Helpers want to build reputations for being helpful. They want to prove their value at work by showing their willingness to jump in and get things done—no matter what. But the problem is, these people wind…
How many times, upon realizing you’ve made the wrong decision, have you thrown up your hands and exclaimed, “If only I had known better”? Our wrong decisions, no matter how big or small, often feel like…
Keep your eyes and ears open for valuable intelligence up and down the chain of command. That doesn’t mean listening to and spreading gossip. It means learning from your direct reports about what’s happening on the…
The ultimate manifestation of go-to-ism in the workplace is finding and fostering a network of go-to people. Whenever you find go-to people, you want to approach those relationships with a service mindset. What can you bring…
Certain types of employees, more so than others, tend to jump into projects outside their normal jobs. I classify these people into three groups: helpers, experts, and rogues. Helpers get pulled away from their regular work…
There are plenty of good reasons to want better relationships with your colleagues at work. Pleasant interactions with coworkers generally make your workdays more enjoyable. Trust and respect among team members opens everyone up to contribute…
I’m fond of saying, “If you don’t have authority, you’ve got to use influence.” Sounds great, right? But ‘influence’ is often hard to define in the workplace. What does it look like? And, more importantly, how…
If you’re wondering whether interruptions from colleagues have disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured, they have not. Ask just about anyone—those side conversations are still happening, whether you’re working remotely or onsite. Whether it’s a…
The number one most effective form of shareable job aid I have seen is the humble checklist. It’s a simple but powerful tool used from kindergarten classrooms to nuclear launch sites. And in a world of…
Attitude may be intangible, but it really matters. You cannot always control your feelings (nor should you necessarily try to). But feelings are on the inside. Attitude is what you show everyone else on the outside—and…
