Career Tools

How To Answer Questions About Difficult Co-workers In An Interview Oct 31, 2024

Our guidance on answering the interview question, "Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult colleague or team member?" and similar questions.

Maintain Your Professional Presence Whilst Working Remotely - Be Early To Meetings Oct 24, 2024

Our guidance on staying top of mind when working remotely by being early to meetings.

How To Regain Professional Credibility - Part 2 Oct 17, 2024

Part 2 of Our guidance on building professional credibility with actions, not words.

How To Regain Professional Credibility - Part 1 Oct 10, 2024

Our guidance on building professional credibility with actions, not words.

Time Management and the High C (MTDISC) - Part 2 Oct 03, 2024

Part two of our guidance for High C’s on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High C (MTDISC) - Part 1 Sep 26, 2024

Our guidance for High C’s on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High S (MTDISC) - Part 2 Sep 19, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High S's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High S (MTDISC) - Part 1 Sep 12, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High S's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High I (MTDISC) - Part 2 Sep 05, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High I's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High I (MTDISC) - Part 1 Aug 29, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High I's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High D (MTDISC) - Part 2 Aug 22, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High D's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

Time Management and the High D (MTDISC) - Part 1 Aug 15, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High D's on mitigating their weaknesses and improving their time management skills.

How To Demonstrate Your Experience On Your Resume Aug 08, 2024

Our guidance on how to how to demonstrate your experience on your resume.

Minimum Viable Skill Level: How To Optimize Your Professional Development - Part 2 Aug 01, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on the concept of Minimum Viable Skill Level and how to apply it to your career.

Minimum Viable Skill Level: How To Optimize Your Professional Development - Part 1 Jul 25, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on the concept of Minimum Viable Skill Level and how to apply it to your career.

Join A Professional Association - Part 2 Jul 18, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on joining a professional association.

Join A Professional Association - Part 1 Jul 11, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on joining a professional association.

How To Ask Questions After You Have An Offer Jul 04, 2024

Our guidance on how to ask questions after you have an offer.

Seek Responsibility, Not Promotion Jun 27, 2024

Lots of folks ask us how to ask for a promotion. But it's often not the right question to ask.

Saying No To A Delegation - Part 2 Jun 20, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on saying no to a delegation.

Saying No To A Delegation - Part 1 Jun 13, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on saying no to a delegation.

The Three Most Effective Calendar Management Hacks Jun 06, 2024

Time management, priority management, calendar management: it's a challenge in the modern digital workspace. But there are a couple of simple ways to do it a lot better than everyone else - which will make you look like you've mastered it.

High C in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 2 May 30, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High C's when working as a part of a team.

High C in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 1 May 23, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High C's when working as a part of a team.

High S in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 2 May 16, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High S's when working as a part of a team.

High S in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 1 May 09, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High S's when working as a part of a team.

High I in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 2 May 02, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High I's when working as a part of a team.

High I in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 1 Apr 25, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High I's when working as a part of a team.

High D in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 2 Apr 18, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance for High D's when working as a part of a team.

High D in DISC and Teamwork Weaknesses (MTDISC) - Part 1 Apr 11, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance for High D's when working as a part of a team.

You Got The Job. Now What? - Part 2 Apr 04, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on the actions to take between accepting an offer and starting a new job.

You Got The Job. Now What? - Part 1 Mar 28, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on the actions to take between accepting an offer and starting a new job.

The Art of Self-Development NOT Training - Part 2 Mar 21, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on the art of self-development.

The Art of Self-Development NOT Training - Part 1 Mar 14, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on the art of self-development.

The Power of Understanding In Relationships - Part 2 Mar 07, 2024

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

The Power of Understanding In Relationships - Part 1 Feb 29, 2024

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

Briefing Technical Topics To Non-Technical Audiences - Part 2 Feb 22, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on communicating technical topics to non-technical audiences.

Briefing Technical Topics To Non-Technical Audiences - Part 1 Feb 15, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on communicating technical topics to non-technical audiences.

Resilience And Your Career - Part 2 Feb 08, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on building resilience and applying it to your career.

Resilience And Your Career - Part 1 Feb 01, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on building resilience and applying it to your career.

AI Can Only HELP With Your Resume Jan 25, 2024

Our guidance on AI and resumes.

How To Ask For More Resources Jan 18, 2024

Our guidance on asking for more resources to do your job.

Effective Use of Instant Messaging - Part 2 Jan 11, 2024

Part 2 of our guidance on the use of instant messaging systems.

Effective Use of Instant Messaging - Part 1 Jan 04, 2024

Part 1 of our guidance on the use of instant messaging systems.

Work-Life Balance: The Yellow Peanut M&M Analogy - HOF 2023 Dec 28, 2023

Our Hall Of Fame guidance on work-family balance.

MT Goals Examples - HOF 2023 Dec 21, 2023

Our Hall Of Fame guidance giving examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based.

Successful Career Strategies: Move Closer To The Customers Dec 14, 2023

Our guidance on orienting your career towards the customers of your company for career success.

Identifying Power Dynamics - Part 2 Dec 07, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on identifying power dynamics.

Identifying Power Dynamics - Part 1 Nov 30, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on identifying power dynamics.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2023 Nov 23, 2023

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

I AM A People Person - Part 2 Nov 16, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on career success if you're a people-person.

I AM A People Person - Part 1 Nov 09, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on career success if you're a people-person.

Who Is Responsible For Your Career Development? Nov 02, 2023

Our guidance on the responsibility for career development.

Common Questions Series: Can My Manager Deny PTO or FMLA And Can My Manager Block an Internal Move? Oct 26, 2023

Our guidance on some of the questions you have about things your manager can and cannot do.

How Do I Progress In My Career Without Becoming A Manager? - Part 2 Oct 19, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on other options, if you don't want to be a manager.

How Do I Progress In My Career Without Becoming A Manager? - Part 1 Oct 12, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on other options, if you don't want to be a manager.

Common Questions Series: Can My Manager See All The Messages I Send At Work and Can My Manager Dictate My Hours? Oct 05, 2023

Our guidance on some of the questions you have about things you manager can and cannot do.

What Is Work Product? - Part 2 Sep 28, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on what, exactly, work product is.

What Is Work Product? - Part 1 Sep 21, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on what, exactly, work product is.

Asking Your Manager For Help - Chapter 2 - How Sep 14, 2023

Our guidance on asking for help from your manager.

What To Do When Your Manager Makes A Bad Decision - Part 3 Sep 07, 2023

Part 3 of our guidance on what to do when your manager makes a bad decision.

What To Do When Your Manager Makes A Bad Decision - Part 2 Aug 31, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on what to do when your manager makes a bad decision.

What To Do When Your Manager Makes A Bad Decision - Part 1 Aug 24, 2023

Our Guidance On What To Do When Your Manager Makes A Bad Decision.

When To Go Above And Beyond Aug 17, 2023

Our guidance on going above and beyond.

A Company Change With A Promotion Is Unlikely Aug 10, 2023

When you get blocked for growth at your company, it's natural to think you could interview for a higher level job somewhere else. But it's a lot harder than it sounds.

What Goes Into A Career Development Plan? - Part 2 Aug 03, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on career development plans.

What Goes Into A Career Development Plan? - Part 1 Jul 27, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on career development plans.

Throw Yourself Under The Bus! Jul 20, 2023

The common wisdom is to avoid admitting your were wrong. But the common wisdom is what's wrong. It's better to know what you did wrong and admit it than try to hide your mistakes.

Asking Your Manager For Help - Chapter 1 - When - Part 2 Jul 13, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on asking for help from your manager.

Asking Your Manager For Help - Chapter 1 - When - Part 1 Jul 06, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on asking for help from your manager.

Authority and Flat Organizations - Chapter 1 - Your Boss Is Still Your Boss - Part 2 Jun 29, 2023

Part 2 of our chapter one guidance on authority and flat organizations.

Authority and Flat Organizations - Chapter 1 - Your Boss Is Still Your Boss - Part 1 Jun 22, 2023

Part 1 of our chapter one guidance on authority and flat organizations.

What Can I Tell My Boss About The Job I'm Leaving For? - Part 2 Jun 15, 2023

What Can I Tell My Boss About The Job I'm Leaving For? - Part 2

What Can I Tell My Boss About The Job I'm Leaving For? - Part 1 Jun 08, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on when and what to tell your manager about your new job.

Dealing With A Negative Company Culture Change Jun 01, 2023

Our guidance on negative company culture change.

My New Job Is Too Difficult For Me May 25, 2023

What to do when feeling like your new job is too difficult.

Taking Advantage Of An Open Door Policy May 18, 2023

Our guidance on taking advantage of an Open Door Policy.

MTDISC - More Data Is Better May 11, 2023

Our guidance on analyzing someone else's MTDISC Profile.

Getting Terminated Checklist - Part 2 May 04, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on what to do if you are terminated, with or without cause.

Getting Terminated Checklist - Part 1 Apr 27, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on what to do if you are terminated, with or without cause.

Relationship Errors - The Common Enemy - Part 2 Apr 20, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on the common enemy strategy, why you should avoid it, and how to do so.

Relationship Errors - The Common Enemy - Part 1 Apr 13, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on the common enemy strategy, why you should avoid it, and how to do so.

Efficiency vs Effectiveness - Part 2 Apr 06, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on deciding whether your goal should be efficiency or effectiveness.

Efficiency vs Effectiveness - Part 1 Mar 30, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on deciding whether your goal should be efficiency or effectiveness.

MTDISC - The Magic Variable - Part 2 Mar 23, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on the magic variable for using MTDISC.

MTDISC - The Magic Variable - Part 1 Mar 16, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on the magic variable for using MTDISC.

Compress Your Work - Chapter 2 - If It's Stupid But It Works Mar 09, 2023

Our guidance on compressing your work into a shorter time frame.

Stupid Email Mistakes - Chapter 2 - Part 2 Mar 02, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on the stupid email mistakes we see, and what to do instead.

Stupid Email Mistakes - Chapter 2 - Part 1 Feb 23, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on the stupid email mistakes we see, and what to do instead.

Working On An Airplane - Part 3 Feb 16, 2023

Part 3 of our guidance on working on business-related flights.

Working On An Airplane - Part 2 Feb 09, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on working on business-related flights.

Working On An Airplane - Part 1 Feb 02, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on working on business-related flights.

Compress Your Work - Double Your Time - Part 2 Jan 26, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on compressing your work into a shorter time frame.

Compress Your Work - Double Your Time - Part 1 Jan 19, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on compressing your work into a shorter time frame.

Authenticity vs Professionalism - Part 2 Jan 12, 2023

Part 2 of our guidance on being authentic versus being professional.

Authenticity vs Professionalism - Part 1 Jan 05, 2023

Part 1 of our guidance on being authentic versus being professional.

Secrets of a Great Handshake - HOF 2022 Dec 29, 2022

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to give a great handshake.

MT Goals Examples - HOF 2022 Dec 22, 2022

Our Hall Of Fame guidance giving examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based.

Professional Basics Still Matter - Chapter 2 - Tell The Truth Dec 15, 2022

Our guidance on professional basics, and why they still matter.

Daily Non-Negotiables - Part 2 Dec 08, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on the concept and implementation of daily non-negotiables.

Daily Non-Negotiables - Part 1 Dec 01, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on the concept and implementation of daily non-negotiables.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2022 Nov 24, 2022

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Interview Mistakes - Chapter 1 - Weak Preparation Nov 17, 2022

Our guidance on the minimum preparation candidates need to do before an interview.

Improving Professional Impromptu Communication Nov 10, 2022

Our guidance on improving your skills in the area of impromptu communication.

What Makes An Accomplishment Significant? Nov 03, 2022

Our guidance on choosing a "significant" accomplishment.

Professional Basics Matter (Still) - Chapter 1 - Timeliness Oct 27, 2022

Our chapter one guidance on professional basics, and why they still matter.

A Problem Solver Versus A Problem Identifier - Part 2 Oct 20, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on increasing your value to the organization by becoming a problem solver rather than a problem identifier.

A Problem Solver Versus A Problem Identifier - Part 1 Oct 13, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on increasing your value to the organization by becoming a problem solver rather than a problem identifier.

Stupid Resume Mistakes - Chapter 1 Oct 06, 2022

Chapter one of our guidance on stupid resume mistakes and how to avoid them.

Good Reasons To Leave Your Job With No New Job Lined Up Sep 29, 2022

Our guidance on when to leave your job when you don't have another lined up.

Bad Reasons To Leave Your Job With No New Job Lined Up Sep 22, 2022

Our guidance on when not to leave your job when you don't have another lined up.

How To Work When You Can't Work - Part 3 Sep 15, 2022

Part 3 of our guidance on working when you’re suffering from a mental or physical illness.

How To Work When You Can't Work - Part 2 Sep 08, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on working when you’re suffering from a mental or physical illness.

How To Work When You Can't Work - Part 1 Sep 01, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on working when you’re suffering from a mental or physical illness.

DISC And Presentation Downfalls - High C Aug 25, 2022

Our guidance for High C's when presenting.

Dealing with Difficult Bosses - Chapter 3 - Flavor Of The Month Aug 18, 2022

Our guidance on handling your boss's continual new ideas.

2022 Recruitment Update - Part 2 Aug 11, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance for the 2022 employment market.

2022 Recruitment Update - Part 1 Aug 04, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance for the 2022 employment market.

The T Shaped Professional Jul 28, 2022

Our guidance on the T Shaped Professional.

Types of Mentors - Chapter 2 Jul 21, 2022

Our guidance on types of mentors and why you need more than one.

Building Your Network With Competitors Jul 14, 2022

Our guidance on developing relationships with professionals at competing firms.

DISC And Presentation Downfalls - High S Jul 07, 2022

Our guidance for High S's when presenting.

How Being A Control Freak Is Ruining Your Career - Part 2 Jun 30, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on being a control freak.

How Being A Control Freak Is Ruining Your Career - Part 1 Jun 23, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on being a control freak.

Resume Update 2022 Jun 16, 2022

Our guidance on changing your resume in 2022.

Maggie Tucker Interview (CT) Jun 09, 2022

Our interview with Maggie Tucker, marketing executive and co-host of the friends on FIRE podcast.

How To Schedule A Meeting And The Rule of Twos (The Calendly Cast) Jun 02, 2022

Our guidance on scheduling a meeting, and using scheduling apps like Calendly.

DISC And Presentation Downfalls - High I May 26, 2022

Our guidance for High I's when presenting.

Responding To Vague "Feedback" - Chapter 2 - How To Be More "Collaborative" - Part 2 May 19, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on how to be more collaborative.

Responding To Vague "Feedback" - Chapter 2 - How To Be More "Collaborative" - Part 1 May 12, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on how to be more collaborative.

How To Listen Better May 05, 2022

Our guidance on how to listen better.

Dealing With Difficult Bosses - Bosses Who Don't Communicate Apr 28, 2022

Our guidance on bosses who don't communicate.

Horstman's First Law of Job Changes: Change When You Want To, Not When You Have To Apr 21, 2022

Our guidance on Horstman’s First Law of Job Changes: Change When You Want To, Not When You Have To

DISC And Presentation Downfalls - High D Apr 14, 2022

Our guidance for High D's when presenting.

Stupid Email Mistakes - Chapter 1 - Part 2 Apr 07, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on the stupid email mistakes we see, and what to do instead.

Stupid Email Mistakes - Chapter 1 - Part 1 Mar 31, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on the stupid email mistakes we see, and what to do instead.

MTDISC Launch (CT) Mar 24, 2022

We have launched our own DISC Profile: MTDISC. Here's what it is, why we did it, and what its benefits are.

Responding To Vague Feedback - Chapter 1 - Change Your Attitude Mar 17, 2022

Our guidance on how to fix your attitude.

Interviewing Your Future Boss Mar 10, 2022

Our guidance on interviewing your new boss.

How To Share Credit When Presenting - Part 2 Mar 03, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance on giving credit for others' work as part of group projects.

How To Share Credit When Presenting - Part 1 Feb 24, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance on giving credit for others' work as part of group projects.

Communicating With A Boss Who Is Younger or Older Than You Feb 17, 2022

Our guidance for communicating with bosses who are older or younger than you.

Discussing Your Mental Health With Your Boss - Part 4 Feb 10, 2022

Part 4 of our guidance about talking about your mental health at work.

Discussing Your Mental Health With Your Boss - Part 3 Feb 03, 2022

Part 3 of our guidance about talking about your mental health at work.

Discussing Your Mental Health With Your Boss - Part 2 Jan 27, 2022

Part 2 of our guidance about talking about your mental health at work.

