Sadness, impatience, immediate gratification

 

APRIL 19, 2013 Friday

Being Sad Makes You More Impatient ! 

Research participants who became sad by watching a video clip and writing about a sad experience were more impatient than non-sad people: The median sad participant required $37 immediately to forgo receiving $85 in 3 months, whereas the median neutral participant required $56 immediately, say Jennifer S. Lerner of Harvard and Ye Li and Elke U. Weber of Columbia University. Sadness appears to make people want rewards as soon as possible, even when such urgency comes at a financial cost.

Source: The Financial Costs of Sadness

Surprise your audience with visual imagery

APRIL 19, 2013 Friday 

" Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting " 

If you want to communicate that your project's goals are "right on target," it's tempting to present your colleagues with the all-too-familiar image of a bull's-eye. But nothing gets an audience's eyes a-glazing like a visual cliché. 

To make your presentation stand out, throw out the first visual concepts that come to mind. They're the ones that occur to everyone else, too. Brainstorm several ideas for each concept to work your way toward fresh, surprising imagery. 

To illustrate a partnership, forgo the image of a handshake in front of a globe. Instead, opt for a picture of a reef ecosystem or a stylish photo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

 If you're trying to portray the concept of security, avoid the lock and key. Try a Doberman Pinscher or pepper spray. Your audience is far more likely to remember what you have to say if it comes with unexpected images.

Innovation Jam - 3 tips

 Monday 22 April 2013 

Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused ! ( Brainstorming tips ) 

Bringing together people from different backgrounds to creatively brainstorm a problem — otherwise known as "jamming" – has become a popular way to unearth new ideas. Although the process is widely hyped, many companies struggle to make it work. Here are three rules of thumb to help:

(1) Let participants choose.

 It's a mistake to assign people to a challenge. You'll see much more creative energy if you let participants decide which problems to work on.

(2) Keep the team small.

 Don't let everyone get involved. Instead, create teams of no more than four. This size affords diversity but also allows the team to engage quickly.

(3) Clearly define the problem. 

Make sure everyone understands the business, technological, and other challenges involved so each team member isn't trying to solve a different problem.

adapted from "Make Your Next Innovation Jam Work" by Alessandro Di Fiore.

Women and ethics in business

 APRIL 22, 2013 Monday . 

Why Women Shun Business: It May Be About the Ethical Compromises ! 

In an experiment involving hypothetical job descriptions, women showed lower interest in companies described as choosing profits over ethics than in firms that favored ethics (3.56 versus 4.97 on a 1-to-7 scale, on average), an effect that didn't show up in men, say Jessica A. Kennedy and Laura J. Kray of the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Women also showed stronger implicit associations between business and immorality than did men. Women's aversion to ethical compromises may steer them away from business careers, the researchers say.

Source: Who Is Willing to Sacrifice Ethical Values for Money and Social Status? : Gender Differences in Reactions to Ethical Compromises

Build new habits with setbacks factored in

 

wed 28 Dec 2022

Get More Comfortable with Failure

( In the run-up to the new year, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips from 2022.)

 We’ve all been there: you make a new year’s resolution and...it doesn’t stick. Why? It’s often because we don’t allow ourselves to be bad at it at first. We fail a few times and then decide to give up. But adopting any new habit is going to feel clunky at first. The key to taking on something new is to get more comfortable with failure. Here’s how.

(1)  Start by immunizing yourself against big letdowns by trying out experiments that allow you to fail in tiny ways. For example, if your goal is to write every day, start by committing to one short paragraph each morning. If you don’t like what you write, no big deal! It’s just a paragraph. Write another one tomorrow.

(2)  Next, make your goal known to others before your self-doubt creeps in and you chicken out. This layer of accountability will help you actually follow through on your goal—no matter how bad you are at it the first time.

(3)  And finally, keep a log of your efforts. Over time you’ll notice how far you’ve come. Rather than focusing on the small, inevitable failures, you can appreciate your overall progress.

This tip is adapted from “To Build New Habits, Get Comfortable Failing,” by Sabina Nawaz

Email Management - giving up ?

 

APRIL 23, 2013 Tuesday 

Give Up Email Altogether

If you spend hours every day trying to keep on top of a huge inbox, try an extreme solution: Give it up. Yes, that's right, stop checking your email. Try other tools instead. Use your blog to post updates on your work instead of sending a message to a big distribution list. Try Basecamp or another project management tool to communicate with project teams. Get on Skype for a quick conversation instead of a 14-message exchange. Twitter direct messages, online chat, and texts are good for tight, efficient, and confidential messaging. Take your email address off your business card and website, and encourage anyone who needs to reach you to pick up the phone. This may seem radical – because it is! If this experiment doesn't work, you can always go back to your inbox, but keep these alternative communication practices in mind before you hit "send."

