Manager Profiles

The Strengths to Confront Tough Times

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Almost daily, companies are cutting workers, and morale and productivity are suffering as a result. In this environment, a strengths-based approach is vital because it creates hope, opens the doors to untapped potential, and brings out the best in people and in companies.

B&Q Does Career Improvement Too

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

The young manager of a home improvement store in Wales excels by giving his employees opportunities at work to learn and grow. In fact, he does this so well that he has become one of the most successful managers at it in Gallup's worldwide database.

Moving Mountains at Cabela's

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

The speedy and exhausting launch of a huge new Cabela's store could have destroyed the morale of its employees. But an exceptionally inspiring manager connected those employees to the store's mission, and the team overcame staggering challenges. They even gracefully handled a surprise visit from President Bush.

The Best Ways to Recognize Employees

Thu, 09 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The number-one reason people leave their jobs is because they "don't feel appreciated," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. What's a manager to do? Start by offering praise to employees that's individualized, deserved, and specific.

“One Store, One Team” at Best Buy

Thu, 12 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Soon after assuming responsibility for a Best Buy store, one of Eric Taverna’s big challenges was to harness the energy of his employees. His approach -- and its positive, long-term effects -- offer lessons to managers across all industries on how to build a committed workforce.

Energizing Employees at Alliant

Thu, 11 Mar 2004 00:00:00 GMT

How do you motivate a terrific workgroup to perform at even higher levels? Here’s how one manager used a strengths-based strategy to tap the power of her employees’ talents -- and inspire outstanding performance.

Nourishing Employee Engagement

Thu, 12 Feb 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Dietitians at St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System were at a crossroads. Their team didn't have enough people and felt ignored. Their workspace was "dismal." A few were quietly threatening to resign. Here's how one manager attacked this problem and raised employee engagement from average to extraordinary -- in just a year.

Manager: Know Thyself

Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

There is no such thing as a perfect manager and no ideal set of management talents, according to Gallup research. So then what separates the best managers from all the rest?

Managing Your Weaknesses

Thu, 10 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT

We are constantly forced to cope with our own weaknesses. Moving into a different job, taking on a challenging project, getting promoted into management -- situations like these usually require us to confront our own "areas for improvement" -- or those of the people we supervise. In this GMJ Q&A, Kenneth A. Tucker tells how using your top talents can help you manage your weaknesses.

Reducing Staff the Right Way

Mon, 08 Oct 2001 00:00:00 GMT

As the economy slows, managers may be forced to reduce their sales forces dramatically. When done right, downsizing can have a positive effect on sales productivity and growth. But when done poorly, it can result in prolonged and sustained damage to your sales organization. Here are smart strategies for approaching a manager's toughest challenge: choosing who stays, and who goes.