Category: 1-Minute Strategy

When you’re coming up with ideas for stress-relieving leisure activities for the team, remember that asking them to head off somewhere after working hours cuts into the time they value most in life. Try bringing the laughter and games to them instead of requiring a slog when they’re most in the mood to just be […]

Tired of enduring the same old stories from co-workers about what a nightmare traffic is on their commute? Tell them you like the delays—it gives you time to think, listen to favorite tunes or a book, or catch up on the news on the radio. Thus ends your days as a sounding board for that […]

The next time you’re making a list of life goals, ask yourself this: How many of the ones I’ve written down are simply holdovers from years ago, when I was a different person, and which I might actually be happier letting go of? Redefining success and happiness as you get older is natural—and usually the […]

By asking one question—“What do you think?”—you let people know that you value their input, respect their opinion and have an open mind toward solving problems. They know you won’t take every bit of guidance you hear; it’s the request for it that forms a valuable bond.

If you’re wondering if it’s time to see what other jobs might be out there for you, but are hesitating, ask yourself this simple question: “What was I doing exactly one year ago?” The answer may either give you a quick shove toward the door if you feel no sense of progress, or a dose […]

The worst way to start a meeting? Ask everyone to volunteer their job titles when they introduce themselves. Titles remind others immediately of office status and can be intimidating when what you want is a real group atmosphere of equality and camaraderie.

Do some staff members have an attendance problem? Welcome them back from an absence with enthusiasm. Ask how they’re doing and how they spent their time. It’ll make them a tiny bit self-conscious about it even as your interest in their life makes them feel more a part of the team, thus making work the […]

When someone takes the credit for work you’ve done, resist the urge to react emotionally. Decide whether it’s worth your while to make an issue of the episode by answering two questions: 1) “Will not getting this credit adversely affect my career?” and 2) “Will bringing it up do more harm than good to a […]

Only begin a sentence with “I” if you’re talking about yourself. It sounds obvious, but it’s a rule that’s rarely followed. Leading off with “I’m concerned that” or “I believe” when your point is more about other people or issues is a mistake that can make you seem more self-centered than you really are.

Avoid using the term ASAP; it means different things to different people. Employees faced with an “ASAP assignment” may not know whether that means they should instantly drop whatever they’re doing to complete the project or whether they should squeeze it into their already busy schedule and just do their best.