Communication

Psychological theories of motivation

May 10, 2018
David M. Kreps, a Stanford economist, explains the different approaches of getting people going.

How I use disagreements to build stronger teams

May 10, 2018
For a long time, I have facilitated team problem-solving sessions in the same way. It always feels like a triumph of team process and alignment. Until it suddenly didn’t.

8 movies for the bold and ambitious

May 2, 2018
One leadership motivation tool that never gets dull is the movie that documents the true story of someone who overcame brutal challenges to become a legend. Here are a few of our favorites.

Motivation razzle-dazzle: What could go wrong?

April 16, 2018

Q. My efforts to motivate people are not doing so great, and I have a feeling what would work better is a bit of showy exuberance, or a fiery display of some kind to break the calm around here. How can something like this backfire?

Get them to the point quicker

April 11, 2018
Q. I don’t have time for ramblers who fail to edit themselves. How do I express to someone that the clock is ticking on my attention span?

No more ‘constructive criticism,’ says leadership expert

April 2, 2018
“We must declare a worldwide ban on the phrase ‘constructive criticism’; it’s a true oxymoron,” argues Dr. Tim Irwin.

Apply Shakespeare’s wisdom to lead ex-peers

March 29, 2018

If you act one way while angling for a promotion—befriending as many people as you can and acting as if you’re their No. 1 fan—and then abandon them as soon as you’re the boss, you will lose their respect for good. William Shakespeare understood this.

Reach consensus fast

March 20, 2018
If you want 100% consensus before you make a decision, chances are you’ll be waiting a long time. Rather than trying to elicit a “Yes” from every member of your team, follow these steps.

When money corrupts trust

March 12, 2018

Q. I’m quite well paid and it’s obvious to everyone at my company. But I’m in charge of motivating a lot of very low-paid employees. I’m not sensing their trust—I think the income disparity is a real problem. What do you recommend?

3 terrible salary negotiating techniques

March 11, 2018

When the opportunity arises to negotiate your compensation package, avoid these three pitfalls if you want to meet your objectives.