Discussing Your Mental Health With Your Boss - Part 1 Jan 20, 2022

Part 1 of our guidance about talking about your mental health at work.

The Career Archipelago Jan 13, 2022

Our guidance on using the metaphor of the Career Archipelago to concentrate your career efforts.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 3 - Relationships - Part 2 Jan 06, 2022

Part 2 of our chapter three guidance on working from home career considerations.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 3 - Relationships - Part 1 Dec 30, 2021

Part 1 of our chapter three guidance on working from home career considerations.

MT Goals Examples - HOF 2021 Dec 23, 2021

Our Hall Of Fame guidance giving examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based.

The Purpose of the Organization For Individual Contributors Dec 16, 2021

Our guidance on understanding the purpose of the organization for individual contributors.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 2 - Results - Part 2 Dec 09, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance on results and working from home career considerations.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 2 - Results - Part 1 Dec 02, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance on results and working from home career considerations.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2021 Nov 25, 2021

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 1 - Choosing To Work From Home - Part 2 Nov 18, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance on working from home career considerations.

Working From Home Will Stunt Your Career - Chapter 1 - Choosing To Work From Home - Part 1 Nov 11, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance on working from home career considerations.

Diversity of Thinking Nov 04, 2021

Our guidance on diversity within teams.

Your Valuable Secondary Network Oct 28, 2021

Our guidance on using your network the right way.

Never O'Clock at Career Tools - Chapter 1 - Negotiating Offers and Using Offers As Leverage Oct 21, 2021

Our guidance on not negotiating salary and using offers as leverage.

The Myth Of Career Planning Oct 14, 2021

Our guidance on career planning.

Director Level Interview Questions Oct 07, 2021

Our guidance on answering interview questions at director level.

Share Your Knowledge Sep 30, 2021

Our guidance on sharing the knowledge you have.

Making The Most Of Short Term Projects Sep 23, 2021

Our guidance on managing your career when on a short term project.

Finding Out Your Internal Future Sep 16, 2021

Our guidance on finding out what your organization has planned for you.

Getting A Referral Sep 09, 2021

Our guidance on getting and using referrals when looking for a new role.

Measuring Relationships Chapter 2 - The Communication Matrix - Part 2 Sep 02, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance about ways to think about improving relationships using the communication matrix.

Measuring Relationships Chapter 2 - The Communication Matrix - Part 1 Aug 26, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance about ways to think about improving relationships using the communication matrix.

2021 Recruitment Update - Part 2 Aug 19, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance for the 2021 employment market.

2021 Recruitment Update - Part 1 Aug 12, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance for the 2021 employment market.

Meeting Preparation Questions Aug 05, 2021

Our guidance on the questions to ask in order to prepare well for a meeting.

High C Working From Home Downfall Jul 29, 2021

Our guidance for working from home for High C's.

High S Working From Home Downfall Jul 22, 2021

Our guidance for working from home for High S's.

High I Working From Home Downfall Jul 15, 2021

Our guidance for working from home for High I's.

High D Working From Home Downfall Jul 08, 2021

Our guidance for working from home for High D's.

The Sweet 16 Podcast (CT) Jul 01, 2021

On our 16th Anniversary show, we talk about our origins and what's to come.

Going Back To Work On Site After The Pandemic Jun 24, 2021

Our guidance on going back to work on site after the pandemic.

Resume Update 2021 Jun 17, 2021

Our guidance on changing your resume in 2021.

Do NOT Give Negative Feedback To Your Boss Jun 10, 2021

More guidance about giving Feedback to your boss.

How To Practice A Presentation Jun 03, 2021

Our guidance on practicing for a presentation.

CT Conceptual Overview - Part 2 May 27, 2021

Part 2 of our explanation of the principles of career success.

CT Conceptual Overview - Part 1 May 20, 2021

Part 1 of our explanation of the principles of career success.

Resumes For Managers - Four Common Pitfalls And Their Solutions May 13, 2021

Our guidance for managers the common pitfalls for managerial resumes, and how to solve them.

Giving Updates In Staff Meetings - Part 2 - HOF 2021 May 06, 2021

Part 2 of our Hall Of Fame guidance on how to give an update in a staff meeting.

Giving Updates In Staff Meetings - Part 1 - HOF 2021 Apr 29, 2021

Part 1 of our Hall Of Fame guidance on how to give an update in a staff meeting.

Personal Weakness Risk Assessment And Mitigation - Part 2 Apr 22, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance on discovering and mitigating your weaknesses.

Personal Weakness Risk Assessment And Mitigation - Part 1 Apr 15, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance on discovering and mitigating your weaknesses.

How To Choose Between A Coach And A Mentor Apr 08, 2021

Our guidance on the difference between coaches and mentors, and when you'll need each.

Presentation Errors - Speaking Too Fast Apr 01, 2021

Our guidance on what to do if you speak too quickly when presenting.

Don't Get "Tell Me About Yourself Advice" From YouTube - Part 2 Mar 25, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance on getting "Tell Me About Yourself Advice" from YouTube.

Don't Get "Tell Me About Yourself Advice" From YouTube - Part 1 Mar 18, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance on getting "Tell Me About Yourself Advice" from YouTube.

LinkedIn Quarterly Updates Mar 11, 2021

Our guidance on managing your LinkedIn account.

Toastmasters for Presentation Skills - Part 2 Mar 04, 2021

Part 2 of our answers to six common questions about Toastmasters, and our recommendations of it.

Toastmasters for Presentation Skills - Part 1 Feb 25, 2021

Part 1 of our answers to six common questions about Toastmasters, and our recommendations of it.

Choosing A Career - The Myth of the Lightning Strike Feb 18, 2021

Our guidance on discovering your career.

Interview Update 2021 Feb 11, 2021

Our guidance on updating your interview practice for 2021.

Yes, Praise Your Colleagues Feb 04, 2021

Our guidance on praising your colleagues.

Stupid Interview Advice - Chapter 2 Jan 28, 2021

Our guidance about three recommended actions for interviewees.

How To Ask Your Boss For Anything (DISC) - Part 2 Jan 21, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance on getting what you want from your boss.

How To Ask Your Boss For Anything (DISC) - Part 1 Jan 14, 2021

Part 1 of our guidance on getting what you want from your boss.

Starting A New Job - The HBR Case Study - Part 2 Jan 07, 2021

Part 2 of our guidance to Mia Ricci and her boss, the subject of an HBR Case Study.

Starting A New Job - The HBR Case Study - Part 1 Dec 31, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance to Mia Ricci and her boss, the subject of an HBR Case Study.

MT Goals Examples - HOF 2020 Dec 24, 2020

Our Hall Of Fame guidance giving examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based.

Maintaining Positivity In Negative Times Dec 17, 2020

Our guidance on staying positive at work during negative times.

The Effective Way To Attend Training - Part 2 Dec 10, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on behaviors for attending training.

The Effective Way To Attend Training - Part 1 Dec 03, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on behaviors for attending training.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2020 Nov 26, 2020

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Part 2 of our guidance on thinking about your Work From Home habits and what they say about you. Nov 19, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on thinking about your Work From Home habits and what they say about you.

What Your Work From Home Habits Say About You - Part 1 Nov 12, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on thinking about your Work From Home habits and what they say about you.

How To Welcome A New Colleague - First Day Nov 05, 2020

Our guidance on welcoming a new colleague - what to do in the first week?

Open To Opportunities Oct 29, 2020

Our guidance on being open to new job opportunities.

Being Interviewed On Zoom - Part 3 Oct 22, 2020

Part 3 of our guidance on interviewing on Zoom.

Being Interviewed On Zoom - Part 2 Oct 15, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on interviewing on Zoom.

Being Interviewed On Zoom - Part 1 Oct 08, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on interviewing on Zoom.

How To Get Negative Feedback From Your Manager Oct 01, 2020

Our guidance on getting more negative feedback from your boss.

Staying In Touch Sep 24, 2020

Our guidance on staying in touch with your network.

Answering "Why Do You Want This Job" When You're Over-qualified - Part 2 Sep 17, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on answering the question "Why Do You Want This Job" when you're over-qualified.

Answering "Why Do You Want This Job" When You're Over-qualified - Part 1 Sep 10, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on answering the question "Why Do You Want This Job" when you're over-qualified.

Highlighting Soft Skills On Your Resume Sep 03, 2020

Our guidance on showing soft skills on your resume.

How To Write A Checklist - Part 2 Aug 27, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on creating a checklist.

How To Write A Checklist - Part 1 Aug 20, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on creating a checklist.

Resume Update 2020 - Part 2 Aug 13, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on changes to your resume in 2020.

Resume Update 2020 - Part 1 Aug 06, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on changes to your resume in 2020.

Don't Wear Shorts To The Office - Notes on Personal Preferences At Work Jul 30, 2020

Our guidance on appropriate dress and other personal preferences in the workplace.

Is This Normal? Episode 5 Jul 23, 2020

The fifth episode in an ongoing series answering questions about what's normal at work.

What To Do When You've Been Furloughed - Part 3 Jul 16, 2020

Part 3 of our guidance on how to prepare for being furloughed.

What To Do When You've Been Furloughed - Part 2 Jul 09, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on how to prepare for being furloughed.

What To Do When You've Been Furloughed - Part 1 Jul 02, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on how to prepare for being furloughed.

Presenting In Zoom - Part 2 (CT) Jun 25, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance about how to present or train on Zoom.

Presenting In Zoom - Part 1 (CT) Jun 18, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance about how to present or train on Zoom.

I'm Not A People Person - Chapter 2 Jun 11, 2020

I'm Not A People Person - Chapter 2

Working Remotely Chapter 5 - Earning The Right Jun 04, 2020

Our guidance on encouraging your manager to allow or to continue to allow you to work remotely.

Is This Normal? Episode 4 May 28, 2020

The fourth episode in an ongoing series answering questions about what's normal at work.

The Biggest Mistake Using DISC May 21, 2020

Our guidance on the biggest mistake you can make using DISC.

Work Family Balance - Chapter 2 - Get Up Early May 14, 2020

Our guidance on using getting up early as a strategy for increasing work/family balance.

COVID: No Dropping Dimes - Part 2 May 12, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance recommending NOT announcing a colleague’s failure without a courtesy notification.

COVID: No Dropping Dimes - Part 1 May 11, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance recommending NOT announcing a colleague’s failure without a courtesy notification.

Admin At The End Of The Day May 07, 2020

Our guidance on when to do your admin.

COVID: How To Be Ready For A Hiring Market Upturn - Part 2 May 04, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on how to prepare for the coming hiring market upturn.

COVID: How To Be Ready For A Hiring Market Upturn - Part 1 May 03, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on how to prepare for the coming hiring market upturn.

COVID: Smart Interviewing In A Downturn May 02, 2020

This cast describes how to interview effectively during a downturn, particularly for difficult to fill positions.

COVID: Bench Development in a Downturn May 01, 2020

This cast discusses a way to build your recruiting "bench" during market downturns.

COVID: Asking Your Network For An Opportunity Apr 30, 2020

This cast helps you word your request to your network for help with looking for a new opportunity.

COVID: Handling Exit Interviews Apr 29, 2020

This cast explains how to handle exit interviews.

COVID: Systematic Career Documentation - Part 2 Apr 28, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on how to create and use a Career Management Document as a key part of your career management system.

COVID: Systematic Career Documentation - Part 1 Apr 27, 2020

COVID: Systematic Career Documentation - Part 1

COVID: Effective Layoff Announcement Response Apr 26, 2020

This cast explains how to respond to the announcement of impending layoffs at your firm.

COVID: Layoff Signs And What To Do About Them - Part 2 Apr 25, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on the signs to look out for that indicate layoffs are coming.

COVID: Layoff Signs And What To Do About Them - Part 1 Apr 24, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on the signs to look out for that indicate layoffs are coming.

COVID: An Especially Important Relationship In A Downturn Apr 23, 2020

This cast explains how to improve an especially important relationship during economic downturns: your boss's peers.

COVID: The Downturn Rite of Passage Apr 22, 2020

This cast describes the reasons why leaving your company or industry in a downturn CAN be a bad idea, and recommends options to consider in those situations.

The Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet - Part 3 Apr 18, 2020

Part 3 of our guidance on project management, using the Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet.

The Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet - Part 2 Apr 17, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on project management, using the Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet.

The Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet - Part 1 Apr 16, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on project management, using the Manager Tools Work Management Spreadsheet.

COVID: Google Job Search Tips Chapter 3 Apr 15, 2020

Chapter 3 of our series on how to find people to network with using Google.

COVID - Google Job Search Tips Chapter 2 Apr 14, 2020

Chapter 2 of our series on how to find people to network with using Google.

COVID: Google Job Search Tips Chapter 1 Apr 13, 2020

How to make find new relationships to help in your job search, using Google.

COVID: Pre-Interview Prep Chapter 2 Apr 12, 2020

Our guidance on what to prepare for your interview.

COVID: How to Prepare Your Resume (Your Resume Stinks!) Apr 11, 2020

Our guidance on preparing your resume.

COVID: Getting Laid Off - Finances Rule Apr 10, 2020

Our guidance on the most important concept a laid off professional must know: Finances Rule.

COVID: Career Failures - Chapter 3 - Career Crisis Response - Part 2 Apr 09, 2020

Part 2 of our guidance on what to do if you’re laid off or fired and have no cushion.

COVID: Career Failures - Chapter 3 - Career Crisis Response - Part 1 Apr 08, 2020

Part 1 of our guidance on what to do if you’re laid off or fired and have no cushion.

COVID: Career Crisis Email Apr 07, 2020

Our guidance on your initial communications with a friend or associate whose career is at risk.

Coronavirus Guidance - Personal Finances - Emergency Spending Guide Mar 26, 2020

Our guidance on how to cut your costs and manage expenses during the global pandemic of 2020.

Coronavirus Guidance - The Steel Cage Death Match Meeting - Part 2 Mar 13, 2020

A rerelease of part 2 of our guidance on preparing for a staffing decision meeting, which addresses problems related to headcount and budget reductions that you may now be facing as a professional or manager because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - The Steel Cage Death Match Meeting - Part 1 Mar 12, 2020

A rerelease of part 1 of our guidance on preparing for a staffing decision meeting, which addresses problems related to headcount and budget reductions that you may now be facing as a professional or manager because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Race, Don't Chase - Part 2 Mar 11, 2020

A rerelease of part 2 of our guidance on budget management in a downturn, which addresses problems related to headcount and budget reductions that you may now be facing as a professional or manager because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Race, Don't Chase - Part 1 Mar 10, 2020

A rerelease of part 1 of our guidance on budget management in a downturn, which addresses problems related to headcount and budget reductions that you may now be facing as a professional or manager because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Working Remotely - Chapter 3 - Contribution To The Team Mar 09, 2020

A rerelease of of our guidance on contributing to the team when working remotely, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Working Remotely - Chapter 1 - Get Results Mar 08, 2020

A rerelease of of our guidance on getting results when working remotely, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Distant Manager Basics - For Directs - Part 2 Mar 07, 2020

A rerelease of part 2 of our guidance on how to work with a remotely located manager, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Distant Manager Basics - For Directs - Part 1 Mar 06, 2020

A rerelease of part 1 of our guidance on how to work with a remotely located manager, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Distant Manager Basics - Part 2 Mar 05, 2020

A rerelease of part 2 of our guidance on managing distant team members, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Distant Manager Basics - Part 1 Mar 04, 2020

A rerelease of part 1 of our guidance on managing distant team members, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Guidance - Phone One on Ones Mar 03, 2020

A rerelease of our guidance on phone One on Ones, which addresses problems related to working from home and managing remote employees that you may now be facing because of coronavirus.

Working From Home - Setting Up Your Space Feb 27, 2020

Our guidance on setting up your space when working from home.

Task Management: The Next Action Refined Feb 20, 2020

Our guidance on your Next Action.

How to Answer "Out Of All The Other Candidates, Why Should We Hire You?" Feb 13, 2020

Our guidance on how to answer "Out Of All The Other Candidates, Why Should We Hire You?"

Relationship Errors: Surprising Your Boss Feb 06, 2020

Our guidance on not surprising your boss.

The Career Tools Guide To Personal Branding Jan 30, 2020

Our guidance on developing and maintaining a personal brand.

3 Pieces of Stupid Interview Advice Jan 23, 2020

Our guidance about three recommended actions for interviewees.

How To Build A Relationship When You're Too Far Away For Lunch Jan 16, 2020

Our guidance on building relationships when working remotely or with remote team members.

How To Use Technology To Facilitate Building Relationships Jan 09, 2020

Our guidance on using technology to build relationships.

How To Get Through Your Email In 30 Minutes Jan 02, 2020

Our guidance on how get your email done in 30 minutes.

