People Management

Give context to get answers

March 10, 2021
Questions are necessary when you need information from people, but abrupt or intimidating questions can put people on the defensive. To defuse the tension, try building an explanation into your questions.

Don’t just listen—be listened to

March 10, 2021
You know that listening to others is vital, but what about persuading others to listen to you and your requests? These tactics can help you and your employees get the attention—and the results—you need.

‘I did what you told me to do’

February 24, 2021
What’s clear to you may not be clear to others.

Avoid right-or-wrong arguments

February 24, 2021
You’re probably good at winning your point in arguing with your staff, but it’s a skill you don’t want to overuse.

Politely shut off rambling speakers

February 10, 2021
What if employees go off on tangents when giving a report or making a comment at a meeting? They may be trying to contribute, but they’re wasting the group’s time and energy. Try asking focused questions requiring short, specific answers to politely turn the conversation.

Get the next generation ready before you need new leaders

February 10, 2021
You can’t wait until next year to start training next year’s leaders. Without a good strategy for development, your organization will run into trouble when succession becomes an issue. Ask these questions to build your leadership bench.

Before promoting, ask these questions

February 10, 2021
Not everyone is cut out to be a manager. Before promoting a talented employee to a management role, ask the person these questions and watch his or her responses carefully.

Before rejecting an idea, ask 2 questions

January 13, 2021
Let’s say an employee presents an interesting idea for changing a departmental procedure, but your first impression is that it won’t work. Hold off slamming the door on the idea. Instead, take a few minutes or schedule some time later to investigate the idea with its originator—you may end up with an idea you can use.

Teach new supervisors to navigate these tricky danger zones

January 13, 2021
When you have new supervisors to train, you need to educate them on the possible legal pitfalls to avoid. To help them—and your organization—avoid a legal quagmire, guide them through these eight common danger zones.

Make sure messages are understood

January 13, 2021
Communication in the workplace is a two-way street. Both you and your employees have important responsibilities when communicating with each other, whether you’re talking one on one, exchanging emails, or leaving and responding to voicemail messages. Here’s where your duties lie.