Life insurance is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. It protects your family, builds security, and can even play a role in long-term financial planning. Yet many people feel overwhelmed by the options and unsure of what type of coverage they truly need.

The good news? Life insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on a few key principles, you can choose a policy that’s both affordable and aligned with your long-term goals.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Life insurance isn’t just about death benefits — it also provides living benefits and savings.
• Understanding term vs. permanent insurance is crucial.
• Premiums are influenced by age, health, and lifestyle.
• Permanent policies can build cash value for emergencies or retirement.
• Independence matters — unbiased professionals help you compare all carriers and options.

1. Understand Why You Need Life Insurance

Before looking at quotes, get clear on your “why.” People buy life insurance for different reasons, including:

• Replacing lost income for dependents.
• Paying off a mortgage or debts.
• Funding college tuition or retirement savings.
• Covering final expenses.
• Estate planning and tax advantages.

👉 Tip: Write down your primary goals. If your main concern is short-term family protection, term life may be enough. If you want to build wealth or leave a legacy, permanent life could be better. Getting clarity on your “why” is the first step in choosing the right life insurance.

2. Know the Main Types of Life Insurance

The two broad categories are term life and permanent life insurance, and understanding the distinction is crucial before making a decision.

Permanent Life Insurance

This coverage is designed to last your entire lifetime, and can build cash value while offering protection. Options include Whole Life, IUL, and Universal Life.

Term Life Insurance

This offers coverage for a set period (10–30 years) at affordable premiums. Perfect for mortgage protection or income replacement during working years.

👉 Key difference: Term = temporary protection (renting); Permanent = lifelong protection + financial tool (owning).

3. Factor in Your Budget and Affordability

The best life insurance policy is one you can realistically pay for over the long term. Premiums vary widely depending on the type of coverage and your financial situation, so it’s important to balance protection with affordability:

• Term life insurance is budget-friendly – premiums can start as low as $20 per month, making it accessible for most families.
• Permanent life insurance costs more – higher premiums reflect the lifetime protection and cash value component, which can grow over time.
• Think about your bigger financial picture – weigh premiums against other obligations like housing, retirement contributions, and emergency savings.
• Don’t over-insure yourself – a policy that lapses because it’s unaffordable offers zero protection, no matter how large the death benefit.
• Start where you are – if your budget is tight, consider beginning with a smaller policy that fits comfortably now, with the flexibility to expand or upgrade at your discretion.

👉 Bottom line: Choosing the right life insurance means finding a balance between protection and what you can sustain long term.

4. Decide How Much Coverage You Actually Need

How much life insurance should you buy? A common rule is 10–15 times your annual income, but it depends on your situation. Consider:

• Mortgage or rent obligations.
• Future expenses (children’s education, spouse’s retirement).
• Outstanding debts or business loans.
• Funeral and estate costs.

👉 Tip: Use a life insurance needs calculator or speak with a financial professional to find your true number.

5. Compare Policy Features and Riders

Riders are add-ons that customize your policy. Popular options include:

• Accelerated Death Benefit Rider: Access part of the death benefit if diagnosed with a terminal illness.
• Waiver of Premium Rider: Waives premiums if you become disabled.
• Critical Illness or Chronic Illness Riders: Pay benefits if you’re seriously ill.

These may increase costs slightly, but can provide valuable flexibility.

6. Evaluate the Insurance Company’s Strength

Not all insurers are created equal, and the stability of the company you choose is just as important as the type of policy. Life insurance is a long-term promise, so you need confidence that the provider will still be around—and financially capable—when your family needs the payout.

Choose a company with strong financial ratings from AM Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s. A highly rated insurer ensures your family will actually receive benefits decades from now.

👉 Pro tip: Look at customer service reviews too—claim processing speed matters during stressful times.

7. Understand the Underwriting Process

Life insurance underwriting has evolved with technology, making the process faster and more flexible. Today, there are three main approaches, each offering different benefits depending on your situation.

• Full Underwriting – The most comprehensive process, involving a health questionnaire, medical exam, and lifestyle review. This option is best for larger coverage amounts since insurers get a complete picture of your health and risk profile.
• Simplified Issue – Skips the medical exam and uses a short health questionnaire plus quick background checks. It’s ideal for moderate-sized policies and for people who want coverage more quickly without the extra steps.
• Guaranteed Issue – Requires no health questions or exams at all. Approval is automatic, making it a good option for smaller policies and ensuring that anyone can secure some level of protection.

