Alloy Solutions Leadership Blog
Tips and tools to help you thrive at work.
The Case for Delegating: Because Faster Isn't Always Better
“We haven’t trained Jake on that yet, so I’m handling it.”
“I don’t have time to explain it right now. It’s faster if I just do it myself.”
“Sarah has so much going on already. I feel bad putting more on her plate.”
I have heard managers give all kinds of reasons for why they aren’t delegating, but it usually comes down to this: I know I should delegate more, but it’s faster if I just do it myself.
It’s one of the most dangerous leadership traps out there, and here’s why: You’re probably right.
Actually, that’s not quite true. You’re probably right… for today.
The Bank of Tomorrow
When I speak to leaders, the biggest factor that keeps them from delegating more often is time. If I had a nickel for every time I heard something to the effect of “It’s just faster if I do it myself,” I would be writing this article from atop a throne of nickels. This challenge is especially strong for front-line managers, who are often tasked with managing work they used to do themselves and are stil...
The Misadventures of a Supermanager
Who’s your favorite superhero? Batman? Superman? Maybe Wolverine, or Wonder Woman? These days, there are more than enough options to go around.
Personally, I grew up on the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies. I was just the right age when those movies came out to be captivated by his high-flying, web-slinging heroics (and perpetually confused by that dancing scene). Those films still hold a special place in my heart, all these years and Spider-Men later.
You know which hero never caught my attention? Not as a kid watching cartoons, not as a teenager going to movie theaters, and not as a parent streaming movies from home with kids asleep upstairs.
That would be Supermanager, of course!
The name may not ring a bell, but you surely know this superhero quite well. Supermanager doesn’t swing through the skies of New York City, but they swing by desks to answer questions, solve problems, and save crucial projects right at the deadline. Supermanager has all of the right answers, knows all of...
Vision 2020 - Your Best Year Yet!
Vision 2020 - Your Best Year Yet! by Jamie Hansen
So here we are in the fourth quarter of 2019. My year so far has been full of adventures, small victories, setbacks, curveballs, and new connections and ideas. The novel and unfamiliar seems to have become the new routine. Whether your 2019 has been a handful like mine or a little more predictable, it's worthwhile to consider what we've learned and what we wish to prepare for in 2020.
Whatever your 2019 has held, my wish for you would be to head into 2020 as strong, confident, and capable as ever. Sounds great, you say, but how is that possible? Here are a few thoughts for your consideration:
- Make a list of five remarkable moments from 2019. What's on your list? AN unexpected setback? Something you accomplished that you never guessed you would? Perhaps a life lesson learned the hard way? Write down the moments that come to mind.
- Consider how these moments may have been connected. Were you using your strengths? Were you falling pre ...
Making Conflict Constructive
Making Conflict Constructive, by Cindy Wofford Braun
Many years ago, I owned this local coffee shop, and conflicts were rare but memorable. One in particular still stands out to me, and as a person who preferred to stuff emotions in the face of conflict, this experience completely changed my approach.
This particular customer had very specific expectations for two specialty drinks. These drinks had to be hand-made and delivered piping hot, with just the right combination of ingredients and foam milk. For three days in a row, this customer found something wrong and berated my employees until they received r...
