Management Tips

Lead by example. If you ask your employees to work overtime, be there too. Just because company policy allows it, don't fly first-class if your associates are in coach on the same plane. Be a leader - it's tougher than being a manager, but it's worth it.

Communicating with Non-Communicators | Leila's House of Corrections

If you are frustrated by an employee who just won't open up, you may need to stop talking and listen more. Find out how to encourage them by soliciting their thoughts, considering your own body language, and providing details about how an employee's ideas can contribute to team and company goals.

How to Manage Customer Experience

Steve Daines, vice president at RightNow, explains how the CRM provider strives to deliver superior, ongoing customer service to its clients, even after implementation.

Interviewing Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

A high rate of unemployment means recruiters are in the driver's seat. Don't take advantage of your position and skip the basics—your hiring process will suffer for it. Remember to establish rapport by making eye contact and shaking hands at the beginning and at the end of the interview. Listen more than you talk and be sure to ask questions about soft skills, not just technical ability.

Teamwork Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

High-functioning teams don't usually happen easily or naturally. Learn how to tie a diverse team together by giving everyone time to get to know each other, recognizing that people think differently, and remembering that conflict can actually create new ideas and better results.

Managing Negativity |Leila's House of Corrections

A constant naysayer on your team can be frustrating and draining for everyone. Leila gives three tips—checking your own behavior, being specific with examples, and discussing the impact on other people—to get this pessimistic person to commit to changing their own behavior.

How to Manage Clever People

Brainy employees are a mixed blessing. They dislike authority, flout the rules and are convinced they are smarter than you. But they also create a disproportionate amount of value for your business. So learn how to be a 'benevolent guardian', says Rob Goffee, co-author of “Clever”. Here, he explains how — and which companies you can learn from.

How to Fit In at a New Company |Dodging Landmines

"Don't come in swinging!" suggests Starla Sireno, executive coach at Fearlessness Inc. Instead, start by asking questions and observing. Look to the top level executives for clues about the corporate culture. Are they very informal, or do things seem more rigid? Be especially careful when changing industries. Everything, down to the way coworkers communicate, can be different.

Coping with an Aggressive Employee |Dodging Landmines

Fear and anxiety can make an otherwise rational employee overreact. Ed Muzio, CEO of Group Harmonics, says to stay issue focused when talking to them--avoid being emotional. Move the discussion to a productive environment so you can offer the employee information, help, and support.

Dealing with Employees' Personal Problems | Leila's House of Corrections

Employees are only human and sometimes their personal problems can creep into the workplace. Whether it's marriage, drug or health problems, learn how you should handle such delicate issues as a trusted manager

Performance Reviews |Leila's House of Corrections

Are you daunted by the prospect of performance reviews? Giving negative feedback can create anxiety, especially for first time managers. By preparing in advance, controlling the setting and following up, your employees will know you are dedicated to their success.

Leadership Don'ts |Leila's House of Corrections

With so much focus on how business leaders are hurting the economy, all leaders need to know which missteps to avoid. Leila starts you off with three suggestions—never raise your voice, don't ignore complaints, and never openly criticize people. Leila also suggests sitting down to talk honestly with your team about how you will help them accomplish their goals.