Mentoring/Coaching

Borrow tips from top teachers

April 21, 2014
To train employees to acquire new skills, borrow the tools of top teachers. Research shows that certain pedagogical strategies help students retain information and apply what they learn more successfully.

No cushy office for this mentor

March 5, 2014

When Barry Tarasoff was research director of Schroder Wertheim, a Wall Street investment firm, he sought to hire en­­gaging, reasonable analysts who were friendly and easygoing. This may sound basic. But in many Wall Street firms in the 1990s, cutthroat competition and ruthlessness reigned.

McMillon takes reins as CEO at Walmart

February 24, 2014
The world’s largest retailer, Walmart, has a new boss. Doug McMillon, an Arkansas native and head of the company’s international division, takes over this month from retiring CEO Mike Duke, who has been at the helm for five years and will remain on the board.

Visit with troops to boost morale

December 18, 2013
As a U.S. Army Reserve Special Forces officer, Chad Storlie learned from great leaders while serving in Iraq and Bosnia. He has applied those lessons to his corporate career as a sales and marketing executive for General Electric and Comcast.

Don’t mince words

December 6, 2013
Traveling emergency room doctor Mary Palmer believes that when the stakes are high, leaders have a “teachable moment” because people listen more intently.

Who’s next in line?

November 19, 2013

Tech firms are known for hiring the smartest people, not necessarily the most adept at leading others. If leadership development seems challenging in your operation, ask yourself these questions.

Apple U. taps more academia

April 1, 2013
Never happy with convention, Steve Jobs created Apple University to mold MBAs in his company’s image. His first hire was Joel Podolny, dean of the Yale School of Management. Podolny then hired Harvard University’s Richard Tedlow, a leading business historian. Now Apple has hired Morten Hansen, co-author of Great by Choice.

Secrets of a mentor to future CEOs

January 24, 2013
In his 15 years as CEO of ICICI Bank, K.V. Kamath says he spent 30% of his time mentoring employees. The 65-year-old native of India views mentoring as a natural part of communicating with high-potential subordinates.

5 steps to giving effective feedback

January 16, 2013

You give instructions, but people don’t follow your lead. The solution is to prepare so that you provide supportive, timely coaching. Follow these five steps to pave the way for effective coaching.

4 traits that foster trust

November 2, 2012

If you’re advising a new manager to succeed, start by establishing guiding principles. Groom your managers to evolve into dynamic leaders by helping them develop these four skills and attitudes.