Character

Recognize abrasiveness before it takes root

May 12, 2021
Unfortunately, managers sometimes fall into acting abrasively, which generally means intimidating employees. Workplace pressures may push you into similar behavior unless you recognize the intellectual and emotional patterns that lead in this direction. Check out these three common perceptions and see if they apply to you.

Respect: How to earn it (and keep it)

April 14, 2021
You might have the formal authority of a leader, but you won’t get the results you want unless you’re able to earn your employees’ respect. Here’s how to show your team that you’re someone who deserves to lead.

Adopt a selfless attitude

January 13, 2021
Being a good leader is a selfless task—literally. You have to put your organization’s objectives above your own, and that means putting other people’s abilities and contributions first.

Be assertive, not aggressive

December 9, 2020
Here’s how to be assertive without coming off as an ogre.

Don’t outgrow your roots

November 11, 2020
Being promoted or moving ahead brings new demands. But don’t move so fast that you abandon the relationships you’ve built. Though you’ll make new contacts, the odds are good that you’ll need your old contacts as well. Keep these groups in mind.

It’s not a weakness anymore!

October 7, 2020
Most of us think our weaknesses are holding us back, but we could be wrong. Using your supposed flaws wisely can be a path to success. By admitting to—and making use of—the following weaknesses, you can actually appear stronger.

Express anger—within reason

September 10, 2020
A researcher at Stanford University has found that anger is sometimes linked to success.

Lock horns with a peer? Bury the axe

September 10, 2020
Feuding with another manager? You’re both good arguers, so forget about rehashing the disagreement—no one will win.

Don’t let grudges poison your leadership

August 13, 2020
One of the worst effects of holding a grudge is that you may have trouble distinguishing your personal overreactions from legitimate misgivings about the employee. Take these steps if you feel you might be holding a grudge.

When under pressure, who are you?

July 9, 2020
Exceptional times—good or bad—often require leaders to change, either to take advantage of what’s going right or to remedy what isn’t. Look closely at three aspects of your leadership.