Politely change the subject

  • August 30, 2017

When the conversation turns political, religious, too personal or controversial, or it just seems to go on forever, here’s how to change the topic without...

For Bill Gates, tirades came at a cost

  • August 22, 2017

In February 1985, Ida Cole joined Microsoft as one of its first female vice presidents. Within months, her relationship with the mercurial Bill Gates worsened. His...

Positive vs. negative leadership

  • August 22, 2017

Being negative solves nothing—and more often than not, it causes people to shut down and disengage, says Jon Gordon, author of The Power of Positive Leadership.

Conduct appraisals fairly and accurately

  • July 27, 2017

Many supervisors are sensitive about rating their people on the basis of a generalized standard or in terms of a numerical scale. Use these tips offered by Elwood N....

Tell managers: Never comment on FMLA leave

  • July 25, 2017

Employees who qualify for FMLA leave can’t be punished for taking it. Any action that could be seen as dissuading workers from exercising their right to take FMLA...

Not every suspension is retaliation

  • July 20, 2017

HR professionals sometimes warn managers that suspending an employee without pay can backfire—even if it’s for what seem like legitimate reasons. The problem...

Managing the workplace martyr

  • July 18, 2017

Martyrs are willing to take things on and sacrifice for the team—and boy, do they let everyone else know it. While on the surface, such employees seem like a...