What Great Bosses Know: Recent Episodes
Poynter Institute
In these short and practical podcasts, Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler explains the things great bosses know. Her valuable tips help anyone who hopes to be a great boss or to work for one.
It's early December. Before you run out of time, leadership expert Jill Geisler suggests you review four key areas. It will help you take advantage of opportunities this year, and plan better for the year ahead. This podcast accompanies a column on the Poynter.org website. Check it out, along with many other resources for managers.
Every organization has its stars - and they deserve special care. They don't deserve to cause needless problems for others, though. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler takes a look at "low maintenance" and "high maintenance" stars and the manager's role with each.
Today's managers are busier than ever. Some are strained and stressed beyond capacity. Is delegation the answer? It may be, in part. But there are 7 questions managers should ask to determine how to assess their workloads, workflow and priorities.
Check out Jill's companion column to this podcast on Poynter.org and learn more from her book: Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know
You don't have to be a manager to be a leader. But what is it that causes people to choose to follow you, even though you're not in charge?
The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares 4 things you can do to be seen as a leader, no matter what your title.
A companion column to this podcast can be found at Poynter.org, titled "4 Ways to Be Seen as a Leader - Even When You're Not in Charge."
Great bosses are trusted. They are known for their integrity. But it doesn't mean they don't have biases. They just know how to defeat them. In this podcast, Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler identifies six biases that are common among bosses -- and what to do about them.
You can read Jill's companion column to this podcast on Poynter.org
More leadership lessons are in her book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know"
Many managers are "fixers" -- who just can't help themselves. When they see work that should be improved, they take it out of an employee's hands and repair it themselves. Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler confesses that she's a recovering fixer who helps others overcome the addiction and become coaches instead. In this podcast, she explains the 5 reasons managers are addicted to fixing, and how to become a coach. She guarantees it will make you and your employees happy!
The recent firing of the editor of the NYT brought attention to the subject of "management style." Just what does that mean? And how do you know what styles work best? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler, author of "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know," looks at several styles and how to know when one works better than another.
Today's managers often feel swamped by their responsibilities. It's not that they aren't capable; there's just too much to do in too little time. But there are things managers can do to get better control of their schedules. The challenge is: it differs for each person. That's why the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler loves to personally coach managers on the topic.
In this podcast, she does the next best thing. Jill offers six questions that may help any manager decide how to set priorities.
Enjoy!
(Jill also devotes a whole chapter of her book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" to a customized approach to time management, for those who would like a deeper examination -- and more help!)
Introverts have a lot to say in the workplace. But often, they want to think it through, first. Meanwhile, the extroverts are talking up a storm. In this podcast, Poynter's Jill Geisler (an extrovert) shares some wise advice from Butch Ward (an introvert) with whom she often teaches -- and who is an excellent communicator. The advice is for managers and employees alike. Listen -- and don't hesitate to talk about it. :)
There's a particular type of manager that employees resent. The "Bigfoot Boss" takes credit for the work of others -- and takes lots more. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, shares the damage "Bigfoot Bosses" do to their employees -- and their own careers. But she also shares tips on how to make sure you're never called a "Bigfoot."
Check her column on Poynter.org and her book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know."
Are you ready to see if you're a great boss? Poynter's Jill Geisler has a ten question, multiple choice quiz for you. She thinks the correct answers will be obvious, and the wrong ones might even make you smile. Good luck!
No manager is perfect. Even a great boss has flaws. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler has coached hundreds of bosses who want to fix their all-too-human flaws. She offers 5 tips for repairing your reputation.
Every manager deals with underperforming employees. But management expert Jill Geisler believes it's too easy to just call people "lazy." In fact, she says it can lead managers to avoid dealing with the real reasons employees may be doing less than the manager expects. In this podcast, she offers a series of questions managers should answer before declaring that an employee's performance issues are grounded in laziness.
Are you someone who puts off doing work? Do you wait until the last minute or even talk yourself out of doing something you know you should do? In this podcast, Poynter's Jill Geisler shares tips from her Poynter colleague Butch Ward. Butch confesses to a little procrastination himself, and how he's learned to overcome it. The podcast has five practical tips to make your life easier.
Employees consistently say they get less feedback than they need to do their best at work. They want to know where they stand -- and not just once a year during a formal evaluation.
Yet quality, ongoing feedback remains elusive. Poynter's Jill Geisler is on a crusade to help bosses improve their leadership and their feedback.
In this podcast, she offers advice on the three key factors to high-impact feedback and why it is so important to performance management.
Also:
Jill's book: "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" devotes several chapters to helping people build a great feedback tool kit.
Want to be a boss known for helping good ideas take off in your organization?
Cultivating great ideas, leading brainstorming, mining for possibilities -- it's more than an art. There's science behind it, too. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares 10 tips for managers who want to boost creativity in the workplace.
