Enjoy these FREE instructional management topic podcasts, brought to you by Managing People at Work. New podcasts are added weekly!

September 27, 2010
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: In praise of the paraphrase

Want to impress your boss or a VIP? Paraphrase what the person just told you. By summarizing it succinctly, you demonstrate your rapt listening skills. In this podcast, we discuss the benefits or paraphrasing what others say—and how to do it in a seamless, effective manner. (6 min.)

September 13, 2010
LEADERSHIP: Want more power? Lighten up

Recent research shows that the best way to climb the career ladder is to be polite, honest and engaging with others. Yet many senior executives turn into screaming meanies when they accumulate vast power. What gives? In this podcast, we explore what psychologists call "the paradox of power" and offer pointers on how you can position yourself for promotions by listening well and maintaining your composure when you hear bad news. (6 min.)

August 30, 2010
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Wrap your remarks nice 'n tight

To deliver a powerful presentation, organize your thoughts so that they're easy to follow. In this podcast, we examine ways to structure your speech so that people are more apt to listen attentively and buy into your ideas. (6 min.)

August 23, 2010
TIME MANAGEMENT: Pick a system, any system

Most time management gurus will tell you that procrastination isn't as bad as multitasking. In this podcast, you'll learn more about the scourge of multitasking—and what other insights these efficiency experts offer to help managers operate at peak productivity. (7 min.)

August 9, 2010
MANAGING ADVERSITY: Solve what you can solve

When adversity strikes, it's easy to give up or at least resign yourself to adverse outcomes. But there's a better strategy. In this podcast, you'll learn about the powerfully destructive pull of "learned helplessness" and three simple steps to overcome it. (6 min.)

July 26, 2010
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: Some perspective, please

Annoying employees can drive you crazy. You can wind up spending way too much of your time fretting about how to deal with them. In this podcast, we discuss a better strategy: Putting these management challenges in perspective so that you don't let a difficult employee deplete your time and energy. (7 min.)

July 19, 2010
MANAGING THE BOSS: Deliver diplomatic critiques

When your boss asks for your opinion, strike a diplomatic tone. If you're too abrasive in sharing what you think, you can rub the boss the wrong way. In this podcast, we discuss how to state well-supported views that maximize the odds that senior executives will remain receptive rather than dismiss what you say. (7 min.)

July 12, 2010
MOTIVATION: Balance directive and supportive behavior

The best way to motivate employees is to mix directive behavior (i.e., telling people what to do) with supportive behavior (which involves a dialogue where you ask questions and listen well). If you overdose on directive behavior, you can crush morale and make employees feel like peons. In this podcast, we discuss how to balance directive and supportive behavior by probing frequently and listening to what employees tell you. (6 min.)

July 7, 2010
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Worry your way to results

You're worried. We get that. The issue is how you'll communicate your worries to your peers and employees. If you just dump your list of anxieties onto others, you'll crush morale. In this podcast, we offer a better set of strategies including how to reframe worries positively, pose hypotheticals and tie your concerns to action plans. (7 min.)

June 25, 2010
MANAGING EMPLOYEES: Obesity at work

If you manage obese employees, you need to balance your concern for their health with singling them out for weight loss. Research shows that morbidly obese employees are less productive and absent more often due to health-related problems, so ignoring the issue isn't an ideal solution. In this podcast, we explore ways to handle this delicate situation. (6 min.)

June 15, 2010
LEADERSHIP: The role of anger

Great leaders are often lauded for their fiery, take-no-prisoners style. While there's nothing wrong with demanding greatness from your employees and expressing disappointment if they let you down, beware of allowing your disappointment to degenerate into anger. In this podcast, we discuss ways to channel anger to your advantage at work rather than reacting impulsively and getting yourself into trouble. (6 min.)

June 9, 2010
EMPLOYEE TRAINING: Mix and match learning points

To maximize your investment in employee training, get them excited beforehand—and follow up in the months after their training session.  In this podcast, we discuss the value of showing interest in their training and asking them to update you on how they're applying the learning points. (6 min.)

May 31, 2010
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: How to overcome 3 types of problem behavior

There are dozens of problem personalities at work. This podcast gives you strategies to deal with three of the most common types: Avoiders, Overzealous Parents and Fighters. (7 min.)

May 24, 2010
TIME MANAGEMENT: Start on time, end quickly

Sloppy time management often involves a lack of awareness. You might start talking with colleagues and not know when to call it quits. In this podcast, you'll learn how to impose discipline on your workday. Examples include starting meetings on time and ending meetings or presentations decisively so that you don't drag out your conclusion. (6 min.)

May 17, 2010
MANAGING ADVERSITY: Fire away when under siege

When you're under siege, it's tempting to hunker down and wait for the crisis to pass. But there's no guarantee that taking a passive approach will work: Some pressures mount as time goes on (rather than go away on their own). In this podcast, you'll learn how to adopt a proactive stance when facing down workplace pressures such as drafting contingency plans, confronting adversaries head-on and focusing on what you can control. (5 min.)

