The end of year is always a time for reflection. It allows us all to take a minute and step back from our chaotic lives to try and put some things in perspective. This is a perfect time to review…

Leaders are celebrated, while managers are often criticized, but a combination of the two could be just what the economy needs.

There's been an ongoing debate for the past five decades and I'm not talking about Medicare or why the Chicago Cubs haven't won a title since 1908. This debate has to do with leaders and managers.

In fact, a quick Google search of the phrase, "Leaders vs. Managers" produces more than 15 million results. Clearly, this is an issue people care about and are searching for the answers.

After all, should a manager also be a leader? Must a leader utilize management skills?

Before I attempt to answer those two questions, let's look closer at the differences between leaders and managers.

Organizational consultant Warren Bennis is widely known as the pioneer in what is considered the contemporary field of leadership. In his book, "On Becoming a Leader: The Leadership Classic" he delved into the qualities that define leadership, which included describing the differences between managers and leaders.

It’s officially holiday season time. There’s the good: helping your kids create childhood memories, spending time with loved ones, and watching the snow fall. And then there’s the bad: hanging lights in the freezing cold, shopping crowds, and an ambush…

So anyone working in the business community has been put on a team in one way or another. Some people love working in a team environment, while others feel they excel on their own. For those who loathe teamwork, why…

As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded about what we should be thankful for. Responses usually vary, from family to winning football records to pumpkin pie to job security. But if you’re already mentally checked out of work thinking about your…

So let’s say there is a skills gap in your company. If budgets allow, your first inclination might be to hire someone from outside the company to close that gap. After all, there are some people who know how to look great on "paper", and a stunning resume can make any company leader salivate over the potential of hiring a "rock star" employee.

While that philosophy works in certain situations, new research suggests promoting an in-house employee may actually perform better than hiring an external candidate.

The research, conducted by University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Management Professor Matthew Bidwell, claims external hires actually get lower performance evaluations during their first years on the job than internal workers who are promoted into similar jobs, according to Knowledge@Wharton, the online journal of the Wharton School. In addition, external hires have higher exit rates, and can be paid up to 20% more than internal candidates.

Managers and leaders lead extremely busy lives from the start of their day to the end. So whenever they do get a break in their day, they most likely surf the Internet, take a nap, or actually eat their lunch…

Diversity is talked about often. A sad reality however, is that some workplaces don’t do the best job of respecting employees from all walks of life. Now, keep in mind we aren’t trying to start a political discussion. After all, diversity isn’t just a…

After years of blood, sweat, tears, and too much caffeine, you have finally earned yourself a management role. So why aren’t you happier about this? Well, turns out not all managers are living the high life in their personal offices…