Being a manager is time consuming. If you accept that fact, you won’t resent the extra hours you spend at the office. Chances are you’ve found yourself stuck at work in the evening completing a project that you could have finished easily within normal work hours in the days before you became a boss. Even though you have more on your plate as a manager, you can slice some of … [Read more...]
Be Friendly Without Being Friends
I expect that you want your employees to like you—not just because you have a natural desire to be liked (which, let’s face it, most of us do), but also because being a likable boss has plenty of workplace benefits. Employees who like their bosses are more loyal to their organizations; they’re more devoted to their assignments; they’re more positive and optimistic in the … [Read more...]
Stop Sending These Emails
Spring is here, and as the weather heats up and skimpier clothing options abound, I’m reminded of one of my least favorite kinds of email: the “This is just a reminder” email. Many organizations like to send messages like this: This is just a reminder that we have a dress code. Please review it in your handbook. Men, you should be wearing a shirt and tie or a polo in a school … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Increase Your Productivity This Week
Build better time-management habits and you will be amazed by the way your productivity soars, as your stress level sinks. Add these practices to your workday: Save less. Be honest: How many files do you have that you never refer to? The surest way to avoid clutter is to never allow it to collect. Make your first instinct to delete an email or recycle a paper instead of … [Read more...]
Disengagement is a Huge Problem, But YOU Can Fix It
The most recent Gallup "State of the Global Workforce" report tells us that 85% of employees are not engaged or actively disengaged at work, and it's costing $7 trillion in lost productivity. Is it possible that only 15% percent of your employees are engaged at work? If that's the case, how much is it costing you? As a manager, you have so much control over employee … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Foster Innovation Throughout 2018
Boost creativity and innovation in your workplace by following these 10 tips: Eradicate fear Nothing stymies innovation like fear. If your employees are afraid of making mistakes—because they’ll be fired, publicly reprimanded or anything else along those lines—don’t expect them to take any chances with outside-the-box ideas. The same goes for fear of embarrassment. If you … [Read more...]
Ensure That Employees Listen When You Speak
It’s little wonder that some people choose to send an email instead of trying to hold a conversation. After all, people often are looking at their computers or smartphones when you try to speak with them. Or worse, they interrupt you before you can finish a thought. Both behaviors are rude, so make sure that you are giving your employees your undivided attention when they stop … [Read more...]
Secrets to Hanging on to Your Top Talent
According to a Hays survey, 81 percent of employees said they would consider leaving their current role for the right offer (and the right offer isn't all about money). People want more than just a few extra dollars on their paycheck, and are increasingly looking at the whole picture, specifically company culture, when they decide whether to join a company or leave one for a … [Read more...]
10 Steps to Gain (or Regain) Your Employees’ Trust
When it comes to leadership, few things are as important as your employees' trust in you. Once you lose it, it's very hard to earn it back. Follow these 10 tips to build your employees' trust (or rebuild it once it's lost): Align your words and actions. Follow through with your commitments and promises. Honor the behaviors you claim are important to you—and engage in them … [Read more...]
Employees Are Watching You. Should You Care?
Consider the following scenarios: Scenario 1: A manager always turns out the light and locks his door before leaving for the day, unless he slips out before 5 p.m. Then he leaves the light on and the door open, giving the appearance that he's still somewhere in the workplace. Scenario 2: A manager and several of her buddies among the team members go to lunch at a … [Read more...]