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Most Clicked SmartBrief on Workforce Stories


1. Being nice vs. brown-nosing: How to know the difference

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 18, 2009

Paying the boss a compliment can help your career, but if you're going to suck up, don't lay it on too thick, do it in private and be sincere. "There is a difference between a kiss-ass compliment and a positive comment," says Raul Fernandez, CEO of ObjectVideo. USA TODAY (11/18)


2. Courts rule companies may not always monitor e-mail use

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 19, 2009

Courts increasingly are taking employee privacy rights into consideration regarding the use of e-mail at work. Some courts have ruled companies don't have the right to monitor e-mail unless they explicitly tell workers they do it. Companies argue they need to oversee e-mail for security reasons. Wall Street Journal, The (11/19)


3. How you follow determines how you will lead

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 16, 2009

Your leadership style is determined by the kind of follower you were, and "don't kid yourself," you can change it, writes Bret L. Simmons, a University of Nevada management professor. The behavior and assumptions you learn as a follower become ingrained and determine how others relate to you and how you project what you consider acceptable, Simmons says. BretLSimmons.com (11/13)


4. Psst! Workplace gossip may be OK

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 16, 2009

Workplace gossip isn't always a bad thing, according to a study in the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography. Gossip can help pass information and aid employees in understanding who are the "key movers and why." Still, organizations should emphasize mutual respect in passing information and zero tolerance for hurtful comments. Human Resource Executive (11/13)


5. 7 holiday business gifts that send the right message

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 16, 2009

When selecting holiday business gifts, look for those that "warm the relationship" but aren't too lavish in tough times, Shira Levine writes. Some good options include a golf simulator, a talking coffee pot, an easy travel kit and a protective smartphone case. OPEN Forum blogs (11/13)


6. 5 ways to motivate workers

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 16, 2009

If you want to help your workers recharge, go on a team outing, or give an extra day off or longer lunch breaks to top performers, Bethany Marzewski writes. By telling workers what they're doing right and giving them tasks geared toward their strengths, you help keep them focused and doing better quality work. KnowHR (11/13)


7. 2 ways to succeed by helping your boss do the same

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 17, 2009

When you make your boss successful, it not only improves that person's reputation but yours as well, Bob Sutton writes. To help your boss be more successful, provide performance feedback -- especially the negative kind -- and assume the best about a boss' motivations and intentions. Bob Sutton's Work Matters blog (11/15)


8. Employers switch gears, work to keep key talent

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 16, 2009

Now that the economy is improving, employers are shifting from trying to cut their workforce to working to retain valuable employees. More employers are offering incentives such as company shares, flexible schedules and management training in an effort to retain key talent as the economy improves. Executives also are meeting in small groups or one-on-one with workers to share company news or help chart career paths. Wall Street Journal, The (11/16)


9. With work pressures and schedules shifting, how are you spending your Thanksgiving this year?

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 18, 2009


10. In HR, recruitment is the difference between "pro" and "secretary"

SmartBrief on Workforce | Nov 17, 2009

To be really valuable now and in the future, human-resources generalists need to focus their energies on bringing key talent into their company, Kris Dunn writes. "There's a word for HR pros who don't recruit -- they're called secretaries," Dunn writes. HR Capitalist, The (11/16)




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