Communication

Microsoft exec: My 2-step rule for having hard conversations at work

September 30, 2022
As tempting as it is to storm into your boss’ office or fire off a passive-aggressive email to an insufferable co-worker, rash, emotional responses don’t solve problems. There’s a better approach to handling difficult conversations at work, Chris Capossela, Microsoft’s chief marketing officer, argues—and it starts with clear, confident communication.

Why onboarding is crucial and how to do it right

September 28, 2022
Recruitment and hiring are hard enough. The last thing you need is to lose a new hire within their first few weeks or months on the job. The secret to keeping them is to provide an exceptional onboarding process.

How to execute the perfect exit interview

September 28, 2022
Well-executed exit interviews can reveal critical insights into the factors driving turnover in your organization. These can also become a powerful recruitment tool considering that 52% of workers would return to a business if they felt they left on good terms.

Don’t say this word unless you mean it!

August 10, 2022
Along with the recent omnipresence of “literally” and “absolutely,” is it even possible to count how many times you hear the word “definitely” in the course of a day? Is this an infuriating laziness, an epidemic of insincerity, an inattentiveness to language?

Deal with people who refuse to read

June 24, 2022
Have you ever known or worked with someone who just won’t read communication? Before you stew about these “information vacuums” too much, consider a few things.

Summon applications via good writing

May 13, 2022
Recommendations for crafting job descriptions that attract good talent.

Don’t turn off that Zoom cam!

May 11, 2022
Employees should think twice before switching off their webcams during those seemingly endless Zoom meetings. According to a new study by software company Vyopta, 92% of executives in medium-to-large firms say people who turn their video cameras off in team meetings won’t last long.

Key phrases for rewarding teams

April 8, 2022
A team rewards system can be tricky, even a political landmine if your words aren’t chosen very carefully. Try these guidelines and corresponding sample phrases come from Linda Eve Diamond’s book, Perfect Phrases for Building Strong Teams.

‘What’s our dumbest rule here?’

April 8, 2022
Wouldn’t you have loved for every boss you ever had to ask you that question, just once, so you could raise an issue you might otherwise never have? More than half of employees said that in their last three months on the job before they quit, no one talked to them about how they were feeling in their role, according to a new Gallup survey.

Beware 4 negotiation squeezes

March 25, 2022
When entering negotiations, you have faith you’ll be talked to honestly. But you do have to go in prepared for underhanded tactics. Here are a few of the tackiest old-school ploys negotiators may present.