Management

Are your meetings chronically disengaging—or worse, easily derailed? It may be time to introduce curiosity into the agenda to keep people focused and things on track. First, direct the team’s attention to identifying the problem you’re there to solve. Rather than doing this for them, ask everyone in the room to define the goal of […]

Is your team aligned around what success looks like in the coming year? Early in the year is a prime opportunity to rally your team around a shared vision. Here’s how to lead that conversation. First, ask each team member how they envision team success, either through interviews or a survey. Then group their individual […]

It’s totally normal to ruminate on stressful situations, whether it’s a nagging problem at work or a personal conflict that’s making you anxious. The good news? Improving your ability to stay present can help you set aside stressors that you can’t immediately resolve. Here are some strategies to break the cycle of rumination. First, anchor […]

When you work in a toxic workplace, the signs can be easy to recognize. Yelling and bullying, lots of gossip, and unsustainable workloads are a few common hallmarks. But identifying toxicity in an organization you don’t yet work for can prove to be tricky. Here are three red flags to watch out for when you’re […]

You got a great job offer—but realized it’s not the right fit for you at the moment. Here’s how to navigate the situation gracefully and leave the door open for future opportunities. Act quickly. Swiftly declining the offer—ideally within 24 to 48 hours—is crucial. Delaying your response can unfairly string the potential employer along and […]

When you decide to change careers, you often have to grapple with the expectations of important people around you, such as a partner, who may expect you to maintain the status quo. A two-pronged approach can help you think more creatively about your future and honor your responsibilities without allowing yourself to be exclusively defined […]

Finding out that your manager is bringing in someone else above you, a practice known as “layering,” can lead to feelings of self-doubt. But it’s typically due to changing business needs, not because of poor performance on your part. To manage your complicated feelings—and move forward productively—you can first ask yourself how the situation could […]

What should you do if you’re working under the cloud of impending layoffs? You can’t always control the outcome. But you can reduce your vulnerability by understanding the most common reasons people get laid off and how to defend against them. A lack of skills advancement. Employees who don’t keep up with rapidly changing business […]

Do you feel the need to compete with your peers for people, investments, and attention? This individualistic, “fend for yourself” approach to leadership may serve you early in your career—but it can have diminishing returns. To reach the next level, you need to redefine winning as a shared goal. Here’s where to start. Build self-awareness. […]

You want a hybrid work schedule—but your employer wants you back in the office full time. Here are some steps to help you negotiate for the arrangement you want. First, try to understand your employer’s position. Initiate conversations with key decision-makers like your manager and your colleagues in HR. It’s also important to understand where […]

Workplace aggression—such as yelling, making belittling remarks, using threats, or spreading lies—is a destructive force at work. How should you intervene if you witness these kinds of behaviors? Here are some factors to consider before you take action. First, remember that bystander interventions don’t need to happen immediately. In many situations, it may be wiser […]

Learning that others’ perception of you or your work doesn’t align with your own can feel destabilizing. But as difficult as it is to hear, learning how others view you can provide an opportunity for self-improvement and professional growth. Here are steps you can take to repair a negative perception of your work. Reflect on […]

No two experiences of burnout are exactly alike. To recover, you first need to understand what your burnout is trying to tell you. Here are three common messages your burnout might be trying to communicate—and what to do about them. You’re expected to over-index on work. Research has consistently shown that chronic overwork leads to a […]

In the age of AI, soft skills like empathy and creativity are more important than ever. But they can be a challenge to develop when you work from home. How can you build soft skills when you’re interacting with your colleagues over Slack and Zoom all day? First, establish shared values and norms in one-on-one […]

Raising a potentially emotional topic to your manager can be hard, especially if you’re uncertain of how they might respond. Whether you’re experiencing difficulties with a colleague, health issues, or feeling burned out, here’s how to raise the issue with your boss in your next one-on-one. First, consider whether your manager can actually help you, […]

It’s no surprise that trust is at the core of high-performing teams. But conversations about cultivating trust at work often focus on the relationship between managers and employees. As important—if not more so—is establishing trust between teammates. Here’s how to promote trust on your team. Don’t leave collaboration to chance. At the beginning of every […]

When your boss leaves for a new company, it can be tempting to follow them, especially if you’ve developed a strong working relationship and built up years of trust. But is following in their footsteps always a good idea? Ask yourself these questions before making the decision. Why is my boss choosing to leave? Ask your […]

As a manager, leading across a siloed organization is just as important as leading the individuals on your team. But what does cross-functional leadership really entail? It comes down to seeing the big picture and investing in the right relationships. To become a better cross-functional leader, try these strategies. First, take stock of how well […]

Organizations that take employee well-being seriously realize early on that getting ahead of conditions like menopause reduces an incredible burden on their workforce and can improve the bottom line. Nearly two out of every five people experiencing menopause reported symptoms that interfered with their work performance or productivity each week. As a manager, how can […]

If you can’t resist the pull of thinking about work after hours, you’re not alone. But new research shows that this tendency may not be beneficial, particularly if you’re new to a leadership role. In fact, constant rumination will lead you to feel more depleted, which your employees can pick up on. Here are some […]