How to Handle Employee Complaints About Coworkers (Without Making Things Worse)
Be clear and curious when addressing employee complaints you didn’t see for yourself Someone on your team has a problem. You know this because a colleague told you. Or a customer complained. Or your counterpart on the night shift left you a note. You weren’t...
Respect Confidentiality: The Leadership Habit That Builds Trust
Respect confidentiality to build a culture of trust and dignity. Have you ever been in a meeting or a performance conversation when someone asked, “But what about them?” Or you’re leading a team meeting, and someone asks for other confidential information: “Why did...
Want a More Creative Team? Stop Saying These Courage Crushing Words
Say This, Not That for a More Creative Team If you want a more creative team, there’s one simple but powerful habit you need to avoid: crushing their courage with careless language. You don’t need bean bags and brainstorming retreats to build innovation (although we...
How to Communicate Difficult Decisions at Work without Losing Your Team
When you must communicate difficult decisions, don’t cast blame. Connect and give your team a way forward. Your manager just asked you to cascade a decision you didn’t make—and if you’re being honest, wouldn’t have made. It’s unpopular. It might even feel...
