Manager Tools

Manager Tools Feedback Model - Updated - Part 3

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the...

Manager Tools Feedback Model - Updated - Part 2

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the...

Manager Tools Feedback Model - Updated - Part 1

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance describing the most effective method of letting your directs know how they are performing: Feedback. Feedback shows someone the...

Manager Tools One On Ones - Updated - Part 3

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meeting...

Manager Tools One On Ones - Updated - Part 2

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meeting...

Manager Tools One On Ones - Updated - Part 1

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our detailed guidance on how to conduct the most important "manager tool" we've ever known or seen: Manager Tools One On Ones. These meeting...

The Proactive Manager - Chapter 2 - Meetings - Part 2

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Proactive Manager - Chapter 2 - Meetings - Part 1

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Proactive Manager - Chapter 1 - Reporting - Part 2

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Proactive Manager - Chapter 1 - Reporting - Part 1

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Choose a Managerial Successor - Part 2

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Choose a Managerial Successor - Part 1

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Power of Understanding In Relationships - Part 2

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Getting Chewed Out In Public

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Power of Understanding In Relationships - Part 1

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

"My Directs Are Too Busy" - Part 2

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

"My Directs Are Too Busy" - Part 1

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Handle A Sudden Demotion

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guidance on how to handle a sudden demotion.

Educate Your Directs On Performance Reviews Early - Part 2

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Educate Your Directs On Performance Reviews Early - Part 1

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Salary Discussions 2x2 Matrix Tool - Part 2

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Salary Discussions 2x2 Matrix Tool - Part 1

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Yes Or No Questions (YONKERS)

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You're going to get asked yes or no questions, and there are only three effective answers. Anything else is unprofessional, and what might be interpre...

Assumptive Goal Setting - HOF 2024

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

How to Set Annual Goals - HOF 2023

25 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Folly Of Rebranding Feedback - Part 2

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on rebranding feedback.

The Folly Of Rebranding Feedback - Part 1

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Effective Executive/Efficient Assistant - Part 3 - 2023

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Effective Executive/Efficient Assistant - Part 2 - 2023

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Effective Executive/Efficient Assistant - Part 1 - 2023

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Preparing Performance Reviews - Part 2 - HOF 2023

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the end of the year. Most managers we know are thinking about the holidays... and annual reviews. After years of managing, training and consultin...

Preparing Performance Reviews - Part 1 - HOF 2023

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the end of the year. Most managers we know are thinking about the holidays... and annual reviews. After years of managing, training and consultin...

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 10

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 9

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 8

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 7

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 6

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 5

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 4

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 3

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 2

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter 3 - The Questions - Part 1

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

"It's Not My Fault"

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many directs' common response to negative feedback is to say, "It's not my fault." It's understandable, it's self protective, but it also completely ...

Feedback Is Insurance

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Secrets of a Great Handshake - 2023

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guidance on having a great handshake.

Don't Throw A Blanket Over Your Team

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter Two - Response And Conflicts

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now that you've gotten your engagement survey results back, how do you respond? In this guidance, we take an actual engagement survey, question by que...

Business Travel - Packing - Part 2 - 2023

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Business Travel - Packing - Part 1 - 2023

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

How To Action Engagement Survey Results - Chapter One - Dimensions

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now that you've gotten your engagement survey results back, how do you respond? In this guidance, we take an actual engagement survey, question by que...

How To Handle Body Odor - Part 2 - 2023

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on how to handle body odor.

How To Handle Body Odor - Part 1 - 2023

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance on how to handle body odor.

Culture Chapter 2 - Core Behaviors - Part 2

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on culture core behaviors.

Culture Chapter 2 - Core Behaviors - Part 1

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance on culture core behaviors.

How to Write a Thank You Note - 2023

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guidance on thank you notes.

How To Master Your Response To Your Engagement Survey - Part 5

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 5 our guidance on Engagement Surveys.

How To Master Your Response To Your Engagement Survey - Part 4

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 4 our guidance on Engagement Surveys.

How To Master Your Response To Your Engagement Survey - Part 3

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 our guidance on Engagement Surveys.

How To Master Your Response To Your Engagement Survey - Part 2

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 our guidance on Engagement Surveys.

How To Master Your Response To Your Engagement Survey - Part 1

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 our guidance on Engagement Surveys.

Behavioral Effectiveness and MTDISC - Example 1 - Part 2

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our MTDISC behavioral effectiveness example one.

