Research shows that we find our jobs more fulfilling when we have positive relationships with the people we work with. This isn’t something that will happen on its own, so be purposeful and systematic about it. For example, you could organize a social event with your colleagues to get to know one another better. Or, […]

When a disagreement with a colleague gets heated, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions: disappointment, anger, or frustration, for example. But should you express what you’re feeling? It depends. If you’re experiencing what psychologists call a hot emotion — one that comes with an urgent sense of entitlement or even revenge (“I have […]

Stress and distraction can form a dangerous cycle. When we can’t focus at work, we often feel stressed about not being productive — which causes us to focus even less. You can break this cycle by using self-awareness. Pay attention to what’s going on the next time you get distracted: Are you bored by what […]

It will happen to all of us someday: A younger generation enters the workforce and becomes the most sought-after consumers, and the rest of us feel left behind. One way to keep up is to ask a younger colleague to mentor you. This is especially important when it comes to technology, since the best tools […]

If you and a colleague are in a tug-of-war over who owns a project or who gets to decide how to use your team’s budget, you might feel frustrated or threatened. But getting angry won’t help you reach a resolution. Forget the win-lose paradigm; approach the situation by focusing on a common goal. Try to […]

The volume of information and stimuli coming at us every day makes it more difficult to focus than ever. To do the careful thinking that decision making and leadership require, you must step back from the noise of the world. Schedule 15-minute breaks at least once or twice a day to sit quietly in your […]

New managers are often tempted to hold onto the work that keeps them close to their team’s everyday operations. But now that you have a wider set of responsibilities, you need to be discerning about your time and selective about the tasks you take on. Carefully assess every demand that comes your way, and ask […]

In an ideal world, feedback would always happen face-to-face, so the other person could read your body language and hear your voice. But there are times when you have to provide input through email, text message, or even instant message, and in these cases it’s important to be careful about tone. Written criticism can easily […]

When you and a coworker are discussing a conflict you’ve been having, you might be tempted to launch into your account of the events, assuming that your counterpart should see things exactly the way you do. But that approach is unlikely to go over well. Instead, treat your opinion of what’s happened as what it […]

When one of your employees quits, you may take it personally. But keep in mind that their decision may have little to do with you: Most people leave because their opportunities for growth are limited. Encourage all your employees to openly discuss with you their goals and plans for the future, even if those plans […]

It’s hard to tell an employee they didn’t get the promotion they were vying for. Your goal should be to deliver the news clearly and with empathy. Start by validating your employee’s contributions and thanking them for applying. Avoid comforting statements like “Next time you’ll get the job,” which make promises you may not be […]

When you’re going through a personal crisis, you’ll likely need the support of your colleagues. But they may not know how to be useful, so ask for their help thoughtfully and specifically. Describe what you need and why the help is meaningful to you, and, as with any request at work, give a deadline. For […]

When you’re burned out and exhausted, it’s easy to think of yourself as a victim of circumstances — and forget that you have a say in your situation. Instead of blaming everyone else for your being overworked and overstressed, take ownership of it. Think to yourself: “Others may have contributed to my situation, but I […]

When you go on vacation, ideally you should disconnect from work completely. But if going off the grid truly is not an option for you, set boundaries for yourself so that you aren’t tethered to your device. Make a plan to check your messages once a day at a particular time, or only on certain […]

If you want people at work to trust and respect you, regardless of your title or authority, pay attention to your body language. How you stand, sit, and speak all affect whether people are open to being influenced by you. For example, standing up straight with your shoulders back helps you come across as confident […]

Asking for a promotion can be nerve-wracking. But when you think you’re ready for the next step in your career, it’s important to say so. To prepare for the conversation with your boss, reflect on what you want. Would you like to move up, or might a lateral move interest you? Next, do some research. […]

We all want to work in a place where people treat each other with kindness and respect. But you can’t expect your team to behave that way without making it clear that you want them to. This process starts when you interview potential team members: Tell candidates that your team values civility, so they can […]