MT Goals Examples - HOF 2019 Dec 26, 2019

Our Hall Of Fame guidance giving examples of Manager Tools' ‘MT Goals': Goals that are Measurable and Time-Based.

How To Softly Use Acceptance Criteria - Part 2 Dec 19, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on using acceptance criteria as a means of work assignment success.

How To Softly Use Acceptance Criteria - Part 1 Dec 12, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on using acceptance criteria as a means of work assignment success.

How Long To Stay In A Job Dec 05, 2019

Our guidance as to how long to stay in a job.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2019 Nov 28, 2019

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Mark's College Talk - Part 3 Nov 21, 2019

Part 3 of our guidance for graduating university students.

Mark's College Talk - Part 2 Nov 14, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance for graduating university students.

Mark's College Talk - Part 1 Nov 07, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance for graduating university students.

Classic First Job Search Pitfalls Oct 31, 2019

Our guidance on the pitfalls for college students looking for their first job.

Building A Network For Those Who Hate Networking - Part 2 Oct 24, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on how to build a network when you don't like networking.

Building A Network For Those Who Hate Networking - Part 1 Oct 17, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on how to build a network when you don't like networking.

This Resume Stinks - Part 2 Oct 10, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on a sample resume.

This Resume Stinks - Part 1 Oct 03, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on a sample resume.

What To Do When You Cry Sep 26, 2019

Our guidance on what to do when you cry at work.

Post-Interview Recruiter Communication Sep 19, 2019

Our guidance on post-interview recruiter communication.

Event Based Peer Feedback - Part 2 Sep 12, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on giving multiple pieces of Feedback to your peer around one event.

Event Based Peer Feedback - Part 1 Sep 05, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on giving multiple pieces of Feedback to your peer around one event.

One Minute Tell Me About Yourself Is Wrong - Part 2 Aug 29, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on answering the interview question: Tell Me About Yourself.

One Minute Tell Me About Yourself Is Wrong - Part 1 Aug 22, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on answering the interview question: Tell Me About Yourself.

The Career Management File Aug 15, 2019

Our guidance on non-resume job search documents.

How To Talk To Your Manager About Getting Promoted - Part 2 Aug 08, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on how to talk to your manager about getting promoted.

How To Talk To Your Manager About Getting Promoted - Part 1 Aug 01, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on how to talk to your manager about getting promoted.

How To Assess Your Network - Part 2 Jul 25, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on how to assess your network.

How To Assess Your Network - Part 1 Jul 18, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on how to assess your network.

Building Trust By Keeping Your Word Jul 11, 2019

Our guidance on keeping your word at work.

Attending A Conference - HOF 2019 Jul 04, 2019

Our Hall of Fame guidance on what to do before, during and after any conference or training you attend.

Bad Career Advice: CEO Edition Jun 27, 2019

Our guidance on taking advice from CEOs.

Resume Update 2019 - Part 2 Jun 20, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on how to update your resume for 2019.

Resume Update 2019 - Part 1 Jun 13, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on how to update your resume for 2019.

Email Compendium - Part 4 (CT) Jun 06, 2019

Part 4 of our compendium of guidance on email.

Email Compendium - Part 3 (CT) May 30, 2019

Part 3 of our compendium of guidance on email.

Email Compendium - Part 2 (CT) May 23, 2019

Part 2 of our compendium of guidance on email.

Email Compendium - Part 1 (CT) May 16, 2019

Part 1 of our compendium of guidance on email.

Answering Questions About Travel In Interviews May 09, 2019

Our guidance on answering questions about travel in interviews.

How To Support Your Boss During Change May 02, 2019

Our guidance on supporting your boss when she introduces change.

Verbally Communicating Difficult Ideas Apr 25, 2019

Our guidance on ways to communicate complexity.

Prioritizing Your Relationship With Your Boss - Chapter 1 Apr 18, 2019

Our guidance on prioritizing your relationship with your boss.

When A Boss Asks For Candor - Part 2 (CT) Apr 11, 2019

Sometimes a new boss asks for "candor." In general, caution is warranted initially.

When A Boss Asks For Candor - Part 1 (CT) Apr 04, 2019

Sometimes a new boss asks for "candor." In general, caution is warranted initially.

Career Goodwill - Part 2 Mar 28, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on career goodwill and how to use it.

Career Goodwill - Part 1 Mar 21, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on career goodwill and how to use it.

Layoff Signs And What To Do About Them - Part 2 Mar 14, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance on the signs to look out for that indicate layoffs are coming.

Layoff Signs And What To Do About Them - Part 1 Mar 07, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance on the signs to look out for that indicate layoffs are coming.

Is This Normal? Travel Expectations Feb 28, 2019

Our guidance on handling travel expectations.

Setting Up A Training Room Feb 21, 2019

Our guidance on setting up a training room.

Widen Your Reporting Feb 14, 2019

Our guidance on reporting to colleagues other than your boss.

Succession Plans For Individual Contributors Feb 07, 2019

Our guidance for individual contributors on how to create a succession plan and find a successor.

Communication Media - There's Rules! Jan 31, 2019

Our guidance on choosing how to communicate.

I'm Not A People Person - Chapter 1 Jan 24, 2019

Our guidance on what to do if you're not a "people person".

Event Follow-Up Jan 17, 2019

Our guidance on how to follow up after an industry event, training, or other event where you meet lots of new people.

Planning For Resume Improvement - Part 2 Jan 10, 2019

Part 2 of our guidance about planning now for a better resume in the future.

Planning For Resume Improvement - Part 1 Jan 03, 2019

Part 1 of our guidance about planning now for a better resume in the future.

Time (Priority) Management - HOF 2018 Dec 27, 2018

Our Hall of Fame podcast on time (priority) management.

Building a Network - HOF 2018 Dec 20, 2018

If you're a manager, don't think for a moment that someone else is managing your career. Those days are long gone. YOU are managing your career. What you do - not only in job skills, but also in what we call "Transition Skills" - will be the primary determinant of your career success. You're not going to have the richest, most rewarding series of roles and opportunities by allowing someone in HR to know enough about you to get you where you need to be. And succession planning won't save you either.

Asking Smarter Questions - Part 2 Dec 13, 2018

Part 2 of our guidance on asking smarter questions.

Asking Smarter Questions - Part 1 Dec 06, 2018

Part 1 of our guidance on asking smarter questions.

Taking Advantage Of A Hot Market Nov 29, 2018

Our guidance about taking advantage of a hot market.

Preparing For Your Review - HOF 2018 Nov 22, 2018

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Case Study Interviews - Part 4 (CT) Nov 15, 2018

Part 4 of our overview of Case Study Interview techniques, questions, and preparation.

Case Study Interviews - Part 3 (CT) Nov 08, 2018

Part 3 of our overview of Case Study Interview techniques, questions, and preparation.

Case Study Interviews - Part 2 (CT) Nov 01, 2018

Part 2 of our overview of Case Study Interview techniques, questions, and preparation.

Case Study Interviews - Part 1 (CT) Oct 25, 2018

Part 1 of our overview of Case Study Interview techniques, questions, and preparation.

Inaugural MT Case Study Responses - and What Happened - Part 2 (CT) Oct 18, 2018

Part 2 of our responses to listeners' recommendations to the Inaugural MT Case Study, and reveal what actually happened.

Inaugural MT Case Study Responses - and What Happened - Part 1 (CT) Oct 11, 2018

Part 1 of our responses to listeners' recommendations to the Inaugural MT Case Study, and reveal what actually happened.

Case Studies and The Inaugural MT Interactive Case - Part 2 (CT) Oct 04, 2018

What are case studies? Taught in part with the Manager Tools Inaugural Interactive Case Study.

Case Studies and The Inaugural MT Interactive Case - Part 1 (CT) Sep 27, 2018

What are case studies? Taught in part with the Manager Tools Inaugural Interactive Case Study.

Communicating Across A Language Barrier - Chapter 3 - Written Communication - Part 2 Sep 20, 2018

Part 2 of the last part of our guidance on presenting to an audience that has a different first language to you.

Communicating Across A Language Barrier - Chapter 3 - Written Communication - Part 1 Sep 13, 2018

Part 1 of the last part of our guidance on presenting to an audience that has a different first language to you.

Assessing Your Meeting Performance Sep 06, 2018

Our guidance on a system of assessing your performance during meetings.

Annual Career Checkup - Part 3 Aug 30, 2018

Part 3 of our guidance on reviewing your career regularly.

Annual Career Checkup - Part 2 Aug 23, 2018

Part 2 of our guidance on reviewing your career regularly.

Annual Career Checkup - Part 1 Aug 16, 2018

Part 1 of our guidance on reviewing your career regularly.

Your Black Book Aug 09, 2018

Our guidance on creating a Black Book and what to put in it.

Communicating Across A Language Barrier - Chapter 2 - Facial Expressions and Body Language Aug 02, 2018

Chapter 2 of our guidance on presenting to an audience that has a different first language to you.

Easing Family Fears During A Job Search Jul 26, 2018

Our guidance on family communication when you lose your job.

Following Your Boss To A New Job - Part 2 Jul 19, 2018

Our guidance on following your boss to a new job.

Following Your Boss To A New Job - Part 1 Jul 12, 2018

Our guidance on following your boss to a new job.

Communicating Across A Language Barrier - Chapter 1 - Part 2 Jul 05, 2018

Part 2 of our guidance on presenting to an audience that has a different first language to you.

Communicating Across A Language Barrier - Chapter 1 - Part 1 Jun 28, 2018

Part 1 of our guidance on presenting to an audience that has a different first language to you.

How To Be Productive During Summer Jun 21, 2018

Our guidance on continuing to be productive during holiday periods.

Resume Update 2018 Jun 14, 2018

Our guidance on resumes in 2018.

Post-Townhall Professional Response Jun 07, 2018

Our guidance on attending and reacting to a Townhall meeting.

How To Get More Feedback May 31, 2018

Our guidance on getting more feedback from your boss.

What To Do When You Don't Have Enough Work May 24, 2018

Our guidance on what to do when you have capacity to do more work.

When To Go To HR May 17, 2018

Our guidance on when going to HR is the right thing to do.

Massive Workload Increase Response May 10, 2018

Our guidance on what to do if you gain extra work after a reorganization.

Don't Leave Without A New Job May 03, 2018

Our guidance on when and when not to leave a job without a job to go to.

When NOT To Go To Human Resources Apr 26, 2018

Our guidance on when not to take your problems to HR.

Relationship Errors - Not Reporting No News Apr 19, 2018

Our guidance on communicating, whether you have news or not.

Getting Results In A Matrix - Big Picture Apr 12, 2018

Our guidance on working in a matrix - the big picture.

The Three Types of Power (And One To Rule Them) - Part 4 (CT) Apr 05, 2018

Power is necessary for organizational change and success, even if some of us would rather call it influence. But what is it? And how can I get some? And some more? It's not as hard as it sounds.

The Three Types of Power (And One To Rule Them) - Part 3 (CT) Mar 29, 2018

Power is necessary for organizational change and success, even if some of us would rather call it influence. But what is it? And how can I get some? And some more? It's not as hard as it sounds.

The Three Types of Power (And One To Rule Them) - Part 2 (CT) Mar 22, 2018

Power is necessary for organizational change and success, even if some of us would rather call it influence. But what is it? And how can I get some? And some more? It's not as hard as it sounds.

The Three Types of Power (And One To Rule Them) - Part 1 (CT) Mar 15, 2018

Power is necessary for organizational change and success, even if some of us would rather call it influence. But what is it? And how can I get some? And some more? It's not as hard as it sounds.

How To Deal With Out Of Hours Emails Mar 08, 2018

Our guidance on dealing with out of hours emails.

Working Remotely - Chapter 3 - Contribution To The Team Mar 01, 2018

Our guidance on contributing to the team when working remotely.

Talking About Sensitive Topics - Part 3 Feb 22, 2018

Part 3 of our guidance on how to talk about sensitive topics at work.

Talking About Sensitive Topics - Part 2 Feb 15, 2018

Part 2 of our guidance on how to talk about sensitive topics at work.

Talking About Sensitive Topics - Part 1 Feb 08, 2018

Part 1 of our guidance on how to talk about sensitive topics at work.

DiSC - I'm A Combination Feb 01, 2018

Our guidance on combination profiles in the DiSC model.

After Your One On One Jan 25, 2018

Our guidance on what to do immediately after your One On One.

Working Remotely - Chapter 2 - Meet Up Whenever Possible Jan 18, 2018

Our guidance on contributing to the team when working remotely.

Preparing For Your One On One Jan 11, 2018

Our guidance on getting ready for a One On One with your manager.

Pay Attention To Behavior Jan 04, 2018

Our guidance on looking at our bosses behavior to assess what they want from us.

Assumptive Goal Setting - HOF Dec 28, 2017

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

Asking Questions About Assigned Work Dec 21, 2017

Our guidance about asking questions about work you're given.

Working Remotely - Chapter 1 - Get Results Dec 14, 2017

Our guidance on getting results when working remotely.

Decorating For The Holidays Dec 07, 2017

Decorating For The Holidays

5 Annoying Habits Which Will Kill Your Interview Nov 30, 2017

Our guidance on behaviors to avoid when interviewing for a job.

Preparing for Your Review - HOF 2017 Nov 23, 2017

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Can My DiSC Change? Nov 16, 2017

Our guidance on the DiSC profile and changes to it with role changes.

Relationship Diversity Nov 09, 2017

Our guidance on ensuring your network is wide enough to be helpful.

Resume Update - 2017 Nov 02, 2017

Our resume guidance update for 2017.

Videoconferencing from Home Oct 26, 2017

Our guidance on videoconferencing when at home.

Meetings And The High S Oct 19, 2017

Our guidance on meetings for the High S's in the DiSC Model.

The CC, The BCC, And Email Etiquette Oct 12, 2017

Our guidance on how to use CC and BCC in email.

I don't like the way my manager manages me Oct 05, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you don't like how your boss is managing you.

How To Predict and Answer Interview Questions Sep 28, 2017

Our guidance on how to read a job ad and predict what interview questions will be asked.

Task Management and the High S Sep 21, 2017

Our guidance on High S's and task management.

Types of Mentors - Chapter 1 Sep 14, 2017

Our guidance on types of mentors and why you need more than one.

You Must Answer The Interview Question Sep 07, 2017

Our guidance on answering interview questions.

Career Guidance Meeting Aug 31, 2017

Our guidance on Career Guidance Meetings.

Giving Feedback About The Hiring Process Aug 24, 2017

Our guidance on giving feedback as a candidate in a hiring process.

How To Be Encouraging Aug 17, 2017

Our guidance on the behaviors it takes to be more encouraging.

Handling Instant Messaging Aug 10, 2017

Our guidance on managing Instant Messaging.

How To Be A Team Player Aug 03, 2017

Our guidance on what to do to become a 'team player'.

Summer Attire Jul 27, 2017

Our guidance about what to wear during the summer heat.

When You Don't Have An Answer Jul 20, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you don't know the answer to an interview question.

Skip Level Meetings For Directs Jul 13, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you're invited to a skip level meeting.

Second Interviews Jul 06, 2017

Our guidance on preparing for second interviews.

The Experience Conundrum Jun 29, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you need experience to get a job and you don't have any.

Informational Interviews Jun 22, 2017

Our guidance on a successful informational interview.

I Have A New Boss Jun 15, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you have a new boss.

Turning Work Down Is A Bad Idea Jun 08, 2017

Our guidance on turning work down when youre asked to do it by your boss.

Acting On Negative Performance Communication Jun 01, 2017

Our guidance on acting on negative performance communication from your boss.

Answering Interview Questions Using One Example May 25, 2017

Our guidance on using single examples to answer multiple interview questions.

Oversharing Personal Information May 18, 2017

Our guidance on appropriate sharing at work.

Don't Hoard Information May 11, 2017

Our guidance on sharing knowledge.

How To Analyze Your Job Search - Interviews But No Offers May 04, 2017

Our guidance on what to do when you're getting interviews, but no offers.

The Favor Economy Apr 27, 2017

Our guidance on the favor economy.

Meetings and High C Apr 20, 2017

Our guidance on how High C's can get the most out of meetings.

How To Read a Business Book Apr 13, 2017

Our guidance on how to read a business book.

Analysis Tools: The 5 Whys Apr 06, 2017

Our guidance on using the 5 Whys technique.

Measuring Relationships Mar 30, 2017

Our guidance on measuring relationships.

Task Management and High Cs Mar 23, 2017

Our guidance on High C's and task management.

Career Decisions and Personality 'Tests' Mar 16, 2017

Our guidance on using personality 'tests' to choose a career.

