Leadership & Career

When you have to break a promise

October 7, 2020
Suppose that you’ve just finished assigning employees the July vacation days they wanted when your department is given a new project that requires the efforts of all your staff and can’t be postponed. That, of course, is a major morale-breaker, so try these three steps for working past it.

When to take a hard line with gossips

October 7, 2020
Let’s be honest: People love to talk about other people. They love to make everyone else think they’re in the know, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t change human nature. But there are times when you have to take a hard—and perhaps permanent—line with gossips.

Covid self-isolation could break our business–do we have any recourse?

October 5, 2020
Q: “We are a small business of 35 employees, and every position is crucial. Can an employee simply state, ‘I think I have COVID, I will be self-isolating for 14 days?’ This is disruptive to us. Can we require a test and results before they take the 14 days?” – Q., California

Lean on your team for decision-making

September 25, 2020
Making decisions is a natural part of being a manager, but you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, learning how to collaborate with your team for decision-making can improve group dynamics, reduce stress and uncertainty and make your staff feel like their voice truly matters.

Get staff on your side when solving problems

September 25, 2020
When workplace problems crop up, your job is to solve them. But often managers make it worse by going at it alone. Your employees can help you investigate causes and assist you in damage control, but you need them on your side. Here’s how to avoid alienating your workforce while you search for answers.

Never leave customers wondering

September 23, 2020
For customers, time spent waiting for help is anxious time. Train your employees to take these steps when responding to customers.

Stifle ‘mobbing’ with 3 steps

September 23, 2020
In workplace “mobbing,” a group of workers intimidates, bullies, or humiliates another employee or manager—most often through verbal abuse. Here are three tips for putting an end to it.

Suspect bullying? Intervene fast

September 23, 2020
Take all claims seriously. Bullying can lead to physical violence, long-term psychological damage—and the harassment lawsuits that accompany them. Here are several tactics to use when following up on your suspicions.

Imagine what your visitors see and hear

September 23, 2020
Regardless of how comfortable you want it to be, too much informality might not help make the impression you prefer.

Pitch in to help — and manage

September 11, 2020
Here’s how you can get into the thick of things and still honor your responsibilities.