A huge amount of unpleasant feeling is generated by conflict. That’s of course why we have courts and alternate dispute resolution measures in our legal system, but what about those conflicts in the workplace that create so much stress? There are seven practical techniques to dispel the bad side of conflict in the workplace and achieve […]
Author at SmartCompany
It’s the end of another year and a good time to look back and review. If you are a manager or CEO, look at the culture that exists and see how it rates on the following checklist. Even if you are not a manager, you might be interested to consider your organisation’s performance against these questions. […]
‘Meetnapping’ is a new expression in the business lexicon, but many of us are actually already familiar with it. It’s when you’re forced to attend pointless meetings and you almost fall asleep during someone’s labored presentation or a technical report that is not your area. Sometimes, meetings are a sad waste of everyone’s time. Try […]
Consultants are a special breed. Who are they and why do they consult? Many are enterprising types who’ve boldly chosen high stakes over security, risk/reward over predictability. Of course, as in any walk of life, some are excellent at what they do, while some leave much to be desired. It is incumbent on the hirer […]
Bias is usually a generalisation based on limited experiences or examples, and at work it can close us down to new experiences with people. We don’t always perceive bias. Sometimes it’s in ourselves or it may be lurking in the person right near you. It may be: an assumption voiced as fact an irrational or […]
There’s a lot written about the “aha” moment; that superlative situation when – ping – the figurative light bulb appears above a person’s head and – bang – an invention or brilliant idea apparently materialises. The anxiety of being stuck It’s the backwards-looking-forward moment. You are stuck in a bog of your own making, perhaps, […]
Some business owners and managers are constantly disappointed by the negative attitudes of some of their team members. Many service staff get frustrated by their angry or moody customers. The first place to look when those we deal with are not delivering the right attitudes is within ourselves. The reciprocity urge There is a basic law […]
Some British scientists recently released a study showing how sheepdogs successfully herd sheep. It’s simple: apparently sheepdogs dart around from behind, notice if there’s any strays from the clump, chase them into a cohesive whole and then drive the flock towards the preferred destination. The study actually forms the basis for an algorithm to be designed […]
It’s not magic. It’s not genetic. Many get it wrong, but you can learn these simple strategies on how to influence and impress at work! 1. Be mindful of others – not just you or working in auto mode! Care about others – what do they think? Why? Understand their interests, point of view and contribution. […]
