Office Pranks are Good Business. Wait! Just Fooling!

April Fools' pranks in the workplace aren't a good idea, say the latest surveys of workers and managers. Some 71 percent of biz execs polled recently said they consider April Fools' Day jokes unsuitable for the office. A few find them okay, but jokesters need to use good judgment, and know their "audience." Humor should be inclusive and well-intentioned; not disruptive. Our How-To Guides this week focus on managing similarly tricky workplace situations as a business owner or manager. What, for example, should you know about office romance, etiquette, or handling employee conflicts? Our expert Guides will help you communicate better and develop a unique management style that works for you. Got questions, comments or ideas to share? Let us know.

Setting Policy
What You Should Know about Office Romance
By Mary Sit
It starts with a glance, a compliment, a smile. Flirting over the water cooler leads to lunches, provocative e-mails and before long, you're in the middle of a hot romance. Or perhaps two of your employees are dancing with Cupid. Before you turn a blind eye and ignore the lovebirds -- or before you indulge in dating an employee or subordinate yourself - remember these three guidelines to keep your business out of trouble: Read Full Guide

Staying in Touch
Effective Business Communication Skills
By Greg Brown
Team-building exercises, loved by managers, are often looked upon by employees as time-wasters. But beyond the touchy-feely stuff is what managers know well: Information gets trapped when people don't have communication skills, or when they think communication in the workplace is happening but simply isn't. People talk a lot, sure, but real communication in the workplace, getting through -- and listening well -- are necessary business communication skills. Here's what you can do: Read Full Guide

Keeping Things Cool
Managing Employee Conflicts
By Jenni Simcoe
Peace on earth may not be attainable, but peace in the workplace is a must if you want your small business to thrive. Avoiding conflicts entirely is impossible, but a good manager can resolve conflicts and keep them to a minimum. All you need is to put a plan in place to help prevent conflicts from arising in the first place and to resolve them when they do crop up: Read Full Guide

Avoiding Business Gaffes
Business Etiquette Essentials
By Dave Chartock
Business etiquette covers a wide range of conduct in the office, between employees, with customers, on the phone (especially cell phones), in your emails, when traveling on business and at a business meal or event. Business etiquette is the one thing that places the small business owner or employee on a level playing field with a large corporation and its employees. Here are the essentials: Read Full Guide

Get a Daily Guide Feed

Sam's Club (Wal-Mart for small business), along with SBTV.com and the National Federation of Independent Business, will be running a contest during National Small Business Week April 21-25, and the prize package is worth $100,000. It's open to any small business, from food service and child care, to consulting and professional services. SBTV has contest details.

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