Coaching & Motivating

Dealing with that deadbeat worker

September 25, 2020
So-called “deadbeat” employees—the ones who show up late, call in sick, and always seem on the brink of failure—are never fun to deal with. Take these steps when you have one on your team.

Negativity sometimes rooted in fear

September 23, 2020
Before you turn your back on negative workers—or turn them out— explore their concerns and what can be done.

Brighten spirits dimmed by the pandemic

September 11, 2020
Management cannot change the events going on in the world during one of the most unusual years in modern history. What leaders can do, however, is offer support.

Address employees’ fear of change

September 10, 2020
If your employees are at best ambivalent about implementing an imminent change (a new product, service, procedure, etc.), dealing with their fears straightforwardly can be the best tactic. Follow these three steps to help them help themselves—and you.

Help your employees battle pandemic stress

August 14, 2020
Juggling personal and professional obligations has never been an easy task. The demands inflicted over the past few months due to the pandemic, however, have caused unprecedented challenges to this balancing act—especially for workers with kids.

Coach underperforming employees in 5 steps

August 14, 2020
Shape up or ship out isn’t an effective strategy for coaching employees whose performance doesn’t meet requirements. You’ve got to be open-minded but clear about the consequences of continued noncompliance. Take a deep breath and follow this step-by-step approach.

Restart a stalled employee

July 24, 2020
When an employee says, “I can’t do my assignment,” you’re likely to be upset. That’s a legitimate reaction, but don’t let it hinder getting the job done and restoring the employee’s motivation. Ask these four questions.

Share your priorities with your employees

July 22, 2020
Building a workforce of focused, efficient employees is obviously to your benefit. It doesn’t happen overnight, though. Employees can work better (and get ahead) by understanding your needs and preferences.

Insubordination? Hear the explanation

July 22, 2020
You can’t tolerate an employee who sabotages your authority with insubordination or disobedience. Just don’t act too rashly.

Why you might be having trouble

July 9, 2020
Leaders have trouble motivating employees because they don’t directly ask them about what they want, says leadership consultant Paul Cherry. Learn to recognize and avoid these self-defeating arguments.