Although workplace policies are generally well-intentioned, they often elicit less-than-positive responses that range from silent eye-rolling to loud complaints about how policies don’t apply to a given situation. Given the derision and frustration often associated with them, should policies have expiration dates? In a word, yes. 

Business leaders have learned many lessons during this never-ending pandemic. They have learned that although colleagues miss each other, employees can work from anywhere. They have upgraded their technology skills to be able to connect with others more productively. They have recognized the importance of having teammates check in with each other to make sure everyone is mentally and physically healthy. They have even embraced learning about everyone’s crazy pets. But perhaps the greatest lesson they have learned is the great need for flexibility in their workplaces.

The topic of influence often comes up in leadership programs and coaching. Although leaders may be strong technicians and extremely capable of carrying out their job responsibilities, they can also feel that they are not as influential as they would like. The inability to persuade others to support their ideas and suggestions can be frustrating and can throw off any leader’s confidence level. By keeping six key strategies in mind, however, leaders can increase their influence. 

Nearly everyone has had an experience with a bad manager or leader. And there is an excellent chance that any organization is harboring one (or more!) of them now. Bad managers abound—but at what price to their companies? 

By implementing certain best practices in a six-step process, teams can be better positioned to tackle their problems straight on and therefore achieve solutions that all team members can live with.