About other team members.
Unfortunately this happens all the time. You lead a team and you have a concern about one of your team members. You seek the input of others on your team – do they see what you see? Do they experience what you experience, or is it just you? Your intentions are good. You’re seeking to understand and gain clarity.
(Caution: You may also be seeking validation. Because of your position of authority, your team is likely to agree with you regardless.)
Unfortunately instead of creating clarity, you have just unwittingly perpetuated and exemplified gossip. This individual is now seen by their co-workers through your filter of concern. Not to mention there’s a good chance your concern will reach them, and not in the way you intended. Your “trusted advisor” is also left to wonder when you ask others about them.
So what to do?
Go talk to your team member directly. Kindly and candidly share your wonderings and ask them if you’re on target or off base. If you’d like advice or support before the conversation, seek out a peer or your own manager.
Do you consider yourself someone who cares about both the financial health and the emotional health of your organization? Then purchase and apply Culture Works.
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Kris Boesch is the CEO and Founder of Choose People, a company that transforms company cultures, increases employee happiness and boosts the bottom-line. She is a nationally renowned speaker and workplace culture expert. Boesch is also the author of Culture Works: How to Create Happiness in the Workplace and developer of the Choose People 360° Culture Audit. Kris is also a proud mother, dancing diva and dog lover.
