People Skills

How to set up subcommitees

July 9, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Heading a committee or leading a project team is quite a job to begin with. When the group’s work gets heavy or complicated enough that you have to appoint subcommittees to handle specific areas or tasks, your job can become even tougher. These four tactics should help.

Morale is rooted in fun

July 9, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Running a department or business is a serious endeavor. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a sense of humor.

4 tips to be a better persuader

July 9, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Yes, you can order your employees to do what you want, but you’ll get better results by persuading them that you know what you’re talking about. Persuasion is a skill that can be developed with practice. Here are four tips.

That’s no way to run the show

July 9, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Even the best leaders make mistakes from time to time. What makes them stand apart is a willingness to face up to their flaws and correct them. Take a good look at your performance, and guard against these shortsighted errors.

Before criticizing, ask 2 questions

June 24, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

One of your employees has done something wrong. Before you call him or her on the carpet, ask yourself these questions.

Beware 4 discipline traps

June 24, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Most managers don’t spend a lot of time on discipline, so it’s no wonder that many of them aren’t very good at it. Correcting mistakes and misbehavior is part of the job, though. Learn to avoid these pitfalls.

Interviewers: Avoid these mistakes

June 24, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

It’s not simply what you offer in the way of money and position that affects your hiring success rate. How you behave as an interviewer also carries great weight. Take note of these interviewer behaviors that applicants are very aware of—and don’t like.
Conflicts at work may be inevitable, but they don’t have to be destructive. Remember this advice for keeping disagreements between employees from spiraling out of control.

Remove 4 barriers for your people

June 10, 2020 Categorized in: Supervising

Empowerment isn’t about “giving” power to employees, but removing obstacles that prevent them from using the power and skills they already possess. As a leader, remember that empowerment works best when you eliminate these barriers to success.
Question: My exec is a really lousy delegator, always taking everything on herself, even tasks that are far beneath her and could be handled by anyone. As a result, she’s got too much on her plate and she’s always stressed. How can I fix this?

Encourage collaboration across teams

May 27, 2020 Categorized in: Teamwork

Interdepartmental conflicts can kill productivity, lead to mistakes, and result in disputes. To increase collaboration across warring departments, take these steps.
It’s no fun to have someone in your face—but with the right response, you can turn the situation to your advantage. Follow these steps to escape the most common pitfalls.

Make sure ‘no’ means ‘no’

May 14, 2020 Categorized in: Negotiating

Saying “No” in an argument or negotiation can be difficult, but standing your ground as the other person tries to change your mind can be even more difficult.