There's a column that accompanies this podcast, filled with links to research Jill cites. You can find it at Poynter.org.
New managers come to the job with plenty of fears. The Poynter Institute's Leadership and Management expert Jill Geisler has help new supervisors overcome them all. But Jill believes there's something every manager -- especially the most experienced -- can take from the mindset of the newest bosses. She shares that secret in this podcast.
Jill's book "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" is available to help managers of all experience levels. It's available everywhere.
Check out Jill's "Great Bosses" columns on Poynter.org
You're a good employee. You'd like to have a greater impact in your organization. You have ideas and talent that could make the organization better. It may be tempting to think that the management at your workplace is failing to tap into your strengths and skills -- but what if the real issue is that YOU are letting "artificial barriers" hold you back?
"Artificial barriers" are so common that Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler can list at least ten of them she's helped people tear down.
In this podcast, she identifies how you may be getting in your own way, and what to do about it.
Jill is the author of the book "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" -- a workshop-in-a-book for anyone who wants to be an effective leader.
Poynter's leadership expert Jill Geisler often teaches about the importance of communication in leadership. This time, the lesson is very personal. As the new year approaches, Jill shares a story that drives home the importance of letting others know the impact they have. It just may inspire you to start the year 2013 in a most positive way.
Jill Geisler has a wish for you in 2013 -- may it be a year of engaged employees at your workplace. How does that happen? And what's the leader's role? In this podcast, Jill shares the tips she crafted in a guest blog post for the management website switchandshift.com.
You can see more of Jill's management columns in her "What Great Bosses Know" series on Poynter.org
Here new book: WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW is available in many book stores. (Varies from country to country.)
What are the top skills managers need today in order to lead in changing and challenging times? In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership expert Jill Geisler will walk you through a list of ten very concrete and practical skills that can improve your chances of success as a boss.
This podcast accompanies her "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org.
For a deeper understanding and tips to build each of these skills, try her new book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" available in stores and online.
Did you know that October 16th is "Boss Day" in the United States? Jill Geisler didn't know it until she happened to see it noted on a calendar. She decided to mark the little-known day by revealing some secrets -- specifically, ten secrets that great bosses CHOOSE to keep from employees, especially very good employees.
In this podcast, she shares those secrets and answers the questions: Should you ask your boss to tell you if he or she has kept any of those from you? If you're a boss, how should you reply?
This podcast accompanies Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org
Recently, Jill Geisler was interviewed by Fortune.com columnist Dan Schawbel. His focus: Can managers and employees really work happily in a bad economy? In this podcast, Jill argues that it's challenging but absolutely possible, and explains why.
Here's some great news for all who aspire to be great bosses. Not only does your good work provide great personal satisfaction for you, it also brings extra value to your organization. A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research looks at just how much value quality managers bring the workplace. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, shares the good news from the study in this podcast.
Is it okay to crave power? Absolutely, says the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler. There's a catch, though. That power needs to be used for good. When asked to deliver the commencement speech to the 2012 graduates of Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, Jill made "power" the central theme of her address. In this adapted version, she outlines the ten types of power she wishes for leaders -- and adds a bonus.
Jill's podcasts accompany her columns on Poynter.org
If you want to become a great boss, her new book WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW can help you achieve that goal.
Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler was asked by Forbes.com to write about managers who say the wrong things at work. She focused on things that aren't illegal -- or outside normal company policies, but rather, common phrases that are offputting to others -- and can reduce a manager's effectiveness. If you don't want to talk yourself into trouble, listen to words Jill shares -- and then keep them to yourself!
Jill's new book - "WORK HAPPY: What Great Bosses Know" is available at bookstores everywhere.
http://whatgreatbossesknow.com
An assistant coach is convicted of child abuse at Penn State. The University commissions an independent review of how the situation evolved over time and how the university handled it. The review is damning. People at the highest levels of power at Penn State covered it up, says the report. They failed to do the right thing, time and again. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler looks at how people who believe they are ethical and moral do the wrong thing -- and how you and your organization could too easily do the same. She offers 8 signs of trouble.
This podcast is a companion to her column on Poynter.org.
Jill's new book"Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" is now in bookstores in print and e-reader formats.
Managers, beware of the 4 "D"s that can cause a tough conversation to go off the rails -- if you let it. Let's say you're talking with an employee who is consistently missing scheduled deadlines for projects, when that person responds with either denial, deflection, disruption or dumping on the boss (that's YOU!) Would you know what to do in each of those circumstances? If you don't, your responses could do more harm than good -- and not just to the other person. It could make you less effective. That's why Jill Geisler of the Poynter Institute shares tips for dealing with the 4 "D"s.
