2. Key Elements of Effective LeadershipCreate a shared
visionMobilize and
inspireManage for
resultsDevelop the
individualsEffective leadership encompasses four core elements.Understand the big picture
Plan in advance
Align the team
Maintain directionBuild enthusiasm
Motivate the team
Enable the individualsStick to a rigorous upfront plan
Manage aggressively
Troubleshoot
Change behavior in response to feedbackDevelop an exciting plan for growth
Be the coach
Measure and communicate performance2DeveloptheIndividuals
3. Overview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key TakeawaysAgenda3DeveloptheIndividuals
4. The Importance of Developing PeopleSource: Bain Worldwide Employee Satisfaction SurveyOpportunities for professional and personal development are critical elements of overall employee satisfaction.Importance“How important is each of the following?”4DeveloptheIndividuals
5. BenefitsDeveloping people has some obvious benefits.Enhance Ongoing Team ProcessStrengthen Quality of Results for ClientsContribute to Long-term Growth in the Business Through RetentionSatisfied Employees5DeveloptheIndividuals
6. AgendaOverview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key Takeaways6DeveloptheIndividuals
7. How to Develop PeopleExcellence in developing people can be achieved through three major activities.Be the CoachDevelop an Exciting Plan for GrowthMeasure and Communicate PerformanceReassess7DeveloptheIndividuals
8. AgendaOverview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key Takeaways8DeveloptheIndividuals
9. Plan for GrowthReview capabilities required for a person at their level
Solicit input from the individual
Read previous performance reviews (with the individual’s permission)
Talk to the person’s other managers
Review allocated workstream against capabilities and development needs and adjust as necessaryAt the beginning of a case, the caseteam leader should develop a case-specific skill plan for each team member.Write a skill plan with the individual’s help
Discuss the plan in a one-on-one conversation with the individual to ensure buy-in and enthusiasm for it9DeveloptheIndividuals
10. Skill Plan MythsThe following are some common myths and realities about skill plans.The skill plan found on the consensus review form is sufficient for helping people develop
Skill plans are disruptive because workplans rarely match development needs
Skill plan discussions are very time consuming
Skill plans should be filed away at the beginning of a case for review at the end of the case The consensus review form highlights a generic list of development needs for an individual. A case-specific skill plan focused on the individual’s workstreams for a particular case is an important supplement.
There are usually a number of ways to meet a generic development need regardless of the case - e.g., a client experience need on a market overview stream could be accomplished through expert and competitor interviews.
Once the workplan has been described, individuals should be asked to draft skill plans. A skill plan should focus only on the two or three most important needs. Reviewing and discussing the plan typically takes less than an hour.
The whole point of a skill plan is to provide an ongoing focus for development needs. Skill plans should be referred to during coaching meetings and regularly reviewed and revised during the case.MythReality10DeveloptheIndividuals
11. Skill Plan ImperativesTo get the most out of skill plans:Everyone should have oneSkill plans should be specific and actionableEnsure that the skill plan includes specific HLAs that tie to the major developmental needs identified in the individual’s latest review.
Test HLAs for reasonableness. Unrealistic goals set people up for failure and disappointment. The end of case review should show achievement on many of the HLAs.Skill plans should drive regular PD discussionsClearly identify your expectations for the content, frequency, and method of updates.
Review progress against their skill plan periodically with each team member.Everyone should have a skill plan that you review and discuss. This is your opportunity to ensure that team members’ expectations are in alignment with yours.
For new people, you should take the first cut at the plan and review it with the individual. For experienced team members, they should take the first cut, and then review it with you.11DeveloptheIndividuals
12. Skill Plan FormTeam Member:
Caseteam leader/Manager:
Case Code:
Date:Scheduled Updates:Value AdditionClientTeamGeneric SkillsSpecific HLAs for This CaseMust be specific to workstream activitiesValue AdditionClientTeam12DeveloptheIndividuals
13. AgendaOverview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key Takeaways13DeveloptheIndividuals
14. How to Be a Coach“Tell me and I’ll forget, show me and I’ll remember, let me do it and I’ll really learn.”
Chinese Proverb14DeveloptheIndividuals
15. Be the Coach“Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
Timothy Galwey, The Inner Game of Tennis
“Effective coaching challenges peoples’ beliefs and changes their behavior.”
