will explore the psychological effects of coercion on both the coercer and the coerced, the ethical problems of using force to manipulate others, and the alternatives to force and coercion that can lead to more sustainable and satisfying outcomes. We will also provide some practical tips on how to resist forced solutions and protect your autonomy and dignity.