Career Tools
Episodes
Attention Management – Distractions, Part 2
10 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 of our series on Attention Management - Distractions.
Attention Management – Distractions, Part 1
03 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Responding To An Internal Interview Request
26 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 eq...
Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 5
20 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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
12 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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
05 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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
26 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 1
20 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
New Job Day One - Do It Yourself
12 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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
06 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
This cast explains how to improve an especially important relationship during economic downturns: your boss's peers.
Gossip Avoidance
29 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
This cast explains how to handle gossip in the workplace.
The Dangle
22 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes a recruiting “technique” called the “Dangle”, and how to combat it.
The 2nd Rule of Effective Project Team Members
15 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Maintaining Recruiter Relationships
08 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
This cast explains an effective way to maintain relationships with professional recruiters. In today’s slow economy, we don’t want to NEED a re...
The Downturn Rite of Passage
03 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
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 situ...
Career Tools Cast #3: What Do You Want To Do?
29 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Career Tools Cast #2: The First Rule of Higher Education - Get Good Grades
19 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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. Th...
Career Tools Cast #1: How to Handle Location in an Interview
11 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes a simple way to handle the interviewing question, “What’s your location preference?”
Boss One-on-Ones - Professional Updates
09 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes a way to approximate One on Ones (O3s) with your boss.
Career Crisis Email
06 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
I Hate My New Job
22 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes steps to take when you realize early in a job that you don’t like it. One of the things that has changed as individuals have...
Feel, Felt, Found
14 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes a simple verbal tool for addressing tension, conflict or other ineffective emotions in the workplace. Mark has finally gotten arou...
Business Travel - Packing
03 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
For years pundits have been predicting that technology (videoconferencing, etc.) will lead to the decline and death of business travel. We here at Ma...
John Lucht Interview - Part 3 of 3
29 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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
21 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In this cast, we cover part 2 of our conversation with John Lucht, premier executive recruiter and author of “Rites of Passage”. Note: Joh...
The MySpace Cast - Part 2 of 2
19 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
John Lucht Interview - Part 1 of 3
16 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The MySpace Cast - Part 1 of 2
14 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast gives guidance for managers’ use of Social Networking Sites like MySpace and FaceBook. If you’re one of our younger listeners, m...
Sharing Your References
06 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast tells you how to handle requests for your references when engaged in a job search. Even though “References Available Upon Request̶...
Effective Meetings Behavior Part 5 - Posture
26 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Remember Names
12 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Meal Interviews (Part 2 of 2)
04 May 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is the second of two on the subtleties associated with being interviewed during a meal.
Meal Interviews (Part 1 of 2)
27 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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 y...
Resume Update 2008
21 Apr 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This cast updates one of our most popular casts Your Resume Stinks [October 31, 2005] with learnings from our community and some timely recommendation...
How to Introduce People
11 Feb 2008
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 2 of 2)
27 Jan 2008
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we conclude our conversation on the Manager Tools Annual Layoff Immunization Guidelines.
The Annual Layoff Immunization (Part 1 of 2)
20 Jan 2008
Contributed by Lukas
We received lots of comments and email regarding our show regarding the first rule of layoffs. While our recommendation struck some folks the wrong w...
How to Handle a Group Interview
10 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Basics of Calendar Management (Part 2 of 2)
03 Dec 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of our casts that describe our recommendations about calendar management.
The Basics of Calendar Management (Part 1 of 2)
26 Nov 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes the first of our recommendations about calendar management.
Getting Laid Off - Finances Rule
19 Nov 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
How to Leave a Voicemail
15 Oct 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes how to leave an effective voicemail. If you’ve ever gotten a voicemail which sounded like, “[your name], this is [their...
How to be Effective in Everyday Conversations
01 Oct 2007
Contributed by Lukas
In this cast, we describe how to be effective in everyday conversations.
How to Answer the Leadership Style Question
27 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This cast describes how to answer the interviewing question, “Describe Your Leadership Style.” This is perhaps the third most important...
Horstman's Wager - 2025
24 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This cast is about interview preparation, and the need for ethics and candor during the process.
Horstman’s Wager (Part 2 of 2)
24 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Horstman’s Wager (Part 1 of 2)
17 Sep 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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 interv...