May 10, 2010
PUBLIC SPEAKING: 3 big mistakes to avoid

Even the most experienced public speakers fall into traps when they deliver presentations. In this podcast, you'll learn how to avoid some of the most common traps such as babbling too much and misusing your slides. (6 min.)

May 4, 2010
MOTIVATION: Maximize your visibility

You've surely heard the advice to get out of the office and boost your visibility with employees. But just going up to them and striking up an aimless conversation isn't helpful or motivating. It's better to have a purpose when you wander the halls or factory floor. In this podcast, you'll learn how to maximize your presence with your employees by applying simple strategies to conduct productive conversations with them. (6 min.)

April 26, 2010
MANAGING THE BOSS: Taming a micromanager

In difficult economic times, executives tend to bear down on their managers and take inordinate interest in every detail of their work. And that can drive managers crazy! In this podcast, you'll learn how to deal with a micromanaging boss. By probing to determine WHY your boss is meddling so much—and then responding in a non-threatening, positive manner, you can disarm the micromanager and build trust. (6 min.)

April 20, 2010
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Make complex ideas easy to digest

If you need to convey complicated processes or cover lots of dry information in a long presentation, take smart steps to make it easy for your listeners to understand. In this podcast, you'll learn how to break down complex concepts into bulleted lists, create catchy acronyms and arouse the audience's curiosity to learn more. (7 min.)

April 13, 2010
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: One bad apple

What do you do when you have one bad apple spoiling an otherwise productive, high-performing team? In this podcast, you'll learn three steps to manage this employee's unacceptable behavior. This involves defining the problem and posing smart, non-threatening questions to spark a healthy problem-solving dialogue. (7 min.)

April 6, 2010
MANAGING ADVERSITY: Is tension your friend?

Tension can work for or against you in your workplace. If your employees are beset by anxiety, then the tension may interfere with their productivity. In this podcast, you'll learn to calibrate the tension level in your unit so that it's appropriate. Specifically, learn to respond to adversity positively so that you increase the likelihood your employees follow your lead. (6 min.)

March 29, 2010
EMPLOYEE TRAINING: Set high expectations

To maximize your return-on-investment when you send employees to training sessions, lay the groundwork for them to take away as much information as possible. In this podcast, you'll learn to use your great expectations as a motivational tool to help employees treat training seriously—and how to follow up with them to show interest in what they learned and how they'll apply it. (6 min.)

March 23, 2010
MANAGING THE BOSS: State opinions that sink in

To influence higher-ups, you need to articulate powerful opinions that are hard to ignore. But it you spout your views at the wrong time—or using poor word choice—you can dig yourself into a hole. In this podcast, you'll learn to make your opinions count and express views that help, not hurt, your reputation as a star manager. (6 min.)

March 16, 2010
LEADERSHIP: The price of rightness

It feels good to be right, doesn't it? But rightness can come at a price. You can drive away potential allies by arguing too much or imposing your views. In this podcast, you'll learn to balance the urge to prove that you're right with the need to build rapport and foster a respectful working relationship with peers and employees. (6 min.)

March 9, 2010
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Say yes and reap the results

There are many reasons to reject employees' ideas or suggestions. But saying no comes at a cost. In this podcast, you'll learn to say yes to affirm what you hear, embrace new experiences and foster trust and camaraderie with your team. (6 min.)

March 2, 2010
MOTIVATION: Pose three questions to connect with your employees

Engaging your employees doesn't require lofty theories or elaborate systems or strategies. In this podcast, you'll learn three simple questions you can ask employees to show you care about them—and gain insight into what motivates them. (6 min.)

February 23, 2010
MANAGING THE BOSS: Grimace at your own risk

When your boss gives you bad news (about a change in your job duties or an unappealing reassignment, for instance), the way you respond can make or break your reputation. In this podcast, you'll gain tools so that you handle the news as a true professional. Rather than grimace or scowl, control your nonverbal cues. Also make sure to ask strategic questions and restate the boss's goal. (6 min.)

February 17, 2010
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Tap the power of silence

Enhance your persuasive power by learning to use silence to your advantage in everyday conversation as well as public speaking. In this podcast, you'll learn to identify key situations when silence pays off. (6 min.)

February 9, 2010
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: Get "competent jerks" to shape up

Employees who demonstrate competency in terms of job performance—but who lack the maturity to conduct themselves professionally—pose a thorny management problem. These "competent jerks" may drive you crazy. You need to respond carefully to shut down (not encourage!) their antics. In this podcast, you'll learn how to rise above their behavior, tame their unpleasant personality and avoid ego clashes. (6 min.)