You know the feeling when things get tense in a meeting. People raise their voices, or your colleagues talk over each other — and you just want it to end. Instead of watching the clock, take action and help get the conversation back on track. First, point out what’s happening in a matter-of-fact way, without […]

Most people have had a boss they struggled to get along with. Maybe the manager didn’t seem to trust you or wasn’t impressed with your performance. While you may be tempted to blame the situation on your difficult boss, most often a mismatch like this happens when expectations aren’t aligned. For example, perhaps you handed […]

If you’re surrounded by coworkers who get distracted easily, you’re likely to become distracted yourself. Instead of letting them pull you away from your to-do list, set boundaries. You don’t have to be rude about it; you can say something simple like, “Can we continue this conversation later? I want to get this report done, […]

We all know that mindfulness can ease stress, but when you’re a working parent, it feels hard to find the time to fit in anything — even 10 minutes of meditation. Luckily, you can build mindfulness into your busy routine. Spend a few minutes writing down the activities you do each day: drop the kids […]

When evaluating a job offer, it’s important to know whether you’ll fit in at the new company. But it can be hard to get an unvarnished view of an organization’s culture during the interview process. Before you take the job, find people with objective, unbiased opinions of the organization and its culture. They may be […]

When you’re asked to give feedback on a fellow employee, you want it to be useful. But unless you connect it to what matters to them — and separate it from your personal beliefs and preferences — they won’t be able to act on it. Emphasize facts, not interpretations. This means staying away from comments […]

When you’re working from home, sneaking in a load of laundry may not seem like a big deal. But without boundaries, your day is likely to feel chaotic and fragmented. Give yourself structure by pretending you’re at the office. Set up “office hours” (9 AM to 6 PM, for example), and decide what is and […]

When it comes to solving tough problems, tried-and-true methods can help — but they might hold you back from discovering a creative solution. If you’re in a rut with a particular problem, one way to break out is to solicit advice from unlikely sources — those who will see the issue in a completely different […]

If your employee is irritating fellow colleagues, don’t let the behavior go. Start by making your intentions clear — say something like, “I’m always looking for ways to help you grow, and I have some thoughts. When is a good time to talk?” During the discussion, focus on the facts. What exactly is the employee […]

It’s important to challenge yourself with new projects, but taking on more tasks may require you to let go of others. Constantly evaluate your current slate of projects to know what else you have time for. For each task, ask yourself: Does completing this project still make sense? Am I the right person to work […]

If you want time off from work to develop a new skill — by attending a class, going on a retreat, or participating in a fellowship — you need to make a strong case to your boss. Start by considering the connection between what you want to learn and the needs of the business. How […]

When you’re starting out in your career, and have limited work experience, it can be tough to gain credibility. Your coworkers won’t see you as a crucial part of the organization until you prove yourself to be one. Start earning your colleagues’ respect by conveying the value you bring. Think about your strengths: In which […]

We sometimes try to be efficient by using as few words as possible to communicate a message. But a one- or two-line email can waste everyone’s time if colleagues have to decipher the meaning or write back to clarify next steps. Don’t assume that others understand your shorthand. Take the time to communicate in a […]

Too many workplace policies emphasize what employees shouldn’t do. But overly paternal and punitive rules don’t communicate that you have confidence in your people and trust them to behave as adults. When drafting personnel policies, focus on conveying the company’s positive expectations of its employees. In your policy about when the workday starts, for example, […]

It’s no fun to toil away at a job where you feel taken for granted. But don’t sit around waiting for people to notice your or your team’s good work. Find ways to highlight your contributions. For example, ask your boss if you can talk about your team’s responsibilities in an all-staff meeting. Tell the […]

The dangers of overpricing your work are obvious: You can lose the deal and scare clients away. But charging low prices can signal low quality, making clients hesitant to work with you. To be sure you aren’t underselling yourself, develop a network of trusted peers who can provide honest information about going rates. Once you […]

