The Couch Manager

Prepare for the future of work. Learn how to manage virtual and hybrid teams more effectively.

How to Use Simple Sparklines to Show Visual Data Trends in Project Management

I recently attended a one-day seminar by Edward Tufte, a pioneer in the data visualization and information design fields, where I learned about the power of sparklines. Sparklines, according to Tufte, are "Intense, Simple, Word-Sized Graphics." They're fairly common, but I never knew they had a specific name (apparently, Tufte coined the term). Nor did I know you can easily create them in Microsoft Excel. So I started playing around and thinking about how I can use them in the ... Read More

“Project Kickoff” is out on Amazon ($0.99 for a limited time)

My latest book, Project Kickoff: How to Run a Successful Project Kickoff Meeting in Easy Steps, is now published on Amazon and is available for only $0.99 for a very limited time. Here's what a few folks are saying about it. Hassan offers a very thorough approach to handling kickoff meetings in his book, 'Project Kickoff' using a helpful planning framework to help you plan your meetings properly. If you're new to kicking off projects, or just want reassurance that you're doing it right, you'll ... Read More

Work Together Anywhere – Q&A with Lisette Sutherland

Lisette Sutherland is the director of Collaboration Superpowers, a company that helps people work together from anywhere through online and in-person workshops. She also produces a regular podcast featuring interviews with remote working experts highlighting the challenges and successes of working with virtual teams. In this Q&A interview, we discuss her latest book, "Work Together Anywhere" and how it could help you work in a virtual team. Q: Why did you write "Work Together ... Read More

Virtual Teams for Dummies – Q&A with Tara Powers

Tara Powers is an award-winning expert on talent and leadership development, and she's the founder & CEO of Powers Resource Center. She’s worked with over 200 companies and more than 15,000 leaders building programs and launching initiatives that deliver high impact for her clients. Her leadership programs have earned her recognition as a Top 10 Leadership 500 Award winner by HR.com, and she was recognized in Colorado Business Magazine as a Woman to Watch. In this Q&A interview, ... Read More

Divine Time Management – the latest book by Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is an expert on effective time management and the founder of Real Life E Time Coaching and Speaking. She's a frequent contributor to Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Huffington Post, and Fast Company. She's also a member of the Young Entrepreneur Council and the Forbes Coaches Council. In this interview, we discuss her latest book, Divine Time Management and how it can help your own productivity. Quick note: The book will be officially launching on November 14, ... Read More

Review of Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs [Video]

Those are the earplugs I use when I'm working in my home office (Mack's Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs). They are phenomenal for tuning out any ambient noises and come in a 50 pair box. Check out the video to see my review of them. Highly recommended! Learn more: Link to Earplugs on Amazon Read my "Influencing Virtual Teams" Amazon best selling book Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Follow my Facebook Page ... Read More

How to Stop Unwanted Behavior Without Sounding Rude [Video]

In an HBR article entitled "A Simple Way to Be More Assertive (Without Being Pushy)," Professor Andy Molinsky references an assertive formula from a book called People Skills book by Robert Bolton. It's a great formula that will help you stop unwanted behavior by a colleague without sounding rude. Check out the video to learn all about that formula and how you can use it in the workplace. Learn more: Read my "Influencing Virtual Teams" Amazon best selling book Subscribe to my ... Read More

How to Avoid The Curse of Knowledge [Video]

Learn how to avoid the Curse of Knowledge with your team in 3 easy steps. In the video, I discuss the famous Tappers & Listeners study which was conducted by Elizabeth Newton back in 1990. Learn more: Read my "Influencing Virtual Teams" Amazon best selling book Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Follow my Facebook Page Check out Made To Stick by Chip & Dan Heath ... Read More

My “Write Better Emails” Course – Now Out on Udemy!

My latest course "Write Better Emails: Tactics for Smarter Teams Communication" is out on Udemy. The course is designed for employees and entrepreneurs who frequently work with 5 or more team members through email. You'll learn how to save time and reduce the number of emails you have to send. You'll also learn how to collaborate more efficiently with your team. The course is based on my bestselling book "Don't Reply All," but I dig into more cool examples in the course (using my pen ... Read More

The Couch Manager