When asked by an aspiring novelist the secret to his success, crime novelist Elmore Leonard replied: “I try to leave out the parts that readers tend to … Read more
Communicate Personal Loyalty As a Leader
It would be great if every organization won the heart and mind of every employee so they felt loyalty just because they got a paycheck. But of course, … Read more
4 Interview Questions to Avoid Hiring Toxic Employees
Your success often depends on the emotional intelligence of people you hire in strategic positions. That means you need to make hiring decisions based on … Read more
Structuring the Hiring Interview
In my first few years as owner/CEO of a small business, I wasted far too much time interviewing job applicants. My habit was to ask a few softball … Read more
How to Reverse a Bad First Impression
You’ve heard it said: “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.” That may be true—but you can definitely change that impression. Case … Read more
Communication Tips From the World of Entertainment
Consider your favorite movie, play, or novel. Which kept you awake at night? Which popped into your consciousness days or months later? Those outstanding … Read more
How to Communicate With Employees During Crisis
During a time of crisis like the Coronavirus pandemic, people’s attention splinters from work to the all-encompassing chaos of what’s happening … Read more
4 Tactics to Speak Up and Hold the Floor Long Enough to Make Your Point
When others conclude that you rarely speak up, your career stalls. The ability to command attention and build a case are attributes closely associated with … Read more
How to Help Employees Who Are Depressed or Suicidal
Dr. Lorna M. Breen, a top ER doctor who treated virus patients in a Manhattan hospital, recently died by suicide. According to her father, her job treating … Read more
To Talk or Write? A Critical Communication Decision—Part 2
Last week’s column presented seven reasons to write rather than talk to your employees, suppliers, and strategic partners: Allows time to re-read and … Read more
To Talk or Write? A Critical Communication Decision (Part 1)
The US has just come through a political minefield—most referencing texts, emails, phone calls, and meetings as proof of either guilt or innocence, … Read more
Putting Employees at Ease to Question Policies and Other Changes
If salespeople learn anything about selling, they understand this foundational truth: Questions lead to customers. The customer who asks no questions … Read more
6 Tips to Communicate Complex Policies
Change almost always meets resistance. If all policies met a receptive audience, you’d be working in Utopia. So if you’re up for dealing with … Read more
6 Steps to Effectively Pitch Ideas to Your Executive Team
“Never got a response to my email.” “They never followed through on my recommendation.” “I’d definitely like to have a seat at the table when that issue … Read more
Helping Managers Coach Their Teams to Greater Career Success
Millennials aren’t the only generation that demands frequent feedback and expects to advance quickly up the career ladder. In fact, HR typically sets this … Read more
Keeping Your Communication Professional As You Work From Home
The national crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has sent many employees home to work remotely. Unlike those who already work from home routinely, the … Read more
How to Get Cocky Leaders to Consider a Different Viewpoint
Seriously, play along with me for a moment. Try these two brainteasers for yourself before reading ahead for the answers—and the point: What’s the next … Read more
How to Moderate Meetings Without Mayhem
Moderators for several of the recent Democrat presidential debates have been slammed hard. Pundits have been particularly harsh in their comments about the … Read more
Communication: The Most Important Skill to Master in Your Lifetime
Editor’s note: Frequent TLNT contributor Dianna Booher is beginning a weekly series on communication in HR. Given the importance of communications in … Read more