Austin American-Statesman Deputy News Editor Tara Trower attended the Poynter Leadership Academy. Here are some of her highlights from a session by Poynter faculty member Jill Geisler titled, “Changing Times: Updating Your Leadership Toolkit.”

This article was originally published in the January 2007 issue of the Cox Academy Training Newsletter.

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Tools for LEADERSHIP

Tool No. 1 — Face fears

Don’t deny that change can be frightening. Figure out the root of the concern: worries about appearing temporarily incompetent, punishment for incompetence, loss of personal identity, or loss of group membership are just a few things team members might fear.

Tool No. 2 — Reduce learning anxiety

Have a compelling vision. Provide formal training. Provide coaching and feedback. Consistent systems and point out positive role models.

Tool No. 3 — Take heart

Like it or not … change management involves emotion. The model is not Analyze-Think-Change, rather See-Feel-Change.

Tool No. 4 — Know your place

If you are implementing change, you are already way ahead on the learning curve. Remember that team members will likely need to catch up to where you are in understanding the plan and the reasons for change.

Tool No. 5 — Master motivation

Think about a time when you just couldn’t wait to come to work. Those moments tend to fall into four categories: competence, choice, meaningfulness and progress. Re­member those categories when trying to motivate staff.

Tool No. 6 — Know team stages

  • Forming: Tell us what you want, what our boundaries are and what our role will be.
  • Storming: We’re stressed. We’re testing boundaries. We’re not sold on the goals and not sure about accountability. THIS IS NORMAL.
  • Norming: We’re figuring out the plan. We’re settling in our roles. We still might storm, but temporarily.
  • Performing: We’re clear on our purpose. We have systems and structure. We are learning new things.

Tool No. 7 — Know what a great day at work is for others

Organizational expectations. Professional standards. Peer review. Personal goals and joys.

Tool No. 8 — Build trust

Share credit. Show expertise,integrity and empathy.

Tool No. 9 — Manage conflict

Don’t assume motive.

Tool No. 10 — Improve process

Front end input, transparent decision making, empathy.

Tool No. 11 — Focus your vision

“If you can’t say it, they can’t see it.” – Ann Richards

and Tool No. 12

Update your tools!...

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