Nothing good comes of envy. If employees are resentful about what they feel they deserve or what others have, morale and well-being will suffer. Leaders can combat envy by building a culture of goodwill (“I’m grateful for what I have, and happy about your success”) rather than one of comparison (“I deserve what you have”). […]
As a manager, you probably have to talk a lot. You want people to have the guidance and direction they need, of course, and there are plenty of situations where you need to speak your mind. But at some point, talking a lot can turn into over-communicating. You can end up dominating conversations, which means […]
Versatility is a key leadership trait. Managers must have the capacity to read and respond to change with a wide repertoire of skills and behaviors. So how can you actually build this ability? [1] Start by soliciting feedback from trusted colleagues. Ask a simple question like, “What should I start doing, stop doing, or continue […]
During stressful and uncertain times, it’s normal to feel anxious and scared. Chances are, most people around you feel it, too. It’s easy to infect each other with anxiety and fear, but we can take steps to protect ourselves from these emotional contagions. Cut down on how often you engage in venues where fear feeds […]
It’s not always clear how you should think about growing in your career. One thing to try is writing a “from/to” statement that articulates where you are today and where you want to go. For example :: I want to progress from an individual contributor who adds value through technical expertise and closely follows others’ […]
When our daily routines are geared toward barreling through a to-do list, it can be hard to set the right conditions for creativity. Fortunately, there is a time-tested approach — that’s also quite simple — for generating creative ideas. 1 :: Gather raw materials in your area of interest. This could mean anything from articles […]
The coronavirus crisis has led to radical shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviors. How can you adjust your marketing strategy accordingly? 1. For starters, you’ll need to change the tone of your messaging. Feel-good content that alleviates anxiety and promotes solidarity will help your brand meet the moment. 2. Find ways your company can help […]
High achievers often have lofty aspirations for self-improvement. But big goals — such as “meditate for an hour every day,” or “read more” — are often more burdensome than they are sustainable. So, start small by focusing on “microhabits” — more achievable behaviors that you build over long periods of time. 1 :: These habits […]
Supervisors who suddenly have found themselves managing a fully remote team may be wondering how to measure employee productivity and quality of work from a distance. The key ingredient is trust You may not be able to see what people are doing, but you can still equip them with the information they need, assign them […]
Good presenters know how to connect with their audience — which is really challenging in a virtual setting. To start, you have to adopt an engaged, active persona. Make “eye contact” with your participants by looking directly into the camera as often as possible. This can be hard to remember, especially if you have to […]
Every business has subject-matter experts who are the keepers of critical information or who serve as the firm’s institutional memory. How do you ensure that they pass their knowledge on to the next generation, especially if you don’t want to burden the person with training lots of people? Try using what experts call a knowledge […]
One of the most important — and toughest — parts of being a manager is hiring. Too many of us look for talent in the same old (wrong) places or follow the popular trend of thinking the “best hire” is the “best culture fit.” It’s time to update your tactics: Here’s what to stop doing […]
Unfocused meetings. Competing priorities. Confusion over who gets to make the final call. These are often signs that your organization has poorly designed decision-making processes. Rather than treating the symptoms, take on the system itself. How Systems Support (or Undermine) Good Decision-Making Harvard Business Review […]
Work stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Try these strategies during the day to avoid worrying about work at all hours of the night. Make a to-do list. The act of writing down uncompleted tasks allows you to put them out of your mind. […]
When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial. Consider who you feel inspired […]
If your team just made an abrupt shift to remote work, it’s important to offer encouragement and emotional support. Acknowledge the pressure everyone is under, listen to their anxieties, concerns + empathize with their struggles. If a newly remote employee is clearly having a hard time, but not communicating stress or anxiety, ask them how […]
Some jobs have very clear lines between when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.” But when you work in a role where the lines are blurred — or potentially nonexistent — it’s important to protect your non-work time. If you feel like work is taking over most of your waking hours, start by clearly defining […]