For the past two decades, I’ve been interviewing and observing successful C-level executives to discover the secrets of their …
interpersonal relations
10 Smart Rules for Giving Negative Feedback
Here’s how to handle employees when a kick in the rear is more appropriate than a pat on the back.
Find a Mentor Who Scares You
Every newbie professional wants a caring and supportive mentor who will usher him into his next role. But when you’re a rookie it’s a good time to take risks. Better to face criticism now so that you avoid it later on when the stakes are higher. Go out and find the most qualified and talented mentor, coach, or manager you can, and …
Make Office Politics Work for You
You may try to avoid it, but the reality is that office politics is how power is managed in many organizations. Here are three ways you can navigate the system, even if you object to it:
If You’re a New Manager, Get Bossy
Common wisdom is that the best managers are collaborative. After all, nobody likes to be bossed around. But that’s not true for rookie managers. New leaders who are perceived as having low status — because of their age, education, or experience — lead better when they tell subordinates what to do. If as a new manager you sense that …
How to Be Happier at Work: 3 Tips
Working at a start-up can be stressful. Just ask Chade-Meng Tan, who as Google’s 107th employee, experienced the company back when it was a start-up instead of the behemoth it is today.
Tan was an engineer, and engineers at …
Networking Tips: How to Go from Awkward to Awesome
For those of us who are not natural extroverts, networking events can be painful. It stinks to be in a crowded room at one of those tall tables with no one to talk to, a small plate of cheese and grapes in front of you, a glass …
How to Reach Your Enemy
Having enemies in the workplace is often destructive. Ideally you should try to work with your rival instead of against him. But if your collaborative efforts fail, try one of these strategies instead:
When to Share Bad News
When you’re privy to information that your team isn’t, should you share the news or protect your employees? When deciding whether to divulge bad news, do these things first:
Turn Your Employees into Company Advocates
Loyal, passionate employees benefit a company as much as dedicated customers. They stay longer, work more creatively, and go the extra mile. So how do you turn employees into advocates for your company and its work?
Introverts: Network in Your Own Way
Networking is essential to thriving in business. But if you’re an introvert with a natural aversion to groups and talking with strangers, what can you do? Try these things:
3 Ways to Handle a Colleague You Dislike
Working with a difficult person can be distracting and draining. Next time a colleague irritates you to no end, try these three things:
