Go the Extra Mile (Without Putting in Extra Hours)
Nobody likes to be micromanaged, right? Yet, so many of us expect to be trusted without proving we deserve the reigns.
Traditional leadership training preaches that good managers should set clear expectations for employees. Many experts even suggest creating detailed checklists of specific tasks direct reports are expected to accomplish – with firm deadlines. While I agree that good managers provide continuous guidance and, as Bruce Tulgan suggests in a recent video, “Make Expectations Clear Every Step of the Way,” I also know that a good employee takes initiative. Ambitious and focused contributors – those whoget noticed and promoted – know the importance of ownership.
If you were in your boss’s shoes, which would most impress you?
a. “What exactly is it you want me to do? And when is this due again?”
b. “I understand that you need me to do X, Y and Z. Here’s exactly how I plan to accomplish these tasks. Also, what do you think about doing X to take it to the next level?”
You’d value the team members who are attentive, ask for clarification (not repetition) and take initiative. Yes, some managers are threatened by such clear communication, in which case I advocate for finding a new manager. Your career counts on your ability to step up. And that’s a good thing. Wouldn’t you prefer that your career development rest in the hands of someone you know you can count on – yourself?
Wash Post Q: Was Desiree Rogers too interested in the spotlight to be successful as White House social secretary? Do some jobs require more discretion and less acclaim? Will Julianna Smoot be more suitable for the job -- or just less flashy in it?
Change is difficult. So too is keeping a laser-like focus on the vision for our country, or any organization for that matter.
Just as Dennis Rodman`s self-centered behaviors alienated other players and shifted the focus off the team, Rogers` insistence on self promotion ultimately took the focus off the greater vision of country and Obama knew it.
Even people like Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and Maya Angelou must keep their eye on the greater vision of their popularity. If the sole purpose of their popularity was to "look good" or "be known," I doubt any of them would have achieved such incredible acclaim.
Being in the spotlight is one thing -- being in the spotlight with real purpose is another. Whether Smoot enjoys the spotlight or not, she has and will likely continue to gain attention. She was chosen because of her ability to remain focused on the larger vision for our country. While the light will shine on Smoot, I believe she is well poised to direct the attention to the right conversation.
Wash Post Q:Jay Leno is back in his 11:30 p.m. "Tonight Show" slot, after a disappointing run in prime time and a messy showdown with Conan O`Brien, who briefly replaced him. Can Leno win back his status as king of late night and all-around nice guy? As viewers turn away from the networks, can anyone be expected to dominate an increasingly splintered audience? Are the days of Johnny Carson-like success over?
Whether we`re talking about the media industry or the overall financial infrastructure of the United States, massive change throughout our world is underway. As with all industries, countries and people, those who do the best research, have open and honest communication and empower themselves by making decisions based on today`s market, rather than fear, will be successful.
Rather than asking, "Are the days of Johnny Carson-like success over?" I advocate for asking, "What`s next? Where is this industry headed and how can we bring something unique to this audience?" While I understand the media has very little time to make such decisions, I wonder, based on timing, how much research, open and honest communication has happened with this decision.
Misti has worked her magic over the past year with my life/work TEAM and was truly the catalyst, that “spark plug” – if you will - igniting an innovative revolution in our organization. Whether talking to executives or large audiences, she connects in a way few do. She is genuine in her approach which resonates with both Boomers and Millennials. You come away with a real sense of what needs to be done. This is Misti’s gift.
Misti`s groundbreaking strategies will cut through the fog of our often distorted theories and folklore about the hopelessness of intergenerational communication as she paints memorable pictures using authentic examples while speaking with such clarity that you will remember not only the illustrations, but also how to apply those models in other circumstances.
View Original Letter TIM OVERSTREET, DML
Associate Dean of Logistics Executive Development US Army Logistics Management College
You were such an engaging facilitator at the Management Leadership Team Meeting I recently attended. Your `incredible energy and disarming manner` allowed many attending the session to open up and disclose their true feelings regarding how we could better improve relations with members outside our own age or race demographics...
William E. Sapp
Sales Center Vice President DOD/Air Force AT&T Government Solutions
Misti Burmeister is an asset for any corporation or professional organization. Her skills at intergenerational training are needed by most as the workforce changes. She engages, builds the energy and the desire to execute as a team. Her work means millions of dollars in increased workforce productivity.
Misti is as dedicated and passionate about her craft as one can be. The only thing that can possibly rival those traits is the amazing amount of energy she brings into a room. I`m constantly waiting for her to burst into flames! If your organization has a cut in its `line`, Misti is the Master Splicer you need.
A significant way that boomers can leave a lasting legacy within their organizations is to ensure that the incoming generation is full embraced, valued, engaged and utilized. Misti Burmeister provides the roadmap and the tools to make this happen!
Lori Addicks
Vice President of Learning and Development Post Properties, Inc.
Misti helped me see things and people differently. Not only did she make me see work situations as opportunities and not road blocks, she also helped me work through various aspects of my position. She taught me how to look at me differently. Through books she has asked me to read, organization skills she has helped me apply, journaling and goal setting I am learning about me. I believed in my leadership skills before but now, I know I am a great leader that has a huge amount of talent to apply to any situation/position. I am looking forward to Misti working with me in 2007 on my new expanded team. Misti will help me expand on my talents as a leader in AGS and sharpen those skills to make me more effective as months pass. Misti challenges me to be a better me in all aspects of my life which in turn makes me a more effective person overall.
Laura Miles-Bailey
Group Sales Manager, AT&T
I now can see how my focus in life was moving away from some of the things that really matter to me – family, friends, relationships, spiritual life, personal interests, etc. My schedule was controlling me instead of me controlling my schedule. By recognizing the things that matter to me most I can better balance my whole life. That makes me a more effective leader, employee, mother, wife, friend, etc.
Pat Stipe
Client Business Manager, AT&T
... I find that I am taking a more strategic approach to my business conversations both internally and externally. While I am familiar with the skills and lessons discussed in these session, I have found that as a result of my time with Misti, I am now asking questions like "what do I hope to accomplish from this conversation" prior to beginning my dialogue. This tactic alone has had a noticeable impact on my communications professionally and personally. In addition, the coaching that she has provided in the way of time management and task preparation have allow me to improve the efficiency level in my day to day activities. I would without a doubt recommend the Inspirion program as time well spent.
Paul McRae
Client Business Manager, AT&T
Misti is truly an inspirational person who challenges me to be authentic. A true coach by all definitions, full of encouragement yet willing to call your bluff. She is challenging me to be better today than yesterday and make a difference in people’s lives.
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