Dean Berry, Founding Father of INSEAD15DeveloptheIndividuals
16. Effective CoachingWhere you say it
When you say it
How you say itCoaching involves attention to both content and process.What you sayContentProcess16DeveloptheIndividuals
17. Coaching ContentEffective coaching leaves the individual clear about the changes needed and motivated to make them.Specific - give examples, describe specific behaviors and reactions, use quotes or written examples
Factual - do not make it personal; discuss facts, events, examples
Objective - do not be influenced by previous performance or hearsay from other cases; base feedback on direct experience
Descriptive - be descriptive, not judgmental
Balanced - always give both positives and areas for improvement
Actionable - discuss specific action steps for improvementFrom your perspective - speak for yourself, not for others
Open/honest - do not pull punches, do not sugarcoat, and do not overstate
Sensitive of feelings - criticize actions, not the person; use careful language
Positive - express confidence that the person can succeed
Non-discriminatory - avoid any language that suggests racial/gender or other biases
Tentative - be mindful that you are presenting perceptions, not absolute truth
Sincere - understand that change is difficult; be tolerant and willing to helpClearMotivated17DeveloptheIndividuals
18. Coaching ProcessWhere you say itWhen you say itHow you say itThe process of coaching is as critical as the content.Appropriate location
give negative feedback in private, not in front of caseteam or client
give positive feedback in public, whenever possible
In person - avoid voicemail, especially for negative feedback
Coaching is an ongoing process; day-to-day feedback is critical
Feedback must be timely
Schedule sufficient time and do not allow interruptions
Prepare - keep a journal of specific examples
Separate positive from negative, and give positive feedback first
Make it a discussion, not a speech
Listen/question
understand their perspective
probe for background issues/concerns
give them opportunity to ask questions and respond
Check for understanding - summarize and agree on key points
18DeveloptheIndividuals
19. Positive FeedbackRegular positive feedback is a big part of successful coaching.Why is positive feedback important?Motivational: increases individual satisfaction, willingness to continue contributing
Reinforcing: explicitly acknowledges behaviors that are good; encourages continuation of positive behaviors
Creates greater openness to negative feedback: builds credibility and trustWhen is it appropriate?Upon completion of a good piece of analysis
After an effective meeting
After a good presentation
Anytime positive feedback is given by a third party (e.g., a client, an expert)How do you give it effectively?Be specific, provide detailed feedback.
Explain why the work was effective in obtaining results for the client
Separate it from negative feedback so it is not diluted/overshadowed
Acknowledge publicly, whenever possible19DeveloptheIndividuals
20. Tips for Receiving FeedbackAs part of the coaching process, it may help to review with the team member these tips for receiving feedback.Receiving feedback will allow you to see things about yourself that you could not see in any other way. You will then be able to correct behaviors that are inhibiting your growth. Constructive feedback is an important gift. Every time you are able to use it wisely, you will have taken another step in your own development.1. Listen closely to the person giving you the feedback, and try not to interrupt.
2. Avoid being defensive. This can be difficult, especially if the person giving you the feedback is not highly skilled. You may have different perceptions of yourself, but it is important that you understand the perceptions of others.
3. Assume the feedback giver is trying to be helpful.
4. Try to understand the feedback. If the feedback is not clear, ask for clarification and examples.20DeveloptheIndividuals
21. The Learning DilemmaSource: “Teaching Smart People How to Learn,” Harvard Business Review May-June 1991Sometimes overachievers find it difficult to accept negative feedback.
Overachievers are unaccustomed to failure
They may exhibit defensive behavior:Rationalization
Aggressiveness
Rejection
CynicismAre unwilling to “hear feedback
Fail to change behaviorsDenialBecome depressed, withdrawn
Shift behavior from “guardrail to guardrail” (i.e., from one extreme to the other)Reluctant acceptanceThese behaviors are a signal that the benefits of receiving feedback need to be reinforced.21DeveloptheIndividuals
22. Reactions to FeedbackAs a caseteam leader, you should encourage reactions to feedback that demonstrate maturity and an interest in improving.Deny the feedback
Attribute mistakes to external factors
Assume coach has negative feelings about the direct report
Express passivity - have no reaction
Take an aggressive stance toward the coach
Laugh it off
Reject coach's authority to give feedback
Show cynicism about improvement suggestions Accept responsibility for the behavior or understand the coach’s perceptions
Analyze why behavior was shown
Understand the coach's point of view
Ask for more information
Enlist coach’s to help in understanding the feedback
Show concern for improvement
Listen carefully to feedback
Accept feedback and check in with othersDefensive ReactionsDesired Reactions22DeveloptheIndividuals
23. Handling Pushback (1 of 3)Source: Adapted from The Developing People Workbook, Forum CorporationThe first step in handling pushback is to gain a better understanding of the other person’s point of view.EncourageConfirmResist the temptation to restate your feedback, defend your points, or jump in with more examples. Encourage the team member to say more about how he or she sees the situation.
Encourage with verbal and nonverbal signals (lean forward, nod, say “uh-huh”).
Recognize that the root cause of the team member’s objections may not be what you think. You may be missing some important facts or context.
Listen for both facts and feelings to understand the root cause of the issue.
Use open-ended questions to uncover the team member’s view. Open-ended questions begin with words like “What”, “How”, “Tell me”, “Describe” and “Explain.”
