Our thought leadership in blogs and podcasts

4 Practical Ways to Keep Your Team Connected To You & Each Other

Building connections between remote teammates doesn't have to be a big task. Here are 4 practical tips from the eternally upbeat Phil Gerbyshak.
Tips For Keeping Your Remote Team "Ruthlessly Focused"

It's way too easy for even the best remote employees to lose sight of the long term objective. Tips for helping managers remain ruthlessly focused.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #258 Ruthless Focus with Wally Bock

Today we talk to Wally Bock about “Ruthless Focus”, the book he’s co-authored. How do you keep yourself and your team lasered in on the objectives? We’ll also look at the guy who had to run the Theatre while Shakespeare was busy being Shakespeare and a somewhat ironic quote from Alexander Graham Bell.

2 new webinar workshops this month!

How to Create and Manage Remote Teams November 19
Panic + Cheap Tools = Tech Adoption

A client of mine recently proved what most of us know instinctively: to get people to finally use technology you need the right combination of panic and proximity.
Desktop Sharing Isn't Just For IT Geeks- Really!

Desktop sharing is more than just a way for IT to save your bacon. Remote managers can train, work on documents and build team communication- if you practice and use the tools well.
Avoid "Jargon Monoxide"- 5 Definitions You Need To Know

Managing remote teams has its own jargon and consultant-speak but the basics are not that hard to define. Here are 5 important terms: what they are and what they really mean to you and me.
Endless Webmeetings? Start With the End in Mind

Does it feel like your webmeetings and conference calls defy physics and last forever? Careful planning and tough love can make them less painful for all concerned.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #257 Good Boss, Bad Boss Bob Sutton

Today Wayne Turmel talks to one of the biggest names in the Leadership game, Bob Sutton. Bob is a professor at Stanford University and the author of the Work Matters blog and books such as “The No Asshole Rule” and “Good Boss, Bad Boss- How to be the Best and Learn From the Worst”.
Tips to StopTemporary Workers From Causing Permanent Headaches?

Whether it's ideal or not, more of us are managing teams of temporary workers and contractors. Here are some stress-reducingtips for integrating them with the rest of the team.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Video Resumes

Video resumes are inevitable and are already popping up everywhere. Here's the good, the bad and (potentially) ugly to help you use them wisely.
Deathbed Emails- Is There a "Sick Day" Double Standard?

Do you expect your remote workers to be on conference calls and answer emails even when they're sick while you excuse people from the office? Questions to ask yourself if there's a double standard.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #256 Giving Voice to Values Mary Gentile

Today Wayne Turmel talks to Professor Mary Gentile about her new book “Giving Voice to Values, How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What’s Right”. We also talk about Abraham Lincoln and a quote from Francis Bacon. Are you just a stripped bolt stuck in the vise grips of the workplace? This is your safe haven!

2 new webinar workshops this month!
What the @#!$ Are Collaboration Suites, and Do I Need One?

Drop all the jargon. "Collaboration suites" are just the tools your team needs to communicate, all packaged into one bundle. Here are some tips for navigating the maze of sales hype.
Stupid Policies Holding You Back? 4 Tips for Hacking Work

Breaking rules is bad, but according to a new book, "hacking work" is a good thing. Here's how to tell which rules to break -- and why remote workers have an edge in creating effective workarounds.
Blowing Off Employee Check-Ups? Prepare for Disaster Ahead

Fail to change your oil every 3,000 miles, and you may be headed for an expensive breakdown. The same goes with regular one-on-one check-in meetings with your employees.
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #255 Bury My Heart at Conference Room B

Okay today Cranky Middle Manager Wayne Turmel talks to Stan Slap about his new book, Bury My Heart at Conference Room B, winner of the “Best Title of the Year” award, hands down. We are talking living your values at work and why companies HATE that. Oh and we talk about Daniel in the Lion’s Den and cross dressing writers. Not your average AMA workshop here kids……

2 new webinar workshops this month!
If Email is Dead, What Replaces It?

People hate email. We read about it all the time, including in this column (but then I whine about a lot of things). ManyÃÂ people claim email is fading away as the malevolent primary tool of our...