Having a passive-aggressive boss can be frustrating. Whether they’re limiting access to information you need or giving you the cold shoulder when you disappoint them, it’s hard to address the negative behavior without triggering repercussions. Approach your manager from a place of respect, and resist the urge to be passive-aggressive in return. Raise your concerns […]

It might seem easy to get a job for which you have all the right credentials, but many managers hesitate to hire someone who seems too good for the role. So go out of your way to counter any assumptions the hiring manager may have. For example, they might think that you’ll be too expensive, […]

When someone is 100% sure that they’re right, convincing them otherwise can be tricky. To help the person consider another point of view, use two conversation cues. The first is to ask questions: If the know-it-all is clinging to one side of an issue, you can say something like, “Have you ever seen a situation […]

Constructive feedback is essential for getting better at your job, but a colleague may hesitate to give it if they’re worried about hurting your feelings. To ease their fear, try three strategies. First, introduce the conversation by giving yourself negative feedback. Say something like, “I know I tend to work quickly and sometimes overlook important […]

We all have tasks that we put off and put off, but actually accomplishing them is rarely as bad as we expect. Sometimes beating procrastination is about just getting over the initial hurdle. Instead of forcing yourself to tackle the entire task at once, focus on the first piece of it. Start by thinking about […]

It’s possible to be friends with someone who works for you, but you need to set boundaries. For example, there may be times when you’re privy to information that will affect your friend, but it would be improper for you to share it. To make the friendship work, be transparent about what you can and […]

Having a tense conversation brings up a lot of negative emotions, leaving you feeling like an active volcano. To prevent an outburst and stay in control of your emotions, physically ground yourself in your environment. One of the best ways to do this is to stand up and walk around, which activates the thinking part […]

It can be tough to leave work behind when you go home for the day, but having a routine can help. Before you leave the office, make a short phone call, sign a document, or respond to an email. This way you’ll end your day on a positive note of completion, and you’ll have one […]

Employees who are enthusiastic about their work are more diligent and productive. But not everyone knows which aspects of their job they’re most excited about. As a manager, it’s your responsibility to push them to find out. Help employees reflect on their work by asking them thoughtful questions. For example, before the person tackles a […]

To get your first speaking gig, you might be tempted to market yourself as a public speaker. But that approach could actually diminish your credibility. Audiences want to hear from authorities in a field, so conferences and other events aren’t looking for “speakers” as much as they’re seeking experts. You can establish your brand as […]

When you’ve got a packed calendar and an overflowing inbox, it’s tough to find time to think. But improving the quality of your ideas requires unstructured, reflective thinking. This activity helps you examine your assumptions and draw connections between pieces of information. How can you make the time to do it? It depends on your […]

In an ideal world, your colleagues would give you direct, honest feedback. But if they’re not forthcoming, often you can find out what someone really thinks by watching their nonverbal cues. Learn to read facial expressions and body language to understand how your words and actions are being received. When people look down or avoid […]

Sometimes it feels impossible to stay focused at work. Mindfulness can help. Studies have shown that people who have a mindfulness routine are less distractible and better at concentrating. You can develop your own routine by scheduling three 10-minute mindfulness sessions throughout your day. Put everything aside — close your email and the door to […]

Giving feedback is tricky, but especially for creative work, where “good” may be subjective. The next time you have to provide input on a piece of creative work, such as a design prototype or a website mock-up, start by signaling that your opinion is exactly that: an opinion. Use first-person pronouns (I, me, and my) […]

It’s hard to think clearly when you’re under stress. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise, adrenaline and cortisol flood your body, and your survival instincts kick in — all of which interfere with decision making. To avoid making bad decisions when you’re stressed, pay careful attention to your physical symptoms. We all have an […]

Negotiations are won in the preparation. And a key part of preparing is figuring out what relevant information you don’t have. Of course, you need to research your counterpart, their organization, and the context, but think about what details might be useful. Make a list of questions to ask your counterpart that, once answered, will […]

