Management Skills to Survive and Thrive

Barriers to Problem Solving - Cognitive Biases

1. Identify and define
2. Gather information
3. Analyse root cause
4. Identify possible solutions
5. Evaluate feasibility of options
6. Decide upon a solution
7. Develop action plan
8. Implement and communicate
9. Check performance and feedback

Understanding stakeholders -Key questions to consider…

• What financial or emotional interest do they have in the outcome of your work? Is it positive or negative?
• What motivates them most of all?
• What information do they want from you?
• How do they want to receive information from you? What is the best way of communicating your message to them?
• What is their current opinion of your work? Is it based on good information?
• Who influences their opinions generally, and who influences their opinion of you? Do some of these influencers therefore become important stakeholders in their own right?
• If they are not likely to be positive, what will win them around to support your project?
• If you don't think you will be able to win them around, how will you manage their opposition?
• Who else might be influenced by their opinions? Do these people become stakeholders in their own right?

Motivation That Sticks

1. Recognising achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating accomplishments reinforces positive behaviour and boosts morale.

2. Providing growth opportunities: Offering chances to learn, develop, and advance inspires commitment and fosters long-term engagement.

3. Offering constructive feedback: Delivering balanced, actionable feedback helps individuals improve while maintaining motivation and confidence.

4. Empowering individuals with autonomy: Allowing people to take ownership of their tasks encourages accountability and enhances intrinsic motivation.

5. Creating a supportive environment: Fostering a culture of trust and collaboration ensures individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Stress Under Control

Engage in ‘Recovery Activities’

• Recover from pressurised situations
• Preventing future stress by dealing with pressures successfully
• Identify and engage in YOUR preferences for recovery activities for work and home
• Detach psychologically from the situation
• Control your environment
• Use micro-breaks
• Employ challenging recovery activities (‘Mastery experiences’)
• Monitor progress and fine tune for moving forward

Practical Methods To Manage Stress Effectively for your team

Managing stress effectively as a leader involves implementing practical, empathetic, and proactive methods that support your team. Here are some key approaches:

1. Foster Open Communication

• Encourage transparency and provide a safe space for team members to discuss challenges.
• Hold regular one-on-one meetings and gather anonymous feedback on stressors.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance

• Offer flexible working hours and encourage time off.
• Set clear boundaries to minimise after-hours communication.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

• Prioritise tasks and clarify goals to avoid overwhelm.
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are well-defined.

4. Recognise and Reward Efforts

• Celebrate achievements and show appreciation for hard work.
• Offer incentives or benefits to acknowledge contributions.