👉 Bottom line: Whether you want maximum coverage, a faster process, or guaranteed access, there’s an underwriting option to match your needs.

8. Consider Your Long-Term Goals

Life insurance can do more than pay a death benefit. It can also be a strategic financial tool that supports your bigger picture goals. Permanent policies, in particular, can help you plan ahead in ways that term coverage can’t.

• Business succession planning – Policies are often used to fund buy-sell agreements, protecting both your family and your business partners. Action step: if you own a business, explore how life insurance can be part of your continuity plan.
• Wealth transfer and legacy building – Permanent life insurance can help you pass on wealth efficiently while minimizing taxes. Action step: consider whether leaving a charitable gift or inheritance is part of your financial goals.
• Retirement planning – Use the cash value component to build tax-advantaged savings that can supplement retirement income later in life. Action step: review how a permanent policy could fit alongside your 401(k) or IRA.
• Estate planning – Life insurance can provide immediate liquidity to pay estate taxes, settle debts, or ensure your heirs receive assets without having to sell property. Action step: make sure you work with someone who understands how life insurance works in conjunction with your estate plan to help protect your legacy.

👉 Bottom line: Don’t just buy life insurance for today—choose coverage that supports the life you want to build tomorrow.

9. Work With an Independent Life Insurance Specialist

Online tools are handy for quick comparisons, but they can’t match the personal guidance and expertise of an independent specialist. Because they work with many different carriers—not just one—their job is to understand your goals and recommend options that truly fit. Their compensation isn’t tied to pushing a single product, so the advice you get is centered on what’s best for you.

A independent agent can:

• Explore multiple carriers to find policies that align with your needs.
• Walk you through features and riders in plain, simple terms.
• Help you design coverage that works with your bigger financial plans.

👉 Bottom line: With an independent specialist, you get more choices, clear explanations, and advice that puts your interests first.

10. Review and Update Regularly

Life insurance isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision. A good rule of thumb is to review your policy once a year, even if nothing major has changed. Annual check-ins help you stay aligned with your goals and make sure your coverage grows with you.

Major life events—like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, buying a home, or preparing for retirement—are key times to reassess. But beyond the yearly review, it’s also good practice to stay in touch with your agent throughout the year. Building that ongoing relationship means you’ll have someone who understands your situation and can offer timely guidance whenever your needs evolve.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right life insurance policy isn’t about buying the cheapest premium or the biggest death benefit. It’s about building a strategy around your life, your family, and your goals. With independent guidance, you can choose a policy that protects what matters most while supporting your future financial security.

FAQs

How much life insurance do I need?

A common guideline is 10–12 times your annual income, but personal factors matter most.

Do I have to take a medical exam?

Many carriers now offer no-exam policies, especially for smaller amounts or simplified issue products.

Can I have more than one policy?

Yes — layering term and permanent coverage can be a smart strategy when choosing the right life insurance mix.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with life insurance?

Waiting too long. Costs go up with age and health changes.

Equipment breakdown insurance can save you a lot of money if a household appliance is damaged due to a mechanical or electrical issue.

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage to your home and belongings caused by events like fire, theft and hail. But it usually won’t cover damage to your home’s appliances or systems caused by electrical or mechanical failure. That’s where equipment breakdown coverage can come in.

Equipment breakdown coverage pays for damage to your home’s systems and appliances from sudden, accidental breakdowns. This optional add-on can help pay to repair or replace covered items that break down due to electrical issues or mechanical failures.

What does equipment breakdown insurance cover?

Equipment breakdown insurance may cover damage to:

• Heating and cooling systems.
• Electrical panels and wiring.
• Water heaters, boilers and heat pumps.
• Air and water filtration systems.
• Kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ovens and dishwashers.
• Washers and dryers.
• Alarm systems and home automation equipment.
• Computers, electronics and home entertainment systems.
• Exercise equipment.

Some policies may cover the cost of spoiled food caused by a broken appliance or pay for your living expenses if the damage makes your home unlivable.

What isn’t covered by equipment breakdown insurance?

Equipment breakdown insurance only covers failures due to electrical and mechanical issues. It won’t cover damage due to normal wear and tear or a lack of maintenance. So if your air conditioner stops working because of a clogged air filter, it wouldn’t be covered under equipment breakdown insurance.

Likewise, equipment breakdown coverage doesn’t cover damage from fire, lightning, wind or hail. Those events are covered under your standard homeowners policy.

