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.
The No. 1 problem with meetings, says trainer Dan Rockwell, is that bosses run them. No one can effectively manage and participate at the same time, so train a new, junior employee to facilitate – but not participate in – meetings. Leadership Freak Blog
The first test of a hiring manager
HR executive Andy Porter says before managers are allowed to make a new hire, they should have successfully managed someone who is more experienced, older, smarter, or a stronger performer than themselves. This demonstrates they can surround themselves with superior talent. Fistful of Talent Blog
Use a question to make your pitch
When then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan asked Americans, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" he was using what author Dan Pink calls a question pitch. This is highly effective because it prods people to come to their own conclusions, which they will then strongly believe. DanPink.com
The five villains at the meeting table
Freelance writer Jill Harness identifies five meeting villains: the Meeting Hog, who never stops talking; the Meet-head, who cherishes meetings to discuss meetings; the Late Arriver, who never appears on time; the Meeting Hijacker, who diverts the meeting toward personal goals; and the Agenda-less, who schedules sessions with no objectives. Lifehack.org
Smartphone app tracks daily work
Lift is a free iPhone app that allows you to set daily goals and track your progress, sending you e-mail prompts and gauging your effort with bar charts, tech columnist John Brandon reports. Inc.com
Special to The Globe and Mail
Harvey Schachter is a Battersea, Ont.-based writer specializing in management issues. He writes Monday Morning Manager and management book reviews for the print edition of Report on Business and an online work-life column Balance. E-mail Harvey Schachter