Learn more about difficult conversations and so much more in Jill's new book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" and her columns on Poynter.org
Have you ever heard -- or uttered this management mantra: "Hire good people and leave them alone?" Chances are you thought it was a great idea. The Poynter Institute's Jill Geisler explains why this well-intentioned phrase may lead to bad management. Since you want to be a great boss, you'll be interested in her argument and her alternatives.
Jill's new book "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" is now available in book stores everywhere.
Every manager today is dealing with change of some sort. But few managers get training in how to help people succeed in changing times. The Poynter Institute's Jill Geisler has reviewed some of the top literature and research on change management, and believes it comes down to 5 key things that can accelerate or impede change. She outlines them in this podcast.
You can read more in her new book: "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" -- available everywhere.
Poynter's leadership expert Jill Geisler often warns managers that they have an "Evil Twin" who gets in the way of their success. That twin is born of misperceptions of a manager's actions. In today's podcast, Jill looks at a recent study about the perception of good intentions, and the amazing effect it has on people. She shares specific advice for bosses who want to banish their Evil Twins -- and how to tell their own bosses when they may need to do a little banishing act, too.
Jill Geisler's new book: "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" hits bookstores and online sellers on June 5. If you'd like to connect with Jill, visit the book's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WhatGreatBossesKnow
"Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will be released on June 5, 2012. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, shares important, practical, and helpful insights for anyone who aspires to be a great boss. This video is a preview of the book.
www.whatgreatbossesknow.com
How do you turn a group of co-workers into a true team? Great bosses know how to set the environment where people WANT to work together because they TRUST and respect each other. So how do you develop an environment where trust can grow and thrive? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, shares 8 tips for building and sustaining trust in teams.
This podcast accompany's Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on www.poynter.org
Note: Jill's new book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" hits the bookstores June 5, 2012. www.whatgreatbossesknow.com
It's hard to find a boss today who isn't asking people to do more with less. But how do you know when your requests are pushing people to burnout? How do you make certain you're doing whatever it takes to keep quality high and stress low? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, provides a checklist -- ten things bosses should check, ten things that provide antidotes to burnout. She even offers one bonus check, too!
This podcast accompanies Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org
Jill's book: "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will be released in stores on June 5, 2012.
One of the most important things bosses do is grow great employees. It's their job to evaluate each of them and identify and communicate what sets the best apart from others. In her first podcast of 2012, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares her list of "12 Great Employees" that great bosses should recognize. In her companion column on Poynter's website: www.poynter.org, Jill points out the challenges that each of these top employees presents for managers and how to meet those challenges.
Just a reminder that Jill's book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will be released in June of 2012.
After a lifetime at CBS News, it probably takes a lot to rattle Bob Schieffer. He’s the steady, mature hand at the network, guiding its political showcase, “Face The Nation,” every Sunday morning. But, as you’ll hear, the anchorman couldn’t help but get a little giddy over the announcement that his show is growing from 30 to 60 minutes.
Bob Andelman talked to Schieffer for Poynter Online and MediaWire about his show’s rise in the ratings and its long-awaited reward.
You can read more about this story and other breaking journalism news on MediaWire, only at www.Poynter.org.
It used to be that the road leading away from “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” was paved solely with sitcoms – see Steve Carrell and Ed Helms on “The Office,” for example.
Bob Andelman recently talked to Mo Rocca for Poynter Online and MediaWire about his more unlikely journey from Daily Show contributor to Correspondent with a capital ‘C’ for “CBS Sunday Morning.” From fake news to the real thing, you might say.
You can read more about this story and other breaking journalism news on MediaWire, only at www.Poynter.org.
Read any good management books lately? Jill Geisler has. The head of the Poynter Institute's leadership and management programs takes a look at some of her favorite recent business books for leaders. She's pretty picky -- opting for authors who base their advice on research and who write with flair. If you're looking for a good gift for your manager or yourself, give a listen to Jill's suggestions.
John Cole is president of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists and an editorial cartoonist and writer himself for The Times-Tribune in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He’s the man that 80 or so professional counterparts will look to in the coming weeks and months for an indication of how their profession should respond to any further incidences of visual plagiarism.
Bob Andelman interviewed Cole for Poynter Online and MediaWire. He talked to Cole on December 6th about the latest outbreak of alleged intellectual theft among editorial cartoonists and asked what steps – if any – the AAEC should take to prevent any further incidences among its members.
You can read more about this story and other breaking journalism news on MediaWire, only at www.Poynter.org.
Alan Gardner, founder and editor of the DailyCartoonist.com website, will report on incidences of visual plagiarism in the editorial pages of the nation’s newspapers, but it’s not something that gives him pleasure.
Bob Andelman conducted this interview for Poynter Online and MediaWire. He talked to Gardner on December 6th about the latest outbreak of alleged intellectual theft among editorial cartoonists and asked for his thoughts on how more might be prevented.
You can read more about this story and other breaking journalism news on MediaWire, only at www.Poynter.org.