What’s the difference between equipment breakdown coverage and a home warranty?

While equipment breakdown coverage and a home warranty may seem similar, there are some key differences.

Equipment breakdown coverage is typically an endorsement or add-on to your homeowners insurance policy. It covers electrical or mechanical damage to your household systems and appliances. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of specific appliances and systems in your home.

One key difference is that equipment breakdown insurance is typically broader in scope than a home warranty. Equipment breakdown coverage can cover a wider range of appliances and systems, while a home warranty covers specific items listed in the contract.

Another difference is cost. Equipment breakdown coverage typically costs from $25 to $50 per year and usually has a coverage limit and a deductible, often $500. Your deductible is how much you pay before insurance kicks in, while your coverage limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a covered loss.

Home warranties can be more expensive, sometimes costing $500 per year or more. You may pay a deductible or a service fee from $50 to $100 for each claim. You often don’t get to choose your contractor or the brand of a replacement appliance.

If you’re deciding between equipment breakdown coverage and a home warranty, make sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of both so you understand the differences in what each covers.

How much does equipment breakdown coverage cost?

Equipment breakdown coverage typically costs from $25 to $50 per year. Not all insurance providers offer equipment breakdown coverage, so check with your homeowners insurance company to see if it’s available.

Is equipment breakdown coverage worth it?

Equipment breakdown coverage can provide you with added financial protection for your home’s most expensive systems and appliances. Although the coverage has limitations, it may offer you additional peace of mind to know that you won’t have to pay the entire cost if your air conditioning compressor breaks or your hot water tank ruptures.

If you’re not sure if equipment breakdown coverage is right for you, weigh the potential cost you’d pay for repairs against what you’d pay to add this endorsement to your policy.

You should also look at the limits and deductibles for the coverage to ensure you’ll be covered in case you need to use it. For example, some insurers may offer equipment breakdown insurance with $100,000 in coverage and a $500 deductible.

Make sure the limits are high enough to replace your appliances or home systems, and choose a deductible that fits your budget.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Bedbugs?

Ridding your home of bedbugs can be a significant financial burden, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of your home and the severity of the infestation. Unfortunately, for most tenants, renters insurance will not step in to help with these expenses.

Why standard policies say “No”

Generally, renters insurance is designed to protect you against sudden, accidental “perils” like fires, lightning strikes, or windstorms. In the eyes of most insurance carriers, a pest infestation is considered a maintenance issue rather than a sudden disaster.

Because it falls under the category of home upkeep, your policy likely won’t cover:

• Extermination fees: The cost of professional pest control.
• Replacement costs: If you have to throw away an infested mattress or furniture.
• Relocation: Hotel bills if you need to vacate the unit during treatment.

While a few specialized policies or “add-on” endorsements exist that offer limited coverage (sometimes providing a few hundred dollars toward extermination), these are rare and often only available through specific property management partnerships.

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Is Your Landlord Responsible?

In many cases, the responsibility falls on the landlord, especially in multi-unit buildings. However, the answer often depends on your local laws and the specific language in your lease.

The Implied Warranty of Habitability

Most tenants are protected by a legal concept known as the “implied warranty of habitability.” This requires landlords to provide a basic standard of living, which includes heat, water, structural safety, and a home free of vermin.

However, this doesn’t automatically mean the landlord pays. The “source” of the bugs matters:

• If you brought them in: If you live in a single-family home and the bugs appeared right after you returned from a trip, the landlord may argue you introduced the pests and hold you liable for the bill.
• If the building is infested: If multiple units in an apartment complex have bedbugs, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the source. In these instances, the landlord is usually required to foot the bill for the entire building.

State and Local Laws

Specific regulations vary by location:

• Colorado: Landlords are generally required to pay for extermination, though tenants may still be responsible for their own relocation or furniture replacement costs.
• Florida: Law requires landlords to manage bedbug issues in any rental unit other than single-family homes or duplexes.

Always check your specific city and state ordinances to see who is legally obligated to pay.

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Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Even if the landlord is paying, you have a role to play. Tenants are typically required to:

1. Report the issue immediately once discovered.
2. Cooperate with exterminators by clearing clutter or vacating the premises as requested.
3. Allow access to the unit for inspections and treatments.

If your landlord refuses to address an infestation or you cannot agree on who should pay, you may need to consult a tenant rights attorney or a local housing clinic.

