Communication

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.

Sound Bites: September ’20

September 16, 2020
Are you too quick to offer help to employees who come to you with problems? … How does it strike you when someone says “What?” right after you’ve said something? … Pre-speech calisthenics … Hand-draw your proposals

Any suggestions for our empty suggestion box?

September 10, 2020
Q: We put up an employee suggestion box, and month after month, despite the fact that we know there’s a lot on employees’ minds, it’s usually empty. What do you think is going on here?

Meanwhile, back at the office…

September 10, 2020
Q: For the most part, our employees are back in the workplace at least a few days a week. However, some who are parents say they can’t return at all. I don’t mind, but it’s obvious this is causing resentment from the ones who show up. Morale is sinking. What can I say?

Before rescuing a supervisor, do this

September 10, 2020
When one of your supervisors complains about an employee who reports to him or her, you must decide, “Should I step in?” Weigh these issues in deciding.