Tips for Managers

Prepare to deal with toxic people

January 22, 2020
Every workplace has at least one bad apple. The person might complain all the time, gossip, insult co-workers or worse. If you are dealing with an employee who just can’t get along with others, answer these questions before you speak to the employee.

Quick—but powerful—feedback tactic

January 22, 2020
During performance reviews, an open two-way conversation between you and the employee increases the chances that the person buys into and will act on your feedback. Use this process.

Worker leaving? Think before you make counteroffer

January 22, 2020
Neither lashing out at the employee nor panicking over having to fill an empty slot will help. Instead, start with some hardnosed considerations.

Avoid sending 3 unintended negatives

January 2, 2020
Employees watch their bosses closely for signs of being in and out of favor. Half the battle is providing good feedback when employees do well; the other half is not giving out negative messages inadvertently. Avoid these negative vibes.

Show, don’t tell, to empower workers

January 2, 2020
It’s not enough to merely tell employees that they are “empowered” to make business decisions. The best managers find ways to show employees that they are empowered. Here are three tactics you can use to let employees know you trust them to make decisions.

Conduct accountability conversations

January 2, 2020
Don’t be frustrated about mistakes. Be frustrated by employees’ refusal to take responsibility for them. Follow this process to encourage employees to take ownership of their mistakes.

Put an end to the excuses

January 2, 2020
The next time a co-worker or employee says “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I didn’t move forward” or something along those lines, follow these steps.

Address gender communication gaps

January 2, 2020
Here are three common—albeit not all-inclusive—differences and what you can do as leader to bridge the communication gap between male and female employees.

Important message? Deliver it yourself

January 2, 2020
You certainly don’t need to communicate everything yourself, but there are also some messages you shouldn’t entrust to others. The question is, how should you decide which is which? Here are four criteria.

7 things not to say when firing

January 2, 2020
It’s inevitable: At some point in your career, you are going to have to fire someone, and it’s up to you to lead the termination meeting. When you do, make the situation less horrible for both of you by avoiding the following seven phrases.