people management

Why Accepting Failure Is NecessaryThe phrase “failure is not an option” is a common cliche often used to motivate people to succeed. But forbidding failure does not prevent it. A mindset that denies failure might actually detract from long-term success.
What It Takes to Excel as a Project ManagerIt’s a tough job being a project manager. You need to view problems as challenges, look for the reasons behind requests and actions, think in details while not losing sight of the big picture, and give team members feedback. But for those who take to it, it can be an immensely exciting position.
Dealing with Competent Jerks and Lovable Fools in the WorkplaceCan you work with someone you don't like? Given the nature of today's workplaces, we are not asked these questions before starting to work with our subordinates or bosses. In most cases, employees or managers are expected to quickly get along with the teams to which they are assigned.
What to Do When Your Team Isn't Meeting ExpectationsSteve Berczuk writes that it’s worth thinking about what your assumptions are when you feel like a person or a team isn’t meeting expectations. With the right context, you can focus on solving problems. Without it, the best you can do is try to establish blame.
What to Do (and What Not to Do) When an Employee ResignsWhen an employee resigns, you have work to do. You have to determine the impact, figure out a transfer plan, and ensure that work in progress continues. But this isn't all about you and your remaining employees—there's a lot still left to do for the departing employee. Read on for transition tips.
Coach New Project Team Members to SucceedManagers need to conduct one-on-ones, and it's especially important with new people. Managers might not need to perform the on-the-job coaching, but they need to make sure the coaching gets done by someone. Otherwise, new hires are not going to perform at the levels they should—or could.
Are You at Risk of Being a Victim of Ageism? Are You Sure?Ageism, the act of discriminating against people just because of their age, is a growing problem in the job-rich tech sector of this country, especially for those who may have yet to consider themselves "old." Why are companies engaging in this dirty practice, and what's being done to stop them?
Do Agile Teams Really Need Managers?

Steve Berczuk explores whether or not we really need managers in an agile team. Managers perform a variety of functions that are useful for self-organizing teams. The challenge is how to perform those functions effectively while keeping with the spirit of self-organization.