Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson

How Managers Can Support Employees in Times of Tragedy

Close-up of individuals standing side by side, with a prominent focus on two people holding hands, showcasing unity and support. The background features blurred figures, also holding hands down the line.

As managers, it is important to be aware of the potential impact of tragic events on our employees, especially in the aftermath of recent shootings, natural disasters, or other tragic events. These events can flood our news feeds and can have a significant effect on the mental and emotional well-being of our team members. When

How Emotional Self-Awareness and the Mood Elevator Transformed My Career

Just two years into my first dream job, I got fired. Like many new managers, I had been promoted because I was ambitious and good at the front-line work. But as soon as I was promoted I started using my authority to boss people around. I assumed I was right and they were wrong, and

An Introverted Manager’s Roadmap to Recognizing and Celebrating Team Wins

A close-up shot of a white man's hand resting on the shoulder of another white man wearing a dark suit, with a soft focus on the background that hints at a well-lit environment.

I was working with an IT manager for a small nonprofit, and while he cared about the team members reporting to him, he wondered sometimes if they didn’t deserve a manager who could pump them up, Ted Lasso style. Fortunately we were able to find ways he could be his authentic self at work and

Navigate Change and Overcome Failure

Let’s be honest here. We all want to make some changes in our lives. Maybe it’s your job, or your relationships, or even your business. Or maybe there’s a passion, like writing, that you wish you had more time for. Face Failure Head-On Here’s the real deal: When you try something new, there’s a chance

From Dread to Momentum: A Strategy to Start Any Task

Closeup of hands tying laces on running shoes.

My client, a construction manager, was working on three buildings simultaneously. He was juggling three different architects and three separate contractor teams. If that wasn’t enough, he and his wife were renovating a rowhouse in anticipation of their first child. He said he wanted to talk about time management and prioritization. Soon, he opened up

When Your BFF Becomes Your Supervisor

It can be challenging when a close work friend is promoted and becomes your supervisor. When my clients experience this, they can be happy for the friend but nervous about how to navigate this new territory. Perhaps you can relate. However, by maintaining professionalism, adapting to the new dynamics, and fostering a positive relationship, you

Accountability: use the FORD method to get traction

A diverse spread of dishes on a table including a large grilled fish, assorted meats, sliced bread, stir-fried noodles with vegetables, and a vibrant fresh salad in a bowl. Nearby are utensils and a person wearing red is partially visible in the background.

When something goes wrong, it’s easy to look for someone to blame. Accountability doesn’t always have to be reactive (see here for my thoughts on proactively managing accountability). But simply pointing fingers doesn’t solve the problem. The FORD Method helps us dig deeper to find out why things went wrong, and how to make them