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How to Get Rid of Bedbugs

If you are dealing with an infestation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests the following steps in addition to hiring a professional:

Interceptors: Place bedbug interceptor cups under the legs of beds and furniture to trap bugs moving to and from the piece

Vacuum Thoroughly: Clean all rugs and floors, then immediately seal the vacuum contents in a bag and dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin.

Isolate the Bed: Move your bed away from the walls and ensure bedding does not touch the floor.

Declutter: Remove hiding places by clearing out piles of clothing or paper.

Seal the Gaps: Use caulk to close cracks around baseboards and electrical outlets.

Protect Furniture: Encase your mattress and box spring in certified bedbug-proof covers.

Heat Treatment: Place infested items (like clothes or linens) in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

The Rising Cost of Staying on the Road

If you have noticed your auto insurance premiums climbing by hundreds of dollars recently, you are far from alone. Across the country, the average premium paid in the first half of 2025 has jumped more than 8 percent compared to the same period last year. Even more striking is the long-term trend: average premiums have surged by over 30 percent since 2023.

The Financial Reality for Drivers

The average driver is now facing an annual bill of approximately $2,679. however, location plays a massive role in how much pain consumers are feeling at the pump and in their policies. Drivers in states like Florida, Louisiana, and Nevada are seeing average annual costs climb well above $3,500, while in New York, the average has topped the $4,000 mark.

A recent survey of over 40,000 policyholders highlights just how widespread these hikes are:

• 38 percent of drivers reported an increase between $50 and $199 within the last year.
• 22 percent reported their annual premium spiked by $200 or more.

Looking Ahead

The upward trend may not be over yet. Current market analysis suggests that external economic factors, including the impact of prolonged tariffs on automotive parts, could drive national premiums up by an additional 8 percent by the end of 2025. This projected increase is double what many analysts originally anticipated, signaling a challenging road ahead for household budgets.

The good news is, yes, pothole damage is usually covered—provided you have collision coverage. Collision coverage, an optional portion of a standard auto insurance policy, covers damage to a car resulting from a collision with an object (e.g., a pothole, lamp post or guard rail), another car or as the result of flipping over. However, it does not cover wear and tear to a car or its tires due to bad road conditions.

Collision coverage is generally sold with a deductible—the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Your collision coverage will reimburse you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible.

Collision insurance is different from comprehensive insurance, which is also an optional coverage. Comprehensive coverage reimburses drivers for theft, vandalism, flooding and damage from fallen objects, such as trees.

A driver who hits another car, or a pedestrian, due to a pothole also will be covered by liability insurance, which is required to drive legally in every U.S. state except New Hampshire. Liability coverage applies to injuries that you, the policyholder or designated driver, cause to someone else.

In addition to filing a claim with your insurance company, some jurisdictions, like Chicago and New York state, may pay for pothole damage in certain cases. A driver who has had pothole damage needs to determine what jurisdiction is responsible for the road and inquire about compensation for pothole damage. Then the driver must file a claim.

Potholes usually cause relatively minor damage to cars, mostly to the wheels and tires. In some cases, potholes can also damage to the steering, suspension and alignment systems. Since the pothole damage your vehicle may incur could fall below the amount of your deductible, typically $500 or $1,000, it may not be practical to file a claim.

Facts and figures

Most motorists carry collision coverage on their vehicles. In the United States, 73 percent of insured drivers had collision coverage as of 2015, the most recent year for which the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has data.

The NAIC found that 78 percent of all drivers had comprehensive coverage in 2015.

Green Energy and Home Insurance: What You Need to Know

As more homeowners choose to “unplug” from traditional utilities, the insurance industry is beginning to adapt with specialized coverage and incentives. To save energy and reduce their environmental impact, many homeowners are moving beyond simple steps like recycling or using high-efficiency lighting and are instead generating their own power.

Living “Off the Grid”

Taking a home “off the grid” involves using alternative energy sources—such as solar panels or geothermal pumps—rather than hooking up to a public electric or gas company. While this was once a niche lifestyle, it is a growing movement. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of households now operate independently of the public grid, with that number growing by roughly 10% each year.

Insurance Discounts for Sustainable Living

The insurance industry is starting to recognize the value of environmentally responsible homes. Some insurers have begun offering discounts—often around 5%—for homeowners who utilize solar or geothermal systems.