Inclusive Lingo ( vintage stuff / tips )

 

Monday 26 Dec 2022

Promote Inclusive Language in Your Organization

(In the run-up to the new year, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips from 2022.)

 Words matter, and, unfortunately, the modern-day professional vocabulary is littered with exclusionary terms. To create a truly inclusive culture, take a hard look at how people in your company are using language.

(1)  For example, make sure recruiters and hiring managers pay careful attention to language they use when drafting job descriptions so they’re not inadvertently deterring candidates of color, women, people with disabilities, or older job candidates. Terms like “hacker” or “ninja” are not only hard for many people to identify with, they’re also unnecessary because you can use alternatives like “programmer” or “software engineer” that are neutral and more widely understood.

(2)  You might also generate a list of words and phrases that are forbidden in product development, marketing, and external communications. These might include terms like “the elderly,” “man-hours,” “crazy,” among others. 

(3) It can also be helpful to create a company guide to inclusive language. This can outline practical, accessible tips and tools that can be put into immediate action—and it shouldn’t be a static manual. Make sure you also allow for input and co-creation across the organization.

This tip is adapted from “How to Make Your Organization’s Language More Inclusive,” by Odessa S. Hamilton et al.

Cultivate career luck ( vintage tips 2022 )

 Thu 29 Dec 2022

Build Luck into Your Career

( In the run-up to the new year, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips from 2022.) 

 Every success story involves some amount of luck. And contrary to popular belief, serendipity isn’t entirely out of our control. Here are two ways to build luck into your career. 

(1) First, actively practice “serendipitous networking"—connecting with others for the sake of getting to know them, their perspectives, and their stories. Should you find yourself drawn to their story or experience, dig deeper. Ask them questions about how they discovered their passion, what they’ve learned, and what they like or dislike about their role or industry. Their insights might spur a new sense of motivation or a vision that could lead you to your next career move. 

(2) Second, look at big changes in your life through a prism of possibility rather than fear. Yes, changes that feel out of our control can be scary but try to see them as opportunities. What can you learn? How can you capitalize on the disruption? It can pay off down the road to go with the flow and trust that new opportunities will arise with time.

This tip is adapted from “Your Career Needs a Little Luck. Here’s How to Cultivate It.,” by Thomas Roulet and Ben Laker4

3 steps in audience centered presentation

 Friday 23 Dec 2022

When Presenting, Put Your Audience First ! 

Being a great public speaker is about much more than making an attention-grabbing introduction, maintaining eye contact, and knowing what to do with your hands. It’s about addressing what your listeners want and need to hear—not what you want to say and how you want to say it. 

To make your presentation about your audience, start by asking yourself three questions.

(1) What do I know about their understanding of this topic? 

If your audience has minimal understanding of your subject, include some foundational education about it early in the presentation. Make sure to minimize jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that can confuse your listeners. If your audience is already educated about and experienced with your topic, meet them where they are.

(2) What do they want me to understand about their reality right now?

 Demonstrate compassion and understanding for their situation and feelings before you try to educate or persuade them about your position. You should also carve out time to stop talking and start listening. Yes, even if you’re the presenter, you can (and often should) engage in a dialogue rather than delivering a monologue.

(3) How can I continue a conversation beyond the presentation?

 Your listeners may have questions, challenges, or ideas that they want to share, but you may not have time to address everything during your allotted time. Proactively let them know how they can reach out to you after the fact—whether it’s staying after the meeting to chat, sharing your email address, or having them reach out to you via LinkedIn.

This tip is adapted from “The Best Public Speakers Put the Audience First,” by Deborah Grayson Riegel

3 traits of self compassion

 

Thu 22 Dec 2022

Be Kind to Yourself When You Have a Setback at Work ! 

Mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of professional life. How can you embrace self-compassion in the face of these challenges?

(1)  First, listen to your thoughts, and take note of when you become critical or harsh with yourself.

 Bringing attention to these negative thoughts in the moment will help you identify them for what they are—just thoughts—and create some distance from them. 

(2) Next, acknowledge your feelings.