Resume Help: A Job-Hopping Resume Mar 09, 2017

Our guidance on what to do if you have a job-hopping resume.

Corporate Or Start Up Mar 02, 2017

Our guidance on choosing between a corporate job and a job in a start-up.

How To Answer 'tell me about your other offers' Feb 23, 2017

Our guidance on how to answer the question 'tell me about your other offers'.

Meetings And High I's Feb 16, 2017

Our guidance on effective meeting behavior for High I's.

What Happens When I Quit Feb 09, 2017

Our guidance on working out what will happen when you quit.

Features And Benefits Feb 02, 2017

Our guidance on understanding features and benefits, and how to use them.

Features And Benefits In Interviews Jan 26, 2017

Our guidance on understanding features and benefits, and how to use them in your resume and interviews.

How To Answer: What's The Lowest Salary You'll Take Jan 19, 2017

Our guidance on answering the question: "What's the lowest salary you'll accept?"

Meetings And High D's Jan 12, 2017

Our guidance on meetings, for High D's in the DiSC model.

Presentation Interviews Jan 05, 2017

Our guidance on presentation interviews, when you have no advance warning of the topic, time, and so on.

Phone Screens - Part 2 Dec 29, 2016

Part 2 of our guidance on excelling at phone screen.

Phone Screens - Part 1 Dec 22, 2016

Part 1 of our guidance on excelling at phone screen.

How To Connect People Dec 15, 2016

Our guidance on connecting people within your network.

Task Management for High I's Dec 08, 2016

Our guidance for High I's on managing their tasks.

Special Edition - The Wall Street Journal Features Manager Tools Dec 07, 2016

In this bonus podcast, Mark comments on the recent Wall Street Journal article that featured Manager Tools.

Status On Demand Dec 01, 2016

Our guidance on being able to give a Status on Demand (SoD) and the content of an SoD briefing.

Preparing for Your Review - HOF Nov 24, 2016

Our Hall of Fame guidance on how to prepare for your review.

Military Resumes Nov 17, 2016

Our guidance on your resume if you've been in the military.

What To Say When Someone Crosses The Line Nov 10, 2016

Our guidance on what to do when people don't 'get the hint', or don't change behaviors after repeated conversations.

How To Analyze Your Job Search - Quantity Nov 03, 2016

Our guidance on how to analyze your job search.

Time (Priority) Management - Part 2 - HOF Oct 27, 2016

Part 2 of our Hall of Fame guidance on time management.

Time (Priority) Management - Part 1 - HOF Oct 20, 2016

Time management is a fallacy, we like to say. Time doesn't need you to "manage" it - it's been getting along just fine without you for billions of years. We can't manage time. But what we CAN manage is what we do with that time.

At College - Build Relationships Oct 13, 2016

Our guidance on building relationships in college.

Creativity Basics Oct 06, 2016

Our guidance on brainstorms and other situations which require creativity.

Relationship Errors - Giving Too Many Favors Sep 29, 2016

Our guidance on balancing give and take in business relationships.

Task Management and the High D Sep 22, 2016

Our guidance on how High Ds can manage tasks successfully.

Job Search Tracking Sep 15, 2016

Our guidance on keeping track of information during your job search - and why it is important.

Creating a Good BLUF - Part 2 Sep 08, 2016

Part 2 of our guidance on writing a good BLUF

Creating a Good BLUF - Part 1 Sep 01, 2016

Part 1 of our guidance on writing a good BLUF.

Learning Workplace Discipline at University Aug 25, 2016

Our guidance on using college to develop workplace discipline skills.

Being Discreet Getting A New Job With Social Media - Part 2 Aug 18, 2016

Part 2 of our guidance on how to use social media when searching for a job, but remaining discreet.

Being Discreet Getting A New Job With Social Media - Part 1 Aug 11, 2016

Part 1 of our guidance on how to use social media when searching for a job, but remaining discreet.

Assertiveness - Saying No Aug 04, 2016

Our guidance on being more assertive and saying no.

Speak The Language - Get Names Right Jul 28, 2016

Our guidance on the use of names when working with others with a different mother tongue.

How To Succeed In Jobs At College Jul 21, 2016

Our guidance on how to succeed at paid work during your college years.

Contractor/Consultant Relationships With Permanent Staff Jul 14, 2016

Our guidance on peer relationships with permanent staff, when you're a contractor.

Search - The Big Picture - Part 2 Jul 07, 2016

Part 2 of our guidance on searching for a new job.

Search - The Big Picture - Part 1 Jun 30, 2016

Part 1 of our guidance on searching for a new job.

Don’t Mark Email As Unread Jun 23, 2016

Our guidance on using the 'mark as unread' feature on email.

Speak the Language - What To Learn Jun 16, 2016

Our guidance on what to learn when you're working abroad or with people who speak a different language to you.

College Graduates - Avoiding Bad Grades Jun 09, 2016

Our recommendations for you if you're getting bad grades.

Strategic Time Management For Contractors Jun 02, 2016

Our guidance on strategic time management for contractors.

Working With Interns May 26, 2016

Our guidance on working and developing relationships with interns.

Peer Relationships And Contractors May 19, 2016

Our guidance on relationships with your peers when they are contractors.

Resume Update 2016 May 12, 2016

Our resume guidance for 2016.

Email - Deleting And Archiving May 05, 2016

Our recommendations for deleting and archiving emails.

Speak The Language Apr 28, 2016

Our guidance on learning the language when you are working abroad.

Managing A Contractor Career - Chapter 1 Apr 21, 2016

Our guidance on choosing contracts as a part of managing your contractor career.

Industry Relationships Apr 14, 2016

Our guidance on developing relationships within your industry.

Get Your Email Read Apr 07, 2016

Our guidance on how to structure your email so that you get the responses you want.

How To Use Other People’s Calendars Mar 31, 2016

Our guidance about being a better professional by looking at other people's calendars.

How To Receive Staff Reporting Mar 24, 2016

Our guidance on improving internal relationships through reporting.

Culture Shock Mar 17, 2016

Our guidance on surviving culture shock when working abroad.

Researching Companies Mar 10, 2016

Our guidance about how to find out what it's like to work at a company.

Email Relationships With Suppliers Mar 03, 2016

Our guidance on how to create emails with suppliers.

Email Schedule Pushback Feb 25, 2016

Our guidance on an email schedule.

Don’t Leave Without A Deliverable Feb 18, 2016

Our guidance on getting deliverables at the end of every meeting.

How To Read The Wall Street Journal - Part 2 Feb 11, 2016

Part 2 of our guidance on how to read the Wall Street Journal.

How To Read The Wall Street Journal - Part 1 Feb 04, 2016

Part 1 of our guidance on how to read the Wall Street Journal.

Changing Roles - Confidentiality Jan 28, 2016

Our guidance on confidentiality during a role change.

Relationships With Suppliers Jan 21, 2016

Our guidance on working with suppliers.

Email Security Jan 15, 2016

Our guidance on the reasons for and the actions to take around email security.

Asymmetric Negotiation Jan 08, 2016

Our guidance on dealing with negotiation asymmetry.

CT(2009) - Greetings In DISC Dec 31, 2015

This week, we're re-releasing one of our Hall of Fame casts on considering DiSC when greeting others.

CT(2007) - How To Take Notes Dec 24, 2015

This week, we're re-releasing one of our Hall of Fame casts on how to take notes.

Relationships With Customers Dec 17, 2015

Our guidance on dealing with customers.

Peer Prewire Dec 10, 2015

Our guidance on using the pre-wire concept within your team.

Negotiation Chapter 5 - Preparation Illustrated - Part 2 Dec 03, 2015

Part 2 of our guidance on the preparation steps to take before negotiating.

CT(2006) - Building A Network Nov 26, 2015

This week, we're re-releasing one of our Hall of Fame casts on building a network.

Negotiation Chapter 5 - Preparation Illustrated - Part 1 Nov 19, 2015

Part 1 of our guidance on the preparation steps to take before negotiating.

Propose Someone Else Takes Your Work - Chapter 1 - The Pre-Work Nov 12, 2015

Our guidance on making a proposal that someone else take part of your workload - the pre-work.

New Manager Tools Mobile App Announcement Nov 06, 2015

We're proud to announce the availability of the new Manager Tools Mobile App.

Resume Myths Nov 05, 2015

Understand how your resume is handled and adjust your expectations and actions accordingly.

Relationship Errors: Expecting Answers Oct 29, 2015

Our guidance about asking questions and expecting answers.

Be On Time Oct 22, 2015

Our guidance on being on time.

Negotiation Chapter 4 - Easy on People (Updated) Oct 18, 2015

The fourth part of our series on negotiation - how to handle the people involved.

Relationship Errors: Trying To Change Your Boss Oct 08, 2015

Our guidance on trying to change the things your boss is doing.

Personal Finance: Stocks Oct 01, 2015

Our guidance on purchasing stocks.

Preparing a Resume for a Recruiter Sep 24, 2015

Our guidance on preparing your resume when you're going to give it to a recruiter.

Introducing Yourself - Part 2 Sep 17, 2015

Part 2 of our guidance on how to introduce yourself.

Introducing Yourself - Part 1 Sep 11, 2015

Our guidance on how to introduce yourself.

Bad Career Advice - Change the Dates on Your Resume Sep 03, 2015

Our guidance on including dates on your resume.

Negotiation Chapter 3 - Tough on Issues Aug 27, 2015

Our guidance on where to be tough in negotiations.

Questions Not To Ask In An Interview - Chapter 2 - Working Conditions Aug 20, 2015

Our guidance on what not to ask during an interview.

Relationship Errors: Not Putting Your Relationship With Your Boss First Aug 13, 2015

Our guidance on how to create your resume when you didn't track your results.

Including Your Spouse Aug 07, 2015

Our guidance on balancing work and your relationship with your spouse.

Personal Finance: Investing Jul 30, 2015

Our guidance on how to start investing, and why.

Help! I Didn't Track My Results Jul 23, 2015

Our guidance on how to create your resume when you didn't track your results.

Tracking Your Results Jul 16, 2015

Our guidance as to which results you need to track.

Negotiation Chapter 2 - Leave Something On The Table Jul 09, 2015

The next part of our guidance on negotiation.

Resume Update 2015 Jul 03, 2015

Our resume guidance for 2015.

Dealing With A Whiny Co-worker Jun 25, 2015

Our guidance on dealing with whiny co-workers.

Relationship Errors - Having A Favor Deficit Jun 18, 2015

Our guidance on having an equal number of favors given and received.

Relationship Errors Chapter 1 - They're Not Like You Jun 11, 2015

In this guidance, we tell you how regard other's intentions and motivations.

Negotiation Chapter 1 - It's All About Relationships - Part 2 Jun 04, 2015

The conclusion of our show starting our guidance on negotiation.

Negotiation Chapter 1 - It's All About Relationships - Part 1 May 28, 2015

The start of our guidance on negotiation.

Answering the question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? May 25, 2015

Our guidance on how to answer the question 'where do you see yourself in 5 years?'

Manager Tools Effective Manager Video Course May 20, 2015

More details about the Effecive Manager Video Course.

Didn't Get An Offer May 15, 2015

Our guidance on what to do when you don't get an offer.

Fitting In Reporting Requirements May 08, 2015

Our guidance on fitting reporting requirements into your daily work.

Bad Career Advice: Follow Your Passion, Part 2 Apr 30, 2015

Part 2 of our guidance on following your passion as a means to finding your career.

Bad Career Advice: Follow Your Passion, Part 1 Apr 24, 2015

Our guidance on following your passion as a means to finding your career.

Political Errors - Chapter 2 - Snubbing An Ally Apr 17, 2015

Our guidance on what to do when you snub or undersupport an ally.

Sharing Personal Information With Your Boss Apr 02, 2015

Our guidance on communicating with your boss around personal topics.

Personal Finance: Save 10% of What You Make Mar 27, 2015

Our guidance on managing your personal budgets to as to support your career.

Bad Career Advice: Start A Blog Mar 19, 2015

Our guidance on starting a blog as a career boost.

Project Management Ch 1 - Breaking Down Projects Mar 14, 2015

Our guidance on the first stage of managing your own projects: breaking them down into something manageable.

Political Errors - Chapter 1 - Oversharing Mar 06, 2015

Our guidance on the limits of sharing information in the workplace.

Why Do You Want To Work Here? Feb 27, 2015

Our guidance on answering the question 'why do you want to work here?'

HR Doesn't Work for You - Part 2 Feb 19, 2015

The conclusion of our guidance on using HR.

HR Doesn't Work for You - Part 1 Feb 12, 2015

Our guidance on using HR.

Get Back On Track Chapter 1 – Don't Miss A Deadline (corrected) Feb 05, 2015

Our guidance on what to do when you're behind on deadlines and overwhelmed.

Career Failures Chapter 3: Career Crisis Response - Part 2 Jan 29, 2015

The conclusion of our guidance on what to do if you’re laid off or fired and have no cushion.

Career Failures Chapter 3: Career Crisis Response - Part 1 Jan 22, 2015

Our guidance on what to do if you’re laid off or fired and have no cushion.

Deriving Your Goals From Those Of Your Boss - Part 2 Jan 15, 2015

The conclusion of our guidance on working out your goals in relation to those of your boss.

Deriving Your Goals From Those Of Your Boss - Part 1 Jan 09, 2015

Our guidance working out your goals in relation to those of your boss.

Small Talk Before An Interview Jan 02, 2015

Our guidance on making small talk before an interview.

Effective Relationships - I'm a C, My Boss is an I - Part 4 Dec 26, 2014

Part 4 of an example of our Effective Relationships Series - How to work with a boss who is a High I, if you are a High C.

Effective Relationships - I'm a C, My Boss is an I - Part 3 Dec 18, 2014

Part 3 of an example of our Effective Relationships Series - How to work with a boss who is a High I, if you are a High C.

Effective Relationships - I'm a C, My Boss is an I - Part 2 Dec 11, 2014

Part 2 of an example of our Effective Relationships Series - How to work with a boss who is a High I, if you are a High C.

Effective Relationships - I'm a C, My Boss is an I - Part 1 Dec 10, 2014

Part 1 of an example of our Effective Relationships Series - How to work with a boss who is a High I, if you are a High C.

Honoring Employment Professional Agreements Nov 28, 2014

Our guidance on agreements made about training or other benefits.

Career Failures - Chapter 2 - No Network Nov 20, 2014

Our guidance on what to do when you find yourself without a network.

How To Handle Radio Silence Nov 14, 2014

Our guidance on what to do, as a job candidate, when you don't hear back from the interviewing organization.

Hiring Interns Nov 06, 2014

Our guidance on hiring interns.

Work / Family Balance, Chapter 3 - Leave On Time Oct 30, 2014

Our guidance on how to leave work on time.

Career Failures – Chapter 1: Missing A Number Oct 24, 2014

Our guidance on what do when you miss a number.

Interviews are Not a Two-Way Street Oct 17, 2014

We often hear, "Interviews are a two way street." dIn this guidance, we're going to make clear what this means.

Dealing With A Colleague Who Is A Bully Oct 10, 2014

Our guidance on how to deal with a bully.

Having A Seat At The Table Oct 03, 2014

Our guidance on how to act when you're 'at the table'.

Delegating To The Floor - For Directs - Part 2 Sep 26, 2014

Part 2 of our guidance discussing how and when to delegate to the floor.

How To Accept A Compliment Sep 19, 2014

Our guidance on how to accept a compliment.

Delegating To The Floor - For Directs Sep 12, 2014

This guidance discusses how and when to delegate to the floor.

Resume Update 2014 Sep 04, 2014

Our guidance for resumes in 2014.

Taking A Job When You're Waiting For Another Offer Aug 29, 2014

Our guidance on what to do when you have one offer, but you're waiting for another.

Your Own Training Budget Aug 22, 2014

Our guidance on getting your own training.

Getting Jobs In Government - The Basics Aug 15, 2014

Our guidance on the application process in government.

Get Ready To Get Promoted: Peer Analysis Aug 08, 2014

Our guidance on how to analyze your peers when going for a promotion.

Manager Tools Conference Schedule Aug 05, 2014

A brief message from Mark about our upcoming conferences.

The Raise Dangle Aug 01, 2014

Our guidance on how to deal with the waiting period after you've asked for a raise.

When NOT To Take Your Phone Jul 25, 2014

Our guidance on how to deal with your phone during different parts of your day.

Getting Ready To Get Promoted - Chapter 7 - Know Why Jul 17, 2014

Our guidance getting promoted – knowing why before you start.

Resumes – The Headline, Not The Story Jul 14, 2014

Our guidance on the way to think about your resume: as the headlines, not the story.

