The goal

Here's an idea to try.

Send an email blast to your team and ask each person to write down their biggest priority for the day.  

Collect and read them.  

What do you think?  Is that what you thought the priority woud be?

If not, hold a quick huddle and reset the goal.  Be careful not to blame or make anyone feel bad, but rather to levate the goal or build consistency.

i.e. you might get some responses like, file, answer the phones, stuff envelopes, answer questions.

Have a standing huddle and say "Thank you for your ideas and for your hard work.  Let's make the goal today to make 10 people SUPER happy!"  Then spend 5 minutes brainstorming ideas on how to make thaat happen.

If you need a little inspiration - watch this video clip about Johnny the Bagger.  http://youtu.be/Xgq1rSR38zg 

Just checking...

  Have you ever…

• Rolled your eyes at an employees’ request or suggestion?
• Used sarcasm instead of dealing with the situation directly?
• Delivered negative feedback to an employee in front of the whole team?
• Shared bad news in a biting way? 

Embarrass an employee and you may take away their dignity.
Treat your team with respect and you will earn theirs. 
 
My Dad used to tell me that you can’t back people into a corner and win. 

This week, when you ask an employee to do something new or to change their behavior, give them time and space to absorb your message and treat them with dignity.  

Ya, I'm Gonna Need the TPS Report

Want somebody to do something for you? 
Consider these pointers...

Explain your request. Aim to be factual and avoid the words “you need to”.
Explain the why Adding the reasoning or sharing your goal adds logic and incentive.
Offer a choice. People like to feel in control. When you offer a choice or provide an option you allow them to feel in control.
Walk away. Walking away after giving them a choice gives them a chance to think, and that’s when the engagement clicks in.

Here's what it might sound like...

Before: “Sheldon you need to get that report to me today by 2pm”
After: “Hey Sheldon, the client is calling later today to see what numbers we came up with. That’s why the report is so important. Let me know if you want to talk to the client when they call at 2pm or if you want to give me the report before that and I’ll take the call”