Question: I have a great manager who I really admire. She loves what she does and works 24/7. She says she doesn’t expect it of us but it feels weird to leave work when my manager is always there. I ask her if there’s anything I can do and she says I should go and …
Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does expressing it make the other person feel good, it helps make our bodies and minds healthier too. “There is a magnetic appeal to gratitude,” says Robert Emmons, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and a pioneer of gratitude research (who …
Check your inbox. Chances are good there are several unnecessary email trails. Do your part to stop the madness by adopting the following habits. First, and most importantly, before you automatically start writing an email, ask yourself, “What is the most efficient way to communicate about X?” Then use that method—unless the other person has …
Question: My direct report is a great person who has had a lot of personal issues. While I don’t doubt her challenges are real, it’s reached a point where she’s not delivering at the level she needs to. In fact, I’m not sure if she actually can deliver what we need or if I gave …
My direct report’s personal issues are affecting her work, help! Read More »
We can spend a lot of time, energy, and emotion trying to look good to others. Holiday time can trigger questions when you are with people you may not see often. We may hear endless loops in our minds: “What will people think?” “What if I fail?” “How will I be judged?” This line of …
Every interaction builds—or detracts from—your reputation. That’s especially true when you’re interacting with C-Suite executives. Make sure you’re clear on your purpose and declare it upfront. There are four common reasons to approach an executive: You want a decision You’re bringing news that doesn’t require action You want to complain about someone You want personal …
All of us have had unexpected conversations at one time or another. Your company surprises you by reorganizing. The CEO wants to see you immediately. A key customer suddenly decides to move their business elsewhere. The commonality in all these situations is that they provoke emotion—fear, anger, surprise, happiness. How you handle yourself at critical …
Question: I was hired to create a new function within the company. I’m running into both overt and covert resistance. My manager is unsympathetic and, I believe, does not feel we need the function I’ve been hired to create. Even though I’m the expert, no one is listening to me. I’m afraid I’m going to …
I was hired to create change but no one wants change! Read More »
Are you one of those people who brushes off a compliment, or worse yet, points out to the giver the “flaws” in your accomplishment? If so, cut it out. Think about the messages you’re sending. You’re telling the compliment-giver their judgment is wrong—which, at minimum, is rude. You’re broadcasting—and highlighting—your insecurities. You’re turning the focus …
The sandwich feedback technique is a tried-and-true method of structuring feedback so it is easier to deliver and accept. The idea is to start with a bit of praise, then bring up an area that needs improvement, and then finish with a bit more praise. The technique reinforces good behavior and asks for improvements that …
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