Maternity Leave Jul 04, 2014

Our guidance on dealing with work when you're expecting.

The Suspense File Jun 27, 2014

Create a digital or actual suspense file to keep track of future obligations and deliverables.

Getting Ready To Be Promoted: The 150% Rule Jun 20, 2014

Our guidance on how to approach your responsibilities when you want to be promoted.

Coaching Yourself - Part 2 Jun 13, 2014

Part 2 of our guidance on how to coach yourself.

Coaching Yourself - Part 1 Jun 06, 2014

Our guidance on how to coach yourself.

Working Out May 30, 2014

Our guidance on getting your workout during your work day.

How To Ask For A Raise: Making The Ask May 23, 2014

Our guidance on how to ask for a raise.

Getting Ready To Get Promoted - Delegation May 15, 2014

Our guidance on what to do when your boss tries to delegate to you.

International Relationships Basics May 09, 2014

This cast gives an overview of dealing with international relationships.

Email: Security May 01, 2014

This cast gives an overview of your company email and its security.

How To Ask For A Raise: Cost Of Living Apr 25, 2014

Our guidance on how to work out how much to ask for.

Getting Ready To Be Promoted: Volunteer Apr 18, 2014

This cast gives an overview of how and when to volunteer in order to enhance your chances of promotion.

Choosing A Company – Chapter 10 – Have A Backup Plan Apr 11, 2014

Our final guidance on choosing a company.

How To Ask For A Raise: Researching Comparable Pay Apr 04, 2014

Our guidance on how to research comparable pay.

Getting Ready To Be Promoted – Chapter 3 - Politics Mar 27, 2014

This cast gives an overview of what you need to do around your political situation if you want to get a promotion.

Choosing A Company – Chapter 9 - Examples (Part 2) Mar 21, 2014

The conclusion of our guidance on how to choose between two companies.

Choosing A Company – Chapter 9 - Examples (Part 1) Mar 14, 2014

Our guidance on how to choose between two companies.

Annual Review When Looking For Promotion Mar 06, 2014

Our guidance on how to use your annual review in your promotion campaign. Promotions and pay raises don't just happen. People don't get better jobs, titles or perks because they turn up every day. The days when seniority meant something are gone, at least in the majority of organizations. If you want a promotion, you need to think of it as at least an 18 month campaign, starting with your annual review.

Questions Not To Ask In An Interview – Chapter 1 - Benefits Feb 28, 2014

Our guidance on what not to ask during an interview.

Getting Ready To Get Promoted, Chapter 1 - Results, Part 2 Feb 21, 2014

The conclusion of our guidance on getting promoted. This is the first in a long series on how to get promoted. There is one thing you need to do above all others when wanting a promotion, or any kind of improvement in your employment situation: get results.

Getting Ready To Get Promoted, Chapter 1 - Results Feb 14, 2014

Our guidance on getting promoted, part of a series.

Interviewing Series Update Feb 14, 2014

Announcement of Changes to the Career Tools Interviewing Series

Choosing A Company To Work For Chapter 8 - Weighting Feb 07, 2014

Our guidance on how to weight the factors involved in making the decision about which company to work for.

Books To Read (Or Read Again) in 2014 Jan 30, 2014

Our guidance on books to read (or read again).

Manager Tools/Career Tools License Update Jan 29, 2014

Announcement of Changes to Manager Tools and Career Tools Personal Licenses

Early Openings In A Rising Market Jan 24, 2014

Our guidance what specific areas to look at when looking at early openings in a rising market.

Getting Ready To Get Promoted - Chapter 2 - Experience Jan 17, 2014

Our guidance on getting promoted, part of a series.

Resume Workbook Update Jan 17, 2014

Announcement of Resume Workbook Updates

Choosing A Company To Work For Chapter 7 – Questions Jan 10, 2014

Our guidance what other questions to ask when choosing a company.

Resolving Relationships That Have Gone Sour Jan 04, 2014

Our guidance on restarting relationships which have gone sour.

Answering Wacky Questions Dec 28, 2013

Trick questions, such as 'how many baseballs does it take to fill a jumbo jet' seem to be less fashionable than they once were. Perhaps everyone has realized how ineffective they are. In case you are presented with a hiring manager who has not here is how to answer them.

When To Ask For A Pay Rise Dec 21, 2013

Our guidance on when to ask for a pay rise.

Work, Family And Social Media Dec 12, 2013

Our guidance on how to separate work, family and social media.

18 Month Rule Of Promotions Dec 06, 2013

Our guidance on when to start thinking about being promoted.

Completing Self-Appraisals Nov 29, 2013

Our guidance on completing self-appraisals.

Interviewing For Your Own Job Nov 22, 2013

Our guidance on interviewing for your own job.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Opportunities - Part 2 Nov 15, 2013

The conclusion of our podcast on choosing a company to work for based on the opportunities available.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Opportunities - Part 1 Nov 08, 2013

The sixth part of our series on choosing a company to work for: the opportunities available.

Covering For A Colleague – Chapter 2 - Their Return Nov 01, 2013

Our guidance on dealing with your colleague’s return when you’ve been covering for them.

Sunday Evening Planning Oct 25, 2013

Our guidance on what you do on Sunday to make your work week effective.

Finding A Job In Your Own Backyard Oct 19, 2013

Our guidance on getting a job near to where you live.

Dealing With Difficult Bosses – Bosses Who Are Disorganized Oct 11, 2013

Our guidance on dealing with bosses who are disorganized.

Covering For A Colleague Chapter 1 - The Work Oct 04, 2013

How to cover a colleague’s work in their absence.

Choosing A Company - Reputation Sep 23, 2013

The fourth part of our series on how to choose a company. Our guidance on reputation.

Assessment Centers – Team Problem Solving Sep 19, 2013

Our guidance on team problem solving activities at assessment centers.

Dealing With Difficult Bosses – Chapter 2 - Bosses Who Won't Make A Decision Sep 12, 2013

Our guidance on dealing with bosses who won’t make a decision.

Effective Relationships Announcement Sep 11, 2013

Effective Relationship Product Announcement

Gift Giving Sep 06, 2013

Our guidance on buying gifts.

Staying Current Professionally - RSS Feeds Aug 30, 2013

Our guidance keeping up with your industry news using RSS feeds.

Choosing A Company - Industry Stability Aug 24, 2013

The third installment of our series on how to choose a company.

Accepting Linkedin Requests Aug 15, 2013

Our guidance on how to deal with Linkedin requests.

Positioning Yourself To Be Mentored Aug 09, 2013

Our guidance on what you need to do in order to position yourself to be mentored.

Multiple Jobs In One Company And Your Resume Aug 02, 2013

Our guidance on how to deal with specific situations on your resume which arise when you've been with a company a long time.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Chapter 3 - Values Jul 26, 2013

The third installment of our series on how to choose a company.

Dealing With Objections - Part 2 Jul 19, 2013

The conclusion of our guidance on how to deal with objections.

Dealing With Objections - Part 1 Jul 11, 2013

Our guidance on how to deal with objections.

Resume Update 2013 Jul 04, 2013

Our guidance for resumes for 2013.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Chapter 2 - Basic Compensation Principles Jun 28, 2013

The second installment of our series on how to choose a company.

5 Jobs From This Resume Jun 21, 2013

Our guidance on how to think about your experience and your next steps.

How To Have A Great Hotel Stay - Chapter 3 - Your Stay Jun 14, 2013

Our guidance on how to have a great hotel stay.

Keeping In Touch With Classmates Jun 07, 2013

Our guidance on keeping in touch with classmates.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Chapter 1 - Factors To Consider Part 2 May 31, 2013

The commencement of our series on how to choose a company.

Choosing A Company To Work For - Chapter 1 - Factors To Consider Part 1 May 24, 2013

The commencement of our series on how to choose a company.

Work Family Balance Chapter 2 - The Acid Test Advanced Edition May 17, 2013

Our guidance what you need to know about your colleagues' families.

Interviewing On Skype - Chapter 2 May 10, 2013

Our guidance what you need to know about interviewing on Skype.

How To Have A Great Hotel Stay - Chapter 2 - Checking In May 03, 2013

Our guidance on how to have a great hotel stay.

Long Term Job Search Chapter 1 Apr 25, 2013

Our guidance on what to do when in a long-term job search.

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 6 Apr 19, 2013

We take 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

Making A Recommendation In Writing Apr 14, 2013

Our guidance on writing recommendations taking into account your boss’s DiSC profile.

Have A Great Hotel Stay - Chapter 1 - Use The Loyalty Programs Apr 05, 2013

Our guidance on how to have a great hotel stay.

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 5 Mar 29, 2013

We continue to work through 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

How To Help Someone Who Has Been Laid Off - Career Crisis Chapter 2 Mar 22, 2013

Our guidance on how to help someone you know who has or is being laid off.

Conferences Promotion Mar 20, 2013

Find out about the value of Manager Tools' Conferences.

How To Attend Happy Hour - Part 2 Mar 15, 2013

The conclusion of our guidance on how to attend happy hour.

How To Attend Happy Hour - Part 1 Mar 08, 2013

Our guidance on how to attend happy hour.

Covering For Your Boss - Chapter 2 - Email Mar 01, 2013

Our guidance on how to cover for your boss – the email portion.

Using DiSC With Groups Feb 22, 2013

\Our guidance on how to use DiSC with groups.

How Not To Accept An Offer - Chapter 2 - Don't Say 'Yes, But' Feb 15, 2013

Our guidance on accepting offers – how not to do it!

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 4 Feb 08, 2013

We take 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

How Do I Know I Have An Offer? Feb 01, 2013

Our guidance on the constituents of an offer, and knowing when you have a complete one.

How To Proofread Jan 25, 2013

Our guidance on how to proofread a document.

90 Day New Job Plan - Who To Find Jan 17, 2013

Our guidance on how to create a 90 day new job plan.

How Not To Accept An Offer - Chapter 1 - Playing Two Offers Off Against Each Other Jan 11, 2013

Our guidance on accepting offers – how not to do it!

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 3 Jan 04, 2013

We take 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

DiSC, Email And Combination Profiles Dec 27, 2012

Our guidance on how to effectively email with people who have combination DiSC profiles.

Documents And Travel Dec 21, 2012

Our guidance documents to travel with.

Productivity In A Matrix - Chapter 1 - Communication Dec 13, 2012

This cast gives our guidance communicating when you find yourself in a matrix.

How Not To Disagree Dec 07, 2012

Our guidance how on not to disagree.

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 2 Nov 29, 2012

Part 2 of our series in which we take 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

Choosing A Book Nov 23, 2012

Our guidance on how to choose a book.

Accepting An Offer Nov 16, 2012

Our guidance on accepting offers.

What Your Resume Says - Chapter 1 Nov 09, 2012

We take 20 example resumes and give you our analysis of what they say to a recruiter.

Moving With Your Job - Relocation Packages Part 2 Nov 02, 2012

The conclusion of our guidance on how to make moving for your job easy.

Moving With Your Job - Relocation Packages Part 1 Oct 26, 2012

Our guidance how to make moving for your job easy.

I'm Underpaid Oct 19, 2012

Our guidance on what to do if you think you’re underpaid.

Presentations - Movement Oct 11, 2012

How to use movement in presentations.

90 Day New Job Plan - Your Role Oct 05, 2012

Our guidance on how to create a 90 day new job plan.

How To Handle Conflict With A High C Sep 28, 2012

Our guidance on how to deal with conflict with a High C.

Resume Update 2012 Sep 21, 2012

Our resume guidance update for 2012.

Presentations - Gestures - Part 2 Sep 14, 2012

The conclusion of our discussion on how to use your gestures in presentations.

Presentations - Gestures - Part 1 Sep 07, 2012

How to use your gestures in presentations.

How To Handle Conflict With A High S Aug 31, 2012

Our guidance on how to deal with conflict with a High S.

How To Effectively Use HR – Chapter 3 Aug 24, 2012

The third part of our guidance on working with HR.

How To Effectively Use HR – Chapter 2 Aug 17, 2012

The second part of our guidance on working with HR – involve HR early.

How To Effectively Use HR – Chapter 1 Aug 09, 2012

The first part of our guidance on working with HR.

How To Deal With Bad Interviews: Chapter 4 - Stony-Faced Interviewers Aug 02, 2012

This is the fourth part of our guidance on how to deal with bad interviewers: those who are stony-faced.

90 Day New Job Plan - Bosses Jul 27, 2012

Our guidance on the information you need to gather on your bosses.

Google Job Search Tips Chapter 3 Jul 19, 2012

Chapter 3 of our series on how to find people to network with using Google.

How To Handle Conflict With A High I Jul 13, 2012

Our guidance on how to deal with conflict with a High I.

90 Day New Job Plan - Relationships Jul 06, 2012

Our guidance on the information you need to develop relationships.

How To Deal With Bad Interviews: Chapter 3 - Interviewers Who Talk Too Much Jun 29, 2012

This is the third part of our guidance on how to deal with bad interviewers; those that talk too much.

Google Job Search Tips Chapter 2 Jun 22, 2012

Chapter 2 of our series on how to find people to network with using Google.

How To Handle Conflict With A High D Jun 15, 2012

Our guidance on how to deal with conflict with a High D.

90 Day New Job Plan - The Overview Jun 07, 2012

Our guidance on how to create a 90 day new job plan.

Email and The High S Jun 01, 2012

How High S’s use email, and how to effectively use email to communicate with them.

Giving Bad News May 25, 2012

How to give a status update when you know it’s bad news.

Google Job Search Tips Chapter 1 May 18, 2012

How to make find new relationships to help in your job search, using Google.

Relationships And Continuity May 11, 2012

Our guidance how ensure your relationships work for you; keeping them warm.

How To Deal With Bad Interviews: Chapter 2 - Distracted Interviewers May 04, 2012

This is another chapter in our guidance on how to deal with bad interviewers: those that are distracted.

Email and The High C Apr 27, 2012

At the end of the ECC conference, we give a demonstration of the four DiSC styles and how they think of and treat email. It’s a great, fun day, and email is the highlight. On this cast, we'll discuss how to approach email for a High C.

Presentation - Voice Apr 20, 2012

How to use your voice in presentations.

Sending Effective Email - What Result? Apr 13, 2012

How to send email effectively.

Ending A Conversation With A Senior Person Apr 06, 2012

Our guidance on how to know when to end a conversation with a senior person.

Email And The High D Mar 29, 2012

How High D’s use email, and how to effectively use email to communicate with them.

Ethics - Part 2 Mar 22, 2012

The conclusion of our guidance on ethical behavior.

Ethics - Part 1 Mar 15, 2012

Our guidance on ethical behavior.

How To Deal With Bad Interviews: Chapter 1 - Bad Questions Mar 09, 2012

This is the first part of our guidance on how to deal with bad interviewers; those that ask bad questions.

Keeping Your Search Confidential Mar 01, 2012

How to keep your current employer from finding out about your search for a new job.

Internal Support Roles And Responsibilities - Part 2 Feb 24, 2012

The conclusion of our guidance on how to obtain the requirements you need when working as an internal support provider.

Internal Support Roles And Responsibilities - Part 1 Feb 17, 2012

Our guidance how to obtain the requirements you need when working as an internal support provider.

Email And The High I Feb 09, 2012

How High I’s use email, and how to effectively use email to communicate with them.

Staying In Touch - Examples Feb 01, 2012

Examples of what to say when you’re ‘staying in touch’.

I Am A Former Peer Jan 26, 2012

Our guidance how to deal with not being promoted, when your former team member is now your boss.

Declining An Offer Jan 18, 2012

Our guidance how to effectively turn down an offer.

Resume Accomplishments Examples - Part 2 Jan 12, 2012

The conclusion of our guidance how to create accomplishments for your resume, and ten examples.

Resume Accomplishments Examples - Part 1 Jan 06, 2012

Our guidance how to create accomplishments for your resume, and ten examples.

How Not To Multi-Task - Part 2 Dec 30, 2011

The conclusion of our guidance on what to do instead of multi-tasking.

How Not To Multi-Task - Part 1 Dec 23, 2011

Our guidance on what to do instead of multi-tasking.

What To Do With A Counter Offer Dec 16, 2011

Our guidance on what to do when you receive a counter-offer.

A Notebook And A Pen Dec 09, 2011

Our guidance on having a notebook and pen with you at all times, and what to do with it.

Interviewing On Skype - Part 2 Dec 02, 2011

The conclusion of our guidance on how to interview when the interview is conducted over Skype.

Interviewing On Skype - Part 1 Nov 25, 2011

Our guidance on how to interview when the interview is conducted over Skype.

How To Eat Lunch - Part 2 Nov 18, 2011

This podcast completes our discussion on how to handle your lunch hour.

