survivor guide: leading in difficult times
TRANSCRIPT
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times
Harriet PeaWhitmore Pea Consulting
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 2
Abstract
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesDuring her 23 years of IT/Technology Industry experience, Harriet has successfully navigated through several mergers/acquisitions and numerous rounds of downsizing. Through it all she has gained tremendous insight into what makes particular individuals and leaders successful in challenging situations.If you are in a leadership role in the IT or Storage industry it is your responsibility to ensure your organization's success in times of change. This session will provide practical tips and guidance on how to make sure you, and your organization are able to navigate change and thrive in difficult times
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting
Agenda
IntroductionLearningsResponse TypesThe Leadership RoleTalking to Your StaffFirst AidOn-Going Health CareFor YouFor Your CareerSummary and Q&A
3
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 4
Introduction
Harriet's Story - “Through the Wringer”“You can't thrive during these times, ...can you?”Why Try?
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 5
Learnings
Management training on how to handle difficult times is often lackingPeople will respond from basic instinct unless they are taught differentlyThe good, the bad, and the ugly. Magnification of ethics and moralsSymbolism matters - Don’t underestimate perceptionsErr on the side of action
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 6
Response Types
The VictimSelf-fulfilling prophecy
The ChildI got a problem..Fix it for me
The DriverMy problem...My solution / My decision
People will respond from instinct unless taught differently.
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 7
Your Role as Leader
Leading the WayVision and Mission
Setting the ToneExpectations - What's Acceptable, What's Not
EducatingHow to RespondSelf Help
CounsellingListen & Direct
Managing SymbolismPay close attention to how you look & interact
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 8
How to Talk to Your Staff
Be as open as possibleDon't avoid your staff or the topicFind the balanceDiscuss possible responsesClarify acceptable responsesDon't trivialize the impactDiscuss emotionsPaint a realistic pictureDon't give answers you don't have
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 9
Immediate First Aid
Be visible and accessibleSpend time with survivors
Allow some venting to occurDenial, Anger, and Depression
Return the focus on the businessClear direction and job expectations
Give back the power where ever possibleNew structure development, input on key decisions
Continue to “Lead”They will be watching – lead by example, and do what you say
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 10
On-Going Health Care
Strengthen the Company vision and directionReward entrepreneurial thinkingEnhance the word "Growth" in your vocabularyCommunicate, Communicate, CommunicateCommit to offering regular opportunities for employees to add to their marketable credentialsContinue to “Lead”
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 11
For You
Realize that this has happened to you tooPay attention to signs of stressFind ways to de-stressGive yourself some mental time-offFind a ConfidantForgive Yourself
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 12
For Your Career
Think of yourself as an EntrepreneurDevelop a vision/mission statementKeep your resume up to dateIdentify concerns and have a backup planTake personal responsibility for keeping your skills up to dateGive and get supportKeep your options open
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting
Summary
IntroductionLearningsResponse TypesThe Leadership RoleTalking to Your StaffFirst AidOn-Going Health CareFor YouFor Your CareerSummary and Q&A
13
Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesWhitmore Pea Consulting 14
Q&A / Feedback
Please send any questions or comments on this presentation to [email protected] send any comments and suggestions for the Professional Development track to [email protected]