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 […]
Every manager wants their employees to have good judgment. The good news is that judgment is a muscle that you can help your team build. Start by talking through how you make important decisions. Explain the criteria and stakeholders you consider, as well as any risks and trade-offs you assess. This will teach people how […]
A crisis, like Covid-19, can impact how, when, and where you and your employees work. That’s why it’s important to be sure everyone on your team is prepared to work from home — perhaps on a moment’s notice. 1. Map out which jobs and tasks can and can’t be done, even partially, without a physical presence […]
It’s hard to get people to pay attention in meetings when everyone’s in the same room — let alone if they’re all calling in from home. How can you get people to actually participate in a virtual meeting? The key is to create structured opportunities for attendees to engage. Do something in the first 60 […]
We’re all stuck at home. Conferences and events are canceled, restaurants and gyms are closed. You have more free time now than you may ever see again in your life. Don’t waste this time. In 1606 a plague swept England, and Shakespeare was quarantined in his home. During that time, he wrote Macbeth, King Lear, and Antony […]
For many managers, the hardest part of delegating is trusting that a task will be done well. But it becomes easier when you think of it as a chance to train your staff — not just get rid of some work. The next time you need to delegate something, start by determining who on your […]
If you want to lead a successful organizational change, you have to communicate about the change empathetically. And that means finding out how your team feels and tailoring your emails and meetings to their concerns. Leaders who don’t take this step risk alienating their employees, who may already be feeling nervous or skeptical. So talk […]
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others. If so, focus on those […]