This time of year is filled with fun, traditions and joy. However, it can also be filled with stress. A packed schedule, bad weather, financial worries and other issues can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Added pressures in the office can push people to the brink. After all, many of your employees are working hard to finish the year strong and ramp up for next year, while … [Read more...]
Ensure That You Have Communicated Effectively
The communication process really should be easy. You say something to other people. They hear it. They act in a way that is consistent with what you said. End of discussion. However, it’s not quite that easy. In reality, the process for spoken communication goes something like this: You get a picture in your mind of what you want to communicate. You convert that … [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...]
5 Toxic Words or Phrases You Should Avoid at Work
Using the wrong word or phrase can make you look unprofessional, unintelligent or even incompetent. Make sure that you aren't using words that hurt your career or advancement potential. Crystal Barnett, a senior human resource specialist with Insperity recommends steering clear of these words and phrases if you want to climb the ladder at work. “Honestly." You should share … [Read more...]
When You Should and Shouldn’t Reprimand Employees
Reprimanding employees in front of other employees is never a good idea. Embarrassing staff members in that way damages morale and can put people on the defensive, making it less likely that they will fix their bad behaviors. Scolding employees in front of customers is worse. Even if employee has done something that deserves a good talking to, and even if you think the … [Read more...]
How Often Do You Get in Your Own Way?
A colleague of mine recently had a run-in with someone who was unhappy that her content had been cited in his publication without her direct consent. My colleague had followed all the rules, fully attributed the content to her, and even linked to her website. Yet, she was angry because "that content is how she makes a living." OK, fair enough. He will oblige. Problem is, … [Read more...]
5 Signs That You Are a Bad Listener
By Marlene Chism, consultant, executive educator, professional speaker and the author of Stop Workplace Drama, and No-Drama Leadership. One of the most important communication skills you will ever learn is the art of effective listening. This skill alone has the power to transform any relationship. In your professional life, listening is at the heart of effective leadership, … [Read more...]
1 Case Where Quantity is as Important as Quality
Every day can present an opportunity to improve employees' performance, and many of you are missing it. Not enough leaders, and especially new leaders, are discussing performance on a regular basis and, instead, are relying only on the annual performance review. That's just not enough. In fact, 65% of employees want more feedback from their managers. Study after study shows … [Read more...]
It’s Time to Have That Difficult Conversation
You can put off having difficult conversations with employees about negative behavior and poor performance, but you can’t avoid those discussions forever. By delaying the inevitable, you risk the chance of escalating your dread into chronic anxiety. Perhaps you’re concerned about saying the wrong things and hurting someone’s feelings. You may be worrying yourself sick over … [Read more...]
Manage 3 Major Causes of Workplace Tension
When people are physically uncomfortable, they generally have difficulty focusing on the work at hand, and they tend to become emotionally sensitive and irritable. Both can decrease productivity and increase conflict. Here are three of the most common issues I see as I work with my clients: 1. Space constraints Such constraints can take many forms, but they almost … [Read more...]