How to Sleep Nights

Good leaders worry about their people. Good leaders worry about their part in employee dilemmas. Good leaders lose sleep at night.

I don't know about you, but I hate conflicts at work. I, like the Chief Happiness Officer, have come to realize that conflicts are inevitable. The very best and most efficient workplaces are not the ones without conflict, he says, but those who handle conflicts constructively. For me, handling conflicts constructively = resolution. Now, how often does that work for you? Knowing that it doesn't work that way (it should, shouldn't it?) doesn't make sleep come any easier for me. 

So, what's a good leader to do?

Jean A. Hollands, the author of Red Ink Behaviors, offers this advice: good leaders will sleep well if they plant a seed. Good leaders will sleep well if they remember that they, too, are only human. Good leaders will sleep well if they do the best that they can; have their own support team; and appreciate their own courage. 

Good leaders want to make it right. Good leaders, even the best leaders, can't always do that. So, plant a seed. Have a good night sleep and come back at it in the morning. Or not.

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The Millenials Are Coming - To You

If you are interviewing a Millennial and find your thoughts shifting away from the applicant and to yourself, specifically to concerns about your ability to manage a Millennial, read this post at Great Leadership. 

In particular listen up . . . being a good leader to Generation Y means being a good leader – period. When Millennials were asked, “How would you describe your dream boss”,  the responses were good management skills, pleasant and easy to get along with, understanding and caring, flexible and open-minded, respects/values/appreciates employees, good communication skills.

Still worried about your ability to effectively manage a Millennial? Stop that right now. Look at this as an opportunity for your growth and development and a chance to refine the tools in your tool box. Step outside your comfort zone.

The Millennials are coming to you - be not afraid. Oh, how much you (and your staff) will gain.