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Year: 2013

Sharpen the focus of a meeting

Propose to a meeting organizer that you play the role of “tangent spotter.” Whenever unrelated issues or circular arguments sidetrack the meeting’s efficiency, the tangent spotter brings the group’s focus back: “Hey guys, let’s get back on track, please” or “We’re supposed to be discussing xyz. Did I miss something…?”

What are the best–and most entertaining–team-building exercises?

Question: “My boss has asked me to come up with ideas to help our staff become more team-player oriented. At a previous job she and a co-worker brought all of their office staff together, paired them up with Legos, and had one read directions while standing behind the one putting the item together. She said the results were fantastic because it showed the staff members how others perceive another giving directions and how they interpret them. Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to make being a ‘team-player’ fun?”  Mary

Don’t let conflict become a schoolyard squabble

Q: “Ever since I was promoted, one of my former co-workers has refused to acknowledge that I am now her supervisor. Because she is friendly with my boss, ‘Anna’ takes all her questions and concerns to him instead of me. This power struggle has been going on for two years. I’m so disgusted with Anna that I have a hard time controlling my temper. At the same time, I’m acutely aware that my inability to work with Anna has cast me in an unfavorable light with management. How do I solve this problem?” Tired of Fighting