Having the Heart of a Lion

By Maj. Elizabeth Gagot
EPI Executive Officer

NEW ORLEANS - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 61st Annual Conference and Exposition in New Orleans offered Human Resource managers great sessions on intergenerational relationships, employment law and legislation, and skill development.

Margaret N. Morford, president of The HR Edge, Inc. in Brentwood, Tenn., spoke about management courage during "Having the Heart of a Lion."

Morford said both the manager and the employee have a responsibility to be direct and honest with one another.

"Managers are required to be forthright and direct with employees when speaking with employees about their work performance," Morford said.

She emphasized how important it was for managers to address negative behavior immediately. Corrective action should be applied immediately and not be avoided, she said.

She added this applies to employees also particularly if it impacts their work performance.

When employees are not truthful about issues that affect their performance it causes more issues for managers thereby exacerbating the problem.

However, it is just as important for managers to reward their employees for outstanding performance; some managers neglect to do so. Managers must quickly address employee negative work habits and be honest and direct during performance reviews. Hedging or "beating around the bush" does not foster open communication; direct and honest feedback provides employees with an opportunity to address concerns.

Question asked by patrons:

Does the military teach leadership courses that are geared towards building managerial skills?

Let us know what you think in the comment section.