Use silence - it gives the team member an opportunity to consider and expand on what has been said.
Restate the team member’s observations - both facts and feelings.
Summarize what you have heard, and ask if you are correct.
Once you have encouraged, questioned, and confirmed, you will have a better understanding of the team member’s perspective and reactions. You may also have uncovered some additional facts you were not aware of.Question23DeveloptheIndividuals
24. After gaining a thorough understanding of the team member’s viewpoint, use these tips to provide helpful information and support.Disagrees with your description of the situation
Agrees, but cites factors beyond his or her control
Provide more accurate or objective observations that include the team member’s experiences, along with other facts the team member may not be aware of.
Provide and ask for some suggestions for things to do that are within his or her control. Identify ways you can help.
“So, what happens is that the other team gives you data that conflicts with yours, and you do not know how to reconcile them. This makes it hard for you to proceed on schedule. Is that right?”
“I understand you feel you can not help it if the client does not provide the data. How about if you …? Maybe I could help by …”
If the team member:Then you should:Example:Source: Adapted from The Developing People Workbook, Forum CorporationHandling Pushback (2 of 3)24DeveloptheIndividuals
25. Check to see if what you said makes sense and if you are both in agreement about what is going on and how to proceed. Continue by asking the team member for his or her suggestions for improvement going forward.Agrees, but does not see why it is important
Agrees, but says his or her intention was differentDescribe the importance of the issue - how it affects the team, you personally, and/or the team member.
Offer observations on the differences between the person's intention and the actual results of the behavior or performance.“I know doing a workplan does not seem important to you. The reason it is important to the team is that it allows us to …”
“I see your intention was to be helpful, but when you … I saw it as you doubting the team. Maybe you can be more helpful by …”Source: Adapted from The Developing People Workbook, Forum CorporationHandling Pushback (3 0f 3)If the team member:Then you should:Example:Even when the team member agrees with what you have to say, he or she may benefit from receiving further information.25DeveloptheIndividuals
26. Coaching Examples (1 of 2)“Dave, I noticed on the following occasions, you put down the QA manager’s analysis in front of her boss…”
“Dave, your cockiness in front of clients borders on rudeness.”
“Jan, you should use open-ended questions to explore the plant manager’s objections. This will give you information you can use to influence him.”
“Jan, in the future, you should capitalize on your natural charm to influence the skeptical plant manager.”Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:The objective of coaching is to improve a person’s behavior.26DeveloptheIndividuals
27. Coaching Examples (2 of 2)“Steve, I’d like to give you some feedback on something you said about our billing procedures to the plant manager during today's tour.”
“The team thought you were pretty out of line today when you blurted out that billing comment.”
“Donna, I get frustrated when I’m trying to make a point in case team meetings and you finish my sentences for me.”
“Donna, stop trying to step on me just to get promoted.”Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:27DeveloptheIndividuals
28. AgendaOverview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key Takeaways28DeveloptheIndividuals
29. Goals of the Written Performance ReviewThe written review is the primary mechanism for measuring results.Measure performance against goals and objectives
Establish new goals
Identify training needs
Ensure consistency between evaluations and salary increases and promotion recommendations
Provide documentation29DeveloptheIndividuals
30. Performance Review ContentPerformance reviews include:Clear and concise
Consistent with rating, salary increase, and promotion recommendationMost Important MessageMost important points reviewee should take awaySpecific examples, not assumptions
Balanced - both positive and negative feedback
Own observations - speak for yourself, do not speak for others
Situations beyond reviewee's control, if appropriateHistorical DescriptionBasis of most important message and development objectivesClear, specific action steps
Prioritized based on importance of skills and size of gap
"Start, stop, and continue" format (optional)Development ObjectivesKey to skill plan development30DeveloptheIndividuals
31. The Performance Review ProcessThere are four steps in the performance review process:Develop the ContentPrepare to Deliver the ReviewConduct the ReviewPrepare to Write the ReviewConduct an interim review
Determine areas for improvement at the end of each case
For consensus reviews, talk to input reviewersEvaluate performance gaps
Determine improvement objectives
Identify resources
Develop most importance message supported by dataAnticipate areas of disagreement
Think of how to establish a dialogue
Schedule the meeting in advance
Keep the appointment
Do not allow interruptionsEstablish a positive and open climate
Provide specific examples
Listen
Make sure the reviewee understands where to focus
Check in with the reviewee31DeveloptheIndividuals
32. Prepare to Write the ReviewBefore writing the review...Conduct at least one interim review with the team member
At the end of each case, determine key areas for improvement
For consensus reviews, talk to input reviewers
flag inconsistencies
gain consensus on key messages
include other reviewers’ examples and anecdotes
submit draft to input reviewers for feedback32DeveloptheIndividuals