February 2, 2010
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Strike the Right Tone

To connect with people more effectively and engage them more fully, speak in the most appropriate tone. In this podcast, you'll learn how to appeal to employees and peers by mirroring their tone and compartmentalizing your moods so that they don't interfere with your ability to conduct fruitful, revealing conversations. (6 min.)

January 26, 2010
LEADERSHIP: Three Gems of Great Advice

Talk to successful people and they'll tell you that they take wise advice to heart. In this podcast, you'll learn three of the most valuable pieces of wisdom that guide enlightened leaders. (5 min.)

January 18, 2010
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Three Secrets to Engage Your Audience

You want everyone to listen to your next presentation. But preparing carefully and speaking with enthusiasm do not guarantee that people will pay attention. In this podcast, you'll learn how to engage everyone and transform listeners into participants. (6 min.)

January 11, 2010
MANAGING THE BOSS: Reinforce your reliability

You know your word is your bond. But does your boss realize that you're truly reliable? In this podcast, you'll learn how to convey your rock-solid reliability in subtle ways. Examples include volunteering your deadline (and meeting it), sending a summary email just after you make a big oral commitment and negotiating what you can and cannot do. (6 min.)

January 6, 2010
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: Too much gossip, too little work

In uncertain economic times, workers are understandably anxious and more apt to gossip about their job security and other concerns. Your job as manager is to keep them focused on productive work, not time-squandering gossip. In this podcast, you'll learn how to shut down the rumor mill by building trust with employees, rewarding them for coming to you with their concerns and modeling the kind of behavior you want them to emulate. (6 min.)

December 31, 2009
MOTIVATION: Turn employees into consultants

Before you hire your next pricey consultant, look within. Have you already harnessed the brainpower of your employees? In this podcast, you'll learn how to turn your employees at all levels into more sophisticated business analysts who can contribute their ideas and strategic recommendations to improve your firm's bottom line. (7 min.)

December 23, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Write a clear, persuasive memo

Memo-writing is a lost art in many organizations. In this podcast, you'll learn how to craft a tight, persuasive memo that induces your peers and bosses to approve your recommendation. (6 min.)

December 16, 2009
MANAGING THE BOSS: Can you take advice?

When your boss tries to mentor you and gives you advice to improve your performance, how do you respond? Your behavior when listening to advice (or criticism) can largely determine whether you're viewed as a mature, self-possessed professional. In this podcast, you'll learn how to digest a boss's advice with open-minded curiosity so that you come across as eager to learn. (5 min.)

December 9, 2009
LEADERSHIP: Bring your employees closer to customers

Instead of paying lip service to customer service, motivate your employees to treat service as a core responsibility. In this podcast, you'll learn how to mobilize your team to reach out to customers to conduct surveys and analyze customer behavior. (7 min.)

November 30, 2009
TIME MANAGEMENT: Simple steps to boost productivity

On an average day in the U.S., there are 17 million meetings. That's one obstacle to manage time effectively. In this podcast, you'll learn how to focus on making every minute of your workday count. Rather than waste time in meetings, develop and implement a simple time management system based on a few key principles. (6 min.)

November 17, 2009
MANAGING ADVERSITY: Confront the "unknowns"

You can't know everything (even if your employees expect you to!). In this podcast, you'll learn how to confront the uncertainties that come with any manager's job. By enlisting your team to examine all the unknowns on a strategic level and draft contingency plans, you can prepare for a better future from a position of strength. (6 min.)

November 12, 2009
LEADERSHIP: Improve your attitude with self-talk

When you're disappointed with an employee's performance, don't lash out. Instead, listen to this podcast on how to respond rather than impulsively react to mishaps. You'll learn how to modulate the tone of your self-talk so that you feed yourself positive, proactive mental messages that spur you to take productive action. (5 min.)

November 4, 2009
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Use slides with care

Listen to this podcast before you deliver your next presentation! You'll learn how to prepare slides that maximize your appeal, rivet the audience's attention and help you convey your main points. (5 min.)

October 29, 2009
MANAGING ADVERSITY: How to overcome setbacks

Your leadership is put to the ultimate test when you face severe setbacks at work. Do you crumble and give in? Or do you fight and overcome obstacles? In this podcast, you'll learn a three-step process to guide you through managing and overcoming setbacks. (6 min.)

October 22, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: When to speak up in meetings

Managers often find themselves wondering whether to speak up in a meeting, especially if it's running behind schedule or they're tired or angry. In this podcast, you'll gain some pointers on how to gauge whether to speak up or keep quiet. You'll learn some bad reasons to chime in, some borderline reasons to speak and when it's an ideal time to talk. (6 min.)

October 12, 2009
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: Conquer self-imposed obstacles

Managers often find that their most difficult employees create self- imposed obstacles that prevent them from doing their work. In this podcast, you'll learn how to help employees overcome these obstacles so that they reach their full potential. (7 min.)