Do you work for a boss who thinks people should be thanked only if they do something above and beyond the call of duty at work? It's the kind of boss who says or believes "Your paycheck is your thanks." In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler challenges that notion, explaining why and how even less-than-perfect employees benefit from hearing a thank-you from the boss, when done right.
She also shares whether thanks is better delivered in public or in private.
You can read Jill's companion column on Poynter.org.
When downsizing hits an organization -- as it has to so many -- it falls to the front line bosses to manage the aftermath. It takes a combination of business smarts and emotional intelligence, because the fallout is often harder than those at the top ever realize or acknowledge. For those managers on the front lines, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, offers 4 tips to help manage after downsizing.
You can read Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" columns on Poynter.org.
Her book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will be released in June of 2012.
An interview with Alan Gardner, editor of DailyCartoonist.com, about the alleged plagiarism by The Urban Tulsa editorial cartoonist David Simpson. Conducted by Bob Andelman.
You think you do a pretty fair job of giving feedback. But why is it that your employees may think otherwise? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler takes a look at how bosses can undermine the effectiveness of their messages. It's especially the case with praise. That's why she's identified 5 "praise erasers" to watch out for. And as a bonus, she shares a few "praise enhancers" to help strengthen your feedback.
Here are a few ways to learn more from Jill and the Poynter Institute:
Her "What Great Bosses Know" columns are on Poynter.org
Her upcoming book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will be published in June of 2012 but is already available for pre-order on Amazon.com
And you can follow her on Twitter: @jillgeisler
Recently, Jill Geisler of the Poynter Institute was asked by Forbes.com to write about the signs of a great boss. So, she developed a list of 12 indicators that a boss really stands out among the rest. In this podcast, she shares those 12 signs. See if you hear yourself being described.
Jill's book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" is schedule for publication in June of 2012, and will provide the most practical and immediately useful tips and advice so managers can truly build their skills.
How do you keep good employees motivated and engaged? Great Bosses often use carefully chosen stretch assignments. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler explains stretch assignments, and how bosses can make certain they have great outcomes for the employee, the organization and the boss.
Check out Jill's "Great Bosses" columns on Poynter.org, or follow her on Twitter: @jillgeisler
Jill's book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" is scheduled for publication June, 2012.
This is the big finish of our 100 Ideas for Great Bosses series. We're celebrating the posting of our 100th (and now more!) podcast for managers by sharing 100 ideas from the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler. Feel free to share your feedback with us. Jill's email address is jgeisler@poynter.org and you can also follow her on Twitter: @jillgeisler.
Welcome to the third installment of our 100 Ideas for Great Bosses series. It's our celebration of hitting the 100 mark of "What Great Bosses Know" podcasts and columns for Poynter.org. In this series, Poynter's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, offers practical tips for managers. You can see Jill's columns on Poynter's website -- and in June of 2012, you'll be able to pick up her book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know." It's a workshop in a book -- all designed to help managers become leaders and build strong, positive workplaces.
The Poynter Institute's Leadership and Management expert Jill Geisler continues sharing top ideas to help you become a great boss. The series of 100 tips has been produced to celebrate the posting of her 100th podcast in the Great Boss series. This one makes it 101 -- and lots of fun. She invites you to enjoy the ideas and feel free to follow her columns on Poynter.org, her insights on Twitter (@jillgeisler) and her upcoming book, "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know," which will be published in June of 2012.
This is the 100th podcast in Jill Geisler's "What Great Bosses Know" series. To celebrate, she's assembled 100 ideas, which she will share in a series of podcasts, each featuring 25 of the 100 ideas. If you want to become a great boss -- now or in the future, check out these tips. And, mark your calendar for June of 2012 -- when Jill's book: "Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know" will hit the bookstores!
Have you ever taken part in 360-Degree feedback? It's common in organizations -- a way for managers to get info on how they are doing from their employees, fellow managers, and their bosses. At the Poynter Institute leadership seminars, participants use a 360 process called ViewPoynt -- and they say it is the most helpful part of their learning. Poynter's Jill Geisler has administered thousands of them -- and has tips for organizations on how to manage the risks involved and do them right.
Organizations both big and small conduct training for employees -- both to build skills and provide a stimulating learning environment. Why are some training programs and some trainers more effective than others? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, shares some secrets today -- ten of them, to be exact. You'll find out how your training efforts can have greater impact -- and why your employees will have more fun learning.
How do you view conflict? Your viewpoint as you approach conflicts will have a direct effect on how successfully those conflicts are resolved. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's Leadership and Management expert Jill Geisler offers you a new way to look at conflict -- and a better way to deal with it.
If you're a subscriber to this podcast, you may have noticed a little pause in Jill's podcast postings over the past few weeks. That's because she's working on the book version of What Great Bosses Know - and working against deadline! The book will come out in 2012. Meanwhile, enjoy this podcast and thanks for your patience!