 When critical thoughts arise, they’re typically born from bigger, underlying emotions. Are you angry? Sad? Frustrated? Observe those emotions and give them names or labels. Then, request your own compassion. Ask yourself: “What would my most supportive friend say to me at this moment?” Visualizing this situation and treating yourself as a friend will help you gain the confidence to believe you deserve your own kindness.

(3)  Finally, explore the best next steps. 

Once you’ve offered yourself some compassion, pause and ask: “What’s one step I can take to improve this situation and take some of the negativity away?” The best solutions are long-term and systemic, helping you recognize and avoid similar pitfalls in the future.

This tip is adapted from “What Does Self-Compassion Really Mean?,” by Stephanie Harrison

Public criticism from your own teams

 Wed 21 Dec 2022 

( As a Leader ) How to Handle Public Criticism from Employees ( & your team mates ) 

As a leader, all eyes are on you. Sometimes that attention will be positive—but when things go badly, not so much. If you’re facing criticism from your employees, what’s the best way to respond? 

Here are some 5  strategies that can help when you’re in the (public) eye of the storm.

(1) Accept that it’s part of the job. 

Given the number of decisions you make each week, you’ll inevitably get things wrong and disappoint people from time to time. If you focus too much on the failures, you’ll risk losing confidence, clouding your judgment in the future.

(2) Don’t focus on fairness. 

Rather than focusing on whether or not you deserve the blame, focus instead on solving the problem, responding to anyone who’s been harmed, and learning from what happened.

(3) Set the record straight with facts, not emotions.

 Defensiveness will only fuel people’s derision. If there’s inaccurate information feeding the frenzied reactions, do what you can to replace it with facts.

(4) Be humble, transparent, and open-minded.

 Ask yourself what lessons you can learn from the experience. Do you need to lead differently? Have you made unfounded assumptions? Look closely enough, and you’ll find important insights.

(5) Take action and report back. 

Commit to a new direction, clarifying what you’ll change and how you’ll avoid repeating the problem—and update your team on progress over time.

This tip is adapted from “How Leaders Should Handle Public Criticism,” by Ron Carucci

Quiet time, silence in meetings ( vintage tips 2022 )

Tue 27 Dec 2022

Build a Team Culture That Honors Quiet Time

( In the run-up to the new year, we’re sharing some of our favorite tips from 2022. ) 

 Life is noisier and more distracting than ever. As a manager, how can you build a team culture that truly honors quiet time? Start by deliberately talking about it. Begin an open dialogue with your team in which each member has an opportunity to answer the following questions:

(1 ) In what ways do I create noise that negatively impacts others? 

The best starting point is to have everyone check-in with themselves. Encourage people to question whether any given habit is necessary or if it’s really just an unexamined impulse—a default that needs to be reset.

(2) What noisy habits bother me most? This isn’t an opportunity to point fingers but ask people to be honest about what most disrupts their day.

(3) How can I help others find the quiet time they need? This is an opportunity for everyone to step up and to commit to group norms such as “no email Fridays” or “no meeting Wednesdays.”

This tip is adapted from “How to Build a Culture That Honors Quiet Time,” by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz

3 tips for effective email writing

 

APRIL 24, 2013, Wednesday

" Don't Bore Your Audience with Your Writing " 

No one wants their writing to put readers to sleep. And yet, many managers write boring and repetitive e-mails, reports, and letters. To keep your readers engaged, try the following:

(1) Use personal pronouns skillfully.

 Don't overuse I (try not to begin paragraphs or successive sentences with it), but do lean heavily on we, our, you, and your. Those are friendly words that pull readers in.

(2) Use contractions. 

Let go of your fear of contractions. You may have been taught to avoid phrases like "can't" and "that's," but they counteract stuffiness, a major cause of poor writing.

(3) Avoid passive voice.

 Passive voice results in convoluted, backward-sounding sentences. When possible, give every action an active voice. Don't write, "The closing documents were prepared by Sue"; instead write, "Sue prepared the closing documents."

 adapted from "Don't Anesthetize Your Colleagues with Bad Writing" by Bryan A. Garner.

Salary Negotiations

 APRIL 25, 2013 Thursday ! 

" Before Your Next Salary Negotiation, Do Your Homework " 

It's important to have realistic expectations before negotiating a salary offer. Employers base salaries on what they currently pay to fill similar roles and what they believe competitors are paying. They may also have a predetermined range or other budget constraints. Find out what people usually make doing the job (including at the hiring organization) by searching websites such as Salary.com, Vault.com, and PayScale.com. And reach out to people in your network who can give you insight — somebody you trust inside the organization, a career adviser, a search consultant, contacts in the same industry. Compare their feedback — don't rely on one source.

 Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job.

The effect of weather on consumer spending

 

APRIL 25, 2013 Thursday 

" To Get Consumers to Spend More, Try Turning Up the Lights ! " 

University students who were in a room containing a sun lamp were willing to pay 38% more for green tea, 21% more for a carton of orange juice, 27% more for a gym membership, 29% more for an airline ticket, and 56% more for a newspaper subscription, in comparison with students who were questioned in a room without a sun lamp, says a team led by Kyle B. Murray of the University of Alberta in Canada. 

Sunlight affects mood, which in turn affects spending. Retailers might be able to reduce consumers' negative feelings on bad-weather days by increasing lighting levels, the researchers suggest.

Source: The effect of weather on consumer spending

Aristotle & 3 elements of public speaking

 

APRIL 26, 2013 friday 

3 Elements of Great Communication

To make it in any job, you need to be able to convey ideas clearly and effectively. There are three things the best communicators employ to deliver their message:

(1) Credibility.

 Prove your authority by demonstrating technical expertise in a specific area, which helps convince people that you know what you're talking about. If you can't do that, display integrity and character, which convinces them that you're not going to lie to them.

(2) Emotional connection.

 People need to believe that what you're saying will matter to them. Connect by giving them your undivided attention and linking your message to something they care about.

(3) Logic. 

All the authority and empathy in the world won't help you if people don't understand your basic idea or how you came to your conclusions. Make a clear argument that people can follow and use data and analysis to back up your points.

 "Three Elements of Great Communication, According to Aristotle" by Scott Edinger.

"Sitting Is the Smoking of Our Generation"

 

APRIL 29, 2013 Monday . 

Walk at Your Next Meeting

Americans sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day. And a slew of studies have shown just how unhealthy that is, linking it to heart disease, obesity, and cancer. So next time you need to meet with a colleague, don't book a conference room. Take a walk. Aside from the much-needed exercise, there are numerous benefits:

(1) Having a common goal. There's something about being side-by-side that puts the problem or ideas before you and allows you to work on them together. You may even be able to listen better when you're walking next to someone rather than sitting across a table.

(2) Increased focus. The simple act of moving means your mobile device is more likely to stay put away and you can give your undivided attention.

Not everyone will take you up on this offer, but even if you make just a few of these kinds of appointments a week, you — and your body — will be better off.

 adapted from "Sitting Is the Smoking of Our Generation" by Nilofer Merchant.

Multiple Group Memberships Promote Resilience in the Face of Physical Challenges

 

APRIL 29, 2013 Monday. 

Belonging to Groups Makes You Physically Resilien

British Royal Air Force volunteers recovered more quickly from the exertion of first-time bobsledding if they belonged to many groups, suggesting that multiple memberships help people bounce back from novel physical challenges, say Janelle M. Jones and Jolanda Jetten of the University of Queensland in Australia. Identities derived from group memberships help people develop a sense of belonging and meaning and may serve as a psychological resource, the researchers suggest.

Source: Recovering from Strain and Enduring Pain:Multiple Group Memberships Promote Resilience in the Face  of Physical Challenges

9 / 11 & job satisfaction

 

APRIL 30, 2013

Crises Can Have Positive Effects on Public-Sector Job Satisfaction

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks boosted job satisfaction among government workers in the U.S. by as much as 5 to 10 percentage points, which translates to as many as 1 million to 2 million additional satisfied government workers, says Gregg G. Van Ryzin of Rutgers University. The heightened prestige of public service may have improved government workers' morale.

Source: The Curious Case of the Post-9-11 Boost in Government Job Satisfaction

People with highest risk appetite - China , Vietnam .

  APRIL 26, 2013 Friday 

( Survey Finding ) 

China Is Tops in Survey of People's Love of Risk ! 

China ranks number 1 out of 23 countries in a measure of people's willingness to take risks. 

Survey Question : 

 Survey respondents were asked by how much they'd risk reducing their standard of living for a 50-50 chance to raise it 50%. Number 2 on the list is Vietnam, followed by the Netherlands and Taiwan.

Countries with lowest appetite for risk or safety first ones ! 

 The U.S. is just below average. Brazil ranks second from last, just above Tunisia, according to the Wall Street Journal.

