People Management

3 steps to make your criticism stick

December 31, 2014

Dishing out criticism demands delicacy. Here’s the best way to gain cooperation and compliance when giving feedback that isn’t as positive as the listener might like.

The 5 tough questions one CEO asked

December 2, 2014

For George Zimmer, leadership is all about finding answers to tough questions. For 40 years, he ran retail chain Men’s Wearhouse from 1973 until spring 2014. Soon after he launched the company in 1973, he addressed a series of questions that guided his management philosophy.

Know when to say nothing

December 1, 2014
In many situations, silence can be your most effective communication tool. You’ll learn more and work better with others if you say nothing at these times.

How to offer ‘feeling feedback’

October 24, 2014
In fielding highly charged emotional statements, your first goal is understanding and clarification. Your second is conveying that you care.

Take the dread out of annual reviews

October 17, 2014
Annual reviews have been drawing fire lately. Here’s how to make them better.

Put a lid on verbal free-for-alls

October 9, 2014
Because introverts and extroverts learn differently, customize your training strategy. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for everyone.

The old suggestion box: How to make it work

September 18, 2014
Some suggestions from our readers … and some ideas that might be charitably considered, well, unusual.

Learn to quiz staff the right way

September 18, 2014
Quizzing employees on critical facts can help them acquire the knowledge they need. But there’s a right and wrong way to administer one.

Proceed with care after complaints

September 3, 2014
A CEO cannot play referee to resolve every internal dispute. But leaders need a strategy to address employee complaints about each other.

4 ways to build your people skills

August 13, 2014

Top leaders connect with others easily, emphasizing shared interests and minimizing resistance. Try these techniques to communicate better with colleagues.