This is a guest post from Roberta Chinsky Matuson. If you think it’s tough being a manager these days, try being an employee. Most are in the position of having to go with the flow, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they do so with a smile on their face. Here are 10 things your employees wish you knew about them: "We are happy to have a job." But that doesn’t necessarily … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Become a More Amazing Boss
The smartest thing you can do as both a leader and an employee is proactively look for ways to improve your skills. Attend training (our next Bud to Boss online workshop starts in May!) and read as many leadership blogs, books and whitepapers as you can. As important, however, is that you look for learning opportunities in your daily routine. If you want to be the type of … [Read more...]
Leadership Lessons from a Rainy Day
After several perfect spring days here where I live in Virginia, today has been nothing but dreary, chilly and rainy. The high I experienced early this week of being outdoors with my children has pretty much disappeared, and I find myself feeling grumpy, unmotivated and pessimistic. It's not in my nature to be any of those things, so it's prompted me to think about life, and … [Read more...]
Are You Assertive or Aggressive? The Difference Matters
No matter how great a manager you are, bad things will happen at work: not every day, but occasionally. It’s how you handle those incidents—the ones that fill you with frustration, anger and dread—that determine what kind of leader you are. If you respond to those occasions aggressively (outwardly or passively), you’ll undermine your team, spread fear and start the rumor mill. … [Read more...]
9 Must-Ask Questions for Your Next Job Applicant
How do you select the best employee for your organization? You have to know the right interview questions to ask and what to look for in your interviewees’ responses. Incorporate these into your next interview: Why do you want to work for this organization? You will discover how much research they’ve done and whether or not their expectations are realistic. If they offer … [Read more...]
Dealing With Creative Block
Two big ideas that have huge implications for you as a leader are swirling in my head. I am struggling valiantly (at least in my mind) to align the ideas in a way that briefly and meaningfully conveys them. I find myself in a creative block. Okay, here goes … Idea Number One: Leadership teacher and author John Maxwell says: Everything rises and falls on leadership. It seems … [Read more...]
Should You Buy Gifts for Your Employees?
Maybe this is your first winter in a supervisory position. In addition to worrying about meeting year-end goals, you might have the added stress of figuring out what—if anything—to give your employees for the holidays. Some people will tell you that you don’t need to buy your employees gifts (or that you shouldn’t), and while I do think that’s your prerogative, I’m a big fan … [Read more...]
[Infographic] Top Tips to Remain Healthy at Work
For many managers (and their employees), this time of year brings end-of-the-year and holiday stress, more over-indulgences of unhealthy foods and beverages, and less physical activity. Being healthy is the key to feeling good, remaining productive, avoiding the deluge of illnesses already hitting the workplace, and managing stress. To keep yourself feeling tip-top and your … [Read more...]
What Does “Professional” Really Mean?
"Professional." I hear leaders talk about that word often. They say “I want my team to be professionals” or “Why can’t they be more professional?” When I ask “What do you mean by 'professional'?” I typically receive stumbling answers that aren’t very clear or helpful. It is understandable that you want your team members to be professional. What isn’t OK, however, is … [Read more...]
Your Role as Mentor is Critically Important
Whether you’re an official mentor or not, the way you treat your employees can play a large part in shaping their careers. Are you building their confidence and helping them learn from their mistakes? Or are you doing the opposite? While this is probably most pertinent to your youngest workers, the way you respond to all employees can affect their future success or lack … [Read more...]