Note to readers: This is the third post in my new series based on questions I frequently hear about managing millennials — those ongoing management challenges that can really make or break workplace relationships. Each month I’ll tackle a question and provide some advice for managers and millennials (and millennial managers!). I hope the advice I share is helpful for all generations. Have a question you&rs...

What stresses out your employees? Deadlines? A never-ending to-do list? An overflowing inbox? While the concept of work-life integration is designed to reduce workplace stress, sometimes it can have the opposite effect, as schedules become blurry and we try to cope with being “always on.” And of course, stress isn’t limited to our schedules. Work itself can be a pressure cooker – a 2017 survey...

Are you struggling to find the formula to attract and retain millennials? If so, you’re not alone. Managers in every industry wonder how to nab high-performing employees and then keep them engaged, productive and satisfied once they’re on the job. The challenge is doubly confounding when would-be bosses realize they can’t always solve the problem with money. In fact, a bigger salary is not as important...

Have you seen the documentary 20 Feet from Stardom? I recently watched it (a little late, I know), and I was struck by several insights applicable to success in any industry. (Pro tip: You can “rent” it from Amazon for just 99 cents!) The movie won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and it explores the world of backup singers, the entertainers who sing and dance just out of the spotlight. Th...

Last week I wrote about apprenticeship, the ancient business strategy that I recommend every modern manager use. But, ahem, not all managers read my blog and even the most well-meaning managers don’t always follow best practices when it comes to training and coaching employees. (And yes, I know it’s weird to write about apprenticeship when this is going on…) While you can’t change your manager&rs...

Have you ever thought about how you learned to do your job? While there are new challenges every day, of course, there is also so much that you seem to just “know.” That proficiency not only inspires your clients and team to trust you, but it creates a self-confidence that boosts you to perform even better, day after day. But when you think back, it’s hard to remember how you figured out the ins and out...

Do you wonder if you’re giving your employees feedback that can help them excel at their jobs — and feel more included? Chances are, we could all improve at giving feedback at work. In fact, one survey found that 64 percent of employees wanted their supervisor to check in with them at least every two weeks. This desire for frequent, steady feedback has even been tied to the demise of the annual review. Who wa...

Note to readers: This is the second post in my new series based on questions I frequently hear about managing millennials — those ongoing management challenges that can really hinder workplace relationships. Each month I’ll tackle a question and provide some advice for managers and millennials (and millennial managers!). I hope the advice I share is helpful for all generations. Have a question you’ve...

Do you enjoy a good joke during the work day? The problem is that sticky issue of what makes a joke “good” and work-appropriate. Some people love stand-up comedy-type routines – tough to pull off in a work setting (and often cringe-inducing). Others are more into practical jokes and April Fool’s stunts. Again, not funny to all. And, of course, political humor is particularly fraught in today&rsquo...

When you think about using tech tools in recruiting, what comes to mind? Easing the flood of resumes through an applicant tracking system or scouring LinkedIn for intel on potential recruits? With competition soaring for the best employees, it’s time to think more creatively. Companies are pulling out all the stops to attract top-tier candidates, and experiences and appearances are everything — selling the &l...