Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In a world that thrives on constant connectivity and relentless demands, the ability to say "no" with grace and confidence is a ...

Irene* is a great colleague. A senior manager in a large consulting firm, she pitches in when the workload gets heavy, covers for people when they're sick, and stays late when needed, which is often.

You've probably worked hard to build positive relationships. But what if, despite your best intentions, your communication is coming off as judgmental? As the author of "Managing Up," an executive ...