Coaching can help with amazing transformations, but it often doesn't work for a litany of reasons -- the top one being lack of motivation, leadership expert Susan Fowler writes. "Motivation is at the heart of everything people do -- and everything they don't do but wish they did," Fowler writes, adding that "the difference between suboptimal and optimal motivation is central to coaching success."

Humility is good for a leader, but don't pass up opportunities to stand out when you need to, especially when your work is complimented, you're being considered for a promotion or negotiating your salary, writes executive coach Leslie Williams. Williams provides examples of what to say in different situations, including saying "Thank you" when complimented and resisting the urge to say, "It was nothing," or credit your team if you did the work.

In a time when many employees say they feel "overworked" and under-appreciated, companies can reduce attrition by thanking workers "by name" for their individual efforts, and providing cash rewards or regular company gifts, writes Heather Wilde, chief technology officer for consulting firm TheDifference. "Let them know you've seen the difference they've made for your business, and reward them accordingly," Wilde says.

When hiring for remote positions, recruiters and employers tend to look for several traits that indicate creativity and commitment, according to research by FlexJobs. Good communication, critical thinking skills, a decisive attitude, and discipline are most in demand, and employers also value initiative, innovation, efficient home-based work practices, familiarity with technology, healthy outside interests, and a sense of humor.

Recent upheaval in the economy, including labor strikes, has not changed one factor: businesses have not stopped hiring and are doing what they can to keep the employees they have. Unemployment remains low, and hiring exceeds job-quitting, according to the Labor Department.

There were 89,000 private payroll jobs created in September, below the 160,000 that economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected and a decrease from 180,000 in August, according to ADP. It also reported that annual wage growth fell to 5.9%, marking the 12th straight monthly decline.

Future business leaders should become adept at six management and business strategies, writes Britt Andreatta, former chief learning officer for Lynda.com, now LinkedIn Learning. Some of these strategies include adopting a more "directive" style of employee management, doing regular "check-ins" with employees, learning how to "read the room" in meetings and helping employees understand the importance of their work to the business.

Pairing a difficult work task with a relaxing or enjoyable activity can help employees function more effectively, says psychotherapist Nicholette Leanza. Even simple workday self-care practices can help reduce stress and tension, Ms. Leanza says.

AT&T and Gallaudet University unveiled a football helmet for deaf and hard-of-hearing quarterbacks versed in American Sign Language to see the play their coach called. AT&T developed the concept while searching for ways to help the deaf community connect with its 5G network.