Communication

Make the most of audience input

May 12, 2021
The most commonly used method for handling questions from the audience is to ask the group to hold their queries until you’re finished. However, in some cases, it’s to your advantage to encourage questions along the way. Develop your ability to recognize these cases and to handle questions on the fly.

When employees lose their drive

May 12, 2021
Most employees start out full of enthusiasm, but some lose their motivation along the way. Here are some common causes of lost motivation—and what you can do about them.

Find the right project leader

May 12, 2021
With enough time, you can usually train a person to be a great project leader. But you’ll do it better—and more quickly—if you start with someone who has a few innate leadership traits.

Disseminate info by ‘cascading’

May 12, 2021
In a large organization, “cascading” is often the best way to get information out to employees. When the CEO can’t address the entire workforce, he or she talks to managers who then communicate the news to their individual departments. It’s efficient, but not problem-free. Rely on this advice.

Steady the ship when employees lose their balance: 3 tips

May 12, 2021
Employee disengagement or burnout isn’t always apparent, and some employers may be in for a surprise if and when the COVID-19 pandemic winds down. Leaders need to learn how to recognize when the people around them—peers, colleagues, but especially subordinates—are out of balance or are heading in the wrong direction.

Take the right approach to conflict

May 12, 2021
No matter how peaceful and friendly your workplace is at most times, conflict is always a lurking possibility. How you deal with it can make the difference between a healthy exchange of viewpoints and a disagreement that threatens to shatter cooperation and productivity. Keep these points in mind for handling conflict constructively.

How to avert an opponent’s ‘distraction techniques’ when negotiating

May 12, 2021
Opposing negotiators may use planned interruptions to distract, influence you, or manipulate your position. These tactics can be irritating at best and detrimental to the deal at worst, but they have only as much effect as you allow them to have.

Solidify agreement before moving on

May 12, 2021
When you finally reach agreement with someone, you may feel like moving on quickly so he or she doesn’t waver. That’s natural, but keep talking.

Winning negotiations is about a great start

May 12, 2021
Starting off a negotiation on the right foot is a surefire way to lead to a winning outcome. However, knowing where to step is not always clear. Here are three things you can do to make a sure first step.

At times, silence can be golden

April 14, 2021
Negotiating is about taking command of the conversation and pushing the discussion toward a resolution favorable to you, right? Not necessarily, says leadership consultant David Traversi.