Work is Hard, and Working Harder is Not the Answer
One reason for the dearth of opportunities, he argues, is that we’re training workers to do the wrong things and to do things the wrong way.
Category: management
The 80/20 Time Revolution
Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. – JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE In a previous post, I introduced Richard Koch, the author of The 80/20 Principle; The Secret to Achieving More with Less. Be prepared if you decide to read this book; it will make you uncomfortable … Continue reading The 80/20 Time Revolution
Contrast Makes You More Persuasive
It’s hard to compare groups of objects; we compare best when we have only two things to contrast. At least we think we do.
How to Be More Persuasive Part 2: Reciprocity
Influence is a book about how to be more persuasive, written by Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., who admits in the introduction that he wanted to research how and why he became such a patsy. “For as long as I can recall,” he writes, “I’ve been an easy mark for the pitches of peddlers, fundraisers and operators of … Continue reading How to Be More Persuasive Part 2: Reciprocity
Curiosity Killed the Cat
In my last post, I wrote about how curious and open people are invaluable to your team. I made a strong case for hiring people who are intellectually curious and open to new ideas – avid for them, even. But are there times when a curious person is not the ideal addition to your team? The answer is yes.
The Most Powerful Question in the World
One question has been the source of almost all scientific, creative, and philosophical discovery and progress since the beginning of time. And it happens to be my favorite question.
The Desk Blanket
First, let me apologize to all my beloved female office mates for this post. I work in an elderly building with only periodic climate control. In the summer, we freeze, until the air conditioning stops altogether. Then we pray for relief until it gets fixed. We vow as we swelter never to complain about being cold … Continue reading The Desk Blanket
Emotional Bank Accounts
Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, created the concept of the emotional bank account. Covey’s metaphorical bank account holds trust as its currency. He uses the idea to help people understand how trust is built: not on faith, but on proof. The emotional bank account works just like a traditional … Continue reading Emotional Bank Accounts
Me Time
Does your company label your time off? Many companies have switched from a system that tracks vacation days and sick days to a system that simply calls all days off “Paid Time Off” or PTO. There are plenty of advantages to a PTO system. Workers who remain healthy get to take more vacation days, and … Continue reading Me Time
Birth Order and Success
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/boys-measuring-their-height-back-to-back-royalty-free-image/554371835 April 10 is national Siblings Day. Psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman is credited with understanding why your little brother is so annoying and why your oldest sister is so bossy. His best seller The Birth Order Book, updated in 2009, gives insight into how being an oldest, middle, or youngest child influences your personality, your … Continue reading Birth Order and Success
