Leadership & Career

How they do candor at Pixar

February 9, 2022
If you read business stories regularly, it’s hard not to happen upon some rabbit-hole tidbits about Pixar’s Braintrust. This much-discussed creative meeting tool of Pixar leaders is described by founding member Ed Catmull in his book, Creativity, Inc.

Bad advice that sounds great

January 28, 2022
All day long, managers are inundated with buzz-phrases and tropes that can do more harm than good. Heed these popular (and thrown-around, thoughtlessly) business tips at your own risk.

Navigate CDC’s new return-to-work guidance

January 13, 2022
The CDC recommends a five-day isolation period for everyone who tests positive for covid, whether they have symptoms or not.

What’s it all for if your health suffers?

January 12, 2022
In the book Dying for a Paycheck, Jeffrey Pfeffer delivers some straight talk: Don’t wait for public policy to address the social costs of excessive work hours and work-family conflict.

Avoid a role in the ‘drama triangle’

January 12, 2022
We’re all players in the drama triangle occasionally. Where the problem lies is when you get stuck in it and can’t move on.

Help managers build trust: 6 best practices

January 11, 2022
Good relationships between managers and their subordinates start with trust. Pass along these tips to help managers strengthen the bonds of trust with their staff members.

There’s inspiration in futility!

December 23, 2021
Author Hugh McLeod has some wisdom to share with employees who might be deterred by supposedly futile business endeavors.

How to manage projects, not just people

December 23, 2021
Many fine managers are good at interfacing with people and coaching them up, but behind their backs, you’ll hear whispers. In his book Project Management for Non-Project Managers, author Jack Ferraro outlines what a good project plan does.

Got ‘Glassdoored’? How to respond to negative online reviews

December 20, 2021
It’s tempting to quickly react, make it personal or try to get even with the anonymous poster (typically a former employee). But the best move is to manage the issue calmly. Here are three tips.

‘National Donut Day? Sure, take it off!’

December 10, 2021
Let’s face it, no matter how generous your paid holiday schedule is, you’ll never be able to cover all of the holidays celebrated by every culture or religion. Floating holidays help employers bridge the gaps in their holiday schedule.