( Is this the reason why most of the Chinese Diaspora are into businesses or self employment ? ) 

Chocolate Cake Please! Why Do We Indulge More When it Feels More Expensive?

 MAY 1, 2013

Why You Indulge More When You Pay for Snacks with Cash

Consumers who paid with cash at a frozen yogurt store consumed 45% more calories than those who paid with credit or debit cards, Rajesh Bagchi of Virginia Tech and Lauren Block of Baruch College report in a study of 125 customers. Their research suggests that paying cash is more painful than paying with a card, and that cash-paying consumers indulge more to alleviate the negative mood brought on by the pain of spending. The researchers point out that low-income consumers, who tend to have less access to cards, are particularly vulnerable to this effect.

Source: Chocolate Cake Please! Why Do We Indulge More When it Feels More Expensive?

Do SWOT for strategy

MAY 2, 2013 Thursday 

2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make

Every business leader should be able to create a good strategy. Think of it as the intersection of two critical dimensions: where to play and how to win there. 

First, decide the regions, customer segments, product categories, and channels in which you will operate. Strategy is about doing some things and not others, so make clear where you won't play as well. 

Then, find a distinctive way to win on your chosen playing field. Going to the same market with the same strategy as your competitors is a terrible move. Choose specific activities that are different from your competitor's. For example, if your competitor leverages its supply chain to have the fastest delivery cycle, don't try to compete on speed. Instead, focus on customer experience or product quality.

 "The Two Choices to Make in Strategy" by Roger Martin.

Is it right time to quit your job ? Or to stay ? 3 dip stic k tests

 MAY 3, 2013 Friday 

Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job ! 

Quitting a job can have negative consequences on both your career and your bank account. But staying in a bad situation can be worse. Here are three tips for deciding if it's time to go:

(1) Assess your dissatisfaction.

 Start by figuring out whether you lacak excitement about the bigger picture or the day-to-day activities. You may be able to change the latter but it's hard to do anything about the former.

(2) Look at other options. 

Don't leave on an emotional whim. Even if you're unhappy, take time to see what else is out there. Compared to realistic alternatives, maybe your situation isn't so bad after all.

(3) Test your assumptions.

 Run a few experiments to assess whether your perception is reality. For example, put your hat in the ring the next time your boss has a high-profile piece of work to be done. If you're overlooked, it may be that he doesn't appreciate your skills and it's time to move on.

"Is It Time to Quit Your Job?" by Amy Gallo.

Setting the presentation tone & going with the flow

 MAY 6, 2013 Monday ! 

Set the Right Tone for Your Talk

When you present, your audience usually sizes you up before you even utter a word — so it's critical to make a positive first impression. Start by communicating ahead of time. Send a thoughtfully written agenda with a concise but telling subject line — and be explicit about what the audience will get out of it. Once they're in the room, match your disposition to your presentation. For your content to ring true, do you need to come across as passionate? Humbled by the challenges ahead? If you're announcing a layoff: be somber, not happy. If your talk is upbeat, chat with individuals as the group gathers. No matter what tone you're trying to establish, be available and sincere.

Guide to Persuasive Presentations.

Rich kids and cognitive development

 

MAY 7, 2013 Tuesday 

Rich Parents Increasingly Focus on Their Kids' Early Learning

A key reason for the education gap between rich and poor in America is that wealthy parents spend a lot more time and money developing their children's cognitive development from infancy, says The New York Times. From 1972 to 2006, high-income families increased their spending on their children's enrichment by 150%; the comparable figure for low-income families was just 57%. The solution is to help low-income parents become better teachers of their children, the Times says.

Source: No Rich Child Left Behind

Stop Listening to Your Customers" by Steve Martin.

 MAY 7, 2013, Tuesday 

Don't Listen to Customers — Observe Them ! 

Every business wants to know what influences their customers. So, they should just ask them, right? Not so fast. There's a fundamental problem with asking people what will persuade them to change: Most of the time they won't know the answer. It's not that they won't give one. They'll give you plenty. But those answers are likely to be wrong. Asking someone to pinpoint what will influence them in the future is a bit like saying, "Tell me how you will behave when you are not thinking about what I have just asked you about." Instead of listening to your customers, watch them. Set up small field tests and controlled studies that observe what they actually do. In most instances, these experiments will be lot cheaper than traditional market research, and the insights will be much more revealing.

