Welcome to Merge's Monthly Mega Minute - a bite-sized, yet substantial and practical, nugget of information that you can use immediately to enhance your professional and personal success.

Do you solve problems by trial or by effort?

If you have to solve a problem, the approach that takes the least effort is to try possible solutions until you find one that works.  If a solution works, then you probably had the difficulty that the remedy was there to fix.

But this tactic can be slow, expensive, and unsafe.  It’s also a dreadful way to present yourself as a professional.  What if your accountant or plumber used the same methodology?  Would “I’ll try this, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll try something else” inspire you with confidence in their abilities? 

A solution that is the result of an expert diagnosis of a problem will always give greater assurance to your clients, and it will build their commitment to you.  Sure, an expert diagnosis of a problem takes more time and energy, but it is worth the effort.  A professional who uses experience and effort to identify and analyze the root causes to problems, will always win out over someone who resorts to speculation and guesswork.

What approach are you taking to solve your internal and external client difficulties and challenges?  What language are you using when you converse with them?  How do you come across?  Are you positioning yourself as a professional and an expert, or are you being perceived as someone who resorts to conjecture and supposition?  If it’s the latter, then your expertise is likely being dismissed, and you’re probably not getting the notice and respect you deserve.

Take a few moments to reflect on how you solve problems, and then commit to making changes that will showcase you and your talents in the best possible way.

I’d love to hear your take on what I’ve just said.   Please share your perspective by adding your comment directly on the blog at www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/blog.

In The Globe and Mail: AI may be coming for your job, but all is not lost

Will AI steal your job?  Artificial intelligence tools are being used in many workplaces to automate tasks, so it is possible! But all is not lost. Humans cannot compete when it comes to gathering and processing data, but we can differentiate ourselves elsewhere. In her latest column in The Globe and Mail, Merge outlines five main areas you should focus on to be as relevant tomorrow as you are today. Read AI may be coming for your job, but all is not lost.

Turning Managers Into Leaders

• Video: Compassionate leadership means being available to your staff. Compassionate leadership is about making it easy for your staff to reach out to you -- both physically and emotionally. Merge explains
• Video: Mindful active listening is essential to compassionate leadership. 
  Compassionate leadership requires that you listen attentively, and without judgement. If you struggle with this, here are 5 things you can do.
• Focus on employee retention by invoking Price’s Law. Price's Law may help you understand the huge importance of your top performers and where you should focus your employee retention efforts
• Video: Compassionate leaders celebrate success and show appreciation.
  Compassionate leaders create a workplace climate in which successes are recognized and celebrated, by everyone

That Merge can give you a short “burst” of leadership training as part of your in-house management meetings?

Wouldn’t be great to include some leadership skill development in your next all-manager meeting?  Whether you’re doing it virtually or in-person, improve the ROI of bringing your entire leadership together by giving them the tools to become better leaders.  Merge can work with you to determine what your team needs most, and customize a short program to help them get there.  Just send us an email, and we’ll set up a virtual meeting for you and Merge to talk.