It's always a challenge when bosses choose one good employee over another for a promotion. How you handle the runner-up is as important as how you launch the winner. In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, looks at a success story and offers tips for you and your team.
A little history was made today -- for women in leadership. The Poynter Institute's Jill Geisler shares the news. She also talks about what it means to be a "first" and break down barriers in leadership. She hopes that you, as a great boss, will open a few doors for others.
You've called a meeting, and once again it's not going the way you hoped it would. Some people are talking...and talking...while others are saying little. What's wrong here? And why are they getting on each others' nerves?
The answer may be a misunderstanding of communication styles and how to manage them. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler talks about what great bosses know about the real reasons introverts and extroverts behave as they do. She outlines 3 common misunderstandings and how to avoid them. This podcast accompanies her column on Poynter.org. It also introduces a new series of "Great Bosses" video training on Poynter's e-learning site, www.NewsU.org.
We live in a time of information overload -- so bosses need to understand how to communicate effectively and powerfully. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler offers three tips that can instantly improve your communication skills -- even if you aren't a boss. She also adds one bonus tip for good measure. You can read the column that accompanies her column on the Poynter website.
One measurement of a great workplace is its laughter quotient. Are people encouraged to have fun and let off a little steam? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, believes that great bosses understand the role that foolishness has in the most serious work environment. In this podcast, she shares stories from the master of workplace merriment, a man named Jim Naughton. She knows him well -- he's Poynter's past president. He's just written a book called "46 Frogs: Tales of a Serial Prankster." She explains how a leader who was passionate about quality, integrity and service also found the most creative ways to engage people in laughing at the boss.
Here's a link to more about his adventures in foolishness -- with pictures:
http://bit.ly/hdxcRE
How do you see yourself as a leader? How would you describe your style? In this podcast, Jill Geisler looks at whether we're born with a style or we develop one or more styles over time. She describes 3 main categories of styles, their strengths and weaknesses. Jill also shares information about a new video training series for managers on the Poynter Institute's e-learning site, News University -- http://www.NewsU.org -- and shares a special discount code for podcast subscribers!
Is it possible for a boss to be too nice? In a word, yes. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler says many kind and caring managers are surprised to find out that they are disappointing their staff by being conflict averse. In this podcast, Jill lists the 7 Deadly Sins of the Too-Nice Boss. She also shares advice on how to find out if your staff wishes you'd be just a touch more tough.
This podcast accompanies Jill's "Great Bosses" column. You can read it -- and many others on the Poynter website: http://www.poynter.org
Tired of fixing everyone's work? Tired of being the answer person for all problems? Tired of mediocre quality? It's time you learned to stop fixing and start coaching. The Poynter Institute's Jill Geisler will walk you through the important steps to becoming a great coach. She'll also tell you about 4 dangerous desires you'll need to overcome to get there.
Congratulations on that promotion to management -- or for promoting a high performer to a supervisory role. But now what? Becoming a manager takes a whole new skill set -- and provides plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. The problem is that a manager's mistakes can hurt good people -- as well as the boss. Since many new managers get little training, the Poynter Institute's leadership expert Jill Geisler has a special interest in helping them. In today's podcast, she shares 6 tips offered by a highly regarded guest faculty member at a recent Poynter seminar for new managers.
She also suggests you go to Poynter.org and check out all the resources for new managers under in the "What Great Bosses Know" section!
One of the most important skills a manager can have is the ability to engage in tough conversations. Who likes to deliver bad news or negative reviews? Avoiding difficult conversations rarely makes situations better. But doing them poorly can actually make things worse. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler has identified 10 ways managers sabotage themselves in tough talks. In this podcast, she outlines what goes wrong and why it's so dangerous.
What does voodoo have to do with management and leadership? Poynter's Jill Geisler discovered the connection in a small box on a store's post-holiday clearance rack. It contained a voodoo doll -- one marked "Boss Voodoo" to be exact. Was it an instrument of hate and payback? Nope. Listen to what she discovered about Boss Voodoo and what he could mean to you as a manager.
You see a picture of the Boss in Jill's column on Poynter.org.
Just look for "What Great Bosses Know about Voodoo."
Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler's wish for 2011 is that YOU earn (or retain) the title of Great Boss this year. To help ensure that, she identifies 11 mistakes that could get in your way in the year ahead. And then -- she shares which 3 are the most important for you to tackle -- and why.
