Communication

The ‘work laugh’ is real

April 11, 2017
In two experiments led by Christopher Oveis of the University of California at San Diego, high-status individuals had different laughs than low-status individuals, and strangers could tell the difference.

Why your best talent is leaving, and 4 ways to win them back

April 6, 2017

An interesting phenomenon occurs in most organizations. On day one, most employees are fully engaged as these fresh hires are excited to begin a new experience. And yet, according to Metrus Institute, engagement levels drop considerably during the first few years, and often far more than you would expect after a honeymoon period. Clearly something is going on, and most organizations need these four key actions to minimize this degradation of engagement and reboot it to formerly high levels.

Call him the “change everything agent”

March 30, 2017
Q. I assigned a person on my team to serve as “change agent.” I told him to review our policies and propose solutions to improve our operation. Now he refuses to accept anything the way it is and wants to overhaul everything (even what works). Help!

Brady & Belichick: It’s all business

March 28, 2017
The head coach of the New England Patriots has led his football team to seven Super Bowls in 17 years—with Tom Brady as his quarterback.

Corporate culture starts at the top

March 22, 2017
“I can’t hang with the guys (I’m the boss, after all), but I also can’t seem to influence their behavior. What do I do?”

I, brand ambassador

March 21, 2017
More than your employees, more than your vendors and investors, and more than your customers, you and your behavior on social media are the online embodiment of your company’s brand.

Hire SWANS and let them swim

March 16, 2017
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. The return on investment will be extraordinary.

Why not let political junkies indulge?

March 15, 2017
Q. I’ve got a group of employees who are so distracted by the political goings-on on a national level that they just can’t seem to focus on work. How can I get them to concentrate better?

Listen close to interviewees’ grammar

March 12, 2017
Mark Murphy has advised on the hiring processes at hundreds of companies—and in doing so, has slowly revealed commonalities among job candidates when they speak during interviews.

Welcome challenges from the crowd

March 9, 2017
You’re more apt to engage audiences if you invite them to speak up at any time.