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The article mentions methods for getting employee feedback that can be used for improving morale and productivity in organizations. Management tools include index cards, the open door, management by walking around, skip-level interviews, employee-coach technique, split-screen feedback, what's good/what's bad, and formal employee opinion surveys. INSET: Where to Learn More about Employee Feedback Tools.

The article presents information on communicating effectively with employees. Weekly staff meetings are an effective way to promote open communication with employees. They also recommend communicating performance standards consistently. Expectations should be clear and predictable. Nonverbal cues also play a significant role in the messages one sends to his/her team.

The article gives examples of emotion and incivility in the workplace, which make employees feel uncomfortable or morally invisible, and offers advice for managing the boss. Problem behavior is magnified by positional power or emotionally charged memories and the result is bullying. Subordinates need to keep calm and maintain mental tranquility when a superior is "losing it." The book "There's a Nightmare in My Closet," by Mercer Mayer, is recommended. "Equus," by Peter Shaffer is mentioned.

The article comments on skillful management and leadership that delegates authority, assigns accountability, and accepts responsibility. Leaders who believe that they have learned from their experiences and communicate confidence in their subordinates' ability to perform given tasks are acting on faith or "going on gut instinct" in making decisions. This confidence gives managers the ability to inspire others when they delegate authority or assign responsibility.