The Bent Archive

I hate giving feedback

Rallying your wits when you’re scared of doing it wrong, scared of being wrong, or just plain not feeling qualified. Plus, our 5 Rules of Good Feedback.

I remove obstacles

Why this is the most important thing a manager can do, plus how to find them, and what to do when you don’t agree with what’s blocking your team from getting results.

The glorious simplicity of pass/fail

You either do or you don’t! We discuss how to live without three-out-of-fives, plus what to do when you’re failing at everything.

Make a scorecard and feel less lost

One of our very favorite tools! Scorecards provide clarity and alignment, and help you know what’s “right.” We built a Good Boss scorecard for new managers — check it out and watch yourself improve over time.

Write better emails

This week: Asking for approval and “calling” in sick.

We asked each other: How do you survive a tough week?

We answered: List making, dance classes, coffee that’s not to-go, stickers, and breakfast dates. Plus, exercises to help you find your own survival strategies.

Never cancel a 1-on-1 again

What you’re supposed to talk about, things to say when you don’t know the answer, finding your 1-on-1 rhythm, and more!

Quit trying to do it alone

The Bent is every secret code we figured out. It’s our advice about what we would do in a situation, and what we did do in that situation, and what we learned along the way. We hope you’ll subscribe.

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