However, insurers generally distinguish between “safe” alternative energy and potential hazards:

• Approved Systems: Geothermal and solar systems are viewed as safe, modern technologies. To qualify for discounts, systems typically must be installed by qualified contractors and meet high efficiency standards.
• Fire Risks: Homes relying solely on wood fireplaces or coal stoves for heat are often viewed as higher risks due to the increased chance of fire, making them more difficult to insure.

Is Specialized Coverage Required?

In most cases, you do not need to buy additional riders or separate policies to cover alternative energy equipment.

• Replacement Cost: The value of solar panels or geothermal pumps is typically included in your home’s total replacement cost.
• Policy Reviews: It is vital to ensure your policy limits accurately reflect the cost to rebuild or repair your home with these high-tech systems included.

The Future of Green Insurance

While not every major carrier offers a specific “green discount” yet, most are willing to underwrite policies for off-the-grid homes. These properties are generally evaluated on an individual basis, looking at the specific risks and the quality of the installation.

As sustainable building practices become more mainstream, industry experts anticipate that more providers will offer competitive “off-the-grid” discounts to attract eco-conscious homeowners. For now, the trend is clear: as homeowners migrate toward greener living, the insurance market is moving right along with them.

Every homeowner should consider the benefits and risks of purchasing flood insurance, particularly as the seasons change. There are generally two primary ways to obtain this protection: through private insurance carriers or through government-subsidized programs.

Spring is statistically the time of year when the most flooding occurs due to rapid snowmelt and unpredictable weather patterns.

What is Flood Insurance?

Flood insurance provides financial backing to property owners if they incur water damage caused by rising surface water. Before a policy is issued, providers typically investigate the specific flood risks associated with the property’s location.

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Lowlands, floodplains, and areas with an extensive history of water damage will likely carry higher premiums. It is important to understand that insurance providers generally only provide coverage if the damage is caused directly by a flood event. For example, if a home is damaged by a different mechanical or structural issue during a storm, the claim may be denied if flooding wasn’t the primary cause.

The two most common types of coverage consist of:

• Building Coverage: Protects the actual physical structure of the house.
• Contents Coverage: Protects the items inside the property, such as furnaces, water heaters, carpeting, electrical systems, and personal belongings.

Why Buy Flood Insurance During Spring?

Spring is often considered the most critical time to secure coverage. Despite the onset of warmer weather, frozen ground cannot absorb melting snow or heavy rainfall. Instead, this water flows over the surface and into water banks near residential areas.

Heavy rain and rapid snowmelt are standard seasonal trends that can lead to life-threatening conditions and significant property loss. Having protection in place before these weather patterns begin can help ease the massive financial burden of a flood.

Potential Disadvantages and Limits

When selecting a plan, it is vital to read the fine print regarding coverage “loopholes.” Providers evaluate claims based on the direct cause of the event; if a non-flooding issue is determined to be the culprit, you may be left without reimbursement.

Additionally, some policies—particularly those funded by government programs—have specific limits. For instance, some plans only provide the actual cash value for lost belongings (their value at the time of the loss) rather than the replacement cost (what it actually costs to buy a new version today). In these specific circumstances, a policyholder should weigh the long-term cost against the specific payout limits.

Helping Children Navigate “Big Emotions”

Children experience a vast spectrum of emotions as they grow and explore the world. Feelings like frustration, anger, sadness, excitement, and anxiety are all natural parts of development. However, many children struggle to process these “big emotions,” especially when they feel overwhelmed or lack the tools to express themselves. Counseling provides a guided environment where children can understand their feelings and build healthy habits for the future.

Understanding the Intensity of Childhood Emotions

Young children often experience emotions intensely because the brain centers responsible for regulation are still developing. When a child is overwhelmed, it may manifest as tantrums, social withdrawal, or difficulty focusing. These reactions are often a signal that the child needs help identifying and articulating what they are feeling in a constructive way.

Professional support helps children realize that all emotions are normal. Through consistent guidance, they begin to connect their feelings to specific triggers, helping them understand the “why” behind their reactions.

Cultivating Emotional Awareness

A primary step in emotional management is teaching children to name what they are experiencing. Many children act out simply because they lack the specific vocabulary to explain their internal state.

Counselors often use age-appropriate tools—such as storytelling, games, and creative play—to help children label different feelings. Once a child can put a name to a feeling, they are much better equipped to communicate their needs and approach situations with more clarity.

Developing Practical Coping Strategies

Sessions often focus on “in-the-moment” strategies that children can use when they feel a surge of emotion. These practical skills help children pause and think before reacting impulsively. Common techniques include:

• Deep Breathing: Learning to use slow, controlled breaths to physically calm the nervous system.
• Calming Visualizations: Using the imagination to shift focus away from a stressor.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Learning to identify a challenge and brainstorm a verbal solution rather than a physical one.

