If you and your team are facing a chronic challenge, you might be tempted to take control and vehemently argue for the solution you think will work, or to offer ideas indirectly and let your team take ownership of the issue. Neither of these extremes is optimal....

Research shows that women are far more likely to achieve their professional ambitions if their partner supports them (or if they stay single). But even for women whose partner is committed to equality, it’s difficult to navigate the challenges of a dual-career...

When working on a global team, it’s easy to focus on the ways that you and your colleagues are different. But rather than thinking about what sets you apart, emphasize what you have in common. This will draw you closer to your colleagues and make you more...

It’s frustrating to work with someone who doesn’t listen. Whether your colleague interrupts you, rambles on, or seems distracted, the impact is the same: You feel ignored, and the chances of misunderstandings increase. But you can encourage your colleague...

It’s important to encourage your employees to take time off. Make it clear to them that this is a business issue — not just a personal one. Use a few minutes in a team meeting to share some of the research on the benefits of vacation, such as higher...

Busy sales managers tend to deliver a curt message to their reps: “Get better and sell more.” This feedback may work for some salespeople, but not for most. Instead of asking your reps “What’s closing this month, and how can we make those deals...

If you need to come up with a new idea, stop trying to think of the best one. Instead, imagine the worst idea possible: What would be the wrong way to solve this problem? What do our customers absolutely not want? How could we make all of our stakeholders angry? Try...

The next time you feel that you’ve royally messed something up at work, avoid self-flagellation and think about what you can learn from it. Don’t interpret setbacks as “I’m not cut out for this challenge.” Instead, tell yourself, “I...

One of the most stressful things about being self-employed is managing your cash flow. It’s especially difficult if clients don’t pay you on time. You can avoid most problems by putting a contract in place before you start an assignment. Don’t...

Leaders play a significant role in helping employees understand why their jobs matter, but it’s not just about connecting their work to a larger purpose. You can also do it by demonstrating curiosity: Explore, ask questions, and engage people on their ideas...

Friendships in the office can be tricky. When the boundaries are blurred between the professional and the personal, there’s a chance for feelings and team performance to be hurt. But just because there is potential for messy entanglements doesn’t mean you...

Difficult conversations are challenging in part because you don’t know if or when the discussion will go off the rails. To make sure things go smoothly, agree on a code of conduct with your counterpart beforehand. At a minimum, suggest no interrupting, no...

When you take on your first manager role, people will be watching. What you think, what you say, and how you show up can have a direct impact on those you’re leading. It’s important to project calmness, confidence, and competence, even if you feel stressed...

You know the stress case — the one who’s always overwhelmed, overstretched, and overextended. They aren’t easy to work with, but you probably don’t have a choice. Whether you regard your colleague with annoyance or sympathy, you can help them...

When you’re brought in to turn around a team or business unit, the deck might feel as if it’s stacked against you. If your predecessor failed, how will you succeed? First off, to effectively lead a turnaround, resist the temptation to emotionally distance...