People Management

So much passive-aggressive behavior!

October 31, 2019
In our professional environments, it’s not always possible or acceptable to express natural emotions like anger or resentment. Here are some ways of dealing with a passive-aggressive colleague.

A MAP to better listening

October 23, 2019
Most people do a lousy job of listening. As a result, communication breaks down and misunderstandings and confusion occur. Avoid all that drama and become an outstanding listener using the “MAP” process.

It’s OK to lose the Battle of 4:00

October 10, 2019
Q. I can sense my staff fading slightly toward the very end of the day. Their productivity flags starting at 4:00. How do I counter this?

5 tips make deadlines mean something

October 10, 2019
There are reasons why deadlines are difficult to hold, keep and enforce. By taking a look at some positive approaches, we can better use them to accomplish our goals.

Great icebreaker: Defend your side

October 10, 2019
Toss out an innocuous question and have everyone physically divide into sides.

Make every conversation a winner

October 1, 2019
When you talk with people, you define your relationship with them. Choose your words carefully and you will build trust and a positive reputation. Steer conversations with these principles.

Homework should stay in school

September 12, 2019
Q. I noticed a lot of companies assigning business books for employees to read and discuss, so I tried it here, and everyone seems unenthused. Have I latched unwisely onto a fad that doesn’t have a lot of merit?

3 tips to save time on email

August 28, 2019
Do you want to save time drafting emails? Most of us do because we spend so much of our day checking and responding to messages. Executive coach Stever Robbins recommends these tips.

The first clue was the due date March 32nd

August 8, 2019
Q. For years, I’ve set phony deadlines for my project teams. I build in a buffer, but they don’t know that. Lately, they’re starting to suspect I’m forcing them to make a false deadline. Should I level with them?

Are you inspiring loyalty?

August 8, 2019
In the book Leading Loyalty, authors Sandy Rogers, Leena Rinne and Shawn Moon examine what it takes to inspire this quality.