We all need a “go-to” person when times are tough or when we encounter an ambiguous or political situation. A “go-to” person is someone we rely on for expert advice, knowledge or assistance in an important situation.

Management Professor Angelo Kinicki, provides his readers with the consequences of how not to implement laissez-faire leadership into business.

To “fit in,” our skills need to match the skills required for a particular job, and our values and beliefs must be consistent with the values and beliefs held by others in a group or work setting. Research supports the importance of fit.

Cultivating meaningfulness at work is important because research shows that people are happier, healthier and more productive when they are doing “meaningful” work.

There is nothing like hearing positive, sincere words about your work. The performance enhancing value of praise and personal attention from the boss were uncovered in a McKinsey survey of 1,000 executives.

Research shows that perceptions of inequity are associated with lower job satisfaction, engagement, performance and mental health, as well as higher turnover. The opposite is true when workers feel they are treated equitably.

“Mindfulness,” defined as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment,” has the potential to better our lives. It also can make you a better leader at work and home.

I strongly dislike New Year’s resolutions. A New Year’s resolution is nothing more than a broad goal, and experience and research show that broad goals do not foster success. However, I do love goal-based action plans, and that’s what I recommend you use for 2015.

Gratitude has an application that goes far beyond thanking someone for what they've done. Implementing gratitude in your life can make it all that much more satisfying.

Do you feel as though someone you know needs to be coached? Angelo Kinicki has some words of advice that may make you think twice.