JANUARY 19, 2022 • VOL. 20 ISSUE 3

Hi John,

What's the subject of our current survey? You.

We want to know: Are you okay? How are things at work? Do you feel refreshed, engaged, supported and heard? Has your organization effectively responded to the events and challenges of the past two years? Is business healthy, or is it "business as usual"?

Tell us about it. Your participation helps us highlight important workplace challenges and trends, and you can enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Our last gift card winners were Dawn S. and Sharon C. Thanks for your input!
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In today's Q&A, Scott Robley outlines three ideas for taking on a struggling team. Throughout his career, Scott has worked as an educator and coach, and he's a natural at both. He's also a master trainer and our director of professional services.

How to Lead a Struggling Team

by Scott Robley

I’m a new manager of a team that previously had a leader that yelled, used demeaning methods of motivation and control, and often humiliated individuals. The leader was removed for these behaviors and the role was given to me.

I can see signs that the team is broken. They work in silos, performance is poor, and there’s a general lack of effort. I’m struggling to unify the team and “right the ship.”

I feel like clarifying expectations would help get everyone back on track, but I worry that doing so will further divide the team, as it could be seen as me pushing my agenda. Any advice?

Signed,
Righting the Ship

In 1980, Herb Brooks was the head coach of the United States Olympic hockey. His team was about to attempt what appeared to be an impossible task: defeat the Soviet Union. The Soviets had a powerhouse team that had won four consecutive gold medals dating back to the 1964 Olympics. Coach Brooks gave his team an inspiring pre-game speech and used a phrase I have often used when faced with a difficult task. He said, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” He not only inspired his team to win a hockey game, they would also eventually win the gold medal and inspire a nation.

Begin your managerial journey by seeing it for what it is—a great opportunity...
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FEBRUARY 15–17

INFLUENCER | FEBRUARY 15–17

Join us live online and learn how to influence behavior and lead successful change initiatives. Named a Change Management Model of the Year by MIT Sloan Management Review, Influencer teaches a practical leadership model based on 50 years of social science research.
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How Do I Say That?

HOW TO HAVE A CRUCIAL CONVERSATION WITH A REMOTE CO-WORKER

It's tempting to use the technology or medium that works for you. Instead, consider what will work for them.
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HOW TO BREAK DOWN
BIG PROJECTS

Consider how small your next action must be before you want to do it. Then break down your project accordingly.
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I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.
 

—Thomas Jefferson
 
 

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