By Marcia Zidle on August 2, 2011
Managers often ask, usually with exasperation, “How can I keep my employees motivated, and why do I have to worry about it? I pay them decently.” Offering competitive salaries is certainly important, but that’s what gets them in the door. What keeps them engaged and committed to your team or organization is more than money […]
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By Marcia Zidle on July 26, 2011
How do you supervise people who are more experienced than you? Many years ago I coached Kevin, a young manager who had just taken the reins of the facilities department of a major university. At his first staff meeting, with his much senior supervisors, he said: “As your manager, I’m here to help you be successful. […]
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By Marcia Zidle on July 19, 2011
Delegation is often very difficult for new supervisors and managers. Many managers want to remain comfortable making the same decisions they have always made. They believe they can do a better job themselves. They don’t want to risk losing control of the situation or outcome. Often, they don’t want to risk giving authority to subordinates in case […]
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By Marcia Zidle on July 12, 2011
It’s that time again! Perhaps the most dreaded management practice is the annual employee performance appraisal. Whenever the subject comes up, out comes the groans from both managers and staff no matter what industry or type of company. Many say employee performance appraisals are like having a root canal — only more painful. It shouldn’t […]
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By Marcia Zidle on July 5, 2011
Have you made decisions that seemed right at the time, but did not turn out the way you expected? In a coaching session with a manager, who was dealing with a setback, I asked what did she learn? She answered honestly and with some regret: “I wanted it to happen so badly that I didn’t […]
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By Marcia Zidle on June 28, 2011
Figuring out how to be a great boss can be difficult especially when you’re managing so many different people. This is what people have said in my workshops on employee engagement. when asked: “What makes a great boss” – someone who can lead and motivate you? Seven Principles of Good Supervision 1. Tell me my role and […]
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By Marcia Zidle on June 21, 2011
What’s the first impression new hires have your company? Does it turn them on or turn them off? The good news is that a new hire orientation program offers an opportunity to build a positive, engaging impression of the new company. The bad news is that that is going to happen whether you plan it or not. So […]
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By Marcia Zidle on June 7, 2011
If you have a bad apple on your team, is it better to try and salvage the person or just get rid of that person? Clearly, if the person can do the job and just isn’t goofing off, you want to put some energy into coaching that individual to improve his or her performance. Others think […]
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By Marcia Zidle on May 31, 2011
It’s the small things everyday that can bring down employee morale and it’s the small things everyday that can raise it as well. When money is tight and raises are non existent or when the heavy work load seems never-ending, managers tend to forget the “basics” of management- that the supervisor’s recognition and appreciation are the key drivers for […]
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By Marcia Zidle on May 25, 2011
Many are promoted into management positions because they do their present job well, perhaps better than others on the team. Unfortunately, many new managers are just thrown in without training and then left to sink or swim. Some make it; some don’t. Avoid these four mistakes that many new supervisors make. Included are comments from supervisors who are […]
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Carter McNamara of Authenticity Consulting, LLC, provides organization development and consultant training services, and is developer of the Free Management Library. [Read more ...]
Marcia Zidle, a certified career strategist and business coach, works with high potential, high impact executives, managers and professionals to advance their careers and grow their leadership capabilities. [Read more ...]