Stop Listening to Your Customers" by Steve Martin.

network as a pilot study to experiment

 MAY 1, 2013 Wednesday

Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas

Most managers today understand the importance of reaching out to colleagues through LinkedIn, following and being followed on Twitter, and actively participating in corporate social media initiatives — but fewer know how to effectively use these networks. One way is to gather information by testing proposals and strategies, inside and outside your organization. Float an idea and see how many "likes" or retweets it gets. Or direct certain groups of people to an online survey. The feedback might help you persuade a reluctant boss or client to come around to your point of view.

 adapted from the HBR Guide to Networking.

“8 Tips for Holiday Gift-Giving at Work,” by Rebecca Zucker

 Shakespearean Dilemma, To Gift, or Not to Gift? 

( Christmas & New Year Gifting tip , do s & don't s ) 

Whether it’s for your boss, a coworker, or a client, you shouldn’t feel obligated to give gifts around the holiday season. But if you do decide to spread some holiday cheer at work, here are some factors to consider. 

(1) First, review the relevant regulations in your industry and your company’s policies on gift giving. Many companies and industries (such as financial services and health care) have strict gift-giving policies to prevent bribery and conflicts of interest.

(2)  Next, if you do decide to spend, do so modestly.

 Being too extravagant risks making someone feel uncomfortable. And if you’re going to make it personalized, don’t go overboard. It’s perfectly fine to buy a small gift that’s related to someone’s interests outside of work—for example, a book by their favorite author, a box of pastries you know they love, or a gift card to a local restaurant or movie theater. 

(3 ) But avoid anything too personal, such as jewelry or clothing. Remember, while it’s totally fine to have fun with a gift, be sure to avoid anything that could be seen as offensive. And don’t underestimate the power of a simple, sincere, handwritten note. 

You don’t need to spend money or give a material gift to give something thoughtful and bring a smile to your colleague’s face.

This tip is adapted from “8 Tips for Holiday Gift-Giving at Work,” by Rebecca Zucker

Job Hunt continues during X mas to New Year time

 20 Dec 2022 Tuesday 

Don’t Pause Your Job Hunt Because of the Holidays

If you think you need to pause your job hunt until the new year, think again. There’s no reason to wait until January to take action—you can use the holiday season to network and make progress toward your next career chapter. It’s all about reframing your perception of the holidays: The end of the year doesn’t necessarily have to be a time to retreat; it can also be a great time to reconnect. Identify some dormant connections in your industry whom you haven’t talked to in a while, like former colleagues or bosses or people you know from college or grad school, and reach out to them. You might send a holiday card, an email, or a simple text just checking in. However you choose to reach out, use the holidays and the end of the year as an “in” to ask about people’s lives, update them on how you’re doing, and eventually discuss your careers. Connecting with someone during this busy time of year might lead to a follow-up conversation some time in January—a great way to kick off the new year. Making a small gesture in the next couple of weeks could pay dividends in a matter of months.

This tip is adapted from “Don’t Pause Your Job Search Just Because It’s the Holidays,” by Samorn Selim

3 tips for effective business email writing

MAY 20, 2013

Write an Email That People Will Read

When you send an email, chances are that it's competing with hundreds of others for the recipient's attention. Here's how to compose emails that people will actually read, answer, and act on:

Get straight to the point. Make your request in the first few sentences. Be polite, but concise. Try an opening like, "Great interview. Thanks for sending it. May I ask a favor?"

Keep it brief. People find long emails irksome and energy-sapping. The more they have to scroll, the less receptive they'll be. Limit your message to a single screen of reading.

Write a short but informative subject line. With a generic or blank subject line, your message will get lost in your recipient's inbox. Be specific — try "The Nov. 15 Leadership Program" instead of "Program." If you're asking someone to take action, highlight that in the subject.

HBR Press Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Better Business Writing.

The Counterfeit Self: The Deceptive Costs of Faking It

MAY 20, 2013

Knockoff Products Make You Feel Inauthentic

71% of women who were knowingly wearing counterfeit designer sunglasses in a lab experiment cheated on a money-earning task, in comparison with 30% of those wearing authentic glasses, say Francesca Gino and Michael I. Norton of Harvard Business School and Dan Ariely of Duke University. Moreover, participants who believed they were wearing counterfeit sunglasses judged other people as more likely to behave dishonestly. Use of counterfeits harms people's self-image, inducing a sense of a "counterfeit self," the researchers say.

