Pushing an under-performing team to perform better is not as simple as tugging on a leash. But the task is even harder when team members are working from different zip codes. How do you turn things around? Here are some tips that you can keep in mind.  1. Identify and address unresolved concerns According to Fast Company, remote teams can be more efficient because they get to focus on getting the job done rather than deal with office distractions. But this lack of physical connection ... Read More

Recently, I connected with a journalist who had some questions about using instant messaging for business purposes (using tools such as Cisco Jabber or Skype for Business). She wanted to know some tips about online chatting with workers, and the pros and cons of using real-time chat with teams in a business environment. Here are a few of her questions, and my answers. What are some of the pros of instant messaging for business? 1) Real-time communication: You can connect with ... Read More

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

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

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