This is the latest news and information for workers and managers from across the Web universe, brought to you by Monday Morning Manager writer Harvey Schachter. Follow us on Twitter @Globe_Careers or join our Linked In group.
Blogger Laurie Ruettimann argues that data mining can be ineffective and obnoxious. Target recently gave her a coupon for maternity clothes, wrongly concluding she was pregnant because she stopped buying tampons. In fact, she had found a better deal elsewhere. – The Cynical Girl
MARKETING
Turn it up, don't tone it down
Ads soft enough not to repel anyone are also too weak to attract anyone, says advertising consultant Roy H. Williams. If you weigh each ad by asking whom it might offend, you will never develop a sharp-enough message. – Monday Morning Memo
TALENT
Increase engagement, increase success
You need a ratio of three to one in engaged to disengaged employees if you are to achieve business success, says Scott Ahlstrand, of Right Management. – Right.com
MANAGEMENT
Throw in a 'plus' with criticism
Studies show criticism helps fuel successful teams. So management professor David Burkus suggests trying the "plussing" approach : When someone comments on another person's work, the comment must include a "plus," a way to improve or build on the work. – Harvard Business Review Blogs
TECH TIP
Set Skype status to 'do not disturb'
Skype Status Changer will automatically change your status from "online" to "do not disturb" when you switch to another computer process, preventing interruptions. – AddictiveTips.com
Harvey Schachter