Coaching Q&A: Coaching for people leaders

Frustrated
Like you, many recognise that we all need to adapt to new changes in our life – be it personal or professional. However, few realise that there is also one other important thing in change, which is, we need to change ourselves as much as we want others to change! So the question is how much have you changed?  The change I am referring to is your preparedness to make the transit from an old-fashioned manager to a new-age one. This will also include your organisation, its model and practices as well.

-The bottom line
A case in point is to ask yourself how highly centralised is your organisation? If it is true that only you and a few others can make the decisions for the rest, then your people are certainly disempowered, with no role in decision-making. So how can they be supportive of your decisions no matter how good they are. Powers in your organisation will need to be decentralised with greater participation from everyone in decision making. The modern-day workforce is very different. They do not take things sitting down. They want action and excitement. They want to take risks. They want to live and express their values in the organisation. So if you prevent this from happening, or do not create an environment for it, you will not only face resistance but they will also leave you soon! Don’t forget also that what your organisation needs in this modern time is the younger minds, who are exposed in their own ways. So be prepared to let go of some power, but of course, without giving up totally. I am sure you will soon find many of them having a sense of belonging in your organisation.
Powerful questions: What have you changed to suit the new business environment?  How much powers are given to your people? How much are you willing to let go? How can this be expressed in the organisation?

-UNDERSTANDING MORE ABOUT OFFICE ETIQUETTE
After graduating, I landed my first job in a medium-sized law firm six months ago. I had a shock recently when one of the law partners told me off for not offering a drink to a waiting client. I never thought that this was part of my job responsibilities. This should be the job of the pantry maid or the secretary of the lawyer, whom this client was waiting for. I am thinking of resigning as this is unfair and degrading on me to do such chores. Do I have a case for deciding this?

-Ignorant
Your firm is not wrong in asking you to do this. This is about good office etiquette. It is the same if someone comes to visit your parents; you will automatically offer them a drink even though it is not you they are visiting. Right? You will do this because you want to project a good home environment just like your firm wants to project a professional image of the company. So, you have got no case for resigning but rather take this as a lesson in office etiquette.  Resigning is not the answer as you (and everyone working there) will be expected to do the same in your next firm. 

-The bottom line
Some tips on office etiquette: Introduce yourself warmly to your office guests. Offer them a drink by asking what they like to have. If they are at your place for a meeting, escort them to the meeting room. If they have to wait, find a comfortable waiting area till they meet up with the intended person. Finally, if you have to interrupt, always excuse yourself for interrupting and be as brief as possible with your message.
Powerful questions: How would you like to be treated if you are in someone’s office? What will turn you off by this company? What will impress you if you were the guest? What will you do the next time when someone comes to your office?      

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
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