Source: The Counterfeit Self: The Deceptive Costs of Faking It

The Angry Effects of Self-Control

 

MAY 21, 2013

You Experience a Silent Rage After Exerting Self-Control

People who chose an apple over chocolate before selecting a movie were 16% more likely to prefer an anger-themed film, such as Anger Management or Hamlet, than people who selected a movie without having made such a food choice, say David Gal of Northwestern University's Kellogg School and Wendy Liu of UC San Diego. This and other experiments suggest that the denial of immediate gratification may give rise to a silent rage: Exerting self-control can also intensify people's irritation toward controlling messages.

Source: Grapes of Wrath: The Angry Effects of Self-Control

Your personality and your business

  MAY 21, 2013 Tuesday 

" Focus Your Business Pitch on Yourself, Not Your Plan ! " 

Potential investors and partners are often more interested in an entrepreneur as a person than in the business plan. That document is important, but be sure to also show these three characteristics:

(1) Passion and purpose. 

Investors want to know if you're the right person for this idea. Make your personal connection to the business you're launching clear.

(2) Resilience.

 The road to building a business is full of speed bumps. Share some failure stories to show you can bounce back from challenges.

(3) Resource magnetism. 

Can you attract money, people, and other resources? This is more important than charisma. Whether or not you have a thousand-watt smile, you need to be able to persuade people to join your cause.

 adapted from "Entrepreneurs: You're More Important Than Your Business Plan" by Rich Leimsider and Cheryl Dorsey.

job hunt , get a job from a stranger - 3 tips

 MAY 22, 2013 wednesday 

Get a Job Offer from a Stranger ! 

A good network is important when searching for a job. But if you don't already know the right people, you need to expand your reach. People you don't know yet can be just as helpful as those you do. Here's how:

(1) Define your professional goals. 

Write down your objectives and make sure you can tell a cohesive story about yourself and where you're headed.

(3) Cast a wide but focused net.

 Scour LinkedIn, company websites, and Twitter to identify people who may be able to offer you a job in your chosen field, or advice on how to get one. With this cold call approach, you're not likely to get a high response rate so don't be afraid to compile a long list.

(3) Tell a personal story. 

Write an email to each person making it clear who you are, what you're interested in, and why he or she should respond and help you.

 adapted from "Make a Stranger Believe in You" by Anne Kreamer.

Want to reduce email workload ? Try sending out fewer emails

MAY 8, 2013, Wednesday 

Set an Email Quota and Stick to It ! 

If you've tried all of the basic ways to manage your email, but are still feeling overwhelmed, try setting quotas. The idea is that the more messages you send, the more you get. Assume that every email you send will generate 4–10 responses, so you're creating work for yourself with each message. Limit the number of threads you initiate each day. For incoming messages, estimate the number of emails each will generate and make that your daily quota. Use filters to sort incoming mail and keep all but the most crucial messages out of your inbox. Auto-file other messages in alternative folders. Keep adding rules until your daily inbox volume falls below the quota you've set.

Heart Shaped entreaty for donations

 MAY 8, 2013 , Wednesday 

Research Finding . 

" When You Solicit Donations, the Shape of Your Flyer Matters "

Experiment :  

A heart-shaped flyer informing consumers about a food collection for the needy persuaded 50% more people to donate than a rectangular flyer. 

Underlying Reason ? 

  A great deal of choice-making is unconscious and results from subtle cues in the environment, the researchers say.

Source: Communicating with All Your Heart: Flyer with a Cardioid Shape and Receptivity to a Request for Humanitarian Aid

Research courtesy : Nicolas Guéguen and Céline Jacob of the Université de Bretagne-Sud in France.

continuous learning for career advancement

 Wednesday 14 Dec 2022

 How to Upskill Without Going Back to School ( 5 tips ) 

If you’re not continuously learning new skills, you could become obsolete quicker than you might think. How can you build new expertise without leaving your job to pursue a traditional undergraduate or graduate degree? Here are some alternate pathways.

(1) Certifications.

 Certifications validate your knowledge and capabilities in a specific area—which is especially important if you’re looking to transition careers and don’t have a lot of work experience in the field you want to move into.

(2) Online courses. 

There’s a wealth of learning platforms out there that allow you to learn on your own schedule. While taking individual classes may not seem comparable to a four-year degree, the outcome can be quite similar.

(3) Internships or rotations.

 If you’re between jobs, an internship can help you get your foot in the door of a new organization or industry. If you already have a full-time job, consider whether your boss would allow for a rotation in another area of the organization.

(4) Stretch assignments. 

If you have the bandwidth, ask for work from another department at your organization that will teach you new or higher-level skills and give you an opportunity to demonstrate them on the job.

