A People’s History of the Formation of the United States

Founding fathers oversee the formation of the United States and draft the Constitution in Philadelphia's Independence Hall

What led to class tensions after the American Revolution? How did the drafting of the US Constitution aim to balance power among different classes in society? The formation of the United States in 1776, following the expulsion of Britain, resulted in persistent class tensions. The US Constitution, drafted by elite white men, aimed to protect their interests and restrict democratic influence, favoring elite control. Read more to get Howard Zinn’s take on the formation of the United States.

How to Write Employee Reviews: The 3 Parts of an Evaluation

A female manager who knows how to write employee reviews, writing on a clipboard while evaluating a male employee.

Is it time for you to evaluate employees? What are the three parts of an employee review? Claire Hughes Johnson points out that managers should implement formal reviews that occur on a consistent basis. Such reviews have three parts: gathering feedback from various sources, adjusting that feedback to account for irregularities, and determining any changes to compensation. Discover how to write employee reviews that are thorough and helpful.

A People’s History of Colonial America (Howard Zinn)

Colonists and a Native American in the street of a small village illustrate the history of colonial America

What drive European colonists to the Americas? What role did slaves, American Indians, poor people, and women play within the social system? Historian Howard Zinn begins his book A People’s History of the United States with a brief overview of the history of colonial America. He outlines why this colonial project started, how it functioned, and the circumstances that eventually changed a group of colonies into the US.  Keep reading for a summary of Zinn’s nontraditional history of the colonial era in America.

What Is a Business Operating System? A Company’s Outline

Several workers sitting at a table for a meeting on the business' operating system.

What is a business operating system? How does accountability improve a company? Claire Hughes Johnson notes that your operating system—the set of underlying norms that outline how your company functions—allows your company to function effectively. She discusses three subsystems that are essential to your operating system: constructing strategy, ensuring accountability, and fostering communication. Here’s more on the three subsystems of a business operating system.

Estrogen in Plastic: You May Be Drinking Harmful Estrogenics

A plastic Coca-Cola bottle and a plastic water bottle illustrate the harms of estrogen in plastic

Is there estrogen in plastic? How does the presence of estrogenics in water bottles affect your health? There are two types of estrogenics found in plastic bottles: phthalates and Bisphenol A & S. These chemicals pose a potential health risk to consumers, but there’s hardly any work being done to remove them. Keep reading to learn about the effects of harmful estrogen in plastics.

Endocrine Disruptors in Cosmetics: Are Makeup & Soap Harmful?

A woman applying makeup with a brush illustrates the harms of endocrine disruptors in cosmetics

Is every type of sunscreen or cleanser good for your skin? Are there endocrine disruptors in cosmetics? Estrogenics are a category of endocrine disrupters that interfere with your hormones, targeting estrogen receptors. Unfortunately, even though sunscreen and soap are essential skincare products, endocrine disruptors are commonly found in them. Discover more about endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products.

How to Mentor Employees: 2 Approaches for Great Advisors

A man who knows how to mentor people, sitting in front of there people at a table.

Do you know how to mentor employees? What is inquisitive coaching? Claire Hughes Johnson recognizes that management’s work doesn’t end with the formation of a thriving team. On the contrary, she holds that managers should continue to develop the skills of their employees through active instruction. Let’s discuss Hughes Johnson’s informal approach to mentoring employees.

Indian Removal in the US: A People’s History (Howard Zinn)

Hundreds of Native Americans ride horses toward the west across a vast landscape as a result of the Indian removal policy

Why did the US carry out a policy of Indian removal? What was the impact? Who benefited? The US made its largest territorial gains during the first half of the 19th century as the frontier pushed west. Historian Howard Zinn discusses one of the conflicts that arose from this massive rate of expansion: Indian removal. Read more to learn about this policy and its legacy.