How To Eat Lunch - Part 1 Nov 11, 2011

This guidance describes how to handle your lunch hour.

Assessment Centers - Role-Play Nov 04, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to deal with role-play exercises in assessment centers.

How To Read A Book Oct 28, 2011

This cast gives a guide to reading non-fiction with the aim of enhancing your career.

Community Relationships Oct 21, 2011

This cast gives a guide balancing your professional countenance with your community relationships.

Developing Internal Relationships (The When & How) - Part 2 Oct 14, 2011

This cast gives a guide for when to develop the relationships you identified in the Developing Internal Relationships – The Where cast.

Developing Internal Relationships (The When & How) - Part 1 Oct 07, 2011

This cast gives a guide for when to develop the relationships you identified in the Developing Internal Relationships – The Where cast.

Cover Letter Examples Sep 30, 2011

This cast gives examples of cover letters for particular roles.

Assessment Centers - The Basics Sep 23, 2011

This cast gives our basic guidance on dealing with Assessment Centers.

Job Boards - Part 2 Sep 16, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to use job boards as part of your search.

The Coaching Dilemma Introduction Sep 16, 2011

A short (8 min) extra cast where Mark introduces the Coaching Dilemma and solicits YOUR responses. What do you think is the correct answer to the dilemma?

Job Boards - Part 1 Sep 10, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to use job boards as part of your search.

Developing Internal Relationships (The Where) - Part 2 Sep 01, 2011

This cast concludes our discussion on a framework for looking at where you need to develop internal relationships.

Developing Internal Relationships (The Where) - Part 1 Aug 26, 2011

This cast gives a framework for looking at where you need to develop internal relationships.

Resume Update 2011 - Part 2 Aug 19, 2011

This cast concludes our updated resume guidance for 2011.

Resume Update 2011 - Part 1 Aug 12, 2011

This cast updates our resume guidance for 2011.

Create A Trip Folder Aug 05, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to create a trip folder.

Finding A Recruiter Jul 28, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on finding a recruiter.

Answering Illegal Interview Questions - Part 2 Jul 22, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on answering illegal interview questions.

Answering Illegal Interview Questions - Part 1 Jul 15, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on answering illegal interview questions.

2nd Rule Of Assisting - Anticipate - Part 2 Jul 08, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to effectively anticipate in order to assist someone more fully.

2nd Rule Of Assisting - Anticipate - Part 1 Jul 01, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to effectively anticipate in order to assist someone more fully.

How To Stay Organizationally Current - Part 2 Jun 24, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to stay up to date on what's going on in your company.

How To Stay Organizationally Current - Part 1 Jun 17, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to stay up to date on what's going on in your company.

Introducing A Presenter Jun 10, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on introducing people.

First Steps With DiSC Jun 02, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to make an initial change in your behavior once you understand DiSC.

Internal Interviews May 26, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on what is the same and what's different about internal interviews.

Asking Your Network For An Opportunity May 20, 2011

This cast helps you word your request to your network for help with looking for a new opportunity.

My Boss Is Angry May 12, 2011

This cast helps you deal with the moment when your boss is angry with you.

New Job - Week One - Take Notes May 06, 2011

This cast tells you what to take notes on in your first week in a new job.

Distant Manager Basics - For Directs - Part 2 Apr 29, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to effectively work with your manager when he or she is geographically distant from you.

Distant Manager Basics - For Directs - Part 1 Apr 22, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to effectively work with your manager when he or she is geographically distant from you.

Giving Updates In Staff Meetings - Part 2 Apr 15, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to give an update in a staff meeting.

Giving Updates In Staff Meetings - Part 1 Apr 08, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to give an update in a staff meeting.

Getting Fired - Part 2 Mar 31, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on what to do when you're about to be or have been fired.

Getting Fired - Part 1 Mar 24, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on what to do when you're about to be or have been fired.

How To Be Ready For A Hiring Market Upturn - Part 2 Mar 18, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to prepare for the coming hiring market upturn.

How To Be Ready For A Hiring Market Upturn - Part 1 Mar 11, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to prepare for the coming hiring market upturn.

Attending A Team-Building Event Mar 04, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on what to do when you have to attend a team building event.

Write A Job Advertisement - Part 2 Feb 24, 2011

This cast concludes our guidance on how to write a job advertisement.

Write A Job Advertisement - Part 1 Feb 18, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to write a job advertisement.

The Eight Minute Rule Feb 09, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on when to arrive for an interview.

Finish A Conversation Feb 03, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on how to finish a conversation.

Creating A Presentation Jan 27, 2011

This cast helps you start to plan to create a presentation.

Pre-Interview Prep Chapter 2 Jan 20, 2011

This cast gives our guidance on what to prepare for your interview.

Following Up Jan 12, 2011

This cast helps you be more efficient in following up.

My Boss Finds Fault With Me - Part 2 Jan 07, 2011

This cast concludes our conversation on helping you deal with the situation when your boss finds faults with your work.

My Boss Finds Fault With Me - Part 1 Dec 31, 2010

This cast helps you deal with the situation when your boss finds faults with your work.

Interviewing - What To Do While You Wait Dec 24, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on what you do while you wait in reception for an interviewer.

Meeting A Senior Executive Dec 16, 2010

This cast helps you deal with meeting a member of the business who is two or more levels above you in the organization hierarchy.

Develop Your Career Using Your Network Dec 09, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on developing your career using your network

Interview Etiquette Dec 02, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on how to conduct yourself during an interview.

What To Take To An Interview Nov 25, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on what to take to an interview.

Create A Development Plan For Yourself Nov 18, 2010

This cast helps you create a development plan for yourself.

Getting A Bad Review Nov 10, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on dealing with a bad review.

Being Professional Working From Home Nov 05, 2010

This cast helps you work from home in a professional way.

Resumes For Graduates Oct 28, 2010

This cast helps recent graduates develop an effective resume.

Dealing With A Personal Problem - Part 2 Oct 21, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on dealing with a personal crisis which is affecting your work.

Dealing With A Personal Problem - Part 1 Oct 14, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on dealing with a personal crisis which is affecting your work.

Dealing With Colleagues Who Don't Pull Their Weight Oct 08, 2010

This cast helps you deal with co-workers who are not "pulling their weight"

Decorating Your Desk - Part 2 Sep 30, 2010

This cast concludes our guidance on what to have on your desk at work.

Decorating Your Desk - Part 1 Sep 23, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on what to have on your desk at work.

My Boss Resigned - Part 2 Sep 16, 2010

This cast concludes our guidance as to the actions to take when your boss resigns.

My Boss Resigned - Part 1 Sep 09, 2010

This cast describes our guidance as to the actions to take when your boss resigns.

Writing Resumes For Consultants And Project Managers Sep 02, 2010

This cast tells consultants and project managers how to create a resume.

Update Your Voicemail Aug 27, 2010

This cast tells you how to manage your voicemail on a daily basis.

Resume Update 2010 - Part 2 Aug 19, 2010

This cast concludes our updates to our resume advice for 2010.

Resume Update 2010 - Part 1 Aug 12, 2010

This cast updates our resume advice for 2010.

Answering Questions About Your GPA Aug 05, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on what to do when asked about your GPA.

Offsite Presentation Preparation – Hotel Logistics (Part 3 of 3) Jul 28, 2010

This cast concludes the discussion of our recommendations on what to do when preparing logistically for a presentation at hotel or offsite location.

Offsite Presentation Preparation – Hotel Logistics (Part 2 of 3) Jul 22, 2010

This cast continues the discussion of our recommendations on what to do when preparing logistically for a presentation at hotel or offsite location.

Offsite Presentation Preparation – Hotel Logistics (Part 1 of 3) Jul 15, 2010

This cast recommends what to do when preparing logistically for a presentation at hotel or offsite location.

Resolving Conflict With Internal Support Providers Jul 08, 2010

This cast gives our guidance on how to deal with conflict with internal support providers.

How to Prepare for a Meeting Jul 01, 2010

This cast tells you how to prepare for a meeting.

Systematic Career Documentation - Part 2 Jun 24, 2010

This cast completes our series on how to create and use a Career Management Document as a key part of your career management system.

Systematic Career Documentation - Part 1 Jun 17, 2010

This cast tells you how to create and use a Career Management Document as a key part of your career management system.

The Career Tools Rule of Job Applications – 75% Jun 11, 2010

This cast describes how to decide which jobs to apply for.

3rd Rule of Customer Service – Over-Communicate Jun 04, 2010

This cast describes how to deliver effective customer service by over-communicating.

Simple Behavioral Communication Clues May 27, 2010

This cast describes two simple communication behaviors to help determine roughly what someone's DiSC profile might be.

Handling 360 Degree Review Input May 20, 2010

This cast describes how to effectively handle getting feedback through a 360 degree review.

How To Get Training Budget - Part 2 May 13, 2010

This cast concludes our series on how you can approach your manager in order to get training budget.

How To Get Training Budget - Part 1 May 06, 2010

This cast describes how you can approach your manager in order to get training budget.

Attending A Conference Apr 29, 2010

This cast recommends what to do before, during and after any conference or training you attend.

Make The Most Of Your Internship - Part 2 Apr 22, 2010

Career Tools highly recommends internships for college students. In this cast, we conclude our conversation on why, and how to make the most of the experience.

Make The Most Of Your Internship - Part 1 Apr 15, 2010

Career Tools highly recommends internships for college students. In this cast, we tell you why, and how to make the most of the experience.

Getting Started With LinkedIn - Part 2 Apr 08, 2010

The conclusion of our discussion on getting started with LinkedIn.

Getting Started With LinkedIn - Part 1 Apr 01, 2010

LinkedIn is an essential career tool. We're going to explain the first steps you must take to create your profile, and ways of using LinkedIn to support your career.

How To Engage Your Seatmate Mar 25, 2010

This cast describes how to engage the person sitting next to you when you are traveling professionally.

How to Give a Decision Briefing - Part 2 Mar 18, 2010

In this cast, we conclude our conversation on giving a decision briefing to your manager.

How to Give a Decision Briefing - Part 1 Mar 11, 2010

This cast describes how to give a decision briefing to your manager.

Organizational Finance Basics Mar 04, 2010

This cast recommends what every professional ought to know about your organization's basic financial health.

Is Your Boss a Reader or a Listener? Feb 25, 2010

This cast describes how to determine your boss's preferred communication style, and how to be more effective knowing it.

How To Ask For Advice Feb 19, 2010

This cast describes how to ask for advice, and increase your chances of not only being successful in obtaining advice from this person once, but many times.

Attending a Meeting For Your Boss Feb 11, 2010

This cast describes Career Tools' recommendations for how to attend a meeting when your boss asks you to go in his/her place.

How To Transfer Between States/Industries - Part 2 Feb 04, 2010

This cast concludes our conversation on how to change jobs between states, countries or industries.

How To Transfer Between States/Industries - Part 1 Jan 28, 2010

This cast explains how to change jobs between states, countries or industries.

Portable Messaging Basics - Part 2 Jan 21, 2010

This cast concludes our Career Tools' recommendations for textual communications on portable devices.

Portable Messaging Basics - Part 1 Jan 14, 2010

This cast describes Career Tools' recommendations for textual communications on portable devices.

Admitting Mistakes - Part 2 Jan 07, 2010

This cast concludes our conversation on recommendations for what to do when you make a mistake.

Admitting Mistakes - Part 1 Jan 01, 2010

This cast describes Career Tools' recommendations for what to do when you make a mistake.

How To Answer Questions About Career History - Part 2 Dec 17, 2009

This cast concludes Career Tool's recommendations for answering questions about your career history.

How To Answer Questions About Career History - Part 1 Dec 10, 2009

This cast describes Career Tool's recommendations for answering questions about your career history.

External Interviews and Careers - Chapter 1 Dec 04, 2009

This cast describes the importance of external interviewing in career management, and how to begin to handle the interview.

Presentations - The Right Chart, Part 2 Nov 27, 2009

This cast concludes our conversation on how to choose the right chart for your data and message in a presentation.

Presentations - The Right Chart, Part 1 Nov 19, 2009

This cast describes how to choose the right chart for your data and message in a presentation.

How To Be Successful At Career Fairs - Part 2 Nov 13, 2009

In this cast, we conclude our recommendations for being effective at a Career Fair.

Career Fairs - Part 1 Nov 06, 2009

This cast describes Career Tools' general recommendations for being effective at a Career Fair.

Disagreeing With Your Boss - Part 2 Oct 29, 2009

This cast concludes our conversation on when it's okay to disagree with your boss, and how to do it.

Disagreeing With Your Boss - Part 1 Oct 22, 2009

This cast describes when it's okay to disagree with your boss, and how to do it.

Confidentiality With Bosses Oct 15, 2009

This cast describes what to expect of our bosses when it comes to confidentiality of our communications with them.

Presentation Attire - Part 2 Oct 09, 2009

This cast concludes our conversation on how to dress when giving presentations.

Presentation Attire - Part 1 Oct 01, 2009

This cast recommends how to dress when giving presentations.

What Is Your Salary Expectation? Sep 24, 2009

This cast is another in the series of how to answer the big 4 questions that recruiters ask.

What Are You Looking For? Sep 17, 2009

This cast continues the series of the four questions recruiters will ask you with the second question: "what are you looking for?"

Meetings Breaks - Part 2 Sep 07, 2009

The conclusion of our discussion on how to effectively conduct Meeting Breaks.

Meeting Breaks - Part 1 Sep 03, 2009

This cast describes how to schedule and how to action breaks in meetings.

The Delta File Aug 28, 2009

This cast recommends keeping an ongoing Delta File of changes you will make in the future.

Generation Y Careers #1: Parents Unwelcome Aug 20, 2009

This cast recommends that Generation Y professionals keep their parents out of their careers.

What Is Your Current Situation? Aug 13, 2009

This cast describes how to effectively answer the "What's your current situation?" question from a recruiter.

Airline Travel Basics #1 – Part 2 Aug 06, 2009

Part 2 of our conversation on the basics of Airline Travel.

Airline Travel Basics #1 - Part 1 Jul 31, 2009

This cast makes some basic recommendations regarding airline travel for professionals.

Midyear Goals Review - Part 2 Jul 23, 2009

This cast concludes our conversation on the Midyear Goals Review.

Midyear Goals Review - Part 1 Jul 16, 2009

This cast recommends reviewing our annual performance goals at midyear.

Travel - Airline Seats Jul 10, 2009

This cast describes how to manage your seating on airlines, because it matters.

Handling An Inherited Audience Jul 02, 2009

This cast describes how to be effective when you are one of several speakers to a larger audience.

2009 – Downturn - Annual Resume Update Jun 25, 2009

This cast recommends changes to resumes based on the 2009 hiring market and beyond.

The Rule of 50 Jun 18, 2009

This cast explains a simple way to stay in touch with your professional network.

Greetings in DiSC Jun 12, 2009

This cast explains a simple application of DiSC Behavior on greeting others.

Effective Layoff Announcement Response Jun 03, 2009

This cast explains how to respond to the announcement of impending layoffs at your firm. This is a long overdue cast, based on comments we get by email and on the forums. Far too many of us respond POORLY to an announcement or rumor of impending layoffs where we work. In fact, it's worse than that . . . MOST of us respond TERRIBLY, and HURT OUR CAREERS in doing so. But there's a better way, and there's a playbook to follow, and guess what? Career Tools has it, and that's what this cast shares.

360 Reviews - Providing Input May 28, 2009

This cast explains how to respond to requests for 360 degree input. 360 reviews are a powerful - and growing - part of the Human Resources toolbox. They help leadership teams find out what managers and other professionals "really" are like based on input from the people most likely to "know" them: their boss, their peers, and their directs (if they have any), and in some cases other related personnel. Why NOT ask the consumers of a manager's behaviors whether or not he is a good manager? Unfortunately, 360 reviews, as powerful as they are - and done well Manager Tools strongly recommends them - they are fraught with danger. Here's how to navigate them successfully.

Press Relations - Part 2 May 22, 2009

This cast concludes our conversation on Press Relations.

Press Relations - Part 1 May 14, 2009

The Internet and the explosion of communication media and media forms and software have changed the way most of us in our careers will interact with the press. All of us need some simple guidelines for our relationships with the press, if for no other reason than risk mitigation. We have a lot of straightforward ideas to share, some of which will surprise many of our listeners. Think about that: simple straightforward guidance that surprises...a clear indication that attention must be paid.

Audio Visual Equipment Use - Part 2 May 07, 2009

The conclusion of our conversation on Audio Visual Equipment Use.

Audio Visual Equipment Use Apr 30, 2009

In this cast, we're going to describe how to use the two most common audio-visual tools: slides and flip charts.