How to Handle Pre-employment Testing
27 Aug 2007
Contributed by Lukas
More and more, companies are using psychological and behavioral tests as pre-employment screening devices. They supplement their interviewing process...
How to Take Notes
02 Jul 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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, y...
Write More Effectively (Part 2 of 2)
16 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we finish up our two part series on writing effectively.
Write More Effectively (Part 1 of 2)
09 Apr 2007
Contributed by Lukas
This cast teaches how to improve your writing quickly.
How to Write a Thank You Note
26 Mar 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to Handle the Interview Weakness Question (2025)
22 Jan 2007
Contributed by Lukas
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: ...
How to Handle the Interview Weakness Question
22 Jan 2007
Contributed by Lukas
Mark recently blogged about the crazy advice being given - by the Wall Street Journal! - about how to handle the perennial interviewing question, R...
How to Politely Become Part of a Group
13 Nov 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve talked about the importance of interpersonal skills before, with casts on handshakes and meal etiquette. While for many, they might not s...
Interviews - The Introduction
31 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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 mon...
Do YOU Need to Apologize?
09 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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. It̵...
Contacting Recruiters
02 Oct 2006
Contributed by Lukas
In a previous cast, we talked about how many managers don’t understand the importance of taking recruiters’ calls, and walked through step...
Accomplishments - Connecting Resumes and Interviews
20 Sep 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Most folks just don't realize HOW important resumes are, and not just as pieces of paper. In our Resume Cast (Your Resume Stinks), we talked about the...
Meal Etiquette (Part 2 of 2)
11 Sep 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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)
04 Sep 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Good business practice demands good relationships - with customers, suppliers, team members, and bosses. And good relationships usually means breakin...
Preparing For Your Review (Part 2 of 2)
10 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to Resign - Part 2 (2025)
06 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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 one of those tasks or res...
How to Resign - Part 1 (2025)
06 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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 one of those tasks or res...
How to Resign (Part 3 of 3)
06 Aug 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Preparing for YOUR Review (Part 1 of 2)
31 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We spent a lot of time at the end of last year talking about how to write someone else’s review.What should you do to prepare for your own?Think of ...
How to Resign (Part 2 of 3)
31 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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. Howe...
How to Resign (Part 1 of 3)
24 Jul 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Basics of Mentoring - Part 2 of 2
26 Jun 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Today we cover the second in our 2-part series on mentoring. Also, June 26th represents the 1-year Anniversary of Manager Tools. We previously discu...
Basics of Mentoring - Part 1 of 2
19 Jun 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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 prett...
Time Management (Part 2 of 2)
22 May 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we cover the second in a two-part series of podcasts on Time Management.
Time Management (Part 1 of 2)
15 May 2006
Contributed by Lukas
The first of two podcasts on Time management.
Building a Network
09 May 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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. Wh...
Secrets of a Great Handshake
17 Apr 2006
Contributed by Lukas
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, an...
Micro-Communications - Part 2
13 Feb 2006
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, we discussed the "Listening" side of communications. This week, we cover the other side, the "Responding" side. Of course, responding whe...
Micro-Communications
05 Feb 2006
Contributed by Lukas
We talked recently about managerial communications, looking at the various ways you as a manager can deliver your message and the organization's messa...
Self Development
12 Nov 2005
Contributed by Lukas
In this special podcast for our registered subscribers, we're going to share our first set of recommendations in self-development. We believe that yo...
How to Prepare Your Resume (Your Resume Stinks!) - Part 1
31 Oct 2005
Contributed by Lukas
Your resume, regardless of the baggage associated with it, is probably your most critical career management document. While it's not something you oug...
How to Prepare Your Resume (Your Resume Stinks!) (Hall Of Fame Guidance)
30 Oct 2005
Contributed by Lukas
This week's podcast addresses a topic that many of you might be surprised about: your resume.
Got Email? - Part 2 (2025)
13 Sep 2005
Contributed by Lukas
In this 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.
Got Email? - Part 1 (2025)
13 Sep 2005
Contributed by Lukas
In this 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.
Got Email?
13 Sep 2005
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Solution to a Stalled Technical Career
27 Jun 2005
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Mark discuss a friend's stalled technical career. What's the secret to reinvigorating his career?