Starting a new job is nerve-racking for everyone. Those first few weeks can be extra stressful because the new hire wants to make a good first impression. As a manager, it is your job to ensure a smooth transition and set your new employee up for success right away. Here are three mistakes to avoid in the on-boarding process: 1. Not Informing of Company’s Mission, Vision and Values Everything an employee does should tie back to the company's values. Observing how others do th

It's been over a year since many of you were forced into leading your team virtually. It's much easier to lead a team when you're all in the same room, building or city, but that's no longer a reality for many. Now is the time to reflect on what has gone well and review the fundamentals. 1. Make Expectations Clear - Ever heard of “out of sight, out of mind”? This can go both ways. Get together and lay out continued expectations with your teammates in terms of goals, results,

When an employee comes to you and says they want a raise or a promotion and you don’t think they are “there”, it’s your job to explain where “there” is. Setting and reviewing performance expectations with employees on an ongoing basis is critical to helping them grow in their position and beyond. Here are a few things you can do this week: 1. Define "There" - Gain a solid understanding of where your organization is headed so you can set departmental goals that are articulated

“I just don’t like change!” said an employee whose company was merging with another. At least she was vocal about it. Most employees who don’t like change dig in their heels, come to work grumpy, hide in or corner, or quit. And you can’t just say “Suck it up - change is inevitable.” Here are a few strategies to help you help your employees through the changes that are constantly going on in your company: The Why - Let employees know the reason for the change. If it’s a new sy

Whether you’re interrupted by employees, upper management, a child, or a phone app, it seems impossible to get your important work done each day. It's even more difficult when working from home. Dr. Gloria Mark, Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine has found that it takes an average of 23 minutes for a person to fully regain their focus on a task after being distracted. Here are four strategies that will help you and your employees stay focused wh