Handling Exit Interviews Apr 23, 2009

This cast explains how to handle exit interviews.

Attention Management – Distractions, Part 3 Apr 16, 2009

Part 3, and the conclusion, of our series on Attention Management - Distractions.

Attention Management – Distractions, Part 2 Apr 10, 2009

Part 2 of our series on Attention Management - Distractions.

Attention Management – Distractions, Part 1 Apr 02, 2009

Most of us do a poor job of managing our time - whoops, that's managing our priorities. None of us actually manage time, right? Time can't be managed. But what we DO with our time we CAN manage. One way we manage our priorities is we choose to schedule those things that we believe are in line with our priorities. An example of that is putting meetings on our calendars that help us accomplish our projects and responsibilities. Makes sense. When we schedule a meeting, we're saying, this is worthy of my attention. We're managing what we attend to, we're managing our attention. But unfortunately many of us, no matter how good we are at scheduling those things to which we wish to attend, also are terrible at managing those things that distract us from our priorities. But if we're going to have plenty of time for what we want to accomplish, we better not only schedule things well, but we ought to avoid distractions. And most of us are terrible at that. This cast recommends specific actions to take to reduce the pain of distractions on our effectiveness.

Responding To An Internal Interview Request Mar 26, 2009

It seems that a lot of people still don't realize that we're all managing our own careers now. Yes, your organization has some say and power in the equation. But that ability to influence our choices is often misunderstood as managing what job we're in, why we're in it, and what other jobs we can have. And one of the situations that confuses us is when our organization asks us to interview for a job without us applying for it. Maybe we really want the job, maybe we would have never considered it. But when they ask US - when the COMPANY seems to know more than we do, and we don't know what the invite MEANS ... it's confusing. And that's why Career Tools is here: to explain what to do and why.

Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 5 Mar 20, 2009

In this cast, we finish our conversation on how to work with an angry and demeaning boss.

Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 4 Mar 12, 2009

In this cast, we continue with part 4 of our conversation on how to work with an angry and demeaning boss.

Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 3 Mar 05, 2009

In this cast, we continue with part 3 of our conversation on how to work with an angry and demeaning boss.

Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 2 Feb 26, 2009

In this cast, we continue our conversation on how to work with an angry and demeaning boss.

In case you missed it, here is part 1 of the series: Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 1

Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 1 Feb 20, 2009

This cast explains how to work with an angry and demeaning boss.

We wish we didn’t have to do casts like this, but angry and demeaning bosses are a fact of life. And, for most of us, it doesn’t matter how great a boss WE are if we WORK FOR someone who is angry, demeaning, and generally unprofessional. Despite our recommendations to focus on your team, because that’s where the leverage is, OUR boss still exists. And if she’s a jerk, we’ve got to adapt. Here’s how.

New Job Day One - Do It Yourself Feb 12, 2009

This cast recommends a simple approach to speed up your fitting in to a new organization and role.

An Especially Important Relationship In A Downturn Feb 05, 2009

This cast explains how to improve an especially important relationship during economic downturns: your boss's peers.

Gossip Avoidance Jan 29, 2009

This cast explains how to handle gossip in the workplace.

The Dangle Jan 22, 2009

This cast describes a recruiting “technique” called the “Dangle”, and how to combat it.

The 2nd Rule of Effective Project Team Members Jan 15, 2009

This cast explains the SECOND most important behavior or habit to ensure your success as a project team member.

It’s one thing to manage a project. But far more of us are ON projects, not managing them. How can we do this while still getting “all of our real work done”?

We have a series of recommendations – this is the second one. ;-)

Maintaining Recruiter Relationships Jan 08, 2009

This cast explains an effective way to maintain relationships with professional recruiters.

In today’s slow economy, we don’t want to NEED a recruiter and then discover none of them remember us. Almost no one but smart senior executives reach out proactively – but you can do it too. Here’s how.

The Downturn Rite of Passage Jan 02, 2009

This cast describes the reasons why leaving your company or industry in a downturn CAN be a bad idea, and recommends options to consider in those situations.

Too many professionals fail to realize that leaving their company or industry during a downturn has a long-term consequence – executives are expected to have experience navigating all the way through a slowdown.

Career Tools Cast #3: What Do You Want To Do? Dec 29, 2008

This cast explains an important career search question, and how to answer it: "What do you want to do, and where do you want to do it?" You're going to be asked this question, and you have to know how to answer it, without limiting yourself. It's one of those fleeting career moments whose outcome is defined likely BEFORE the moment arrives.

Career Tools Cast #2: The First Rule of Higher Education - Get Good Grades Dec 19, 2008

This cast makes the case for the most important thing you do at the beginning of your professional life: get good grades in College/University.
This is the first in a series of what surely will be many Career Tools casts about college and university as preparation for one’s professional adult life. As with so many other things in one’s career, too often we find out what’s important AFTER we can do anything about it. And if you’ve graduated, think about having your children listen. ;‐)

Career Tools Cast #1: How to Handle Location in an Interview Dec 11, 2008

This cast describes a simple way to handle the interviewing question, “What’s your location preference?”

Boss One-on-Ones - Professional Updates Nov 09, 2008

This cast describes a way to approximate One on Ones (O3s) with your boss.

Career Crisis Email Oct 06, 2008

This cast describes your initial communications with a friend or associate whose career is at risk, for whatever reason.

We read in the Wall Street Journal this week about a bank failure in the US due to the mortgage/debt crisis the markets are facing. As it turns out, we have several Manager Tools members there, one of whom is a good friend of ours. Mark sent a quick email to this executive.

When Mark mentioned to another member that he had done so, the member said, “I didn’t want to intrude, so I didn’t say anything.” As Mark asked around some more, he discovered that others felt similarly.

“Didn’t want him to be embarrassed that I knew.”

“Didn’t know what to say.”

“Didn’t think I could help.”

Well, they won’t be embarrassed, here’s what to say, and you CAN help.

And, this cast has a nice surprise ending.

FREE Career Crisis Skills Conference - NYC, 18 October Oct 04, 2008

Manager Tools will present a FREE, one day Career Crisis Skills Conference, on 18 October, to help those affected by the financial and credit market troubles.

We will conduct the training/seminar at the Marriott East Side in Manhattan (map, sw corner 49th and Lex), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be room for 300 attendees on a first come, first served basis. We apologize for the limitations, but we couldn’t get bigger space for a reasonable price fast enough.

This conference will be FREE. We won’t be trying to sell anything in the back of the ballroom. We’re doing this training free to address many of our listeners and members who have called and emailed asking, “What do I do?”

If you yourself can’t make it, please share this information with anyone who might need this free help in the greater NYC area.

We will cover 4 major topics:

Your Resume - The one’s we’ve seen in the last 1-2 weeks needed LOTS of help.

Your Preparation - How to get ready to interview (and improve your resume).

Your Search - Things you can do now, and how to do them.

Your Interviews - All five parts of every interview, what’s going to happen and what to do in each step.

Again, this training is FREE. We’re doing this to help members and other professionals affected by the difficulties in the financial industries recently.

Feel, Felt, Found Sep 14, 2008

This cast describes a simple verbal tool for addressing tension, conflict or other ineffective emotions in the workplace.

Mark has finally gotten around to writing this cast down! Every time Mark teaches this technique to an executive or manager, he turns to Mike and says, “we gotta make this a cast.” And then he doesn’t. When you see this work the first time, you’ll be surprised. In almost any situation, you’ll see a noticeable lessening of the tension. You’ll probably also feel better at moving forward PAST the frustration or difficulties that are being discussed. When you use this with your directs, it often helps begin the process of solution finding.

And to our good friend Rich Ruh, who told Mark this past week at our San Antonio conference that after reading Peter Drucker he was more comfortable around Mark because he realized all these great ideas weren’t Mark’s alone . . . Mark didn’t make this one up either. ;‐)

Business Travel - Packing Aug 03, 2008

For years pundits have been predicting that technology (videoconferencing, etc.) will lead to the decline and death of business travel. We here at Manager Tools don’t agree. We're human, and humans do better with face to face connections to ensure a complex project does well.

John Lucht Interview - Part 3 of 3 Jul 29, 2008

In this cast, we cover part 3 of our conversation with John Lucht, premier executive recruiter and author of "Rites of Passage".

John Lucht Interview - Part 2 of 3 Jul 21, 2008

In this cast, we cover part 2 of our conversation with John Lucht, premier executive recruiter and author of “Rites of Passage”.

Note: John’s website can be found here: RiteSite.com

The MySpace Cast - Part 2 of 2 Jul 19, 2008

In today’s cast, we conclude our conversation on Myspace and social networks. As always, if you’re new to Manager Tools and haven’t listened to the first part, you may wish to go back and listen to that first.

John Lucht Interview - Part 1 of 3 Jul 16, 2008

We have a special treat for you … as a matter of fact, today we’re publishing the very first podcast with someone other than Mark and Mike. Mark and Mike recently had an opportunity to meet with John Lucht. In this show, you get to hear the first part of the 90 minute interview.

If you aren’t familiar with John’s work, you’re missing something special. John Lucht, the author of Rites of Passage, has been an executive recruiter for the past three decades. And when it comes to advice on the ins and outs of job searching, there is none better. Mark and Mike have been huge fans of John’s work for over a decade — listen in to find out why!

Note: John’s website can be found here: RiteSite.com

The MySpace Cast - Part 1 of 2 Jul 14, 2008

This cast gives guidance for managers’ use of Social Networking Sites like MySpace and FaceBook.

If you’re one of our younger listeners, members, or premium subscribers, with less than 5 years in the workforce, chances are you have a MySpace or a FaceBook page. You stay in touch with friends, let people know what you’re doing, share photos, put yourself out there.

And you may have trouble, too.

OR … you’re a manager with one of those people working for you.

And you may have trouble too.

Learn how to get out of trouble in this cast.

Sharing Your References Jul 06, 2008

This cast tells you how to handle requests for your references when engaged in a job search.

Even though “References Available Upon Request” is no longer a good idea, reference CHECKING is on the rise and will only increase in the coming years. It seems like since resumes don’t include the age-old line — the why of which we’ll share — somehow far too many job seekers are caught off-guard by reference requests. Ahh, Horstman’s Christmas Rule!

We’ll tell you how to manage and share your references in this cast. And hey, if you’re maintaining your network, this one is EASY!

Effective Meetings Behavior Part 5 - Posture May 26, 2008

We’re all in meetings all the time, right? So how come there’s not an instruction manual? We all complain about them. But no one seems able or willing to do something about it. We will.

We shared - 3 years ago - our recommendations on how to RUN an Effective Meeting. What about our recommendations for how to behave when you’re NOT running the meeting?

We have a series of recommendations, because meetings take up so much of our professional lives. In this cast, #5 in a series we’ll build up over time, we talk about how to be a participant once the meeting gets started.

How to Remember Names May 12, 2008

This show describes a couple of simple techniques to help you remember people’s names.

Whether we like it or not, other people are part of our professional lives. And, as Dale Carnegie sagely noted, “A person’s name, to that person, is the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

But how to remember them? It vexes the best of us.

And one of the keys: you really don’t have to.

PLEASE NOTE: If you downloaded this show and got part 2 of the Meal Interviews series, I’m sorry. I’ve since corrected the problem. You should now get the correct show.

May 12, 2008 Update: iTunes still showing links to the wrong audio file. Hopefully, iTunes will soon reload the RSS feed and point to the correct file.

May 12, 2008 13:48 GMT Update: iTunes has now refreshed the feed. If you downloaded the wrong show (sorry), you may delete the show within iTunes, refresh the podcast list (alt/option click the disclosure triangle next to the Manager Tools podcast), then download the podcast again by selecting the “Get” button next to the latest show. Sorry for the troubles!

Meal Interviews (Part 2 of 2) May 04, 2008

This podcast is the second of two on the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal.

Meal Interviews (Part 1 of 2) Apr 27, 2008

This podcast details all the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal.

We have NO EXCUSE for why we didn’t do this podcast 2 years ago. We get this question all the time, so much so that we’re making it part of the standard weekly show rather than restricting it to the interview tool. Meal interviews are becoming more and more common, even as they become ever less intelligent as a tool.

The cast is really just a long list of small tips – there is very little overarching strategy to share. The STRATEGY is clear, though, right? It’s an INTERVIEW!

Resume Update 2008 Apr 21, 2008

This cast updates one of our most popular casts Your Resume Stinks [October 31, 2005] with learnings from our community and some timely recommendations regarding recent trends.

And, in this cast, we make a very exciting New Product Announcement!

The Link: Manager Tools Resume Service Description

How to Introduce People Feb 11, 2008

This cast explains how to introduce one person to another in social and business settings.

We surprised some of our members a couple of years ago when we included podcasts on how to attend a party, and how to introduce oneself to someone else. Some saw this as “etiquette”, which the modern business world had, in a sense, done away with. And certainly the world of commerce has changed how people interact, making much of our lives less formal than perhaps they were before.

But at the same time, we’ve also noticed that the blurring of work and family time means more of us are exposed, AT WORK, to situations that call on basic rules of social courtesy. Those managers who do well in these situations are seen as more polished and as better communicators - in short, better future executives.

So, don’t think of this cast as one about “etiquette”. It’s not. It’s about courtesy … and getting promoted.

The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 2 of 2) Jan 27, 2008

This week, we conclude our conversation on the Manager Tools Annual Layoff Immunization Guidelines.

The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 1 of 2) Jan 20, 2008

We received lots of comments and email regarding our show regarding the first rule of layoffs. While our recommendation struck some folks the wrong way - “finances rule??” - those who HAD been laid off told us we were dead solid perfect.

The fact is, we did not expect three years ago to get such positive responses to our casts and advice on careers and career management. We SHOULD have seen it, but we didn’t (and you’ll learn why in this week’s cast). But we are listening, and thus this week’s cast.

In the same way that “Finances Rule” when it comes to being laid off, PREPARATION makes the entire process so much easier. Both of these recommendations stem from a simple principle: decisions of import made under pressure are dangerous.

So, this week: our Annual Layoff Immunization Guidelines.

How to Handle a Group Interview Dec 10, 2007

This cast describes a simple way to handle a group interview.

Interviewing is one of the real tragedies in most companies. It’s so easy to do it well (once you get over the Horstman Curve), but so few are willing to take the time. Oh, sure, everyone wants to complain about lousy output (low retention, poor performance, attitude difficulties, etc.), but no one seems to be willing to think systemically about the problems.

Come to think of it, there are thousands of companies who never get to the idea that turnover, low morale, and poor performance might just be the output of a broken process: interviewing.

And one of the worst ideas in interviewing is GROUP interviews.

But, since you may very well get one at some point, we have a simple (three key points!) set of suggestions to help you make it through.

The Basics of Calendar Management (Part 2 of 2) Dec 03, 2007

This is the second of our casts that describe our recommendations about calendar management.

The Basics of Calendar Management (Part 1 of 2) Nov 26, 2007

This cast describes the first of our recommendations about calendar management.

Getting Laid Off - Finances Rule Nov 19, 2007

This cast reveals the most important concept a laid off manager must know: Finances Rule. it is the first in a series designed to help both prepare for and navigate through a layoff.

Most of us fear being laid off. It’s a good fear to have, frankly - being laid off is a difficult passage for anyone. The fear of being re-employed, the fear of loss of status, the loss of income, risk to one’s family. All good reasons to be scared.

And yet, those who have been laid off express very different emotions than those of us who have not. When those who have been laid off are asked about it, it becomes clear why. It’s not JUST that they’ve, “been through it once and I made it.” It’s what they THEN say: “I’m ready this time.”

And that’s why you’re scared: you’re not ready.

This cast tells you how to start getting ready. And, our entire series about layoffs will be geared to helping everyone get prepared, and helping those that DO get laid off make it through successfully.

How to Leave a Voicemail Oct 15, 2007

This cast describes how to leave an effective voicemail.

If you’ve ever gotten a voicemail which sounded like, “[your name], this is [their name], call me,” you know why we’re doing this cast.

Phone manners have been steadily decreasing for decades. When boys used to call for Mark’s daughter Kate, they would slouch verbally through, “Is Kate there?” and Mark would answer, “Yes,” and hang up. He safely assumed that any person who asked that question was a boy, and not enough of a gentleman to be allowed to speak with her. (At first she rolled her eyes, but later she liked the hurdle that Mark’s demand created: those boys that never got it ended up being…well, boys.)

What about at work? The “Bob this is Joe call me” is only one example. It ranks right up there with “saw that you called, what’s up?” answered with, “did you, errrrr…listen to my voicemail?”

In this cast, we have recommendations for how to leave a voicemail. We think of this as the first cast on phone skills…out of several hundred to come.

