Management

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 […]

You didn’t get that promotion you were expecting. How should you talk to your manager about your disappointment—and how do you move forward? Start by clearly expressing your disappointment, and seek to understand what went into the decision not to promote you. Listen for explicit criteria. Ideally, you’ll gain some insight into your manager’s perspective […]

Your relationship with your manager has the power to make or break your experience at work. What do you do if you have a new manager who makes you question a job you once loved? Here’s how to adapt. Tap the power of positive thinking and empathy. It’s normal to resist change. Pause and ask […]

Are you a perfectionist? While aiming for perfection is necessary in some professions, in many cases it may actually be detrimental to your performance. Combating perfectionism ultimately comes down to learning how to start—and how to finish—a project. Here’s how. How to start. Perfectionism often leads to procrastination. To overcome it, you need to get […]

Managers today are tasked with leading up to five generations at the same time, making intergenerational relationships at work more important than ever before. Well-managed generational diversity has the potential to bring substantial benefits, ranging from knowledge transfer and mentoring to innovation and reduced turnover. Here’s how to foster and nurture these relationships on your […]

With the rise of remote and hybrid work, the number of employees working at different times and collaborating across time zones is growing. As a result, you need to develop an increasingly important skill: asynchronous communication. Here are a few tactics that can help. Asynchronous work requires more autonomy. Familiarize yourself with company resources, like […]

Productivity is a matter of optimizing your energy, not just your time. And taking regular breaks—even short ones—is an essential way to sustain your capacity to get things done. These strategies can help you be more disciplined about making breaks a habit. Block time for communication. It can be tempting to use the spare minutes […]

Humility is a virtue in leadership—but being too humble can backfire. Here are three ways humility can undermine your leadership. You may be perceived as indecisive. Democratizing every decision-making process can be misconstrued as a reluctance to take a stand, or a lack of conviction in your strategic vision. Don’t defer to consensus all the […]

It can feel demotivating when your manager has a clear favorite—and it’s not you. But don’t give in to the sense of rejection. You can strengthen the relationship and regain some favor. Observe and adjust. Where is your boss’s attention focused? What’s their communication style? What are their goals? Take steps to better align yourself […]

Professional relationships, like all interpersonal connections, tend to form between people who are similar. But to truly grow, it’s important to build a network that isn’t only made up of people just like you. Here’s how to broaden and diversify your internal network. Look beyond “chemistry.” Don’t wait for connections to naturally pop up. Adopt […]

If you tend to avoid the spotlight, you don’t have to feel invisible at work. As an introvert, you can make yourself seen and heard—without pretending to be someone you’re not. Don’t wait for the “right” moment to jump in. Challenge yourself to be the second or third person to contribute in a meeting. This […]

Uncertainty is a part of life—and business. But how can you lead people when inflections, disruptions, dislocations, and other threat conditions feel like they’re constantly compounding? Try these strategies to help you engage your team under the most tumultuous circumstances. Build trust. In a volatile environment, become a stabilizing force. This means being reliable, predictable, […]