Building Resilience and Confidence

As children master these tools, their self-confidence grows. They learn that while they cannot always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond. This builds emotional resilience—the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to change. This resilience is a foundational skill that helps them navigate school, friendships, and family dynamics more successfully.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers

Emotional development is most successful when supported both in professional sessions and at home. Therapists often collaborate with caregivers to create a consistent environment. This might include:

• Validating Feelings: Learning how to acknowledge a child’s perspective without necessarily agreeing with their behavior.
• Open Communication: Encouraging a household culture where it is safe to talk about difficult feelings.
• Co-Regulation: Practicing calming strategies alongside the child during moments of high stress.

Empowering Long-Term Well-Being

Learning to manage big emotions is one of the most important tasks of childhood. With the right support, children can transform overwhelming feelings into opportunities for growth. Counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental space for children to develop the awareness and resilience they need to handle life’s ups and downs with confidence.

How can you grow and develop as a manager? 

Stepping into a leadership position for the first time can be daunting, even if you feel prepared to handle your new responsibilities. Going from focusing primarily on your own work’s quality to overseeing an entire team’s output can feel overwhelming. However, effectively leading your team and experiencing success can be extremely rewarding. 

The relationship between a manager and their team can be complex to navigate. There’s more to it than telling everyone what to do; in fact, that management approach is highly discouraged. We’ll explore the characteristics of true leaders in management positions and a few behaviors to avoid to become an excellent manager.

What are the ideal characteristics of good managers?

We’ll highlight four primary characteristics of good managers and offer advice from seasoned influencers on how to incorporate these traits into your leadership style.  

1. Good managers are collaborative.

Creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard, respected and valued is a crucial step for new managers. A team that works together creates a welcoming, supportive culture. 

As a manager, you can encourage a collaborative environment by setting the pace for workplace ethics.

According to Summer Salomonsen, former chief learning officer at Grovo, tips for creating a collaborative work environment include delegating tasks, encouraging communication and feedback through regular one-on-one meetings, and prioritizing reciprocal trust among the team.

2. Supportive managers are growth-oriented.

Good managers should focus on helping their employees progress both individually and collectively. Get to know your workers personally so you can help them leverage their talents. Find what works and what doesn’t, and prioritize identifying and removing obstacles so your employees can perform at their best.

Will Esdaile, vice president of performance marketing at Blue Nile, suggests that managers “have a development goal that isn’t about the business. Have one goal focused on the development of a person (or people) on your team that isn’t connected to a business outcome. This could be developing confidence in presenting by sharing work to a big group or learning a new language.”

3. Excellent managers know how to communicate.

Communication is a driving force behind nearly everything people do, so clear communication is a vital characteristic for supervisors. You should set clear expectations for your employees, be transparent about important topics, and establish guidelines for both giving and receiving feedback.

To inspire original thinking, Salomonsen advises managers to create a diverse and inclusive company culture where everyone can voice their concerns, opinions and ideas. Encourage authenticity and vulnerability by leading by example, this could be asking for help or admitting you don’t understand something in front of your staff. Great leaders are aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and communicate how they are working to improve challenges.

Did You Know?

Communication is key to employee engagement and job satisfaction. It’s crucial to communicate concisely with your team so misunderstandings don’t hinder their work.

4. Good managers motivate their employees to improve.

Money isn’t the only incentive that motivates employees. Every worker wants to feel valued. If they don’t believe their work is making a difference in some way, they won’t be motivated. 

Yaniv Masjedi, marketing personnel at Aura, said new managers should “take some time to get to know each team member’s strengths and where they need extra support. Use assignments as a learning process for you and your team. Then support where needed and lean extra hard when you’re able to.”

Masjedi added it’s best to learn alongside your team as you grow into your role. Your staff will see you putting in the work to improve, which will inspire them to do better in their own positions.

Tip

When you’re managing remote teams, proactive communication is crucial. Hold regular meetings and set clear guidelines on what communication methods to use in specific circumstances.

Bad leadership habits every manager should avoid 

New managers often fall into bad leadership habits as they take on their new responsibilities. Salomonsen noted six leadership weaknesses to avoid at all costs.

