Havard Management Tip of the Day

When recruiters ask, “Can you walk me through your resume?” they don’t want a list of job titles; they want a tight, compelling narrative that proves you’re the right fit. Here’s how to answer the question—in two minutes or less. Frame your experience for the role. Determine which accomplishments, skills, and capabilities from each of […]

A bad meeting doesn’t end when the call drops—it lingers, draining your team’s productivity and morale. To prevent these “meeting hangovers,” focus on five key strategies. Don’t dominate, facilitate. Encourage participation by letting team members lead relevant agenda items. Use interactive tools like polls, and structure discussions to ensure everyone has a voice. Cut the […]

Most people feel pressure to push through fatigue, but skipping breaks leads to burnout, poor focus, and lower productivity. Recognize that recovery isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for long-term success. By taking intentional breaks, you can recharge your mind, boost creativity, and improve overall performance. Here’s how to make your breaks more effective. […]

Inspiring leaders are able to see the big picture, model desired behaviors, and challenge others to be the best version of themselves. This ability to inspire isn’t an innate skill—it’s one you can cultivate. Here are four key behaviors to focus on to become a more inspirational leader. Reflect on your leadership regularly. When did […]

As a manager, it can be hard to detect employee burnout—especially with remote workers. But there are effective strategies you can use to improve your ability to spot signs of burnout, even from a distance. Here’s how. Observe changes in engagement. Burnout often shifts an employee’s behavior. Notice if team members become unusually withdrawn, disengaged […]

Tension and disagreement are inevitable in the workplace. But there’s a difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict. Here are four ways to encourage productive conflict on your team. Say it’s ok. Normalize disagreement. Tell your team it’s expected and essential for collaboration. Set clear norms: focus on ideas, not people, and respect different perspectives. When […]

With modern communications tools, interruptions have become an unavoidable part of the workday. How can you strengthen your attention and stay on track? Here are seven techniques to help you cut down on distractions and increase your focus. Lay the groundwork. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and movement. Create focus rituals—signals that tell your brain it’s time […]

You don’t wake up intending to overwhelm your team, but poor time management can do just that. When you don’t have a handle on your schedule, the chaos trickles down, creating unnecessary emergencies and eroding morale on your team. Here are five common time management mistakes—and how to avoid them. Ignoring capacity. Track your team’s […]

Sabbaticals aren’t just for academics or executives—they can be taken by everyone from early-career professionals to those nearing retirement. Whether you’re an achiever with a goal, an explorer seeking new adventures, or someone recovering from burnout, here’s how to make the most of your time off. Protect your time. Set firm boundaries. Resist the pull […]

A sabbatical can be a transformative experience. Research suggests people come back rejuvenated, with a sharper sense of their priorities, a heightened awareness of their place in the world, and improved confidence, creativity, and overall well-being. If you’re thinking about asking for one, you’ll first want to consider two common challenges. Responsibilities. Identify the obligations—professional, […]

Humble leadership is more than a personal virtue; it helps foster teamwork, build trust, and enhance employee well-being. It’s also an effective way to unlock employees’ leadership potential. By redefining humility as a strength, you can inspire your employees to grow, innovate, and lead. Here’s where to start. Develop self-awareness. Humility starts with reflection. Do […]

Optimism is valuable in leadership. But when positivity minimizes real concerns or starts to feel like a performance, it can make people feel frustrated and unheard. Here are some signs that your positive outlook has turned into toxic positivity—and what to do instead. Downplaying problems. When a colleague shares a challenge, responding with “It’ll be […]

Asking the wrong questions when interviewing candidates can lead to bad hiring decisions. Preparing your questions in advance is crucial for identifying someone who will enhance your team, both in skill and in compatibility. Here are four types of questions to help you learn the most about your candidate. 1. Warm-up questions. While it may […]

Giving constructive feedback can be awkward, but avoiding it doesn’t just hurt performance—it deprives employees of a sense of purpose. Once basic job needs are met, people crave meaning. Your feedback can provide it by reinforcing growth, impact, and recognition. Here’s how. Focus on mastery. People find meaning in the process of getting better at […]

If you’re serious about staying ahead in today’s competitive landscape, you can’t afford to lag behind in AI adoption. The most successful companies are pulling ahead by focusing on four key areas. Here’s how you can follow their lead and turn AI into your competitive edge. Secure executive sponsorship. Get your CEO or board involved […]

Keeping up with the news is important, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Here’s how to strike a balance and stay informed—without spiraling. Get perspective. More news isn’t always good for you. Take breaks when headlines feel overwhelming, and remember: how you respond matters more than how much you consume. Be judicious and deliberate. […]

It’s not enough just to lead a great team—you need to make sure their hard work is seen, celebrated, and recognized throughout the organization. Here’s how to do it. Showcase across multiple channels. Use meetings, reports, informal conversations, and company-wide events to share team members’ accomplishments. Build connections with influential stakeholders who can amplify your […]

For a workplace to truly thrive, it must be inclusive. It’s time to shift from performative DEI efforts to a new, more effective model: the FAIR framework. FAIR focuses on Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Representation, delivering tangible outcomes for all workers. Here’s how to start. Fairness. Set everyone up for success by addressing bias and […]

The autonomy that often comes with having a hands-off manager in a remote work environment can feel empowering. But it also makes it harder to stay aligned and ensure your work is visible. Here’s how to establish a better working relationship with your hands-off boss. Understand work styles. Clarify your and your manager’s individual preferences. […]

In an era of hyperconnectivity, hustle culture, and frequent change, hurry sickness—the constant feeling of needing to rush—can leave you exhausted and irritable. Here’s how to slow down without sacrificing your performance: Build in buffer time. Schedule space between tasks to handle surprises or reflect. Block out undistracted time for deep work or reevaluating priorities. […]