Tony Deblauwe

If a team member is consistently ignoring client feedback, it’s important to address it calmly and clearly. Start by having a one-on-one chat to bring up the specific situations where feedback was ignored, and explain why it’s important for both the client relationship and the quality of work. Ask them if they’re struggling with handling the feedback—maybe they feel overwhelmed or don’t know how to apply it. Offer guidance or support to help them improve. Be sure to set clear expectations for how they should handle feedback going forward, and check in regularly to see how it’s going. This approach helps them improve while keeping the conversation supportive.

When managing a team with different roles, fairness in evaluations starts by setting clear, tailored expectations for each role. Define specific goals and key metrics that make sense for each person’s job—don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. During check-ins, focus on both individual achievements and how they contribute to the team’s overall success. Be sure to give personalized feedback that’s directly related to their responsibilities. To keep things fair, use consistent criteria across the board, like work quality, collaboration, or meeting deadlines, while still adjusting for each person’s role. This way, everyone feels they’re being evaluated on what matters most to their job.

When your team isn’t thrilled about new hires, it’s important to tackle it head-on. Start by talking to your team about their concerns—maybe they’re worried about how things will change. Explain why the new hire is needed and how they'll make the team stronger. Get your team involved by assigning a mentor or pairing them with the new person on projects so they can get to know each other. Make sure the new hire feels welcomed, but also give your current team a chance to express their thoughts. This way, everyone feels included, and the transition goes smoother.

When you're leading a team with different communication styles virtually, the trick is to set clear guidelines for how you all stay connected. Decide on the best tools for different tasks—maybe emails for detailed info, chat for quick updates, and video calls for discussions. Make sure everyone knows how and when to use them. Encourage open communication and be mindful of quieter team members—give them space to share. Regular check-ins help make sure everyone’s on the same page and catch any issues early. Being flexible and understanding will make virtual teamwork a lot smoother for everyone.

In any conflict, setting the example is one of the best ways to show you're ready for leadership. Act how you want others to act—be patient, empathetic, and professional. When you handle conflicts calmly and with respect, people notice and often follow your lead. This helps create a more positive work environment and shows you’re someone who can be a role model. It’s a great way to prove you’re ready for more responsibility and can handle tough situations with ease.

Once you've figured out the problem and talked to everyone involved, it's time to work together on a solution. Get the team to share their ideas and encourage everyone to pitch in. By fostering that teamwork, you show you can lead and bring people together. Not only will this help solve the issue, but it’ll also strengthen the team and show you’re the kind of person who can unite people. This kind of collaborative approach is a great way to show you’re ready for leadership roles.