Havard Management Tip of the Day

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Quick, practical management tips and ideas from HBR.org
Updated: 1 day 5 hours ago

Choose the Right Coaching Style for Each Employee

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:01

Coaching is more than just giving instructions—it’s about developing others by adapting your approach to their needs. Here’s how to choose the right coaching style to unlock potential, build confidence, and drive performance across your team. Instructive. This style is directive in nature, focusing on providing clear directions and passing on knowledge based on your […]

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Learn from Negotiation Failure in 5 Steps

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 06:01

A failed negotiation stings, but it presents an opportunity to improve. The best negotiators don’t avoid failure but instead analyze and learn from it. Follow these five steps to turn a setback into a growth opportunity. Acknowledge—and accept—the failure. It’s easy to blame others or ignore what went wrong, but denial prevents growth. Accept the […]

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Become a Better Delegator

Mon, 03/24/2025 - 06:01

If you struggle to delegate, you’re not alone. But holding onto every task isn’t just overwhelming—it can hold you back. Effective delegation isn’t about offloading work, but empowering your team, boosting efficiency, and freeing up your time for high-impact priorities. Here’s how to get started. Identify your roadblocks. Do you resist delegating due to control […]

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Supporting Employees After a Natural Disaster

Fri, 03/21/2025 - 06:01

When a natural disaster strikes, your focus as a manager should be the well-being of your impacted employees. Offering immediate support can alleviate stress and help them recover both personally and professionally. Here’s where to start. Prioritize safety and well-being. Check in on affected team members. A quick call or message asking if they’re safe […]

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The Power of Volunteering

Thu, 03/20/2025 - 06:01

If you’re searching for deeper fulfillment beyond your career, volunteering is a powerful way to find it. The impact you make doesn’t have to be grand—starting small can create meaningful change. Here’s how to get started. Don’t let doubt hold you back. It’s easy to feel like one person’s efforts won’t matter, but focusing on […]

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Dealing with a Jealous Coworker

Wed, 03/19/2025 - 06:01

When you hit a career milestone—whether it’s landing a promotion, winning a major client, or exceeding sales targets—you expect congratulations. But what if colleagues respond with jealousy or resentment instead? Here’s how to approach the awkward situation with grace. Check your assumptions. Before jumping to conclusions, assess whether their behavior has truly changed. Are they […]

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What to Do When Someone’s Half-Listening to You

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 06:01

We’ve all been there: You’re mid-conversation, but the person you’re speaking to is only half-listening. Maybe they’re scrolling their phone, nodding absentmindedly, or giving you a distracted “uh-huh.” It’s frustrating, but instead of shutting down, try these steps to reset the conversation. Pause and assess. Before reacting, take a breath and evaluate the situation. Are […]

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Lessons from the Pandemic on Leading Through Disruption

Mon, 03/17/2025 - 06:01

Five years after Covid-19 upended life, one thing is clear: Major disruptions aren’t rare—they’re constant. Whether triggered by global crises, technological shifts, or economic volatility, leadership today demands more than crisis management skills; you must transform uncertainty into opportunity. Here’s how. Proactively engage with uncertainty. Shift from rigid annual planning to continuous scenario forecasting. Identify […]

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5 (More) Red Flags of a Truly Toxic Boss

Fri, 03/14/2025 - 06:01

Yesterday we outlined five signs to watch out for to determine whether you’re working for a toxic boss. Today we’re back with five more red flags to heed. They micromanage. Toxic bosses don’t trust or empower their staff; instead they tell people how work should be done and signal a constant lack of trust and […]

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5 Red Flags of a Truly Toxic Boss

Thu, 03/13/2025 - 06:01

While some bosses can be annoying, dismissive, or frustrating at times, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re toxic. But if their behavior is bringing you down and affecting your well-being, there are a few red flags to watch out for. They lack self-awareness. Toxic bosses lack the ability to recognize and control their emotions. They tend […]

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Build a Custom AI Assistant to Save Yourself Time

Wed, 03/12/2025 - 06:01

Custom AI assistants can save you time and effort by eliminating repetitive tasks. You don’t need to have coding skills to use them, but to get the most out of them, you need to set them up thoughtfully. Here’s how to create an assistant tailored to your needs. Choose the right platform. Different AI platforms […]

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Ask These Questions Before a Big Decision

Tue, 03/11/2025 - 06:01

As a leader, the decisions you make today will have short- and long-term effects on you, your team, and your organization. Taking a moment to ask the right questions can mean the difference between a well-calculated move and regret. Use these questions to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. What if we did nothing? Consider […]

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The Thinking Skills That Will Set You Apart

Mon, 03/10/2025 - 06:01

Being a great leader isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about doing so in a way that adds value. Here are four types of higher-order thinking you need to develop as a leader—and when to use them. Expert thinking is rooted in deep knowledge in a particular field, developed through years of experience, training, and […]

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Take Time to Pause Throughout Your Workday

Fri, 03/07/2025 - 07:01

Your workday is a blur of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists. You’re constantly moving, constantly responding—but are you actually present? Without taking time to reflect, you risk missing big opportunities, making poor decisions, and ultimately burning out. Here’s how to step back without falling behind. Give yourself permission. Being busy isn’t the same as […]

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4 More Smart Questions to Help You Align with Your Boss

Thu, 03/06/2025 - 07:01

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 […]

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Ask These Smart Questions to Help You Align with Your Boss 

Wed, 03/05/2025 - 07:01

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. […]

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Use AI to Become a More Compassionate Leader

Tue, 03/04/2025 - 07:01

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 […]

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Ask Yourself 6 Questions Before Making a Career Change

Mon, 03/03/2025 - 07:01

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 […]

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A Better Way to Monitor Remote Employees

Fri, 02/28/2025 - 07:01

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 […]

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How to Be an Inspiring Leader

Thu, 02/27/2025 - 07:01

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 […]

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