This podcast accompanies Jill's "Great Bosses" column on Poynter.org. Check it out:
http://bit.ly/ifSPZT
Poynter's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler takes a look at the list that inspired the "Great Bosses" column and podcast series -- ten lessons that can help bosses grow their skills and make better decisions. Of the ten, she identifies the three topics in highest demand by bosses this in workshops this past year. You can find all of Jill's "Great Bosses" columns on the Poynter Institute website: www.poynter.org
Some bosses are terrific at Management-by-Story. They know just the right time -- and the right way -- to encourage, inspire, calm or challenge people by recounting the perfect story for the occasion. They know when to tell a story about themselves and when to keep the focus on others. In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler looks at the power of stories and suggests six situations in which managers can put stories to work effectively. This podcast accompanies her column on Poynter.org -- in which she also lists the things managers should keep in mind when choosing a story to tell.
What is it about the power of the written word? Why can a note have more impact than the words we speak -- especially when it comes to appreciation? When a boss writes a note of thanks and does it well, it can motivate and inspire. And, as the Poynter Institute's Leadership and Management expert, Jill Geisler explains in today's podcast -- The Note need not be reserved for extraordinary performance. She shares a personal story about a note she keeps to this day: http://bit.ly/dUGouY
This podcast accompanies Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org. You can read the complete collection of her columns at:
poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Imagine that it's twenty-five years from now. Someone who's worked for you is asked about a moment when leadership was all-important. Imagine if that employee doesn't even hesitate -- and recounts a defining leadership moment -- one that involves you. In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares 4 key aspects of a defining moment for leaders. Will you be ready?
This podcast has a companion column with additional information on Poynter.org, and here's a shortened link to it: http://bit.ly/9NpSnv
You can also review all of Jill's "Great Bosses" columns at: poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Does a boss need to have all the answers? Why might that not be the best thing for employees? Why are questions powerful? How can questions backfire?
What are some really effective questions bosses can use? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler will help you build your question power in this podcast. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on the subject, with additional information: http://bit.ly/8XbTqx
You can read all of her columns at http://poynter.org.whatgreatbossesknow
There's a feedback gap in many organizations -- the difference between the information and attention employees want from their bosses and what they actually get. It could be because bosses think they give more than they do, or don't provide it effectively. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler looks at why some managers fail to provide sufficient feedback and what they can do about it. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org, which offers 6 additional things every manager needs to know about feedback. You can read it here: http://bit.ly/cuzfcd
All of Jill's columns are available at poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Read a good management book lately? The Poynter Institute's leadership expert Jill Geisler reads plenty of them -- sorting through for the best researched ideas that help bosses become great. She knows that managers have very limited free time and may not get to indulge in a good book until bedtime -- so it better be worth it. In today's podcast, Jill, who's writing a book herself, provides tips on how to choose a good management book and offers four recent titles that deal with change management, motivation, decision-making, and boss behaviors. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org, which shares additional information:
http://bit.ly/bwdMrh
See all of Jill's columns at: http://poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Management is always a challenge -- and cutbacks can raise the degree of difficulty. But you can do it. In fact, if you do it well, you can become the great boss you hope to be as you pay attention to both product and people. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler has spent time with hundreds of managers who are navigating amid cutbacks -- and she offers eight tips that are working for them -- and a bonus piece of advice.
This podcast accompanies Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org
http://bit.ly/bHipYP
You can read a collection of her columns at: poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
As a manager, are you a "Thinker" or a "Feeler"? How do you know? Each type brings certain strengths to the organization, but each one also carries challenges.
Jill Geisler, the Poynter Institute's expert on leadership and management, will walk you through the characteristics of each, so you can determine which you are, how it can help you and how to keep from having blind spots.
She'll also explain why some managers today are trying to be something they're really not.
This podcast accompanies Jill's column, with more information, on Poynter.org
http://bit.ly/dtu9HC
You can also read her collected columns at poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Leadership is a team sport. The middle managers on your team make all the difference in your success -- or failure. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, was blessed to have a terrific team of managers during her many years leading a newsroom. They were respected and liked by the staff -- and she knows why. In today's podcast, Jill shares her ten tips for choosing and growing great deputies.
The podcast accompanies her column on Poynter.org, which you can read at this link: http://bit.ly/ctmGVS
A complete collection of her "What Great Bosses Know"columns is available at www.poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
You're a leader who wants to change your organization's culture. You want to make it better -- anything from more innovative to more customer-centric to more family-friendly. So you change your mission statement and implement some new policies. But the culture doesn't seem to budge. That's because you've failed to break through the invisible barrier. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler exposes the invisible barrier and shows how great bosses get past it and get the change they seek. She offers some important questions they need to ask in the process. This podcast accompanies Jill's "What Great Bosses Know" column on Poynter.org, which contains even more helpful information: You can read it at: http://bit.ly/aoAT6n
You can see all of Jill's columns at www.poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
It's common for bosses to say they have an open door policy. Why is it then, that employees feel disengaged from their supervisors -- wanting more feedback, wanting to be listened to? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares four reasons why staffers may not feel your door is all that open, or if it's open -- the trip inside isn't worth it. She shares solutions, too. This podcast accompanies her "Great Boss" column on Poynter.org. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/ckPxKQ
You can see all of her columns at poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Want a quick way to build credibility as a boss? Start paying close attention to the art of "closure." That is -- make a commitment to minimizing the time you leave people waiting for information. Great bosses think of this in terms of successful transactions -- and even when they can't give an immediate answer, they tell people WHEN they can expect one.
