Communication

Help employees shake off errors

November 11, 2020
After an employee has made an error, co-workers may shy away. As management consultant Margaret Morford suggests, step forward and treat the employee normally.

Confront an eye-roller

October 29, 2020
You’re addressing a group, and someone is rolling his eyes or sighing at what you’re saying. Most of us try to ignore the rudeness, but sometimes you’re better off challenging it.

What employees need to know

October 7, 2020
What should your employees know about your organization, and their jobs and careers within it, in order to contribute to the group and reach their own goals? Start the learning with these seven topics.

Corner that rabble rouser

October 7, 2020
Q: It’s come to my attention that one of my senior VPs has been posting strong political content on social media. Most employees are aware of this and many are resentful of his views. The talk has turned to what might happen if enough people find out where he works and decide to complain to us directly, possibly resulting in upset customers or even the loss of a client. What should I do?

Answer workers’ questions—even the annoying ones

October 7, 2020
Leaders must answer questions well, and the first step is overcoming the annoyance you sometimes feel when an employee drops a question on your plate.

Master the principles of persuasion

October 7, 2020
You get better performance from employees with persuasion than force—more commitment, greater engagement, and a positive attitude. Effective persuasion relies on behavioral principles that may not be obvious, though. Become a master persuader by learning how these factors work.

When you have to break a promise

October 7, 2020
Suppose that you’ve just finished assigning employees the July vacation days they wanted when your department is given a new project that requires the efforts of all your staff and can’t be postponed. That, of course, is a major morale-breaker, so try these three steps for working past it.

What can leaders do to minimize employee anxiety?

October 7, 2020
Bill Gimbel, president of LaSalle Benefits, has helped companies across America develop mental health benefit plans that meet their employee’ needs. Leadership Briefings reached out to Bill to find out what employers can do for employees’ mental well-being in these troubled times.

Pose an alternative to cynicism

October 7, 2020
Sometimes during painful changes things get so tense that the cynics in your group will openly—and angrily—confront you about the company’s actions. Accept that you can’t argue people into commitment. They must make up their own minds in the face of cynicism. Clarify that via the following six steps.

When to take a hard line with gossips

October 7, 2020
Let’s be honest: People love to talk about other people. They love to make everyone else think they’re in the know, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t change human nature. But there are times when you have to take a hard—and perhaps permanent—line with gossips.