The Ordinary Leader by Randy Grieser

Organizational change efforts stall when leadership forgets to focus on the impact change will have on employees. Managing the “people side” of change is often the most challenging and critical component of organizational transformation. Getting people engaged in the change will greatly enhance the likelihood of new structures and approaches being implemented successfully. This manual focuses on the development of competencies that will provide a foundation for the “what,” “why,” and “how” of managing people during organizational change. 51 pages.

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Based on the book, The Culture Question, this workshop provides a guide for how every organization can increase employee engagement and become a great place to work. Unfortunately, far too many people don’t like where they work. Some organizations are unhealthy and full of disrespectful behaviour. Other workplaces are simply uninspiring. For various reasons, countless people feel trapped, indifferent, or bored at work. The secret to creating workplaces where people like to work is leadership and culture. By exploring six key elements that make up a healthy workplace culture, participants will learn the answers to two fundamental questions: “How does your organization’s culture impact how much people like where they work?” and “What can leaders do to make it better?” 39 pages

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Essential leadership skills and competencies often mean the difference between thriving or failing in a leadership role. To lead effectively, there are some things that leaders must do and know, and not all of them will come naturally. This manual provides strategies to help leaders increase their abilities to inspire and lead teams effectively. Readers will gain insights about how to best engage others, assess team dynamics, make better decisions, and to improve trust and influence with those they are leading. 37 pages.

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One of the most difficult and often overlooked aspects of moving into a supervisory or management position is developing the skills necessary to truly manage people. Without intentional training, many new managers are left to figure things out on their own – for better or worse. Like all skills, effective management and supervisory skills must be learned. This manual presents the crucial skills for managing employment relationships from beginning to end, with particular focus on hiring and performance management. Readers will also consider how their communication and personal approach to management affects the people they lead. 45 pages.

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Dealing with issues related to mental health in the workplace can be challenging and difficult to navigate. It is essential that organizations have the capabilities to manage mental health because early identification and support typically leads to continued productivity and retention of employees. This manual provides a roadmap to help managers participate in conversations with employees who may require support when experiencing difficulties related to mental health. Readers will learn strategies for creating a more inclusive work environment that reduces stigma surrounding mental illness.  45 pages.

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Unresolved conflict is time consuming and limits the productivity of everyone involved. Mediation is an essential skill for anyone who works in situations where they are responsible for helping others with interpersonal tension. When two people can’t resolve a conflict on their own, a third party may be needed to facilitate a conversation to help resolve the conflict. This skills-based manual provides the tools to work with people in conflict to clarify misunderstandings, identify interests, and work towards options for resolving the conflict. Readers will work with scenarios that help them prepare to intervene and resolve conflict situations. 47 pages.

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The results of unhealthy and poorly managed conflict create a negative impact for individuals and groups. Those people who master essential conflict resolution skills reduce the occurrence of negative conflict, leading to healthier, happier relationships and work environments. Many conflicts would not spiral out of control if people used conflict resolution techniques that are easy to learn and utilize. This manual explores the various dynamics of conflict, including its sources and how it often escalates in predictable patterns. Readers will learn skills for responding confidently and effectively to conflict. 34 pages.

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In order to survive and thrive in the 21st century workplace, we all need to master the fundamentals of communication. Our ability to communicate effectively is directly linked to our success in meeting the needs of employers, colleagues, customers, and clients. This manual focuses on the core skills for communicating with clarity in the workplace. Readers will hone their verbal communication strategies including speaking and listening skills. They will also learn approaches for utilizing communication technologies such as phone, email, texts, and social media more effectively. This manual will give readers tools and strategies to communicate with clarity and purpose while choosing the best medium for the message. 38 pages.

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Whether sharing bad news with a client, providing corrective action or talking with a colleague about an uncomfortable issue, difficult conversations are typically stressful and often take a large mental and emotional toll. Many people avoid difficult conversations for these reasons, or find themselves ill prepared when they must have them. Yet, the ability to handle difficult conversations respectfully and professionally is one of the most important skills for success in the workplace. This manual will review the key elements of preparing for, conducting, and concluding difficult conversations. Readers will leave with a set of tools to help ensure that difficult conversations are productive, professional, and respectful for all involved. 33 pages.

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Mental health concerns will directly impact one in every five people. The remaining four will know a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance that struggles with their mental health. It is essential that organizations build capacity to support those with mental health concerns because early identification and support typically leads to continued employee wellbeing. This manual will explore factors affecting mental health, give participants a general overview of common adult mental illnesses and, most importantly, how to be a support. Readers will learn strategies for creating a more inclusive work environment that reduces stigma surrounding mental illness. 33 pages.

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A respectful workplace is a prerequisite for building a healthy and successful organization. Respectful workplaces not only foster productivity, they also contribute to employee well-being. This manual explores the components of respect and addresses individual responsibilities within the work environment. Readers will learn how to voice their expectations as well as initiate and respond to difficult conversations about disrespectful behaviour. This manual will help provide the attitudes and skills necessary to contribute to creating and sustaining a respectful work environment. 34 pages.

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In many organizations it is common to find employees suffering from the adverse effects of stress. Left unmanaged, stress can lead to unproductive patterns and result in loss of focus, motivation, and productivity. This manual will help participants identify personal stress factors and introduce them to practical methods for successfully managing stress. Readers will have the opportunity to develop a personalized plan that enables them to function at their best in the work environment. 49 pages.

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