What is it about this time of year, with all the ice and snow, that makes me think about employees with negative attitudes? Maybe it's that both are cold; maybe that both take a lot of the joy out of the day. If you have a problem with negative employees, you can do something about it. You must do something about it.

The article Dealing With Difficult Employees tells you how to successfully deal with negative employee attitudes before they spread. So don't spend another cold winter day worrying about the problem. Take action now to fix it.

I hope 2011 will be a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year for you. We know it will be a difficult year and that all managers will continue to face many challenges, but we'll be here to try and help you through them.

One of your biggest challenges will be keeping your people focused and motivated so they stay with you and stay productive. Resolve for 2011 to value your people for the critical, valuable asset they really are. They are the only real competitive edge you have over your competitors. Your ability to survive, and even to thrive, in the coming year depends on your loyal employees. Treat them like you understand that - or someone else will.

As you set your New Year's Resolutions for 2011, be sure to read New Year's Resolutions vs. New Year's Goals. Resolutions are fine, but you'll accomplish more this year, whether for your company or for yourself, if you set measurable goals instead.

If one of your resolutions for the new year is to become a better manager bookmark this page. Management is a skill that can be learned so you can improve as a manager by working every day to get better.

Come back to this page every day for the next two weeks. Pick one item. Do it today. Pick another one for tomorrow. In two weeks you will be a better manager. And others will notice it too.

This is a good time of the year to look back on the year that is ending and to plan for the coming year. One thing to consider is how well you have done against your competitors. A good place to start is with benchmarking.

Benchmarking is the process of determining who sets the standard and what that standard is. It is done to motivate people to improve toward that goal. This benchmarking article will help you establish benchmarks and move your organization toward them.