Manager Tools

Part 1 of our updated guidance on how to gradually implement The Manager Tools Management Trinity (One on Ones, Feedback, Coaching, and Delegation). When managers try to implement all the tools all at once it can end in disaster. Most of us can only learn one new significant skill at a time. And that goes for our directs, too: they're learning along with us. This process for implementation will ensure success in your roll out.

Part 3 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the impact of their behavior, allowing them to change ineffective actions or continue doing things that help the team achieve its goals.

Part 2 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the impact of their behavior, allowing them to change ineffective actions or continue doing things that help the team achieve its goals.

Part 1 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the impact of their behavior, allowing them to change ineffective actions or continue doing things that help the team achieve its goals.

Part 3 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meetings help managers build trust, the professional measurement that correlates better than any other with results and retention.

Part 2 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meetings help managers build trust, the professional measurement that correlates better than any other with results and retention.

Part 1 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meetings help managers build trust, the professional measurement that correlates better than any other with results and retention.

Part 2 of our chapter two guidance on meetings for the proactive manager.

Part 1 of our chapter two guidance on meetings for the proactive manager.

Part 2 of our chapter one guidance on reporting for the proactive manager.

Part 1 of our chapter one guidance on reporting for the proactive manager.

Part 2 of our guidance on how to choose a managerial successor.

Part 1 of our guidance on how to choose a managerial successor.

Part 2 of our guidance on what to do when we don't understand in relationships.

You're going to get chewed out by your boss in public. It happens. Don't do anything publicly.

Part 1 of our guidance on what to do when we don't understand in relationships.

Part 2 of our guidance on what to do when your directs tell you they are too busy.

Part 1 of our guidance on what to do when your directs tell you they are too busy.

Our guidance on how to handle a sudden demotion.

Part 2 of our guidance on educating your directs on performance reviews early.

Part 1 of our guidance on educating your directs on performance reviews early.

Part 2 of our guidance on the salary discussions 2x2 matrix tool.

Just because a direct’s performance is exceptional doesn’t mean that they deserve a raise, believe it or not. Employee performance is only half of the equation.

You're going to get asked yes or no questions, and there are only three effective answers. Anything else is unprofessional, and what might be interpreted as weak. There's a difference between asked, "How's the project" - Inevitably, "fine;" and, "Are you 100% green this week?' Better questions get better answers. And when a professional gets a better question, a better answer is the best answer.

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to think more creatively about annual planning goals.

Our Hall Of Fame guidance on how to start setting annual goals, and why we do not like "SMART" goals.

Part 2 of our guidance on rebranding feedback.

A WSJ article says the word “feedback” is too stressful for some, and recommends calling it something else. We disagree.

Part 3 of our guidance on working with an administrative assistant, updated for remote, hybrid, and shared assistants.

Part 2 of our guidance on working with an administrative assistant, updated for remote, hybrid, and shared assistants.

Part 1 of our guidance on working with an administrative assistant, updated for remote, hybrid, and shared assistants.

It's the end of the year. Most managers we know are thinking about the holidays... and annual reviews. After years of managing, training and consulting, we've concluded this is one of the most poorly managed and implemented processes we're aware of. It's not hard to do, but for plenty of (bad) reasons, managers just don't handle this responsibility well. For those few who do, it's an enormous competitive advantage.

It's the end of the year. Most managers we know are thinking about the holidays... and annual reviews. After years of managing, training and consulting, we've concluded this is one of the most poorly managed and implemented processes we're aware of. It's not hard to do, but for plenty of (bad) reasons, managers just don't handle this responsibility well. For those few who do, it's an enormous competitive advantage.

Part 10 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 9 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 8 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 7 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 6 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 5 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 4 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 3 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 2 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Part 1 of our Manager Tools guidance on how to action Engagement Survey results question by question.

Many directs' common response to negative feedback is to say, "It's not my fault." It's understandable, it's self protective, but it also completely misses the mark of the purpose of feedback. Here's how to handle it.

Almost all managers are scared about giving feedback. But there's a reason to be positive about it: it's just like buying insurance.

Our guidance on having a great handshake.

Sometimes it's easier to mention to everyone on your team when one member of your team messes up. But this is what lazy, ineffective managers do.

Now that you've gotten your engagement survey results back, how do you respond? In this guidance, we take an actual engagement survey, question by question, and show you how to respond to a low score on that question.

Part 2 of our guidance on packing for a business trip.

Part 1 of our guidance on packing for a business trip.