All articles by Sue Mountstevens – Page 2

Comment and Opinion
Careers File: A company is damaged by failure to remove its poor performers quickly

2011-03-26T00:00:00Z

My favourite maxim is: 'As a leader you get the behaviour that you accept.' How true this is and how frequently I see business leaders duck away from this.
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Control freaks must step back and learn the art of true management

2011-02-26T00:00:00Z

Having been promoted from manger to an executive role, I have been criticised for being too hands-on. I am a good and effective manager but stepping back seems counter-intuitive.
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Marketing can be a good step to the top, but keep your contacts

2011-01-29T00:00:00Z

I joined my present company two years ago working in the marketing department. I now wish to broaden my roles and skills which area should I apply for, and how?
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: A poor appraisal could actually be a chance to boost your career

2010-12-18T00:00:00Z

I believe I work hard but have just had my annual appraisal and was told in no uncertain terms that I need to up my game.
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Coping with workplace grief and loose-tongued blunders

2010-11-20T00:00:00Z

My colleague has just died from cancer. The decline was very rapid and most of us are suffering from shock. We are a small team and...
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: So you want a superstar, but what type exactly?

2010-10-23T00:00:00Z

We are a growing company and I am anxious to take the next steps to becoming a larger, more profitable food manufacturer...
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Job satisfaction beats a hefty salary hike

2010-09-25T00:00:00Z

I have just been offered a job with a much larger salary and impressive benefits but I'm getting cold feet. Is it too good to be true or is it last-minute nerves?
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Would a few missed meetings be the end of the world?

2010-08-28T00:00:00Z

Having checked my diary for next week, I have back-to-back meetings on most days and this is a recurring theme. How can I achieve...
Comment and Opinion
Careers File: Working from home does not always mean skiving

2010-07-31T00:00:00Z

I am a manager in a medium-sized drinks business and get an increasing number of requests to work from home.
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: When staff are failing, give examples not an ear-bashing

2010-07-03T00:00:00Z

I have a member of staff who is under-performing. I believe he can still make the grade but he needs to hear some less than flattering feedback. What is the best way to do this without damaging his self-esteem?
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Cuts are a chance to improve performance

2010-06-12T00:00:00Z

Two of my team have recently announced they are leaving and I have been told that they cannot be replaced in order to reduce costs.
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Whether you've one boss or two, communication is key

2010-05-15T00:00:00Z

Q: I work for a large food manufacturer and we are undergoing a major internal reorganisation. It will feature something called matrix management, which I believe will mean I report to two bosses.
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Are you getting hints that you are on the way out?

2010-04-17T00:00:00Z

I have been shifted sideways although it has been dressed up as promotion. I think the message is "the next move is out the door". What should I do?
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Forget being PC, always hire the best candidate

2010-03-20T00:00:00Z

I'm looking to expand the board. Should I find the best person for the job or should I go for diversity?
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Cock-ups and errors make the best training

2010-02-20T00:00:00Z

I would like to reinvent myself. I am starting a new role with a different company and I would like to start afresh leaving my cock-ups behind. How can I make sure this new approach is sustainable even during stressful and challenging times?
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: How to cope with sales team prima donnas and an overly assertive PA

2010-01-23T00:00:00Z

I've just started as MD of a medium-sized food supplier. The senior sales team are prima donnas and dominate the other teams. They are highly rewarded but...
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Forget compassion if your poor performer won't talk it through

2009-12-12T00:00:00Z

Q: One of my team is not performing; he's not achieving his targets, disappearing at the dot of 5.30pm and taking many private calls. I have asked him if...
News
Careers File: My CEO offered me cocaine with my coffee

2009-11-14T00:00:00Z

I'm a non-executive director working with an excellent CEO. He invited me to his home for dinner recently, and at the end...
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: For fast, effective board meetings, forget lunch and Blackberries

2009-10-17T00:00:00Z

I am just starting a new position as the MD of a medium-sized company. How can I ensure board meetings are not an interminable waste of time?
Profiles and QandAs
Careers File: Feedback is the food of champions, so tuck in

2009-09-19T00:00:00Z

My boss would like to begin 360 degree feedback, inviting not only my direct reports but also my peers across the business and get...