Year: 2018

One of the most important actions you can take involves understanding finance, both your personal finances and those of the organization where you are employed. If this is an area of weakness for you, improve your understanding through coursework or by researching information electronically or by meeting with professionals. The importance of understanding how money […]

As a manager you have responsibility for setting the example you want others to follow. You should not only demonstrate alignment of your actions with organizational policies and procedures but also by exhibiting high standards and values reflective of the organization. This means being genuine and forthright in all that you do both at work […]

Your peers will be one of the biggest assets to you in your new role as manager. Other managers within your organization can provide information about the organization, operations and competitors. They can help you learn about and understand the culture. You can also help each other by contributing your time and talent to one […]

Each professional experience offers us opportunities to connect, learn or support others. The extent to which we do any of these depends upon us. The nature of work brings professionals together who are at various stages of their development and career progression. Mentoring, teamwork and enhanced levels of collegiality can all occur. When they do, […]

Too often professionals rely on the advice of their management or human resources department in isolation to guide their professional development. While their feedback and guidance is very important to your performance at your present place of employment, if you rely on it in isolation you may be doing yourself a disservice. Management and human resource professionals often provide guidance […]

Managers mainly assign work based upon position requirements. In many cases this can be effective; however, performance can be elevated when managers attempt to tap into employee strengths and interests. Focusing on strengths can be powerful but it can prove disastrous if done in isolation without consideration of organizational goals. To prevent this from occurring, […]

  Individuals are typically more productive and content when their strengths, interests and goals are in alignment with their work. Learn as much as you can about these aspects for each of your employees and align their responsibilities when possible. Doing so enables you to tap into higher levels of performance and contentment. Challenges may […]

The most effective managers use proactive communication to their advantage. They recognize that they must take the initiative and set the tone for performance, team building and change. This involves working to proactively to communicate with leadership as well as sharing information with employees. You may need to disregard personal communication preferences to realize success […]

During the interview process you should have gained clarity about the goals and expectations for your position. Within the first few days in your new role, re-confirm the expectations for you and your team. Ask questions and understand what resources are available that you can leverage as well as any challenges that you should anticipate. […]

  Your supervisor’s style and preferences for communication, meetings, decision-making and getting work accomplished will impact your work. Understand their preferences and adapt yours when possible to align yourself and your team for high levels of efficiency and productivity. Styles and preferences vary widely and you may discover that the way you prefer to work […]