Dealt a hard hand, managers are facing year-end projects with 20 to 40 percent more direct reports to supervise. Will the pressure trickle down?

Instead of pitching their products with traditional ads, more retailers are soft pedaling their brands with humor and behind-the-scenes social-media clips. Does it work?

The subtle art of accepting a compliment at work can be treacherous. Here’s how to handle it. (And you’re welcome!)

Some were big. Some were small. But they all gave leaders a boost in a tough, disruptive year.