Situational Leadership

Author Shamini Bundell cites a new study from University of Virginia researchers that explains why people rarely try to solve problems by taking things away, and that our instinct is to add elements instead, even when this repeatedly doesn’t work.

You’ve found a reputable attorney, accounting firm, or consultant, one that has the skills you need and promises good service. Now it’s time to think about negotiating ways to make it easier to control expenses and pay the bills as they come in. We recommend several ways to keep experts’ bills in hand.

One of the key causes of friction between departments is “dumping”—the act of solving one of your department’s problems in a way that creates a burden for another department. It’s easy to fall into if you don’t anticipate the consequences of your decisions. Look out for the following kinds of situations.

You can’t please everyone all the time—which means you’d better learn how to turn down requests from employees, peers, and business associates. Refuse graciously by following these guidelines.