People Management

Tell a story that humanizes you

January 12, 2018

To bond with people on a human level, you need to communicate more fully—and reveal more of yourself in the process.

Replace paranoia with open discussion

January 11, 2018

Q. One of my employees is paranoid. He talks about how the company spies on everyone, uses hidden cameras in the restroom, eavesdrops on us, monitors our online usage, etc. I keep assuring him he’s full of it, but he replies, “You’re just a supervisor. This is above your pay grade.” How can I convince him to stop all the nonsense?

Tony Danza got seriously schooled

January 9, 2018

In 2009, actor Tony Danza decided to spend a year teaching students at a large Philadelphia high school. Predictably, the teacher wound up learning some big lessons.

Silence motormouths now, not later

January 8, 2018

Long-winded babblers seem incapable of summarizing a point or succinctly addressing an inquiry. Take preventive action to save time and reduce the rambling. 

6 leaders’ top hiring questions

January 5, 2018

What they ask, and why.

Uniqueness now!

December 28, 2017

The more you treat people like individuals, the more likely they are to follow your lead.

Tackle mishaps head-on

December 25, 2017

If someone on your team makes a costly mistake, your first instinct might be to shove it aside. You rationalize it by thinking, “It’ll take care of itself in time.” That’s an understandable response.

Dig to discover a key employee’s travails

December 15, 2017

“I’m glad I didn’t bring him into my office to discuss his declining performance. Employees can get defensive and scared when that happens.”

Push millennials to learn and grow

December 13, 2017

Q: I’m 56 and I recently hired a 28-year-old. He was about to send out a press release, but I happened to see it first and fixed a sloppy mistake. All he said was, “Good catch.” No apology, no acknowledgement of his error. Overall, he’s a good worker. But if he’s unwilling to take responsibility for his work, how can I supervise him effectively?

‘So … why am I doing this for you exactly?’

December 8, 2017

Your team will perform best when you trust its members to perform on their own. Don’t just hand people a project. Make sure they can positively answer these questions.