• Providing only negative feedback: Managers can fall into the trap of providing feedback only during performance reviews or when problems arise. Feedback is essential to an employee’s professional development. However, feedback includes praise for specific tasks, not just criticism. When employees experience a carousel of negative – and only negative – feedback, they can become discouraged and thus disengage from their work.
• Micromanaging staff: While you must oversee your team’s workflow and help staff handle roadblocks, you shouldn’t try to control them completely. It’s essential to trust your team to complete tasks as a whole and respect each individuals’ work style. Forcing your workers to perform tasks counter to their typical methods can cause a significant drop in productivity as they adjust. As long as the end result is the same, give your staff room for creativity.
• Not requesting feedback: Poor managers rarely solicit or address questions, feedback and concerns. Good managers offer the floor to team members so they can freely express their questions and concerns. This will often clear up misunderstandings and create a more collaborative space. Keep in mind if one team member has a question, others may need the same guidance.
• Shutting themselves off from new ideas: Closed-minded managers won’t accept criticism or new ideas. They become a roadblock keeping the team from performing at its best. Each team member has their own perspective on the creative process, and is uniquely suited to recognize inefficiencies within their workflow. Listen to your team’s input, and use their perspectives to enact positive change.
• Avoiding tricky conversations: Good managers must tackle challenging situations that affect the team’s productivity head-on. Avoiding these situations lets the problem fester and can cause employee engagement to drop significantly. 
• Not setting clear expectations: Bad managers are unclear about team goals and often set expectations too high or low. Instead, managers should establish project expectations before starting so their team understands the end goal. Setting expectations too high can make goals seem unattainable, but going too low can cause the overall performance to fall under key benchmarks.

What strategies should a new manager implement?

Several techniques help new managers ensure their team is working optimally. Consider these methods:

• Introduce yourself to team members. When stepping into a new managerial role, it’s essential to introduce yourself to your new team as soon as possible. Meeting everyone allows you to build trust with the group while setting professional expectations for the foreseeable future.
• Set recurring one-on-ones. Regularly checking in with individual team members gives you a chance to provide feedback, praise them for their strengths and address any potential roadblocks. This way, you can discuss any issues regularly and work together to overcome obstacles.
• Align team and company goals. Aligning team goals with the company’s overall objectives helps set your project’s pace. Additionally, when employees know what you expect from them, they’ll have clear professional goals to achieve. These goals can give them a sense of how their work contributes to the company’s success.
• Set measurable benchmarks for team performance. Setting metrics for your team’s performance is good for everyone. Team performance goals can help employees set achievable professional goals. Team goals also give you an easy way to determine when an employee is struggling with their tasks.
• Maintain transparency about company decisions. As a manager, you’re privy to more leadership decisions than your employees. However, keeping these decisions to yourself and changing your team’s workflow without explanation can cause employees to disengage from their work. Instead, be as open and honest as is allowed about company policy shifts. This way, you build trust with your team even if the changes you have to make are difficult. 

How can you grow and develop as a manager? 

You should never feel lost or unsupported when taking on a new role, especially as a leader. Here are three ways you can learn and grow in your new position.

1. Participate in management training.

Every company should offer training before hiring. However, many businesses don’t prioritize management development because of expense or time concerns. Some even reserve these programs only for senior leaders or offer workshops just a few times a year, explained Salomonsen.

“These sessions may be rewarding and inspiring, but they rarely make an impact on day-to-day work,” she said. “Moreover, sending every new manager to a management seminar their first week on the job is prohibitively expensive for most companies.”

Internal training is another option that’s especially suitable for small businesses. Host a few sessions with company experts or managers to run through the basics. Often, employees are promoted to a management role, so they already understand company standards and expectations.

2. Utilize microlearning methods.

Microlearning is a popular training method for small businesses. It’s quick, intensive and collaborative. This way, managers learn all they need to know in short bursts without feeling overwhelmed.

“With microlearning, both new and experienced managers can access digestible lessons that focus on the critical behaviors they need to perform their best, right in the course of their day-to-day work,” Salomonsen added. “Done right, a microlearning approach allows managers to quickly put new knowledge into practice, and gradually improve their habits and skills over time.”

Microlearning is efficient and far more affordable than extensive training programs.

3. Work with mentors and L&D partners.

Working with a mentor or learning and development (L&D) partner can set up new managers for success by providing support and expert knowledge.

