The workaholic/grind mentality is common in our industry and self-care is often secondary. The additional time many of us have now has helped us realize the importance of not only taking better care of physical, mental and spiritual needs but also focusing more on our personal relationships and family. The Leadership Edge shares some of their lessons learned and renewed personal priorities below.
It has been a heartwarming year for women in the sciences with the recent awarding of Nobel Prizes in Chemistry. The awards highlight how important diversity and inclusion are in our industry. The new documentary Picture A Scientist chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists by bringing to light the challenges they have faced as women in the sciences and their commitment to improving opportunities for women moving forward. This personal, powerful & eye opening film really hit home for our team as it has for people around the world.
When we experience change, one of the first feelings we have as human beings is that we are alone. We think we need to solve all of the problems, identify and secure new resources, and somehow feel that we are prepared and capable to do it all. During times of change, we need others more than ever. We suddenly find the resources, the know how and the support we need to make great things happen.
The end of the year is fast approaching and chances are, no one ever prepared you for how to lead a performance review conversation during a pandemic.
You may have found that while some goals were put on hold there was also an expectation that many, if not most of the company goals were expected to be delivered upon, on time and on budget. The typical competencies that you measured may have seen a few additions, including communicating remotely, being self-motivated, working autonomously, or building high performing teams while juggling children, school, dogs and managing cold callers on your home line (if you still have one). With the new challenges that have been presented as many workers Zoom in from their home office, feeling the stress of huge levels of change and uncertainty, you might want to keep the following tips in mind.
We are experiencing a new reality, unlike any we have experienced before: Talk with your leadership team.
Communication is more important than ever: Make sure that you are over communicating with your people about the expectations your organization has of them. When there is uncertainty, try to create as much certainty wherever you can. If deadlines have changed, let them know and document the conversation. If it is business as usual, discuss strategies for staying on track during these uncertain times. If you haven’t communicated any of this, it is not too late! Make sure you have the conversation before you write or discuss your final performance review. Chances are you will see other perspectives that may modify your messaging and, very importantly, you don’t want any surprises in the review.
Review Preparation: Much of the hard work of reviewing performance should be carried out before the formal meeting.
Manage Discussion Challenges: Your employee’s self-evaluation will provide insights into any potential disconnects in performance perceptions, which allows you to better prepare for the discussion.
Review Discussion: Create a framework that starts and ends on a positive note.
Open by sharing the agenda for the meeting. “First, we will start by reviewing your goals and your successes related to them. We will then discuss any areas where performance wasn’t what we hoped it would be, the contributing factors and how they can be resolved. We will wrap up by discussing your goals for next year, including performance goals, and also your development goals for the short and long term. Be straightforward and consistent, encouraging and clear. Your goal is not to bring your employee to tears, but rather to ensure your communications are clear and supportive and provide a path forward. Use examples to reinforce your feedback. Maintain a dialogue, not a monologue. Ask open-ended questions. Check for understanding. Ask if what you shared aligns with their thinking. At the end of the review, ask your employee what they heard. Make sure they heard all of the good as well as the areas for improvement.
Utilizing these tips can help reduce the anxiety surrounding reviews, especially during an already anxious time. Members of your team want to know that you are committed to helping them as people, supporting their growth, both personally and professionally. Your ability to be resilient and flexible while holding to your organization’s high standards can make performance reviews a time for growth and excitement about the future.
Still feeling anxious about this year’s review process? We can help! Call us today for support or click here to check out our programs
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Virtual programs are not new to us but the need to move our entire portfolio to a virtual platform was unexpected. As we respond to unexpected challenges, whether they are a change in the financial markets, unexpected data, or the loss of a key player, the following tactics may serve you well.
Team dynamics are often a constantly moving target even under normal circumstances. Add a global crisis and getting everyone on the same page at the same time can seem daunting to say the least. Our commitment to each other was the unifying factor that helped us make it to where we are today. Learn how The Leadership Edge Operations Team became stronger as the result of early lessons from the Pandemic.
“I don’t have time to think.” Does that sound familiar?
Pressure, deadlines, milestones, partnering relationships and burn rates are all part of working in a life sciences environment. With constant deadlines looming, it’s easy to get bogged down in day to day, minute by minute thinking.
And yet, with all of this circling around you and your people, we’re in a business driven by innovation. Creativity is critical. Execution may be our driving force, but inspiration has to have room to flourish.
So how do you manage to find time for that? It’s not easy, but maybe a few of these ideas will inspire you.
Finding our way through the pandemic has taught us all a great deal. As we prepare for our new beginning that lies ahead with the anticipated approvals of therapies and vaccines, The Leadership Edge operations team shares their lessons learned from the early days of the pandemic, in hopes that they can be applied today, to create a phenomenal future for us all.
Over the years, so much has changed, from what type of company structure is in vogue, to what is the hottest therapeutic area, to how to best structure teams, project or matrix based. Like the whole world, this industry and the people in it, are constantly experiencing change. And there is no greater change for most, than the changes we are experiencing today. The Leadership Edge founder, Gaylene Xanthopoulos discusses change and shares an insightful exercise that will enable you to drive relevant and meaningful change.
Are you fostering trust & communication in these challenging times? Are you maximizing performance by removing uncertainty? The Leadership Edge founder, Gaylene Xanthopoulos, discusses these issues with practical ways to address them.
