The College of IST was joined by a couple of other units around the University to hear Shari talk about her ideas on using candor more in the office.
I did not know what to think going into the event, but I was nicely surprised by the quality of her delivery and content of her presentation.
Initially, I thought we’d be given a lot of information on why and how we have to change who we are to be more effective in the office. It more about providing us with tools and a mindset to improve how we communicate with one another. It wasn’t just about how managers should talk with their reports. This was applicable for everyone.
I actually left with a plan to buy some of her materials so that I could use them here in the office and was very pleasantly surprised when Amy brought back a book and a couple boxes of questions from her afternoon, Directors/Managers-only session with Shari. The questions can be used to learn more and assume less about those we work with.
I hope to start using some of these techniques immediately. I am already meet with all of my direct reports monthly and we talk about many of these things, so I’m happy I have that precedent and know that I am on the right track. What I learned is that there is a lot more I can do to be a more effective supervisor and team member.
Brian suggested last week that we return to these questions as a way to keep in-touch and learn more about one another, especially now that we have a new designer coming. I think it is a great idea although I have to head into campus to pick up my materials.