Havard Management Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we shared three questions to ask your boss to get on the same page. Today, we’re back with four more. What do you wish you had more time to work on? This uncovers the work that’s important to your manager that keeps getting pushed aside by more urgent tasks. Look for opportunities to take […]

To succeed in your role, you need to understand what truly matters to your manager. But many leaders struggle to communicate their priorities clearly. Instead of waiting for direction, you can ask them smart questions to not only decode what they need, but also to position yourself as a strategic partner. Here’s where to start. […]

AI is reshaping leadership, but its role isn’t to replace your human empathy—it’s to enhance it. Used wisely, AI can help you communicate more effectively, understand employees’ needs, and strengthen workplace connections. Here are three areas to focus on. Tailoring leadership for diverse thinking. AI can help you better understand and engage with your team […]

Thinking about switching jobs—or even careers? You’re not alone. Whatever your reason for wanting to pivot, a well-thought-out career move starts with self-awareness. Ask yourself these questions to clarify what you’re looking for in your next role. What are my non-negotiables? Identify your absolute must-haves, whether it’s job stability, remote work flexibility, or alignment with […]

Remote work isn’t going anywhere, yet many managers still struggle with how to track employees’ productivity. While invasive monitoring tools promise efficiency, they often undermine trust, engagement, and creativity. Research shows that not all monitoring is harmful—what matters is how it’s done. Here’s how to create a more effective and ethical monitoring strategy. Engage, don’t […]

A leader’s ability to inspire depends on how well they play three key roles: visionary, exemplar, and mentor. Here’s how to embody each one: Visionary. People rally around leaders who provide meaning, purpose, and optimism. Your message should be big-picture, values-driven, and simple yet vivid. For example, you might say, “Make our customers smile” instead […]

Too often, teams default to compliance or groupthink, avoiding friction at the cost of innovation. The key to unlocking their full potential is fostering constructive dissent—the ability to challenge ideas respectfully and productively. Here’s how. Set ground rules. Commit as a team to open, respectful debate. Define clear expectations, such as prohibiting personal attacks, ensuring […]

AI is reshaping recruitment and hiring—and with 83% of companies reporting they’re using AI tools for resume screening, it’s here to stay. If you’re job hunting, you can’t afford to ignore it. Here’s how to prepare for an AI-based hiring process. First, rethink your resume narrative. These days, employers value what AI can’t replicate. Identify […]

Gratitude is a powerful force—it boosts engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction. But unchecked, it can hold you back. An excessive sense of gratitude can lead you to settle for less, avoid important conversations, and suppress dissatisfaction. Here’s how to avoid those pitfalls. Settling for less. Being grateful for an opportunity shouldn’t mean accepting less than […]

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 […]