Management

The day after the election is sure to be emotionally charged in the U.S. If you lead a team, prepare for a mix of reactions; some people may be feeling relieved or enthusiastic whereas others might be feeling angry or anxious. So, how should you talk to your team members about it? If there’s a […]

As a manager, staying adaptable and thoughtful is key during emotionally charged times—and election day in the U.S. is one of them. Here’s a quick guide to leading with empathy when your team is (understandably) distracted by the news. Pause before reacting. Resist “anxious fixing.” When stress rises, it’s tempting to micromanage to gain a […]

In a world full of instability and political turbulence, feeling unsettled or anxious has become the norm. As a result, many of us are having “liminal experiences,” which involve a prolonged separation from normal ways of being and doing. As a leader, you can use these three questions to anchor yourself and your team in […]

When conflict arises at work—for example, a rude email or a tense exchange in a meeting—it’s tempting to react quickly. But immediate responses can escalate the situation. Instead, take a moment to reflect before engaging. Start by trying to understand the situation from the other person’s perspective. What are they experiencing, and why might they […]

Picture it: You’re at your desk and focused when an urgent email throws you off. Maybe it’s a seemingly dire mistake, a last-minute request, or a passive-aggressive message from your boss. Panic sets in: Your heart races, your mind scrambles. When workplace anxiety strikes, these simple strategies can help you manage it on the spot. […]

The way we work has changed, and so has leadership. As a manager, you need to evolve, too. In today’s fast-paced work environment, mastering these six essential skills will help you lead your team more effectively. Emotional aperture. This is the ability to read your team’s emotional tone. Pay attention to unspoken cues—such as tensions, […]

Corporate offsites help employees build meaningful collaborative networks and are a powerful strategic tool for managers. They’re a significant investment, so it’s critical to ensure the highest return. Here are four proven strategies to spark collaboration and deliver lasting results. Tailor sessions with pre-event data. Poll employees beforehand to understand their needs, especially those working […]

Leading a team with diverse views and identities can be challenging, especially when unconscious bias shapes interactions. Fortunately, thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity, biases can be unlearned. Here are five strategies to help your team reduce bias and collaborate better. Mindfulness. Encourage a “mindful minute” before meetings. This pause helps team members become aware of […]

Retirement isn’t just about wrapping up your career—it’s about crafting a final chapter of your life that supports and reflects your true self. By focusing on four key behaviors, you can shape a retirement that’s consistent with your values and passions. Alignment. Design a lifestyle that reflects your core interests and values. Take time to […]

As a manager, you know feedback is essential to building a thriving team. But collecting it is only the first step—acting on it is where the real impact happens. Here’s how to take employee input and drive meaningful change. Organize and streamline data. With feedback pouring in from multiple sources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. […]

As a manager, you have the power to shape your team’s social environment, reducing loneliness and fostering connection. Addressing this issue isn’t just good for morale—it’s essential for a healthy, productive workplace. Here are some steps you can take to help your team feel more connected. Measure loneliness. Start by assessing the prevalence of loneliness […]

As the seasons change, take a moment to reflect on how fulfilled you are at work. A three-step “career detox” can help you identify areas where you can add, subtract, or adjust, ensuring your career is aligned with your values and helping you avoid burnout. Ask yourself: How am I feeling? Take 15 minutes to […]

Considering a job offer from a competitor can be both thrilling and complex. To protect your career and reputation, it’s essential to evaluate the opportunity thoughtfully and ethically. Here’s how. Review noncompetes. Check your current contract for non-solicitation or noncompete clauses. These agreements can restrict where you work and whom you interact with after leaving. […]

Mental heavy lifting can affect your health as much as physical labor. As your brain tires, it becomes less efficient, and the longer you work without rest, the harder tasks feel and the more difficult it becomes to stay focused. Here are three ways to delay or reduce mental fatigue during the day so you’re […]

Public speaking is a critical skill for business leaders. Whether you’re giving a presentation to your team, pitching a client, or making comments in a moment of crisis, many of the same principles for good speechwriting and delivery apply. Here’s how to structure your speech to effectively persuade and captivate your audience. The Opening: This […]

Too often, leaders revert to controlling behavior in order to quickly reduce costs, which comes at the expense of people, purpose, and genuine gains in productivity. This “power-over” paradigm is the very reason leaders don’t get as much out of their employees as they believe they can. It’s time for a new “leading through” paradigm […]

You know those work tasks that take longer than they should because of some rule or procedure that has outlived its purpose? The culmination of these clunky processes is known as process debt, and it costs employees time that could be used for innovation. Here’s how to combat it—and give your employees back time to […]

In every organization, top performers are the driving force behind innovation, productivity, and excellence. Yet despite their critical importance, they’re often overlooked. Here are five ways managers can keep these indispensable team members engaged and motivated. Understand how they want to be appreciated. For some, a quiet word of thanks or a thoughtful note might […]

At some point in your career as a manager, you may have an employee with a terminal illness on your team. Here’s how to manage this challenging situation with compassion and care. Involve your employee. Begin by having open, empathetic conversations. Ask your employee what they need to feel supported. For some, work may provide […]

In an ideal world, your boss would instinctively advocate for your work. But sometimes you might need to give them a push to endorse your idea, introduce you to key stakeholders, publicize your achievement, or position you as a subject matter expert. Here’s how to ask for the help you need. Highlight what’s in it […]