What's New
Manage a project that’s already behind when you inherit it
You’ve been handed a project that’s already in trouble. Deadlines have slipped, stakeholders are frustrated, and the team is demoralized. The problems started before you arrived, but they’re yours now. Turning around an inherited mess requires assessing the damage, resetting expectations, and rebuilding momentum without making things worse. Understand the current state before acting Resist... View Article
Recover when your sponsor leaves the organization
The executive who championed you is gone. The person who advocated for your promotions, protected your budget, and ensured your voice was heard has left the organization. Suddenly the ground feels less solid. Losing a sponsor is a career setback, but it’s recoverable. How you respond in the weeks after their departure shapes what comes... View Article
Assess candidates when you can’t check their references
The candidate’s references are blocked. Maybe they’re employed and can’t reveal their search. Maybe their past employers have policies against giving references. Maybe the references they provide seem unreliable. When traditional verification isn’t possible, you need alternative methods for assessing whether this person will actually deliver. Understand why references aren’t available The reason matters. Someone... View Article
Manage the employee who creates drama everywhere they go
They’re not bad at their job. But wherever they are, conflict follows. Small issues become crises. Misunderstandings escalate into feuds. The emotional temperature of any room rises when they enter. Drama-generating employees drain energy from everyone around them. Managing them requires limiting the damage while addressing the behavior. Identify the pattern specifically Vague accusations of... View Article
Fire someone you personally like
The performance issues are clear. The documentation is solid. The decision is right. But this is someone you genuinely enjoy—someone whose company you appreciate outside the work problems. Separating personal affection from professional necessity is one of management’s hardest tests. Getting it right requires compartmentalization without coldness. Acknowledge the difficulty to yourself Don’t pretend this... View Article
Tools
The Employee Problem Solver
This convenient resource helps you figure out the best way to handle more than 160 common situations so they don't turn into long-term managerial headaches.
Manager's Training Library
Keep on top of vital issues and improve your interactions with subordinates with a wide range of printable training guides.
Multimedia Training
Learn the easy way with a trove of video and audio recordings exclusive to the issues you face.
Hiring Toolkit
Job Descriptions, Interview Questions & Exemption tests for 200+ positions
