Tag: performance
A Surprising Example of Disruptive Skill
One morning, several months ago, on the train heading into New York City, I watched a woman put on her makeup. She had the process down to an art: reaching into the cosmetic bag on... Continue reading
6 More Remarkable Books, Sure to Improve Work Relationships
When I suggested 6 Books to Make You Feel New and Improved in 2017 -- to be consumed at the rate of one book every other month -- readers responded so well that I’m recommending... Continue reading
Here’s How to Work with Micromanagers to Help Them Get Better Results
Some managers who’ve risen through the ranks become overly controlling once they begin to exercise authority. They squelch subordinates’ ability to take risks, develop, and contribute, both individually and collectively. Here are two examples I’ve... Continue reading
7 Surprisingly Simple Secrets to Managing Millennials
Many of my clients have expressed confusion and frustration about the challenges of working with Millennials, including their tendency to expect everything to be easy and straightforward; their need to be “spoon fed” and treated... Continue reading
When You Have to Deal with the Painful Responsibility of Staff Failure
I just got a call from a senior leader: A community outreach staffer was causing his management team some consternation. When he was hired 18 months ago, he’d approached every job with zest, volunteered for... Continue reading
How to Improve Customer Loyalty by Supporting Your Frontline
“It’s not my fault!” the assistant practically wailed. “She never gave me the paperwork!” The poor woman was almost begging me not to be angry at her, and to put the blame in its rightful... Continue reading
Look for Ways to Create These Four Conditions Required for Motivation
A successful sales manager was feeling demoralized and out of sorts. When we met for coffee, she sat knee to knee, radiating intensity. “Of course, motivating the team is one of my biggest responsibilities,” she... Continue reading
Does “Radical Candor” Really Work?
Let’s talk about “radical candor” now, before it gets too popular. Radical candor, also known as “front-stabbing,” is the management “secret” of former Google director Kim Scott. This direct form of critique is meant to... Continue reading