The Management Tip of the Day :Three Questions to Ask a New Boss

April 10, 2014 When you start working with a new manager, asking how she likes to operate can help you build a productive relationship. Your boss may not think to articulate her management style, so asking thoughtful questions will demonstrate your attentiveness and interest in efficiency.  “Do you prefer that information be delivered formally or informally?” If she prefers the former, prepare documents in advance of meetings and send frequent updates on assigned projects. If the latter, don’t clog her inbox; update her at crucial junctures or when you need guidance. “How do you like to process information?” She may like to hear it and respond in person, or to see it in writing before a conversation. “How would you describe your management style?” If she likes to have a hand in day-to-day operations and decision-making, touch base often. If she’d rather delegate, keep her posted on major developments, but handle most details on your own. Adapted from Managing Up (20-Minute Manager Series).

The Management Tip of the Day : Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

February 18, 2014 Moving beyond our comfort zones is how we can best learn and grow.  To develop the courage to take a leap, and the skill and ability to actually pull it off:  Understand what’s in it for you to motivate yourself. Brainstorm how working on this tough behavior — networking, perhaps, or public speaking — can advance your career or help you reach other goals. Then, customize a plan to take control of a situation instead of being overwhelmed by it. If, for example, you’re an introvert who dreads networking events, instead of feeling pressured to meet everyone, focus on a few people and actually try to get to know them, or aim to make initial contacts with the goal of following up in a more comfortable setting. Adapted from “Get Out of Your Comfort Zone: A Guide for the Terrified” by Andy Molinsky.

The Management Tip of The Day :Use This Test Before Connecting With Someone on LinkedIn

October 03, 2013

Even committed LinkedIn users can be uncertain of which connection requests to accept or extend.

 It’s possible to connect to almost anyone—but that doesn’t mean you should. Instead, think about the two-way quality of your relationships. 

Use a filter to help you connect to those people who will be able to help you, or whom you would be willing to help. 

Try the “favor test”: Would you do a favor for this person, or ask a favor of them? If so, make the connection. If not, take a pass. 

If you're consistent in applying the favor test and selective about which connections you initiate and accept, you can tap LinkedIn’s power as an introduction machine: an address book in which all the entries can see and connect with one another, and a network that’s efficient in supporting your professional goals. 

Adapted from “Should I Accept that LinkedIn Invitation?” by Alexandra Samuel.

The Management Tip of the Day : 2 Unconventional Questions to Ask a Job Applicant

HBR ;September 13, 2013 Gauging a potential employee's skills and suitability is tricky when you don’t have much time.  But there are ways to take interviewees out of their comfort zones and encourage the kind of candor that will enable you to find the best fits.  Try using these takes on standard interview questions: "What don't you want to be doing five years from now?" Asking the question this way forces an applicant to think on his feet, revealing a lot about his adaptability. "What would you say is the biggest misperception people have of you?"  Top candidates will have a high level of self-awareness and won’t have trouble answering this.  They’ll also understand that perception is reality in many cases, and may already have a plan to address it. Adapted from “How to Separate the Winners from the Spinners,” by Chris Smith and Chris Stephenson.