October 5, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Why it pays to over-communicate

Many managers know they should over-communicate with their employees. But they may still fail to keep their workers well informed about relevant organizational news. In this podcast, you'll learn how to over-communicate consistently so that you raise the trust level among your team and update them about key issues so that they know what you know. (5 min.)

September 28, 2009
MANAGING THE BOSS: How to Brag Without Bragging

Learn a four-step process to help you subtly boast about your problem-solving capabilities to your boss--without bragging. This process consists of introducing the situation (to set the proper context), summarizing the problem you confronted, describing the action steps you took to solve it and citing measurable results. (6 min.)

September 21, 2009
NETWORKING: Mingle With Flair

Many managers dread networking events. They tend to feel nervous or self-conscious as they approach strangers. In this podcast, you'll learn how to develop a mindset of curiosity that drives more lively, stimulating conversations--and how to break the ice to forge connections with others. (5 min.)

September 14, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Make Your Opinion Count

As a manager, you have a golden opportunity to showcase your intelligence and business know-how whenever a boss seeks your opinion. But rather than spout whatever pops into mind, speak with authority. In this podcast, you'll learn how to articulate well-reasoned opinions that resonate with high-level executives. Techniques include sharing your experience and observations--and then providing hard-hitting support or evidence that makes your opinions stick. (6 min.)

September 7, 2009
MANAGING DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES: How to Tame Troublemakers

When you manage difficult employees, you need to intervene quickly to produce the desired behavioral change. This podcast provides tools to help you tame troublemakers so that they're less apt to disrupt your workplace. You will learn how to lead a positive discussion with them in which you present a clear choice that they need to make to improve, identify the consequences of their actions and create ongoing tracking mechanisms. (5 min.)

September 1, 2009
NEGOTIATION SKILLS: Make It Easy to Reach Agreement

The key to effective negotiation is to prepare with care. This podcast provides a road map to help you succeed--whether you negotiate with an employee, peer, boss or customer. You'll learn three key questions to ask yourself before you say a word. The answers keep you focused on what matters most and protects you from manipulation by others. (5 min.)

August 28, 2009
EMPLOYEE TRAINING: Learning From Daily Experience

To train your employees, you can send them to seminars and give them self-study manuals. Here's a more practical yet lower-cost strategy: Create informal, stimulating ways for workers to learn everyday from each other. This podcast gives you tips on how to set up daily information sharing so that employees can pool their knowledge, resources and expertise to make each other smarter. (5 min.)

August 21, 2009
MOTIVATION: Extract Great Ideas From Your Employees

Most managers want to encourage their employees to volunteer great ideas on how the organization can improve its bottom-line results. But motivating them to speak up--and present positive, productive ideas--can pose a challenge. This podcast gives you tools to lead employees to think through their suggestions so that they maximize their contribution and provide insightful, practical input. (7 min.)

August 14, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Listening When It Hurts

This podcast helps you when listening hurts—when you're facing bad news or feeling so emotionally overwhelmed that you cannot digest what the speaker tells you. You'll learn to control your body language, listen for the core message and strip away your judgments so that you translate what you hear into clear, neutral terms. (5 min.)

August 7, 2009
HIRING: Smart Tips to Hire Employees

Tighten your hiring practices and stage effective job interviews if you want to attract and select the best candidates. In this podcast, you'll learn how to listen well by applying the 80/20 rule, ask revealing questions and maximize your ability to observe and evaluate each interviewee. (6 min.)

July 28, 2009
LEADERSHIP: Help Employees Pounce on Opportunity

Now more than ever, effective managers lead by encouraging their employees to think like savvy opportunists. In this podcast, you'll learn three ways to guide your workforce to think like strategic visionaries who look past their everyday concerns and anxieties. (7 min.)

July 20, 2009
MOTIVATION: How to Motivate Employees in Tough Times

Motivating people is always a challenge, but it's particularly difficult in tough times. In the midst of a challenging economy, employees are often distracted and burdened with personal and professional anxieties. This podcast gives you three strategies to apply right away to spark enthusiasm and propel workers out of their funk. (9 min.)

July 13, 2009
TIME MANAGEMENT: How to Focus Everyone on What Matters Most

Managers need to draw every employee's attention to the highest-priority tasks and responsibilities. This podcast shows you how to wrap your ideas in a tight, memorable package so that everyone in your unit understands what to do and why it matters. (6 min.)

June 2, 2009
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Answer the Question Now!

The dynamic of questions and answers between manager and employees to get clear communication. (6 min.)

May 26, 2009
PUBLIC SPEAKING: Think in Threes to Stay on Track

This very important and difficult aspect of public speaking focuses on organizing your thoughts so you can stay on track and impress your audience by showing them you've been able to manage what you want to say, making them more apt to listen and retain the information you impart. (6 min.)