“Each person is different, and every new manager has their own areas of growth in the early days of their new role,” Salomonsen said. “Whether they need to develop their interpersonal skills, time-management skills, strategic planning skills or leadership approach, they will need support from senior colleagues. … Finding a management mentor or L&D partner early can help set a strong foundation for the new manager’s development in their role.”

Keep an open mind about colleagues, friends and professional connections, and network as much as possible. Once you work with someone who can guide you through the beginning process, you’ll feel more confident in your role.

“Everybody needs a mentor,” added Brett Helling, owner of Gigworker.com and Ridester. “Find one and discuss the problems you are facing. Having a mentor or someone with expertise is the clear indication of growth within yourself.” 

Spring is in the air! It’s time to open the windows and let warm breezes freshen up homes that have been battened down for winter. Spring is always a good time to take stock of what has accumulated in your life and clean the world around you — take donation runs, prepare your garden, and vacuum out your car.

It is also a good idea to tidy up your digital world, both to simplify your life and to tighten your security. While 46% of the respondents of a 2021 Consumer Privacy Survey done by Cisco said they “feel they are unable to effectively protect their data,” you don’t have to be one of the people who feel uncertain of how to manage their online presence this spring. Here are some practical tips to prepare your personal data and devices for a season of travel and adventure:

1. Get in the habit of turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in public.

Public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both greatly convenient and terribly unsecured. Always consider if you need to utilize these free services, since you never know who else has access to the network. Do not utilize public Wi-Fi to access sensitive work information, or your own personal private data such as banking information. If possible, use a VPN or create a mobile hot spot with your phone to avoid using a public network, and keep your phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options turned off when they are not actively in use.

2. Go through your devices and delete applications that you are not using.

Not only are these applications cluttering up your desktop and taking up space on your phone, but they are additional services that may have access to your personal data and thus can be compromised.

3. Update the applications you are using.

New updates to apps and operating systems are not only about having the shiniest software features available; these updates include security patches for new cyber threats. Having up-to-date applications mitigates many vulnerabilities that could leave you susceptible to cyberattacks.

4. Check on your privacy settings.

Every application you use will have different privacy settings, and will request to access different information. Take a bit of time to see which apps are tracking your location, have access to your photos or calendar, or can view your contact directory. Limit the data the apps can use, especially taking into account their purpose and which permissions they need to function. The National Cyber Security Alliance has compiled collection of helpful information to guide you in updating the privacy settings of your accounts.

5. Check your password hygiene.

Utilize unique passwords for each account you maintain. Do not re-use passwords. Do not store them in one easy to access online document, or a sticky note on your work computer. To check whether your passwords have been exposed in any breaches, reference a site like Have I Been Pwned. If the password has been in a breach, do not use it again. Consider using a password manager — a password storage option that protects all of your passwords and passphrases, and may even create unique passwords and alert you when they have been breached.

6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

According to figures cited by US National Cyber Security Chief in 2021, the use of MFA could prevent between 80% and 90% of cyber attacks. Here at DriveStrike, we highly encourage the use of MFA whenever possible. Something as simple as having an SMS message sent with a one-time code can save you a world of grief. Services like Google and Proton Mail offer MFA, as well as many healthcare portals, insurance portals, and other online services. Check wherever your data is stored to see if you can enable this effective safeguard.

7. Invest in the security of your hardware.

Companies can have the luxury of IT Departments and security guards monitoring their office complexes, but the average household can take steps to protect their devices and WiFi networks without a team of professional security analysts. Actions as simple as putting devices away in a locked cabinet when not in use, securing your home router, opting for an economical software to track and remotely lock cell phones and computers, or taking the steps to secure your home office can make a massive difference when it comes to personal data security.

8. Finally, make data security a habit.

Storage and data statistics show that “public and private cloud infrastructure will receive 200+ zettabytes (ZB) of data by 2025”. Our household devices are connected via WiFi and Bluetooth both to us and to each other, and that is only expected to grow in a world increasingly investing in systems and technologies that expand the Internet of Things (IoT) into every aspect of the modern world. Understanding this reality does not mean you have to live in fear, burn your cell phone, and move into an underground bunker. Being aware of the risks allows you to make smart choices with your online footprint, and make healthy choices when weighing the trade offs between convenience and cyber security.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts; a perfect time to reassess and freshen up your data security actions and attitudes. There is no escaping the fact that our world is going increasingly digital. Be aware of vulnerabilities and threats, and takes steps like the ones above to be vigilant. Remember, your information is yours. Teach yourself to view it as such, and protect it as would any other possession.