When it comes to networking, quality matters more than quantity. But how do you meet the right people? One way is to ask for introductions. Reach out to influential people in your network and ask them to put you in touch with others. Be specific about the introductions you want and why you want them. Explain what you are trying to …
Management & Leadership
How Apple Made ‘Vertical Integration’ Hot Again — Too Hot, Maybe
Google recently acquired mobile-device maker Motorola Mobility and will soon manufacture smart phones and television set-top boxes. Amazon’s Kindle Fire tablet represents its bridge between hardware and e-commerce. Oracle bought …
Make Time to Prioritize
Do you truly understand how you spend your time? Most people assume they dedicate more hours to strategic work than they actually do. Look back on the past month in your calendar. Add up the time you spent on your strategic priorities. Was it enough? It’s likely less than you thought. That’s because most people tend to do the most …
Don’t Let Latecomers Ruin Your Meeting
No matter how well you’ve prepared your meeting, things will go wrong. One of the more common disruptions is attendees showing up late. If people belatedly walk in, try these three things:
Delegate, Then Disengage
Entrusting a project to someone else can be tough. But if you don’t rely on others, you’ll always end up doing everything yourself. You’ll also shortchange those who could learn by taking new tasks. Once you delegate something, don’t be tempted to micromanage the process. Agree on the expected outcomes and just let go. If …
Measure the Money You’re Making
To understand your company’s financials, knowing these three measures of if and how money is coming in is a good place to start:
Know the Basics of Putting Your Professional Self Online
Social media is not just for socializing. When handled correctly, you can use it to enhance your personal brand, establish your expertise, or demonstrate your digital fluency. Commit to using social media for professional reasons and be proactive about managing your activity and image. Consider what potential employers or colleagues will …
To Reduce Stage Fright, Prepare
Good preparation reduces performance anxiety. Next time you need to present to an audience, follow these three steps:
Always Use Meaningful Words
Meaningless phrases, such as “To be honest” and “Like I said,” often creep up in meetings and presentations. Using these expressions undermines your credibility. Try replacing this filler language with meaning by doing the following:
Encourage Innovation on Your Team
Organizations need innovation on all fronts, not just in new products, services, or technologies. But many managers don’t innovate because they don’t think it’s their job. Here’s how you can build a stronger innovation culture on your team:
Overcome the Awkward Silence
Discussions during meetings can be feast or famine. Either you can’t get a word in edgewise or no one speaks up. Next time your meeting falls silent, try these tactics:
Command Attention like an Executive
Executive presence is not an innate quality; it is a set of behaviors that you can learn over time. Whether you are a natural wallflower or a social butterfly, you can enhance your presence by doing the following: