By Lynne Curry She came to work early, rarely took a full lunch break, and almost always worked past five p.m. Six of her nine staffers considered her an effective leader. She ran a successful department until her other three direct reports drove her out. Empowered by their victory, this “gang of three” ran off two successive managers before the company’s senior … [Read more...] about When staffers bully their supervisor
Managing staff
How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
By Lynne Curry If you’re locked in a work relationship with a manipulative boss or coworkers who learn you’re an easy mark, they’ll manipulate you until you recognize their games and find ways to outsmart them. Here’s what you need to understand and do to stop manipulators in their tracks. Start by understanding who and what manipulators are. Next, realize how you’re … [Read more...] about How to outsmart manipulators in the workplace
You’ll soon say goodbye to summer temps
You'll soon be saying goodbye to your summer temps they head back to school and your regular staffers return from vacations. Here are some things you can do to ensure a smooth transition and maintain office efficiency: 1. Conduct an Exit Interview An exit interview can provide valuable feedback on the temp's experience in your office. Ask about what worked well and any … [Read more...] about You’ll soon say goodbye to summer temps
How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
An exit interview should bring to light far more than what is good and bad about the office. It should give insight into what's really going on and produce ideas for making improvements. There's an art to exit interviewing. It's a matter of getting the staffer to talk and asking the questions that will keep them talking. A smile at the start Start by setting a positive … [Read more...] about How to get good stuff about the office during an exit interview
Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
Avoiding something unpleasant is the main reason people procrastinate. Try one of these four approaches when you face an unpleasant task: Do it. There’s an adrenaline rush from knowing you’ve completed an unpleasant task. Finishing something you’ve been putting off will energize you for the rest of the day. Don’t do it yet. If you’re not sure what to do, putting off … [Read more...] about Tick those unpleasant tasks off your to-do list
To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
Few managers realize that successful communication depends heavily on body language. When people don't get the response they expect, they need to understand that their bodies aren't sending the messages they think they're conveying. Much of the message that gets picked up in a conversation comes from motions and gestures. And it works both ways. A manager has to know body … [Read more...] about To make a point, use the body language that supports your words
Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of others. It involves not only recognizing and acknowledging the emotions of others but also demonstrating care and concern for their well-being. In the context of a workplace leader, empathy is essential for several reasons: Building Trust: Empathetic leaders are … [Read more...] about Empathy an important workplace leadership quality
5 things you should never say to your staffers
Without realizing it, a manager can create conflict. It comes from the way staff’s interruptions, questions, and suggestions get handled. Here are five automatic and all too common bad responses. 1 “I don’t have time for that now” A staffer comes in with a question, the manager is in the middle of work, and the response is “not now” or “can’t you take care of that … [Read more...] about 5 things you should never say to your staffers
Four fixes for job burnout
By Lynne Curry Are you burned out and not sure how to fix it? In 2024, emails from burned-out managers and employees have flooded my workplace coach inbox. Here’s what some have said: “I’m running on empty;” “mentally exhausted and emotionally drained;” “constantly on edge and irritable;” “on autopilot, just going through the motions, and don’t see any way out.” If … [Read more...] about Four fixes for job burnout
Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace
In today’s diverse and inclusive work environment, it’s imperative for office managers to create an atmosphere where all employees, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. By adopting strategies to support neurodivergent employees, you’re not only enhancing … [Read more...] about Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace