September also brings renewed energy to the workplace. It’s a chance to reset and refocus. But most workplace challenges aren’t new, and neither are the solutions. Sometimes effective leadership means getting better at what we already know.

Okay, pencils out:

1. You can’t hold people accountable for expectations that have not been clearly communicated.

• Do they know exactly what I expect?
• Have priorities changed without being discussed?
• Does success mean the same thing to both of us?

~ Leadership lesson: Accountability begins with clarity.

2. Listening isn’t simply for your turn to speak.

Many believe they are good listeners, though employees may feel otherwise. Harvard Business Review analyzed 117 workplace studies on listening. The key takeaway: when people feel heard, relationships, engagement, and performance often improve.

• Ask before assuming.
• Listen for what’s not being said.
• Pause before responding.

~ Leadership lesson: You don’t always need the answer. Sometimes you need to listen.

3. Increasing the volume of communication is not the solution; improving its quality is.

Texts, emails, meetings. Meetings after the meetings.🙄 Before adding more communication, ask: does this person need only the key points or more detailed information?

• Do they need to talk, or time to process?
• Is my message actually clear?

~ Leadership lesson: Adapt your approach to the individual you are communicating with.

4. Before evaluating an employee, first reflect on your own leadership. Consider the following questions:

• Am I avoiding a conversation I need to have?
• Am I giving mixed messages?
• Am I contributing to the problem?

~ Leadership lesson: Begin by evaluating your own actions.

Question for the class: Which one do YOU need to relearn this fall?

Ready to get to work? Schedule a call and let’s talk.