The Griper – March 31st

by Jon | Apr 3, 2023

Ever been around a peer manager or boss who complains about something all the time? They can only see what is not going well, how hassled they are, how inept other people are. Every time you try to interact with them the griping gates open...

What If They Are Disappointed? – March 1st

by Jon | Mar 2, 2023

I’m sure we’ve all been here…something like this: We have an open position for an assistant manager in our department. One of our loyal yet still developing clerks has applied. They are enthusiastic, committed yet very new without a...

They are my friend – February 2

by Jon | Feb 9, 2023

Some time ago I had an employee who was also my friend. I adored her and she also completely stressed me out. She was not a good worker, and I did not want her on my team or to manage her. It can be a confusing time when we manage friends. When...

They said they are overwhelmed – January 5th

by Jon | Feb 9, 2023

I had a manager ask me the other day about when to help an employee who says they are overwhelmed in their job… They asked, “How can I tell when someone is playing the victim card as opposed to someone who is taking self-responsibility for...

A small reflective shift – Dec 1

by Jon | Feb 9, 2023

So often I rush into my day. “What do I have to do today? I need to get it defined, listed and, bam – go out and execute!”  And away I go, headlong into another race to get it all done. But the longer I enter my days like this the more I feel...