In this post we revisit a classic article from the July 2013 edition of Management Today. Pulling back your ambitions may lead to better results. By Gerard McManus

Some management ideas are extremely fashionable for a while before being overtaken by a shiny new trend, but they may linger for years afterwards as imitator experts continue to hold on and run with them regardless of their inherent merits.

One such concept is that of stretch goals – a concept popularised by the most macho of modern management gurus, Jack Welch.

Welch revolutionised and energised General Electric during the 1990s, and in the process institutionalised a virtual new mov

LinkedIn is the perfect social networking platform to make a great impression, writes Amber Gale.

There are more than 259 million profiles on professional networking platform LinkedIn, and there are countless connections and opportunities through its gated access.

LinkedIn’s exponential growth since it began in 2003 has earned it a reputation as the leading online tool for professional networking: “Far and away, it’s the most advantageous social networking tool available,” Forbes magazine recommended.

Many in the Australian business community agree, and Mt spoke to so

A resume is no longer enough – a stylish DIY website is the perfect way to stand out from the crowd and allows you to share examples of your work with potential employers. By Emma Williams 

When sifting through resumes, the point of difference used to be your hobbies: reading, or hiking, say. However, the online era has brought much change and some people are building whole websites to show off what they can do.

Gen George, founder of job-matching website OneShift, says to step outside the box when job-seeking. “There’s stiff competition out there and it’s important people use technology to their advantage,” George says.

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Drug and alcohol policies are vital in any organisation, as what employees get up to in their own time can affect their safety and productivity in the workplace. By Leon Gettler 

Drugs and alcohol abuse impact businesses and managers. The Australian Drug Foundation estimates alcohol and drug misuse cost the Australian workplace $6 billion a year.

The effects come through in loss of productivity, absenteeism, injuries and workplace deaths. It affects the bottom line, which means managers need to put in place robust policies along with preventative training to help reduce financial and social

There will only ever be 24 hours in a day, so it’s wise to use them to their full potential. By Leon Gettler

Talk to any manager these days and they’ll tell you they’re busy. Time is the big talking point. It is the most precious commodity around.

Whether it’s making the most effective use of your time or watching others fritter away theirs, everyone is focused on time management. Poor management of time prevents managers from reaching their full potential. As a manager, many conflicting demands might be made on you. Workdays can be long, tiring and frustrating due to poor planning and people controlling your time and work. Time can be wasted doing

While more women are finding themselves in senior roles, a simple management model is helping fast-track their rise. By Anna Hitchings

Most people would agree there is a significant gender discrepancy in senior management roles.

While equal opportunities for women in the workplace are steadily on the rise, men predominantly hold the highest-ranking roles in businesses and corporations, so much so that the term “chief executive officer” has come to be synonymous with “male” in many minds.

To combat this phenomenon, leading social-change groups Chief Executive Women (CEW) and Male Champions of Change (MCC)

Helping staff strike the right work-life balance can also set up your workplace for a long and healthy future. By Leon Gettler

In an age when more companies recognise that only a healthy, qualified and motivated workforce can achieve future success in a globalising marketplace, a healthy office environment becomes a competitive advantage.

Managers have to know when their office needs a health makeover. The signs might be obvious. A Stress and Wellbeing survey released by the Australian Psychological Society in November revealed 75 per cent of Australia

Employees who ignore advice to have an influenza vaccination are contributing to an enormous cost to business, writes Emma Williams

It starts with a sniffle. One employee insists they’re not contagious and they’re fine to be at work, but slowly the flu spreads through your entire workplace, potentially crippling your business.

According to Queensland Department of Health, it is estimated colds and flu cause Australian businesses to lose 1.5 million workdays each year.

Kim Sampson, CEO of the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG), said flu vaccinations were the best way

Doing some homework before a job interview can help avoid fluffing your lines and blowing your chances. By Emma Williams

The problem with first impressions is you only get to make one of them, which is why interviews can seem so daunting.

When you get called up for an interview, you want to make sure you have the answers to really wow your interviewer. The last thing you want is to stumble or ramble through your answer. However, it can be difficult to keep those nerves at bay and answer the tough questions.

Paul O’Loughlin, from O’Loughlin Recruitment, recommends candidates treat it not as an interview but as a meeting. “Most

Allowing employees to work from home can be good for business, but managers need to know what they’re dealing with – it isn’t for everyone. By Emma Williams

The virtual office concept is becoming more prevalent as employers look to it as a cost-saving measure and employees rank the flexibility as one of the most desirable employment options.

Allowing employees to work from home means your business has the ability to recruit the best workers no matter where they live and you don’t have to limit your search to those who already live in the area or are willing to move. It is also a way of retaining busy parents or those considerin