Google search the word micromanager, and you will find plenty of articles defining what a micromanager is and the negative impact being one has on employees. Low productivity, stress, poor morale, turnover, broken relationships, and even losing one's job are all tied to being a micromanager. According to this article from Harvard Business Review, six signs make you a "clear" micromanager. However, I don't agree that these behaviors, these "signs" are a problem. Let me tell y

For years, I have struggled with the concept of happiness, both as the responsibility of those around me to provide it and of me providing it to others. Be it, my wife or children, my mother or siblings, friends or colleagues, I have tried not to place that responsibility on others. I have also struggled with the thought of others expecting me to provide them with their happiness. In my 20’s, I was dating someone who said to be in love with me. She frequently told me I made h

A few years back, I called a friend seeking advice after I joined a new company. I was having a hard time adjusting to the change, to the way things were being done compared to my prior experiences. It was not about inappropriate or unethical behavior; nothing about compromising morals. I just did not understand why, and I thought things could be done better. My prior experiences convinced me that my new employer was behind other companies and that many of the activities and

Take a listen to my podcast interview with Mary Lou Kayser about career growth and asking for what you want. PS: no, I am not the head of HR for Crescent Hotels & Resorts. My boss Laura Warner is the head and the one who allows me to do all this that I enjoy. http://playyourpositionpodcast.com/gustavo-serbia/ #jobsearch #workplaceissues #profesional #management #carrera #careerplan #careergrowth #stretch #careerplanning #careeradvice #managingupwards #success #careerdev

So how did I end up in HR? Why I started Stretch The String? Listen to this podcast and learn how and why I enjoy what I do. http://www.janejacksoncoach.com/114-gustavo-serbia-stretch-string/ Your journey, your career. Own it. If you want your question answered, email me at gus@stretchthestring.com "The most important instrument to your career development, growth, and success is you. Therefore, you must work to stretch beyond your comfort zon e, fine tune what you have to off

Leslie writes: I am a front desk agent. This upcoming May I will be graduating and receiving my associate’s degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management. I would like some advice on how I can apply for a management position with my company, even though I do not possess any management title experience. I have supervised and trained people, I just never had that supervisor position or title officially. I decided to get my degree in this industry to back up the years of experience th

When we first start working, we quickly recognize the importance of being a good manager. We may not know exactly how to go about it ourselves, but we can readily understand how our superiors manage us and others, at least we think we do. We start judging their capabilities and criticize their shortcomings. Many times we say – “if I were in charge, I would…” – and fill in the blank with pretty much any statement you like. Being able to manage others is an important skill we m

As 2016 comes to an end, and you prepare your list of resolutions, I am hoping you are including owning your career as part of what you want to accomplish in 2017. Considering that the average person spends microscopic time in formal career planning per year (about 1.2 days per year), yet it is at work we spend most of our daily lives, owning your career should not be a desire, but a requirement. Hopefully, this list of behaviors and actions will help you become the CEO of yo

Begin the road to career self-management with these 4 actions. Your journey, your career. Own it. "The most important instrument to career development, growth, and success is you. Therefore, you must work to stretch beyond your comfort zone, fine tune what you have to offer, and must do so continuously." - Gustavo Serbia I work in human resources at Crescent Hotels & Resorts. I also started Stretch the String, dedicated to career development, human resources, management, and

To grow your career, fight these tendencies on a regular basis. Stretch. Fine Tune. Repeat. #success #careerdevelopment #growth #stretch #careerplanning

Before we focus on the importance of employee engagement, lets focus on keeping you employed. #career #growth #stretch #careergrowth #careerdevelopment #success #careerplan #careerplanning

Today I want to talk to you about your board of directors. Yep, you heard me right. Your support group, peer group, and mentors; the people you trust with career advice. We all have someone (or a few) we rely upon for feedback and guidance. We seek their input to make decisions, to help us with the challenges we face or to bounce ideas with. But is your board of directors a strong one? Whom you select is most important Your board is only as good as the people that are part of