In a time of economic and political upheaval, we need a better understanding of how and why people change. Traditional change management initiatives are not enough. The secret to successful change is engaging the elephant.
Exercising Influence
Working with constant interruption and too little sleep has an impact on the body similar to alcohol and substance addiction. It also results in bad work product and workplaces. Partners must step up to lead change.
The Comfort Delusion
The last few years have been hard. But returning to the office will not automatically restore your comfort. We are different people post-lockdown. Our offices and work expectations must adapt.
Becoming a Robot
Your employer has a secret fantasy: they wish you were a robot. But what if a robot can't do your job right now? Then expect your employer to use software tools and techniques to prod you to behave more like a robot and less like a human.
Move More
For years, doctors have advised patients to move more in order to enhance their physical health. Perhaps we should be giving this advice to employees to enhance their financial health, career prospects, and wellbeing.
The Lake Woebegon Office
We're not always as smart as we think we are. So how do we save ourselves from dumb mistakes? Psychologists have some guidance.
Managing Your Mindset
McKinsey's new book on CEO Excellence highlights the power of managing your mindset for success. How can milkshakes and science help you with this?
2022 or 2020-Too?
If the first quarter of this year is a portent, 2022 promises to be challenging. So how do we ensure that 2022 is not a repeat of 2020? Retreating to 2019 is not the answer. Instead, use what we've learned since 2020 to improve our outcomes.
Gratitude Creates Better Managers
Saying thank you seems like the simplest, most basic form of courtesy. Yet so often we forget to thank others for the big and small gifts we receive. This year, I am profoundly grateful for the gifts of life and health. Further, 2020's challenges have especially driven up the value of the gifts of family,... Continue Reading →
Middle-Earth Communications, Part 2
In my previous post on Middle-Earth Communication Methods, I wrote about the importance of varying the way we communicate. And, I gave some examples from Delta Airlines and Air New Zealand (official airlines of middle-earth) that illustrate how a little imagination and humor allowed them to communicate their crucial safety messages more effectively. Michael Foster,... Continue Reading →