In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler looks at how closure builds trust, reduces fear and misunderstandings -- and even improves meetings. This podcast accompanies Jill's "Great Bosses" column on Poynter.org. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/c2IbI0
And you can see all of her columns for managers, organized by topic, at:
http://www.poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Bosses make countless decisions each day. Great bosses know exactly when to involve others, when to delegate the decision, and when to just go it alone.
Going it alone carries risk, not the least of which is reducing the buy-in from others. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler walks through decision-making options bosses have and how to select the right one for the occasion. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org, which you can read here: http://bit.ly/boih47
Sometimes as a boss, you're too busy "getting things done" to think about the mark you want to make as a leader. But the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler says now is the time to think about your legacy. If you think now about what you want to be known for -- the values and the accomplishments, it will guide your actions. She talks about a leader who was given too little time on this earth but left a legacy nonetheless, and how her story should inspire you to make the most of your time as a leader.
Today's podcast accompanies Jill's column on the Poynter website:
http://bit.ly/beZWZy
And you can see all of Jill's "Great Boss" columns -- with podcasts embedded at: http://poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
If you're a boss in today's business world, you're already managing change. Getting it started is one thing -- making it stick is another. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler offers six tips to help you keep momentum once change is underway. She also shares insights from new managers and how that perspective might help veterans make change stick. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org: http://bit.ly/9dITgj
You can also review all of her Great Boss columns and podcasts at:
poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Great bosses build integrity into the workplace culture. How do you know you've done it? In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares the key signs of a strong ethical culture. She also warns managers about 6 major ethics traps that can undermine that culture of ethics and values. The traps are common -- and dangerous. This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/c486G9
You can also see all of Jill's previous columns and podcasts at:
poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Okay, we've discussed tough management challenges in recent podcasts. Now it's time for the good stuff. Let's look at 5 wonderful rewards that come with being a manager and why they are so important. But let's not stop there.
The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler will also ask you three important questions to make certain management is a good fit for you and you're the kind of person likely to become a great boss.
There's a column that goes with this podcast, and you can find it at this address: http://bit.ly/a5sTSx
You can also see all of Jill's "Great Boss" columns with their podcasts embedded at http://poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
What is it that sets some managers apart from others when it comes to conquering the vexing challenges that beset all bosses? In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler takes a closer look at the way employees assess their supervisors. She shares comments some staffers have made about bosses who saw them through times of change and pushed them out of their comfort zones -- and got applause from employees.
This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org: http://bit.ly/bA16cl
You can see all of her columns at Poynter.org/whatgreatbossesknow
Every manager faces the cold, hard realities of the job -- challenges that can determine whether they wash out -- or become great bosses. In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, outlines 5 hard facts of management life and what supervisors can do to meet those tough challenges. This podcast accompanies her column on Poynter.org, which can be found at this link: http://bit.ly/bWjARs
The column also has links to many other useful resources for managers.
It's great when employees share information, solve problems and work across old boundaries, right? But it isn't always easy. There are real barriers to collaboration in organizations. Bosses need to identify and remove them.
In this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler identifies barriers to collaboration and what great bosses do to break them down. This podcast accompanies Jill's column, with more information, on Poynter.org. http://bit.ly/cJLtpL
All bosses want their employees to make good decisions, but some actually train people NOT to think critically. Their overly controlling style causes people to shut down. Great bosses know the value of encouraging critical thinking skills -- which lead to greater creativity and options for success. In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler describes critical thinking skills -- what they are, what they can accomplish, and six easy steps bosses can take to encourage critical thinking. She also shares what she believes is the most dangerous phrase employees can say to their bosses. This podcast accompanies Jill's column "What Great Bosses Know about Critical Thinking
Skills" on Poynter's website. Click here to read: http://bit.ly/dBHPMN
Sad to say, there are employees who don't feel they can be "the real me" at work. They feel pressure to leave care and concern for families and friends or other important issues in their lives behind when they check in for work. As a boss, your job is to ensure quality and productivity -- and you're not a social worker. But great bosses have a knack for helping employees feel they can indeed be "the real me" and a success at work at the same time. What do those bosses do? And how do employees respond? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares tips -- and comments from real employees about best and worst bosses.
This podcast accompanies Jill's column on Poynter.org. Check it out: http://bit.ly/9DvEJ5
Planning is essential for success in the workplace -- but sometimes planners run afoul of their colleagues.