33. Develop the ContentWhen writing the review...Review development plan for previous six months
Evaluate gaps between plan and performance
Determine the most critical performance improvement objectives
Identify resources the team member can tap to gain the required skills (e.g., BVU modules, training sessions, colleagues)
Develop most important message
tie to rating
focus on expected behavior changes
if appropriate, include promotion message
Support most important message with data
be specific
cite examples and critical incidents
include positive and negative feedback33DeveloptheIndividuals
34. Writing WatchoutsFollow these guidelines when writing the review:Think before writing
Provide specific examples of behavior, not conclusions
Include positive and negative feedback
Be scrupulously honest
Reflect accurately other reviewers’ comments
Respect confidentiality
Avoid
jargon - use plain language
adjective qualifiers - use active verbs
assumptions about direct report's knowledge
frequency statements
relying solely on quantitative values - describe behavior and consequences
Do not make commitments you can not honor
If appropriate, describe situations beyond reviewee’s control34DeveloptheIndividuals
35. Prepare to Deliver the ReviewAnticipate potential areas of disagreement and friction
envision reviewee’s defensive reaction and prepare to respond in a way that will help the reviewee understand and accept the feedback
be aware of your own response to conflict - go for win-win
Think of how to structure the coaching as a dialogue and how to create a climate of openness
Schedule the review meeting several days in advance
Keep the appointment
Eliminate distractions and avoid interruptionsAfter you have written the review, prepare to deliver it.35DeveloptheIndividuals
36. Conduct the ReviewEstablish a positive and open climate
Limit feedback to issues relevant to the job
Discuss performance issues in descending order of importance
Give concrete, behavior-based feedback on strengths and areas for improvement
If reviewee disagrees, reflect your understanding of what he or she is saying
Weight the validity of new information
Avoid arguing
Ask the reviewee to summarize the three most important areas for development
Contact for follow-up, checkpoints, and assistanceHelp the reviewee learn and grow from the feedback.36DeveloptheIndividuals
37. Written Feedback Examples (1 of 3)“In client meetings, Steve did not defend his analysis. On KLM, he relied on a consultant to bail him out.”
“Steve’s lack of confidence is a major concern of other team members.”
“Anne failed to identify critical path issues on branding BDPs. She also produced her own slides on ZBD.”
“Anne frequently mismanages her time.”Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:Make your statements clear and back them up with examples.37DeveloptheIndividuals
38. Written Feedback Examples (2 of 3)“On the following occasions, Stacy presented to the client numbers she did not check for accuracy…. Our credibility with the client suffered as our conclusions changed and the numbers varied. ”
“Stacy met only 80% of her deadlines with an accuracy of 85%.”
“Ken failed to meet the deadlines for analyzing the productivity database because the client’s MIS Department missed agreed-upon targets.”
“It wasn’t Ken’s fault that the he missed the database deadlines.”
Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:38DeveloptheIndividuals
39. “Chris’ very negative response to his end of case review did not help him to improve his performance or learn from the lessons of ABD.”
“Chris is very defensive and he obviously does not want to learn and improve.”
“Donna has successfully addressed performance issues by developing questionnaires, executing interviews, coordinating temporary staff, and conducting quantitative analysis.”
“Donna does a good job of juggling competing priorities. She is a flexible team member.”
“Mark initiated a disposal program that was approved and adopted by the client product manager.”
“Mark knows how to structure his analysis and recommendations so that they will be readily accepted by the client.”Written Feedback Examples (3 of 3)Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:Do this:
Avoid this:39DeveloptheIndividuals
40. The desired behaviors and skills are clearly defined
There is real motivation to change
Sources of resistance are explicitly recognized
Activities are aimed at making the change
The individual trusts their coach to facilitate the change
Other people support the change in visible ways
The outcomes are visibleThe final outcome in all development-related activities is to help the reviewee to feel positive and willing and able to change.Point of Arrival40DeveloptheIndividuals
41. AgendaOverview
How to Develop the Individuals
Develop an Exciting Plan for Growth
Be the Coach
Measure and Communicate Performance
Key Takeaways41DeveloptheIndividuals
42. Key TakeawaysHelping people to perform at their full potential is a critical part of overall employee satisfaction
The benefits include higher quality results for clients, a better team process, and higher employee retention
For professional development activities to be successful on an ongoing basis there should be a real motivation to change, a clear path to change, and a supportive environment to facilitate the change
To develop people and help them reach their full potential:
Develop an exciting plan for growth that enables the individual to know how to grow and gives them the motivation to achieve the necessary changes
Act as a coach rather than as a supervisor - help individuals learn to change, do not just them what to do
Measure performance and provide thoughtful feedback that is clear and actionable and provides a consensus picture of historical performance and objectives for the future
42DeveloptheIndividuals