Leading a team that you may not have picked yourself can be tough.

This weeks questions:

How do I best start leading a team where I have not been involved in choosing the team members?

Summary on some of the ideas covered in the podcast:

• Have a kick off where you cover the usual stuff like the what, why and when as well as the ways of working but then 
• Add some storytelling - to allow the team to share their views and  
• Make it personal - to help people feel safe and connected
• Make time - to build trusting relationships

My boss is very controlling and does not really trust the team, he manages with a do as I say or you know where the door is style -in short he behaves like a major d..k!

How do I influence things?

Summary:

• Get the full story - as in all the facts not just a part truth and your own assumptions 
• Understand the boss and find out what the drivers are 
• Examine my own drivers, try to improve the relationship
• Generate other possibilities or options in writing 
• Speak to the boss - be empathetic and control the emotions
• No matter what the decision thank the boss and ask for feedback 

As always I look forward to your comments and if you have a question please email it to claudia@makeworkmeaningful.co.uk

www.makeworkmeaningful.co.uk

One of the comments on my last podcasts was
"You're well known for always showing sincere gratitude.
How do you spot the things to say thank you for?" So that's the question I am answering this week.

In summary

• There is no framework or tick list
• Work on how a good set up so that you are in  a positive frame of mind
• Don’t be afraid to be emotional 
• Watch out for the little things (if you need help at first ask others to point out occasions that call for a thank you)
• If in doubt - Just do it - say "Thank you" and make it a habit.
• And remember please please please be genuine, put it into context and make it personal.

I hope it's useful!
As usual please ping me any comments or other new questions to claudia@makeworkmeaningful.co.uk