Workplace growth expert Cheryl Cran’s newsletter for leaders and business owners

Cheryl’s newly released DVD and CD from the Grow to the Next Level Series titled “The Illuminated Leader” will be available for purchase in May. Keep visiting Cheryl’s site and watch for exciting updates and changes. Enjoy April’s newsletter!

Cheryl's Quick Tip: Do the “two step” when it comes to reacting versus responding.

We are human and it is normal to react when we feel threatened or attacked. Highly developed leaders have learned the art of responding instead of reacting. The next time you feel uptight or ready to react do the following:

Step One: Ask yourself “What’s going on with me today? Am I overly sensitive because of something else going on with me? What might be going on with the other person- maybe they are having a bad day. Put the situation into context.

Step Two: Take a deep breath and use the art of verbal deflection by using ‘move forward’ language such as, “Sally it’s important to me that we find a solution for this- I value you as a team member”. Stay focused on the importance of the relationship which will help you choose the right words.

Quote of the Month: “My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” Oprah Winfrey

Every once in a while as leaders we need to slow down long enough to find out if we are still focused on our ideals. So many of us get caught in the trap of ‘doing’ and in our daily lives of Blackberry and cell phone we may lose sight of what our original vision was in our choice to lead. Click here for full article.

Along with the theme of spring cleaning for the soul there are a few colleagues of mine that I would like to recommend if you are wanting more.

Azim Jamal has written a number of books and has an excellent e-newsletter.

Patricia Katz the creator of PauseWorks and the power of the pause.

Want to know where Cheryl is speaking so that you can book around her travel? Click here.

Question of the month: I have inherited a team that is not motivated and one of the best employees is relocating—how do I manage the constant people changes of leading?

Answer: It sounds like you are the newly hired leader of a team that was already in place. You don’t say how long you have been their leader but I am going to guess less than six months. It typically takes 6-12 months of conscious effort to get a team up to optimal performance. Change is a huge factor and if this team has already seen a few other leaders come and go they may have become apathetic and a little unsure of how to move forward. Your job is to investigate, find out who each person is, what is their history, what are their strengths, what do they want. After investigation you need to be a motivator and present direction and focus for the team. The thing with being a leader and managing people is that things constantly change. With the best employee relocating perhaps you can have them train or work with someone to take over their functions and/or recommend someone who would be great for you to hire. Keep going and stay focused on creating a strong team.

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Permission to reprint: You may reprint any items from this monthly newsletter in your own printed publication or e-newsletter as long as you include the following:

Reprinted with permission from Cheryl Cran's monthly e-newsletter www.cherylcran.com. Cheryl Cran, CSP is an author, international speaker and and consultant.