By Samantha Goetz, Marketing Communications Manager, ORBIS Corporation

Leading a cross-functional team? Working on a high-visibility project? Finding yourself surrounded by new employees?  We’ve all been there.  As a leader, it is how you handle yourself and support your peers in these situations that really makes a difference. At ORBIS Corporation, there are three key behaviors that we use and can help you through the hard times:

1. Be a COACH, not a CRITIC: Just like we learned in kindergarten, treat others with kindness and empathy. This works in the business world, as well. We all want to see our peers find success in the work. The way to do this is coach and provide feedback in a kind and constructive way. Try it a few times and you will see an immediate difference in your work relationships.
2. Ask WHY? and Not WHO?: When things go wrong, it’s so easy to blame. Instead of asking WHO, ask WHY, so you can hear a different perspective. Most people are willing to solve a problem and address WHY something did not go as planned. Don’t make it personal for a peer. Sure, people need to be accountable for their work, but it often can be traced back to a breakdown in the process.  As leaders, our goal is to improve processes that will stand the test of time and give people resources to succeed. Try it next time. It creates a whole new conversation and one that will be constructive.
3. Look for good behavior and comment on it: When you hear or see a peer doing the right things, make sure you let them know (and their managers). As a leader, its our privilege to help elevate people.

As you get started, I’d also recommend analyzing the communication styles of those around you and find ways to communicate more effectively. Maybe John likes tangible numbers to make a decision…and time to process it. Don’t present unsubstantiated data and expect a decision at the end of the meeting. Or maybe Suzy only likes to see the high-level points of impact. Don’t share long-form, content-heavy presentations.

Sure, you have to be open and willing to take the time to get to the next level with your peers, managers and leaders and understand what drives them. And it needs to be reciprocal. But those around you will notice and soon you will see a difference in your interactions. Responsiveness will go up, decisions will be quicker, projects will get completed faster, customer needs will be met efficiently…and you will be creating a legacy of leadership.