Basic Business Etiquette Still Matters
Advancement Weekly Article A communications expert says that simple etiquette remains essential in the workplace and that all managers could use a refresher.

Teaching New Employees How to Fit In
Advancement Weekly Article Teaching employees what behaviors are valued at their new workplace is an excellent way to align organizational culture and drive success, writes a management expert.

Discourage Office Interruptions
Advancement Weekly Article Many managers have at least one employee who enjoys popping by their offices to discuss every aspect of his or her work. Sometimes, such visits are important, but many times they are productivity killers for both parties, writes one manager.

Things to Keep to Yourself at Work
Advancement Weekly Article Sharing too much information at the office can damage reputations, workplace camaraderie and—at worst—careers.

Signs of Deteriorating Organizational Culture
Advancement Weekly Article Every now and then, it’s important to gauge the health of your organization’s culture. And managers can do so simply by listening to what they and their colleagues say around the office.

Dealing with the Office 'Debbie Downer'
Advancement Weekly Article Nearly every office has one—a colleague who has a negative comment about everything. It is important to deal quickly with this individual, writes one management expert, because ignoring him or her will only further bring down office morale.

Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette at the Office
Advancement Weekly Article Buying gifts for office colleagues can be as much of an etiquette minefield as the annual holiday party. There are several dos and don’ts to consider.

Intolerant Work Environment Stalls Careers of LGBTs
Advancement Weekly Article A new study by the Center for Work-Life Policy finds that employers who don’t create an environment in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees can express their sexual orientation hinder these individuals’ “career progression” and undermine their organization’s “bottom line success.”

Odds and Ends: Breaking Through
CURRENTS Article In this interview with Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. military's first black female combat pilot, she discusses her experience with creating a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, the challenges of keeping people who work for large organizations engaged, and how higher education can help veterans as well as be helped by their experience.

All Work and Some Play
Advancement Weekly Article Work isn’t all fun and games, but a growing number of employers are hoping to change this expectation: they’re incorporating elements of videogames into the workplace to engage their employees.

Keeping Employees Sharp
Advancement Weekly Article Managers are responsible for leveraging their organizations’ resources efficiently, and employees are arguably their most valuable resource. A leadership expert offers four, outside-the-box ideas that managers can implement to break up the monotony of the workplace and get the most from their staffs.

Drafting a Robust Remote Work Policy
Advancement Weekly Article Managers should establish formal policies with clear guidelines for remote workers so that they can focus, above all else, on doing their jobs. Still, one leadership guru says managers shouldn’t sacrifice flexibility in the process.

Discouraging Workplace Gossip
Advancement Weekly Article "Allowing gossip in the workplace is like encouraging your employees to swim with sharks," warns one management guru who suggests several ways for managers to control gossip in their offices.

Etiquette for Eating at Your Desk
Advancement Weekly Article More managers and their employees are eating at their desks to stay productive. It could be good for office efficiency, but is it driving your co-workers crazy?

Maximizing Office Space
Advancement Weekly Article Are you getting the most out of your office space? Here are some tips to clear your desk and your head.

Give 'Em a Break: Helping Employees Maximize Vacation
Advancement Weekly Article If your employees can’t recharge on vacation, then you’ve failed as a manager. Or so argues one leadership expert from the United Kingdom.

Study: Teleworking Less Popular, but No Less Effective
Advancement Weekly Article A new survey reports that the number of teleworkers in the United States decreased last year for the first time since 2003. Researchers say that heightened employee anxiety over job security has many afraid to work from home. Still, some leadership experts say that more face time doesn’t promote greater job security and that employers should continue to promote teleworking.

Generation Vexed
CURRENTS Article For perhaps the first time in history, three distinct generations are sitting desk-to-desk in the workplace. In this story, advancement professionals discuss the characteristics of Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials and various points of conflict in the multigenerational office.

Office Space: Artists of Advancement
CURRENTS Article When personalities in the office clash, it can affect productivity. Find out how creative employees operate so you can work together to advance your institution.

Odds and Ends: Through the Ages
CURRENTS Article A short discussion of generational differences in the workplace.

Advance Work: Facebook or Bust
CURRENTS Article A survey of 18- to 24-year-olds found that lack of access to Facebook or YouTube at work would cause some to quit.

Piece of Mind
CURRENTS Article The advancement team at Rollins College in Florida learned that collaboration was key to success. They overcame cross-departmental conflict, learned to work together, and realized what each member of the team contributed.

Manager's Portfolio: The Trust Conversation
CURRENTS Article Trust contributes to more productive, happier workplaces and is created daily through an ongoing dialogue.

Manager's Portfolio: Hot-Button Issues
CURRENTS Article During a contentious election season, how can advancement managers maintain healthy relationships and encourage shared goals on campus? To avoid the potentially negative effects of political discussions in the workplace, managers and their staffs should understand the nature of colleges and universities, know their role as advancement professionals, avoid political arguments with co-workers and donors, and strive for civility. Because advancement professionals must form partnerships and foster support for department or campus goals, they must find ways to listen and understand others’ viewpoints.

Manager's Portfolio: Location, Location, Location
CURRENTS Article At many institutions, limited office and parking space forces advancement units to move outside of campus borders. Off-campus facilities offer several advantages over campus quarters, but advancement staffers must work harder to keep in touch with faculty, staff, and students when off site.

Manager's Portfolio: Managing Millennials
CURRENTS Article To motivate the student workers often called Millennials (born between 1978 and 1997), advancement managers need to understand their independent, individualistic ways. In particular, managers should consider the best ways to make assignments, give them perks, and help them understand workplace expectations.

Manager's Portfolio: Play Nice
CURRENTS Article Generational differences in the workplace create the potential for workplace conflict and confusion. Understanding the nuances of each generation's preferences can make giving and receiving feedback more pleasant and effective.