Your ego may be getting in the way of your leadership if you think you're the smartest person in the room, you blame others for your mistakes, you lack humility or are averse to self-reflection, writes LaRae Quy. "Because an egotistical person is usually only interested in doing whatever it takes to be successful, they seldom delve into the deeper issue of meaning and purpose in their life," Quy writes.

Good mentors establish trust with their mentees so they can have difficult conversations, provide them knowledge and skills, and allow them the autonomy they need to learn their own strengths, say experts. "As a mentor, your role is to help guide and facilitate how that individual solves a problem or tackles an opportunity," says Diane Brink, a senior fellow and adjunct professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Transparent job listings that highlight company values are among techniques for attracting the best employees without paying more than other companies, online business expert Scott Lieberman writes. Other methods include employee recognition and flexibility regarding schedules and locations.

Target expects to add about 100,000 seasonal store and warehouse staffers as it gears up for the holidays, about the same number the retailer recruited last year. The company also said it plans to start rolling out holiday promotions on Oct. 6, along with a price-matching program that will run through Dec. 24.

Receiving feedback can be painful if you perceive it as unfair or a threat to your status, writes Ed Batista, who recommends reframing it as data you can work with and use to identify which changes you're willing to make. "Invite your feedback providers to partner with you in this process, by offering help, support and understanding, and possibly by taking some responsibility for their contributions to the issue," Batista writes.

If you loved to play hopscotch as a child, head to Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colo., where you'll find the world's longest hopscotch course, stretching more than 4.37 miles and setting a mark recognized by Guinness World Records. Putting the course together took six days.