Management Skills

Three goals for December

December 1, 2009
Use positive language to gain compliance … Respond to complaints with wise questions … Audit the accuracy of the data that you rely on.

Find a straw to stir the drink

December 1, 2009
Baseball star Reggie Jackson proclaimed himself “the straw that stirs the drink.” You may not manage someone with Jackson’s ego. But you probably supervise a worker who expects star treatment.

Improve production and morale of your new hires

December 1, 2009
Want to improve the production and morale of your new hires? Host monthly calls or meetings where you track their development and address their questions or concerns.

Run a ‘hypocrisy check’

November 1, 2009
There’s nothing worse for a manager than appearing hypocritical to employees. If they conclude that you say one thing and do another, they will decide that your words mean nothing.

Three goals for November

November 1, 2009
Look back three months—and follow through … Hold an “Enforce the Standards” meeting with your team … Share your expertise with other managers.

Does your culture contribute to discord and divisiveness?

October 1, 2009
If you’re dealing with ongoing disputes, personal grudges and all-around ill will engulfing your unit, the culprit may be your organizational culture.

Health Corner: Give the gift of flexibility

October 1, 2009
If you manage shift workers during evening or night shifts, you should take steps to enhance your employees’ health.

Notice what others miss

October 1, 2009
Robert Joss, former vice chairman of Wells Fargo, shares what he thinks is the top communication skill that great managers possess.

What to dictate, what to delegate

September 1, 2009
Here’s the most shopworn advice for team leaders: Let your group decide.

Three goals for September

September 1, 2009
Peer-to-peer sharing, holding staff accountable, and enhancing your communication.