In this podcast, The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares five situations in which planning proves essential -- and five dangers to those who do the planning. This podcast accompanies Jill's "Great Bosses" column on Poynter.org, which you can read by following this link:
http://bit.ly/bGy4Bn
It's important for bosses to know that they're always on stage. People are watching them and trying to read meaning into their actions. But often, people read the wrong messages! So how do you turn being "always on" from a challenge to an advantage? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares key opportunities for making certain the "always on" boss is sending precisely the message he or she intends. She also explains that bosses are "contagious" and the impact they have.
This podcast accompanies Jill Geisler's Great Bosses column on Poynter.org
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=34&aid=183092
Top-down management, as a rule, kills motivation and morale. Employees are "bossed around" and don't have a voice in their work. That's why Great Bosses avoid the style -- except on rare and specific circumstances when it's actually the best course of action. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares 5 situations when managers SHOULD adopt a command-and-control, do-as-I-say style - and how they should follow up when they do. This podcast is a companion to Jill's column on Poynter.org: http://bit.ly/bOMpj2
How do you know you're on the right track in your quest to become a great boss? You may get feedback from your bosses or employees, but as we know, feedback is often in short supply. So, I've developed a quick quiz that helps you evaluate yourself. There are ten questions -- plus one "bonus" question. AND: If you go to Poynter's website you can see a text version of the quiz. You might share it with your boss or staff members and compare your answers with theirs -- and your self-assessment can turn into a true opportunity for getting constructive feedback from others. Here's the link: http://bit.ly/3evLuI
Life can be pretty miserable when you work for a truly bad boss. The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert, Jill Geisler, offers four strategies for dealing with bad bosses: educate, escape, eliminate and exploit. Learn the specifics of each. And read Jill's column with more information on Poynter.org: http://bit.ly/9LEHsQ You can also download a complete collection of Great Bosses podcasts on iTunesU.
How do managers make certain they get credit for good work, not criticism for slimy self-promotion? The Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler offers tips to help you let your light shine and not be misunderstood. Learn about face time, key networks and editors in today's podcast. For a look at Jill's "What Great Bosses Know about Staying on the Radar" column, just go to: http://bit.ly/aSebtE
Every boss has a boss. The relationship you build with yours can be critical to your success. At Poynter Institute leadership and management programs, there's always some teaching on "Managing the Boss" -- that's how important it is. In this podcast, Poynter's leadership expert Jill Geisler shares tips and also looks at how to handle things when you have multiple bosses. You can read Jill's column with more information on the Poynter.org site: http://bit.ly/8m3LiG And -- here's a link to all of her columns and podcasts, organized by topic: http://bit.ly/a2eycd
The economy's tight, people are being asked to do more with less -- can you think of any better reasons why great bosses do all they can to make sure people still have fun at work? There are good business reasons to make certain healthy laughter is part of the daily routine. If you're a boss who wants to lighten things up at work, the Poynter Institute's Jill Geisler has five tips for you. She also tells you how she put all five tips to good use to build an event one of her employees called "the best meeting he ever attended." This podcast accompanies a column with much more information on the Poynter.org website. Here's a link: http://bit.ly/agIqf0
Managers communicate constantly -- or at least they should. But quantity of communication isn't enough. Quality is important -- to inform instead of misinform, to inspire as well as educate. In today's podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares tips for powerful communication - and a tale about how one particular communication tool helped her manage change. This podcast accompanies her Great Bosses column on Poynter.org. Here's a link to it: http://bit.ly/dtxdc2
Managers work hard to build successful teams. But what happens when the team becomes so turf-protective that it is actually a silo? The Poynter Institute's leadership expert Jill Geisler looks at the danger that silos pose to an organization, how leadership makes all the difference, and what you can do if you are asked to turn a silo back into a healthy team. This podcast accompanies Jill's column about silos on Poynter's website: http://bit.ly/BWOjO
There are more than 50 things great bosses know -- but in this podcast, the Poynter Institute's leadership expert Jill Geisler takes a quick look back at key points in this series to date. She invites listeners to check out a special page on Poynter's website: http://bit.ly/cMRgvW On that page, the first 50 "Great Boss" columns are grouped into categories, so managers can bookmark the page for future reference, or e-mail the collection to others. Jill Geisler invites listeners to send her their feedback and their requests for future podcast and column topics. She's jgeisler@poynter.org or @JillGeisler on Twitter.
To mark the 50th in this "Great Boss" series, the Poynter Institute's leadership and management expert Jill Geisler looks at the highest form of leadership and what it takes to achieve it. She points out that not all managers are leaders and not all leaders are managers, and by asking a series of questions, lets you determine if you are the leader you hope to be. Jill's column on Poynter.org offers more resources:
http://bit.ly/dxPgsa If you have topics you'd like Jill to focus on in the next 50 columns and podcasts, feel free to send her your thoughts: jgeisler@poynter.org