In case you are placed in a position to head a section where there are quite a few people who are not happy.?

Question

There are some people who are not able to digest that I have been recognised and have to head them .(Nobody has expressed anything in my presence though..). How do I handle the situation and make them work for me . I want have a cordial atmosphere.

Answer 1

Is is like dating a girl whom you like to be your wife.
Your date will not accept you as a potential future husband during your first few dates.
A few techniques:
- You have to gain their respect and give them recognition or appreciation at the slightest good action or work by them. Find the good actions by them on a daily basis. If you constantly pass genuine compliment, like your date, they will soften up. It is a long process, so you need to have patience and persistence.
- Among the group, if you have a strong supporter, leverage on him to influence those that are not happy.
-Keep the unhappy busy with more work load but reward them accordingly.If they are too busy with work, it distracts them from you.
-Make them feel important and get their input as much as possible in decision making. They will feel good about this and in turn will soften up.

Answer 2

Possibly the toughest thing is life is to lead a group that does not want to be led by you. It is an art, not a science. You need to make them believe in you. Show them that you are really interested in the success of the team. I would suggest a book called the Master Motivator.

The other things is, don't worry about a cordial atmosphere. Sometimes you have to be tough. Sometimes you have to weather a strom before people like eachother. Also remember to not take things personally. It's work and you go home at the end of the day.