This is reposted from 2011

 There’s no argument that this is an extremely busy time of year.  Between traveling, relatives invading, cooking and shopping, it’s a   wonder anyone has time to actually “work”.  And if you’re trying to   clear your desk to take a few extra days, you are at max stress level.

 But this is exactly the time you need to look around and take the time to sincerely thank the people who have worked hard all year. You’re not the only one stressing out. Here’s a few tips to make the holidays more enjoyable everyone:

I’m sure you’ve noticed that it’s been quite awhile since my last post. I took that time away from blogging to start a new chapter in my life. I’ve always enjoyed providing real-world leadership and management advice but wanted to take it to the next level. So last year, I enrolled in a coaching class. Now, as a certified executive, leadership and career coach, I can take a more hands on approach to Manage Fearlessly.

Soon after the election of Donald Trump, Grubhub's CEO, Matt Maloney sent an email asking Trump supporters to resign.  He quickly backtracked, but how would you feel if you worked there and voted for Trump? Are similar conversations going on in offices throughout America?

Sadly, Wells Fargo’s CEO John Stumpf's resignation is only the latest in a laundry list of major company CEOs who have been forced out. Just in the last 2 years, we’ve seen:

·      Volkswagon’s CEO Martin Winterkon resign over the installation of software used to trick the EPA

If you manage people long enough, it’s likely you’ll come across someone who constantly complains.  This is a person I know well. In addition to having a few of them work for me over years, I use to be one.

The funny thing about the constant complainer is that very often, he or she is one of your best employees. In fact, part of the reason they complain so much is that they have high standards for themselves, their peers and the company.  So what can you do if you have this type of employee?

It never ceases to amaze me how many companies are still using rating and ranking systems. Consultancy firm Aon Hewitt found that 90% of 880 surveyed tech employers in a recent survey used performance rating.

And tech firms are suppose to be on the cutting edge of everything, aren’t they? So I was pleased to see a recent article in the WSJ that GE has ended their employee rating system. This is quite a milestone for the company that Jack Welch built.