How to be Effective in Everyday Conversations Oct 01, 2007

In this cast, we describe how to be effective in everyday conversations.

How to Answer the Leadership Style Question Sep 27, 2007

This cast describes how to answer the interviewing question, “Describe Your Leadership Style.”

This is perhaps the third most important interviewing question, after, “Tell me about yourself,” and behavioral questions. It can be a tough one if you haven’t done some thinking about how you lead and motivate others, and why others perform well when you are leading them.

In this cast, we walk through how to prepare to answer, and how to deliver an impressive answer. Finally, at the end of the show, we share a crucial test that your answer must pass. While you already know the answer to the test, it still catches most people off guard.

Horstman’s Wager (Part 2 of 2) Sep 24, 2007

Today, we cover the 2nd in a two-part series on Horstman’s Wager.

Last week we covered the basics as to why “Playing the Game” doesn’t work … today we get into the details of the dreaded Horstman’s Wager MATRIX.

During the show, we refer to the printed matrix included in the slides for this series. Although the slides are typically only available to premium members, given how much easier having the slides can make following this particular podcast, we’ve made this week’s slides available to everyone … enjoy!

Horstman’s Wager (Part 1 of 2) Sep 17, 2007

This cast is about interview preparation, and the need for ethics and candor during the process.

We’ve been pleased by the demand for our interviewing product - close to 1,000 purchases so far, and the early feedback has been quite powerful. If you would like to read what folks are saying, you can see that here. And, if you’d like to order, you can do that here.

One of the tenets that distinguishes the casts is its emphasis on preparation. One of the Forum posts actually suggests that folks buy before they think they need it, because many of our suggestions require time to implement (it can take months, done right).

BUT… there are those who disagree. There are interviewees who believe that the key to interviewing is to “play the game”. Many of these folks will tell you that the way to prepare is learn about the company (false, and proven so in Lesson #1), so that one can “be what the company wants”.

Those who have suggested that to Mark meet with his famous response: “you’ve never seen Horstman’s Wager, have you?”

In this cast, we’ll discuss Horstman’s Wager: why “playing the game” is the kiss of death in interviewing.

How to Handle Pre-employment Testing Aug 27, 2007

More and more, companies are using psychological and behavioral tests as pre-employment screening devices. They supplement their interviewing processes in order to ensure less false-positives.This is wise, in our judgment, based on what we see of interviewing. Too many companies don’t screen rigorously enough, and have started enlisting more cerebral and/or technical techniques to be certain of new hires.

Even if you haven’t experienced one yet, it’s becoming more and more likely.

What does this mean for you? What’s the best way to approach and be successful at pre-employment tests? This is Manager Tools, and we’ll walk you through it.

How to Take Notes Jul 02, 2007

This cast describes an effective way to take notes.

If you go to meetings all the time… no, wait. BECAUSE you go to meetings all the time, you need an effective way to take notes. There are certainly a LOT of different ways to do so, but if you ask a hundred or so executives, some common themes emerge about what works and why. For most of us, we write too much, and get too little value, for all the wrong reasons.

We figure, at 10 meetings a week - and we KNOW you go to more than that, it ends up being 5,000 meetings every decade… so maybe 25,000 meetings CONSERVATIVELY in your professional career.

In other words, whether you realize it or not, you need to be good at taking and using your notes.

Write More Effectively (Part 2 of 2) Apr 16, 2007

Today, we finish up our two part series on writing effectively.

Write More Effectively (Part 1 of 2) Apr 09, 2007

This cast teaches how to improve your writing quickly.

How to Write a Thank You Note Mar 26, 2007

We’ve talked about thank you notes hundreds of times. They are fast becoming a nearly lost art. That’s too bad, because they are always appreciated. We know too many managers and professionals who keep them for years! Mark often talks about the basket under his desk full of cards, which he reads when he’s having a bad day. It reminds him things are not so bad.

“Many a friendship — long, loyal, and self-sacrificing — rested at first upon no thicker a foundation than a kind word.”

Frederick W. Faber

We consider thank you notes a part of every manager’s career and management toolkit. Here’s how to write them.

Additional Note: For those of you not close to a stationer or prefer the web, we recommend Crane’s, Dempsey & Carroll, and Mrs. John L. Strong. Crane’s is the classic American stationary provider, famous for their paper quality. Further, a quick suggestion: a higher rag or cotton content in your nicer stationery makes all the difference.

How to Handle the Interview Weakness Question Jan 22, 2007

Mark recently blogged about the crazy advice being given - by the Wall Street Journal! - about how to handle the perennial interviewing question, “Tell me about a weakness.” He was stunned by how wrong some of the suggestions were, as well as the implication that a clever interviewee could trick the interviewing manager into accepting a non-responsive answer. We think it’s funny how many folks think that “they” can fool “their” interviewer, but of course, if “they” were the one “interviewing”, why, “that would be different”.

Yeah right.

In this cast, we share one of the best interviewing answer templates you’ll ever hear. It’s simple, elegant, easy to deliver, and surprise, surprise: it directly answers the question.

How to Politely Become Part of a Group Nov 13, 2006

We’ve talked about the importance of interpersonal skills before, with casts on handshakes and meal etiquette. While for many, they might not sound like managerial subjects, the fact is that career management skills are part of the modern manager’s repertoire. And, as surely you’ve read, business gets done at dinner, at parties, at conferences, at conventions, at product launch events, at annual meetings, on the golf course, and at non-profit fund raisers.

So what do you when you walk into a party and you don’t seem to know anyone there?

In this cast, we walk through a simple technique for introducing yourself into a small group in an unobtrusive, polite fashion. Everyone can do it … of course, the question is, will you? Are you willing to stand in the corner and have everyone think you painfully shy, and therefore surely not managerial or executive material?

Interviews - The Introduction Oct 31, 2006

Well, once again, we’re barely getting this out in time to call it an October cast. But, I think you’ll find it worth the wait. This month, Mark and I want to share a cast from our upcoming Interviewing techniques product. This particular cast is one out of 14 casts on Interviewing.

In this cast, you’ll learn how to handle the crucial first five to ten minutes of any interview - Introductions. It is absolutely true that this is a critical part of the interview - first impressions are being formed, and I’d bet 75% of interviewers have a strong indication of how it’s going to go by the time this portion is done. That translates into our gut feeling that this is where 75% of technical interviewees fail. It’s THAT important.

There are essentially four parts to the Introduction:

Immediate Preparation
Entering the Room
Your Greeting
The Introductory Conversation

Do YOU Need to Apologize? Oct 09, 2006

You’re a manager, and that makes you human. You’re human, and that makes you mess up. You mess up, and that means you apologize.

It’s really that simple. So how come no one seems to apologize anymore?

Unfortunately, for all kinds of reasons, the art of apologizing has fallen from favor. We think the primary reason is about power - most people mistakenly believe that when they apologize, they’re admitting weakness. In fact, an apology is almost considered to be an incredible show of strength. If you’re apologizing, then you and the recipient must both know that you’ve made a mistake, or created an awkward situation. You’re already in the dog house. Failing to apologize doesn’t say it didn’t happen. it says you don’t think it’s a big deal. And if your boss or associate or team member thinks it IS a big deal, you have - YOU have - just made your first mistake into a double header.

And another reason is that managers don’t know how to apologize, and that’s why Manager Tools is here.

In this cast, we share an elegant three and a half step apology, and talk about some of the misconceptions and glaring errors associated with saying one regrets one’s error. There are three parts:

What Not To Do
The Right Mindset
What to Say And How To Say It

Regretlessly,

Mark and Mike

Contacting Recruiters Oct 02, 2006

In a previous cast, we talked about how many managers don’t understand the importance of taking recruiters’ calls, and walked through step by step (hey, this is Manager Tools) how to handle those calls. What to say, and what to learn, and how to proceed.

But there’s another side to the recruiting relationship, isn’t there? What if you want to contact a recruiter, without waiting for them to call you? Maybe you’re recognizing a change in opportunities where you are, or you want to move in a different direction, or perhaps it’s as simple as suddenly inheriting a terrible boss, and alarm bells are going off in your head.

How does one contact a recruiter? What are the basics to consider, and how does one approach them when you’re going to initiate contact? It’s easy if you do it step by step, the Manager Tools way!

Note: During the show, we mentioned we would post a couple of links to some recruiter resources. Hunt-Scanlon is a provider of information about the executive recruiting business - great resource for access to recruiters. Kennedy is a well known technology executive recruiting firm.

Accomplishments - Connecting Resumes and Interviews Sep 20, 2006

Most folks just don’t realize HOW important resumes are, and not just as pieces of paper.

In our Resume Cast, we talked about the PURPOSE of resumes: to create an interview. Now just imagine…wouldn’t it be great if its value didn’t end there? It doesn’t! yes, the resume itself gets you the chance to sell yourself, but buried in the resume are the PERFECT seeds of success, if you’ve followed our guidance.

Listen in to an interesting cast about how your resume and your interviews can be perfectly connected.

Meal Etiquette (Part 2 of 2) Sep 11, 2006

Can there possibly be anything more to say about business meal etiquette?

Yep! Today we conclude our 2-part series on Meal Etiquette.

Meal Etiquette (Part 1 of 2) Sep 04, 2006

Good business practice demands good relationships - with customers, suppliers, team members, and bosses. And good relationships usually means breaking bread together. So, are you up to speed on how to have a business meal? Or even worse, HOST the meal yourself?

You are? GOOD! Then you already know when to start talking business, and whether it’s different at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You know how much alcohol to drink, and how many glasses of wine there are in a bottle. And the ideal way to pay for a meal, or what to do when the check comes. If you know all THAT, then we bet you also know where to seat your guests, and yourself, whether there are 2 or three of you. And, of course, what to order, and what NOT to order. Soup, you say? NO.

And if you’re not sure… that’s why there’s a Manager Tools podcast covering all that and more.

Preparing For Your Review (Part 2 of 2) Aug 10, 2006

Today we cover the 2nd part of our series on Preparing For Your Review. After you’ve listened to the podcast, I think you’ll agree that if you follow this simple process you will be in a position to not only get the best possible review possible this year, you will also have all the information you need to improve your performance (and your next review!) over the coming year.

And, as a reminder, you’ll find a number of documents to assist you in this process in the Tools section under Preparing for Your Review Documents.

A complete transcript of the entire show
A Powerpoint presentation (in PDF form) with a detailed outline of the review preparation process
A detailed note-taking form to guide you through the process.

How to Resign (Part 3 of 3) Aug 06, 2006

Today’s show is the third and final part of our series on resigning. If you have to resign, distinguish yourself my resigning professionally. With the completion of this series, you now know how!

How to Resign (Part 2 of 3) Jul 31, 2006

Today, we follow-up with part 2 of our 3-part series on Resigning. Usually not a lot of fun contemplating, and certainly no more fun executing. However, IF you have to do it, there IS a professional way to resign. You CAN leave your job and feel good about HOW you did it, AND leave a great impression on the way out. Now, how often does that happen in your workplace today?

How to Resign (Part 1 of 3) Jul 24, 2006

Today’s show is an interesting one … At least once in your career, and perhaps as many as five times, you’re going to have to resign from a position. And this is another one of those tasks or responsibilities that no one talks about, no one knows how to do, and therefore many do it poorly.

It’s not hard to do well, and in this series of casts, we make it a simple step by step process. If you’re thinking that you already know how, consider that we recommend you need SIX WEEKS to do it well.

Basics of Mentoring - Part 2 of 2 Jun 26, 2006

Today we cover the second in our 2-part series on mentoring. As a reminder, our 7 simple guidelines for mentoring are:

Whom Should I Ask?
How Long Should It Last?
You Make the Ask
How Does It Work?
You Run It
The First Meeting is Critical - Script It
Be Ready For Feedback

Also, June 26th represents the 1-year Anniversary of Manager Tools. We previously discussed having a special second part of today’s podcast where we would discuss our thoughts about this last year, as well as discuss our plans for the coming year. Unfortunately, the “discussion” was an hour long! So, rather than bundle it with this podcast and create an incredibly large download, we will release an additional podcast in the next day or two with that discussion. Look for it in your podcast player of choice shortly!

Basics of Mentoring - Part 1 of 2 Jun 19, 2006

Every week, we get questions about people’s resumes on the discussion boards. Our resume casts are some of the most wanted of all our work. It’s pretty obvious that more and more folks are tuned into their own careers, and how to manage them. That’s a good thing, as we’ve said before, because no one else is managing it for you. And, because so few people manage their careers at all, it only takes a little to get a competitive advantage.

We thought we’d address a career management topic that also leverages our recent cast about building your network. We want to discuss the basics of Mentoring.

There’s a lot of different aspects of mentoring. In fact, we have a future show scheduled on how to use mentoring as part of an organizational talent management and development and succession planning program. Believe us, we’re not big fans of corporate plans..but there is a way to do it that is easy and very powerful. Stay tuned for that cast.

This week (and next), though, it’s just the basics. After we talk some big picture stuff, we’ll give you some basic guidelines. In our traditional manner, we’ll cover 7 simple guidelines:

Whom Should I Ask?
How Long Should It Last?
You Make the Ask
How Does It Work?
You Run It
The First Meeting is Critical - Script It
Be Ready For Feedback

Time Management (Part 2 of 2) May 22, 2006

Today, we cover the second in a two-part series of podcasts on Time Management.

Time Management (Part 1 of 2) May 15, 2006

The first of two podcasts on Time management.

Building a Network May 09, 2006

If you’re a manager, don’t think for a moment that someone else is managing your career. Those days are long gone. YOU are managing your career. What you do - not only in job skills, but also in what we call “Transition Skills” - will be the primary determinant of your career success. You’re not going to have the richest, most rewarding series of roles and opportunities by allowing someone in HR to know enough about you to get you where you need to be. And succession planning won’t save you either.

And one of the most important of the Transition Skills is Building And Maintaining Your Network. Most people are terrible at it. We know this because they have no network.

Now, notice that we did NOT say that the skill was “networking”. That term conjures up schmoozing, and cocktail parties, and too many people don’t like it. So, we’re not suggesting you do that.

We’re suggesting you Build and Maintain Your Network. It only takes THREE SIMPLE SKILLS, and we’ll walk through them.

Oh, yeah … and there’s a blooper in the show. Did you catch it?

Secrets of a Great Handshake Apr 17, 2006

The hand shake is the most important professional greetings in the world today. There are many cultures in the world, and there are places to bow, and places to hug, and places where cheek-kissing is perfectly appropriate. The handshake, though is the preferred greeting for most of our audience.

If you’re going to do business in the world, or if you’re a manager at a multi-national corporation, you need to know how to shake hands. This cast will teach you in excruciating (grin) detail.

The Ten Steps to a Great Handshake

Make Eye Contact
Smile
Move Forward
Left Foot Forward
Elbow IN!
Web to Web
Push Them Back
Grip the Bat
1-2 Pumps Only
Let Go

Some No-Nos

No double handed grips
No shoulder clasp
Do NOT move your hand side to side in any way
No pulling

I am sure it makes me seem terribly nerdy to break a handshake down this way… but it works, and we know lots of folks want to know, but don’t know where to go. This is one case where if you go to the world wide web, you’ll be reminded of why we started Manager Tools. What passes for training or guidance is almost always irreproducible.

Micro-Communications Feb 05, 2006

We talked recently about managerial communications, looking at the various ways you as a manager can deliver your message and the organization's messages to your team. There's more to talk about there, but we're going to tackle a different type of communication this time.

Micro-Communications - Part 2 Feb 13, 2006

Last week, we discussed the "Listening" side of communications. This week, we cover the other side, the "Responding" side. Of course, responding when you're in agreement is the easy part. However, how do you respond when you disagree or there is potential conflict? That, my friend, is what this week's podcast is about!

Self Development Nov 12, 2005

In this special podcast for our registered subscribers, we're going to share our first set of recommendations in self-development. We believe that you cannot consider yourself an effective, professional manager unless you engage in regular reading. To that end, we have a suite of recommended reading, both periodicals and books, and some suggestions on how to fit them into your schedule.

Your Resume Stinks! Oct 30, 2005

This week's podcast addresses a topic that many of you might be surprised about: your resume.

Got Email? Sep 13, 2005

Got Email? Of course - what manager doesn't? We know managers who get 200 (or more!) emails every day. Email is a necessary evil in the corporate management world, and highly effective managers know how to get the most out of their email WITHOUT spending too much time on it. In our latest podcast, we talk about how to make your technology work for you, and how you can spend less time on email while getting more done.

Solution to a Stalled Technical Career Jun 27, 2005

Mike and Mark discuss a friend's stalled technical career. What's the secret to reinvigorating his career?

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