People Management

‘What did I just say?’

August 3, 2022

We should always strive to improve our communication with others. But you’re not always responsible for what they take in or absorb.

The workplace functions on elements that are naturally in opposition to anyone trying to heal; it demands and prizes focus, productivity and the ability to keep emotion out of all processes. But stepping around a colleague’s difficulties, in most situations, is not the best way to deal with it. Here are some basic governing principles to adhere to when someone’s going through a dark time.

Monitoring remote workers can backfire

July 7, 2022

Managers trying to electronically monitor their remote employees might want to rethink their snooping strategy. Even as online searches for “how to monitor employees working from home” have increased dramatically since the pandemic began, being Big Brother can backfire.

Deal with people who refuse to read

June 24, 2022

Have you ever known or worked with someone who just won’t read communication? Before you stew about these “information vacuums” too much, consider a few things.

Want to start saving time on circular conversations?

June 8, 2022

As you initiate a talk with someone—whether in person or by phone—begin by saying in a firm but friendly tone, “I only have five minutes and I need to ask you a question that requires either a yes or no answer.”

Don’t turn off that Zoom cam!

May 11, 2022

Employees should think twice before switching off their webcams during those seemingly endless Zoom meetings. According to a new study by software company Vyopta, 92% of executives in medium-to-large firms say people who turn their video cameras off in team meetings won’t last long.

3 deep-dive performance principles

May 11, 2022

The podcast “Think Fast, Talk Smart,” produced by the Stanford Graduate School of Business, recently featured a conversation with psychology professor Philip Zimbardo on the most powerful influencers of human behavior.

Ageism and communication technology

May 4, 2022

While a good communications policy can help set boundaries and give guidance, a little examination of our own biases toward certain types of electronic communications can go a long way to giving value and being seen as valuable in our careers.

Illegal harassment vs. legal (but still wrong) bullying

March 17, 2022

Nate’s mistreatment of Will in Season 2 of the hit TV show Ted Lasso is uncomfortable to watch and horrendous management. But is it illegal? The answer is no.

How to compete with rising pay expectations

March 10, 2022

Target announced at the end of February that it was dramatically raising its minimum wage. Other large companies are also raising pay and benefits to compete for available talent. What does this mean for smaller organizations that can’t afford such lofty pay scales and benefits packages?