When employees underperform, a leader tells them so.

Some people have better ideas than others; some are smarter or more experienced or more creative. But everyone should be heard and respected.

Be candid with everyone.

Any jerk can have short-term earnings. You squeeze, squeeze, squeeze, and the company sinks five years later.

Don't make the process harder than it is.

So every time you think about your work-life balance issue, remember what your boss is thinking about - and that's winning. Your needs may get heard - and even successfully resolved - but not if the boss's needs aren't met as well.

Nothing is worse than the person in their 40s who says, 'I'm not going to learn this.' 'I don't carry an iPad.' That will label you and put you right in the corner. Some people do it as a badge of honor. I've seen them myself, they walk around bragging [about not knowing much about technology].