Have you noticed at the moment how difficult it is to ‘get things done’?
One reason for this is that old time management bugbear – THE PROCRASTINATION TRAP!
Managers can be particularly susceptible to this when having to deal with staff problems or issues. Very often managers are aware of a situation but reluctant to face up to it.
- how will the member of staff react?
- will they become emotional?
- how should I begin?
- what if things become embarrassing?
- maybe I’m not up to it.
Filled with doubts and fears, it’s very human to go for the easy way out and decide to let sleeping dogs lie, to see how it goes, to just wait a little longer.
In other words to PROCRASTINATE!!
This is not a great idea.
Northgate’s two face-to-face or online activities Talking to Staff! and Difficult Conversations are designed to help managers avoid the PROCRASTINATION TRAP.
Both address the issue head-on and demonstrate why it’s not the way forward and what is. The key is a change of mindset. It’s not about confrontation – it’s about joint problem-solving.
Both activities show how managers can address issues with confidence, objectivity and a positive approach – overcoming their fears and nightmares.
It focuses on the need for managers (when there is an issue with staff) to:
- intervene quickly (not procrastinate)
- have a plan
- list ‘critical incidents’ as evidence of what is going wrong
- be professional
- control emotions
- ask the right questions
- empathise
- work jointly towards an agreed solution
- set up a future pathway
Help your managers by allowing them to experience planning for an interview with staff to deal with everyday or 'difficult' issues in an honest and open way. So they can look forward to avoiding the procrastination trap and 'get things done'!
Trainer reviews on Difficult Conversations & Talking to Staff!
- “Very useful - Northgate activities are always effective & high quality!” - Nursing & Midwifery Council
- “Generated valuable discussions” - Network Rail
- “Very effective and easy to facilitate - the feedback has been wonderful!” - LaFleur Leadership Institute
- “A great product that provokes discussion, consultation, collaboration and learning - I’ve really enjoyed using it!” - BidFood UK
Recent buyers of Northgate activities include:
- Hilton
- Coventry Building Society
- Deloitte
- Merseyside Fire & Rescue
- Rexel UK
- Chiesi
- Volvo Group
- Walker Morris
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- Iceland
- Vision Express
- Blue Cross
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Claridge’s
- Good Energy
- and many more!
Find out more and order online: Talking to Staff! and Difficult Conversations
