October 2014

3 ways to build accountability on your team

If your staff is missing deadlines, not following through on work, not taking responsibility for mistakes, or simply not producing high-quality work, you’ve probably got an accountability problem. Here’s how to fix it. 1. Talk explicitly about your expectations – not just about what people do but also how they do it. Managers often make […]

Read the full article →

is this job rejection a load of bull?

A reader writes: I had a question about being rejected for a job. This is the first time I’ve encountered this rejection reason. Basically, I had a phone screen with the HR person and she said she would share my details with the hiring manager to work out some times for a second phone interview […]

Read the full article →

should I ask for a lower salary, my boss wants me to inflate people’s performance ratings, and more

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My boss wants me to inflate people’s performance ratings My organization really prioritizes feedback. Every month, each employee gets an individual meeting with their manager to talk about progress, performance, goals, and ways the organization can better assist the employee in achieving his/her goals. I oversee […]

Read the full article →

how to manage off-site employees

A reader writes: I’ve recently started managing two employees who work off-site – one from a branch office across the country and one who works from home. I’m used to having my team in the same location as me, and I’m uneasy about how to manage well from a distance, especially when it comes to […]

Read the full article →