Most people have received feedback at work that, far from improving things, wound up making situations worse. For some, misguided observations or veiled personal attacks become baggage they carry throughout their careers.

“We are writing to notify you of a data security incident that may have involved your personal information.”

So begins a letter you may have received from a bank or retailer. It explains that your personal information was part of a data security...

Each year, the global management consulting firm McKinsey and Company generates a list of the best books to help businesspeople broaden their perspectives. They gather input from CEOs, company founders, business publication editors, and other...

Some old-school bosses might consider “servant leader” an oxymoron because the phrase conjures contradictory images of submissiveness and power. To these command-and-control executives, being in charge requires muscle flexing and an iron fist. How...

It’s hard to have a conversation without idioms. Eventually, somebody will use a colorful saying to make a point—like biting off more than they can chew, barking up the wrong tree, or throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Everyone has overheard or participated in informal discussions that happen after meetings are over. Sometimes, employees hold these conversations to clarify topics raised in the meeting or to brainstorm about next steps. However, the impromptu...

Most workers dream about moving up the ladder, getting a more impressive title, and landing a raise. Those offered higher positions usually think they’re ready for the new role and accept the challenge. At first, they revel in the expanded...

Headlines about egregious workplace bullying cases are not uncommon. Job-related harassment became such a prominent problem that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission gave it an official description:

After decades of research, renowned Stanford professor Carol Dweck envisioned a new framework for assessing people’s potential. Her seminal 2007 book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success introduced terms that defined contrasting approaches to...