Episode Summary:
In this episode of Mondays with Mike, Mike Staver answers a question about balancing being “too nice” and “being the hammer” as a boss or manager. He explains that the key lies in adjusting leadership behavior to the performance needs of employees. By being more directive when performance falters and more supportive as it improves, leaders can create an environment of accountability and growth without extremes in behavior.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid extremes in leadership—neither “too nice” nor overly harsh is effective.
- Always adjust your leadership behavior to the performance needs of your employees.
- When performance decreases, adopt a more directive and teaching-oriented approach.
- When performance improves, focus on being supportive and encouraging.
- Avoid the common mistake of increasing encouragement when performance fails—it can undermine accountability.
Notable Quotes:
- “Always adjust your leader behavior to the performance needs of your followers.”
- “As performance starts to fade, you become more directive and more teaching. As performance starts to improve, you become more supportive and encouraging.”
- “It always is a mistake to be more encouraging when performance fails.”
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