Working with a narcissist is hard, but mentoring one can be especially challenging. Your instinct as a mentor may be to criticize the narcissist, to put them in their place, but this typically makes a self-absorbed person defensive — prompting even more problematic behavior. Try some empathy instead: Recognize that narcissism is often a byproduct […]

We all think we have too much to do, and not enough time to do it. But you’ll never feel on top of things if you don’t have clear priorities in the first place. Start assessing your priorities by taking inventory of the work you do: Which tasks are more (or less) urgent? Which are […]

When you’re a working parent, it can be helpful to have the flexibility to work remotely. But your in-office colleagues may wonder just how much you’re getting done. To help the boss and coworkers appreciate your work, provide small, clear signals that your commitment and work ethic are strong. For example, you might send emails […]

When work is intense, it’s easy to beat yourself up for letting things slip at the office or at home. But doing so can make the stress worse. Have self-compassion instead: Accept that you’re in an acute period of work stress and notice — don’t suppress or deny — your emotions. Assigning a word to […]

Going on vacation? To get the most out of your time away, keep your phone out of sight and mind. Research shows the mere presence of a phone stresses us out, even if we aren’t using it. (Plus, moving your job from an office to a beach is no holiday at all.) Set clear boundaries […]

When you’re under intense stress, it’s normal to have a short fuse. But don’t take your stress out on whoever happens to be nearby — whether it’s your assistant, family members, or direct reports. Making them bear the brunt of your frustrations will strain your relationships and hinder your resilience. Even if what’s stressing you […]

“Bring me solutions, not problems.” Many well-meaning managers have said it, intending to keep employees from simply complaining about work issues. But employees can take it to mean they should cover up an issue if they don’t have a way to fix it. So it’s better to tell your team to bring you problem statements. […]

Most of us know that staying productive in the office requires recharging away from it. The hard part is doing it. Even if you go home at a decent hour, you may find yourself checking email or reading one last report. To forget about what’s happening at work, focus on what you’ll do instead. Framing […]

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. Instead, try an approach that combines conviction and […]

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 life. To make sure both people are aligned on what they want and […]

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 receptive to — and less frustrated by — […]

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 to listen better by emphasizing the importance of your message up front. Before starting a conversation, […]

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 productivity and less stress. Then keep […]

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 happen faster?,” talk with them about the indicators that have historically […]

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 to come up with […]

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 haven’t yet developed the required capabilities for it.” Framing the setback this way will not only […]

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 believe a handshake will suffice, even if you’re working with friends. Informal agreements are […]

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 about the future. Make clear that there is a wide range of possibilities […]

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 should avoid chatting with your colleagues. In fact, research shows that people who have […]

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 yelling, and no personal attacks. (Those are basics, yes, but it’s helpful […]

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 out. Recognize that a fleeting moment of anger or impatience […]

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 by offering praise and assistance. Your coworker likely feels out of control, so complimenting their […]

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 yourself from the situation — you are part of this team, so […]

Returning to a company you used to work for can be a smart career move. But don’t assume you will pick up right where you left off. Reset expectations — both yours and others’. Demonstrate that you’ve grown, and establish yourself as a more senior person in the organization by humbly highlighting what you achieved […]

It’s nice to have fast-acting employees on your team. But some people have such a deep need to get things resolved that they move too quickly and make a mess. They may secure a bad deal just to say they’ve done it, or issue a faulty directive so that they can say they’ve handled a […]

Conversations about promotions can be tense — both for the person asking and for you, the manager. Your first instinct might be to consider whether the employee is a “good fit” for the new role, but it’s better to focus on their skills. Ask yourself, What will the person need to do the job well? […]

Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly given small opportunities to build up or put down our coworkers. If we’re introducing two colleagues, telling a story about how a meeting went, or sharing a colleague’s project, how we talk about others can make a big difference in how they feel about themselves and […]

Many people let their personal relationships fall by the wayside as they focus on their careers and start a family. Yet research shows that we are more successful in our careers when we’re supported by a foundation of strong, stable friendships. Don’t run the risk of losing touch with your closest social connections. Career and […]