Leadership

What are the best ways to spot a bad manager/boss during the interview process before accepting the job offer or joining company?

I nearly accepted an executive role with a big company in Chicago several years ago. I passed through a first round of interviews and enjoyed the time I spent with everyone,...

Leadership

March 11, 2019

How do you manage your employees when you used to be their peer?

Like most new managers, my first promotion was announced in an emailed organization announcement. I was 25 years old and had no idea what I was doing. Once that email was...

by Ian Mathews

Hiring

Leadership

March 11, 2019

If you want to impress a new boss, impress your new peers first

“Who are the best performers in the company?” I hosted a new hire orientation for years as an executive with a Fortune 500 company. This question came from a college graduate...

by Ian Mathews

Sales

March 11, 2019

How to respond to “Sell me this pen” in an interview

I spent the better part of the past 20 years interviewing candidates for sales positions and rarely missed an opportunity to ask someone to sell me something. I have listened...

by Ian Mathews

Hiring

March 11, 2019

I learned the most important indicator of success with one of my first hires (it wasn’t grades)

“Ian, we need you to lead our intern program this summer.” “Do we have an intern program?” “Not yet. You’ll figure it out.” “Got it.” I was pumped. I was 24 years old and I...

by Ian Mathews

Inspiration

March 11, 2019

How to reinvent your career at any age

Drinking coffee early before work, I hear text notifications on my phone. Who the hell is sending me text messages this early? I check my phone. “What happens in Vegas . . . “...

by Ian Mathews

Leadership

March 11, 2019

Can you do for a career, what you can do for a day?

“What the hell are you trying to prove?” My safety glasses are steaming, and sweat is rolling down from my hard plastic helmet. It’s loud as hell in this factory, so I’m not...

by Ian Mathews

Careers

Sales

March 11, 2019

The reason most careers stall

Have you ever said something in a meeting and immediately regretted it? Sitting in a quarterly review with my CEO, I was beyond confident. I couldn’t wait to brag about all...

by Ian Mathews

Hiring

March 11, 2019

Why Top Performers Don’t Always Get The Promotion

“Am I being considered for the sales manager job?” “Should you be?” “Of course. I’m the best sale rep in the office.” “Yes, you are an incredible sales rep. How do you think...

by Ian Mathews

Sales

March 11, 2019

What Makes Great Salespeople Different

Two years ago, I was planning a trip to Florida with my son to watch baseball during Spring Training. We had tickets to two games, both near Disney themes parks in Orlando....

by Ian Mathews