Behavioral Effectiveness and MTDISC - Example 1 - Part 1

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our MTDISC behavioral effectiveness example one.

You Don't Deserve a Promotion

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You Don't Deserve a Promotion

Developing Professionals - Chapter 1 - Housekeeping

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are rules for how to conduct oneself professionally. It's part of a manager's job to teach them to our employees.

How To Lay Off A Direct - Part 4

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 4 of our guidance on how to prepare for and communicate a layoff effectively and compassionately.

How To Lay Off A Direct - Part 3

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our guidance on how to prepare for and communicate a layoff effectively and compassionately.

How To Lay Off A Direct - Part 2

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on how to prepare for and communicate a layoff effectively and compassionately.

How To Lay Off A Direct - Part 1

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance on how to prepare for and communicate a layoff effectively and compassionately.

Culture Chapter 1 - Culture Is Behavior

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Culture is an often discussed topic in management and leadership circles. But culture is not what most managers and leaders think.

The Big 4 of Performance Communications - Part 3

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our guidance on the big 4 of performance communications.

The Big 4 of Performance Communications - Part 2

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on the big 4 of performance communications.

The Big 4 of Performance Communications - Part 1

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance on the big 4 of performance communications.

Never Believe The First Report From The Front

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You're going to get a lot of input as a manager. There are all kinds of reasons for this, but the answer is almost always the same: the first thing to...

Hiring Is Not An HR Process - Chapter 2 - Part 3

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our chapter two guidance on hiring is not an HR process.

Hiring Is Not An HR Process - Chapter 2 - Part 2

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our chapter two guidance on hiring is not an HR process.

Hiring Is Not An HR Process - Chapter 2 - Part 1

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our chapter two guidance on hiring is not an HR process.

Assumptive Goal Setting - HOF 2022

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

How to Set Annual Goals - HOF 2022

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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

The Manager Tools Interview Creation Tool

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Manager Tools Interview Creation Tool will make you a better interviewer, and teach your team how to interview.

The Effective Manager Has a Playbook - Part 3

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 3 of our guidance on the manager playbook.

Delivering The Performance Review - HOF 2022

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our Hall of Fame guidance on delivering a performance review.

Preparing Performance Reviews - HOF 2022

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're re-releasing one of our Hall of Fame casts on how to prepare performance reviews.

The Effective Manager Has a Playbook - Part 2

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance on the manager playbook.

The Effective Manager Has a Playbook - Part 1

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance on the manager playbook.

Good Lieutenants Make Good Captains - Chapter 2 - The Trinity

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our chapter two guidance on improving your chances of being promoted by being a good lieutenant.

Good Lieutenants Make Good Captains - Chapter 1 - Part 2

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our chapter one guidance on improving your chances of being promoted by being a good lieutenant.

Good Lieutenants Make Good Captains - Chapter 1 - Part 1

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our chapter one guidance on improving your chances of being promoted by being a good lieutenant.

Project Management - Reporting - Chapter One - Part 2

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our chapter one guidance on project management reporting.

Project Management - Reporting - Chapter One - Part 1

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our chapter one guidance on project management reporting.

Winning The Feedback "Argument"

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Too many managers give negative feedback by trying to win an argument about what happened. It never works.

My Directs Aren't Addressing My Agenda in One On Ones

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Managers and Directs often have different agendas in our One On Ones. Here's what to do about it.

The Three Levels of Presentation Mastery

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody thinks content knowledge is what makes for a good presenter. They're wrong, and that's why most of them stink as presenters. Especially trai...

The Kernel of Strategy - Part 2 (MT)

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our interview with Richard Rumelt, strategy professor at UCLA Anderson and author of Good Strategy/Bad Strategy.

The Kernel of Strategy - Part 1 (MT)

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our interview with Richard Rumelt, strategy professor at UCLA Anderson and author of Good Strategy/Bad Strategy.

Behavior is What Matters (MT)

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This cast describes how and why behavior is the primary focus of an effective professional and/or manager.

DISC Overview (MT)

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our overview of DISC.

2022 Recruitment Update - Part 2 (MT)

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our guidance for the 2022 employment market.

2022 Recruitment Update - Part 1 (MT)

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our guidance for the 2022 employment market.

Special Cast - Succession Planning

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this cast, Mark and Mike talk about their plans for the future of Manager Tools.

How to Prewire a Meeting - HOF 2022

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our Hall of Fame guidance on preparing for meetings or presentations where you need to persuade.