Management

Yesterday we listed three of the most common leadership styles and when to use them. Here are three more styles to add to your toolbox. Affiliative leadership, which centers on building emotional bonds. This style builds connections and creates a positive company culture, but it shouldn’t be used in isolation. It may not provide sufficient […]

Being a great leader means recognizing that different circumstances call for different leadership styles. Here are three common ones and when to deploy them. Coercive leadership, which entails demanding immediate compliance. This is the least-effective style in most situations. But in certain crises where decisive action and a clear chain of command are needed, this […]

The best managers are good listeners, and the best listeners exude empathy. And despite what you may think, empathy is a skill that you can practice and develop. Here are some ways to build the muscle. First, try “looping”: When you ask your employee a question, listen carefully to their answer, then paraphrase it back […]

There’s no easy way to announce layoffs. But you can avoid critical mistakes that could make the bad news even worse for your team. Here’s how. Use the right tone. While it’s important to be direct, you must also deliver the news with empathy and compassion. As you acknowledge the difficulty of the situation, don’t be […]

If you’re a manager with a strong desire to be helpful, could you actually be undermining your team’s performance? Beware these common ways your best intentions could backfire. Seeking constant agreement. Finding common ground and consensus is an important leadership skill. But quashing all disagreement is ultimately unproductive and will stymie the flow of ideas on […]

It can feel intimidating to return to an in-office routine after working remotely for an extended period of time. But there are steps you can take to make the transition back to the office a smooth one. Redesign your routine. This means rethinking every component of your schedule. If this feels overwhelming, don’t fret. Start by […]

A great onboarding experience can keep new hires engaged and committed, and increase their preparedness for the job. But there’s such a thing as too much onboarding—overloading a new hire with so much information that they’re left feeling overwhelmed and dissatisfied. Here’s how to keep things manageable. Dose information slowly. Learning is a gradual process that […]

Great employees will leave your organization from time to time—but they don’t have to become total strangers. Employee alumni programs can help you foster continuing relationships with former colleagues, which can be a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic labor market environment. When setting up your program, keep these strategies in mind. Build a digital community. Most […]

For the first time in history, workplaces are beginning to span six generations: from the octogenarians of the Silent Generation to the teenagers of Generation Alpha pursuing their first jobs and internships. As a manager, how can you lead across this multigenerational workforce? Build your strategy around all six generations. This means both becoming an […]

Your job hunt is taking longer than you expected and the gap on your resume is growing wider by the day. How can you ensure your extended absence from the workforce doesn’t sink your morale—or career prospects? Invest in your development. Enroll in courses, earn certifications, intern in your target industry, and take on contract work. […]

Are you a micromanager? Especially if you’re a new manager building your confidence and leadership style, check in with yourself and ask these three questions to ensure you’re not leading with a grip. Am I always giving my team advice? There’s nothing wrong with giving your team members advice in situations that truly require it (high-stakes […]

Regardless of your job, rank, or industry, written communication is a skill that can set you apart from your peers. Here’s a three-step framework to help you level up as a writer—whether you’re writing an email, a formal document, a social post, or something else. First, determine the purpose of what you’re writing. What result […]

Being a great communicator isn’t just about knowing how to speak eloquently—it’s about knowing how to prepare for, and engage deeply in, important conversations. These simple strategies can help. Before a key conversation, take 30 seconds to jot down a few topics you know you want to cover. Going into the discussion with a rough […]

Regardless of what industry you’re in, there are some common essential traits to look for in a new hire. If you’re looking to grow your team or replace a key contributor who’s moved on, keep the following qualities in mind as you interview prospective employees. An entrepreneurial mindset. Ask the candidate about a time when they […]

We all have those recurring meetings that feel inefficient, unproductive, or aimless. How can you make them better when you’re not the one running them? Here’s how to get involved before, during, and after to nudge things in the right direction. The best time to intervene is often before the meeting even takes place. Reach […]

Remote work offers many benefits, but the lack of community can cause some workers to feel isolated and lonely. If you manage remote employees, take these steps to combat loneliness on your team. Show recognition. Be proactive about celebrating people’s personal and professional wins. This could take the form of writing individual thank-you notes or scheduling […]

If you’re not careful, flexible work can blur the boundary between your employees’ personal and professional lives, leading to a culture of overwork. If your organization needs to make a change, you can follow a three-step plan. Start by assessing the level of overwork in your organization. Conduct interviews and surveys to identify how deeply […]

When your company is having a tough time, you might feel compelled to work longer hours in an attempt to help right the ship. But if you’re not careful, your valiant efforts could lead to burnout. Here’s how to strike a balance between being loyal to your company and to yourself. Get specifics before taking […]

We all feel stuck sometimes at work. Maybe you want to quit your job and start another career. Maybe you’re trying to build a new skill or habit. Maybe you’re searching for a new idea to pitch. How can you take steps to get un-stuck? Start by silencing your inner cynic. In the early stages […]

It’s not uncommon to experience imposter syndrome in a new job. When you know you weren’t the first choice for the role, your feelings of self-doubt may be amplified. Here’s how to rebuild your confidence. Start by clarifying the gaps with your manager. Have a candid conversation about what was missing that didn’t make you […]