(5) Mentorship.

 Mentors can provide so much more than a listening ear. The right mentor can provide new perspectives on your gaps—and how to fill them.

This tip is adapted from “5 Ways to Acquire New Skills Without Going Back to School,” by Marlo Lyons

Thank you note after job interview

 Tue 06 Dec 2022

Write an Effective Thank You Note After a Job Interview ! 

You’ve just finished an interview for a job you’re really excited about. You know you should send a thank you note to your interviewers, but you’re not sure what to write. Here’s how to stick the landing. 

(1) First, your email should be short, sincere, and sent within 24 hours of your interview. Address the email to the person who interviewed you and make sure you get their name right—for example, if their name is Christopher and they asked you to call them Chris in the interview, address them as such in your follow-up.

(2)  If you interviewed with multiple people, it’s a good practice to send a personalized message to each one. In your note, thank the person for their time and consideration. Then, briefly highlight what excites you about the organization and role. You might even call out an aspect of the conversation that was particularly interesting or share a helpful hook to remind them what you spoke about.

(3)  Sign off by expressing your continued interest in the opportunity and offer to answer any further questions they might have. Be sure to avoid adding unnecessary detail or making any requests. 

(4) Finally, proofread (more than once!) for any typos or embarrassing grammatical errors.

This tip is adapted from “How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview,” by Christopher Littlefield

Collaboration basics

 Thursday 15 Dec 2022

Become a Better Collaborator ! 

It’s quite common for talented leaders to find collaboration uncomfortable. Perhaps you feel afraid of being overshadowed by a peer, you’re overly self-reliant, or you just find it difficult to trust people. Whatever the reason for your discomfort, here’s how you can push yourself to develop into a more effective and willing teammate. 

(1) Start by challenging yourself to become more open to new ideas. Respecting others’ perspectives is a prerequisite for empathy and compassion, which are prerequisites for collaboration. Whenever you’re working closely with someone, ask questions to challenge your point of view and clarify theirs. You’ll send a strong signal that you care about their perspective, not just your own. 

(2) Next, proactively identify which colleagues you rely on—and those who rely on you—and spend some informal time with them. Invest in those relationships. Collaboration is all about building and sustaining trust.

(3)  Finally, look for opportunities to be generous, elevating others when you get nothing in return. Maybe you offer a favor, support someone’s strategic agenda, or share the spotlight when it’s shining on you. These gestures will not only build goodwill with your team, they’ll also build your confidence as a team player.

This tip is adapted from “When Leaders Struggle with Collaboration,” by Ron Carucci and Luis Velasquez

Leadership Dev for busy peeps

 Friday 16 Dec 2022

How to Fit Leadership Development into Your Schedule ! 

Leadership, like any skill, requires time to develop. But as a manager, that time can be hard to come by. How can you build opportunities to develop as a leader into your daily work life? 

(1) First, review any data or feedback that you have, such as performance reviews or results of a recent 360 survey, to identify one or two specific skills you want to improve. Perhaps you want to become a powerful public speaker, a more effective feedback-giver, or a confident strategic thinker. Whatever your goal, pursue a realistic course of action that can help you achieve it—maybe reading a book on the topic or taking an online course. 

(2) Next, invest a small amount of time each day (even five minutes is enough) toward that actionable program. As you’re doing this, note key takeaways and ideas for how to implement them into your day. These don’t have to be daunting undertakings—simple things like speaking up in a meeting, pitching a new idea, or changing the way you communicate with your employees can represent significant growth.

(3)  Finally, look to leaders you respect for inspiration, and reach out to them if you can for advice and guidance.

This tip is adapted from “How Busy People Can Develop Leadership Skills,” by Darja Kragt

Fundaas of Strategic business leadership & pattern recognition ways

  MAY 9, 2013 Thursday 

Improve Your Ability to Anticipate Crises ( Opps & Threats ) 

Most leaders, even highly skilled ones, aren't great at detecting ambiguous threats on the periphery of their business. But to be successful, you need to pick up weak signals from both inside and outside the organization.

 To get better at this critical skill, 

(a) talk to your customers, suppliers, and other partners, vendors ,  to understand their challenges.

(b)  Conduct market research and business simulations to understand competitors' perspectives, gauge their likely reactions to your new initiatives or products, and 

(c) predict potential disruptive offerings.

(d)  Look at a fast-growing rival and examine any actions it takes that puzzle you !!(?) 

(e)  List customers you have lost recently and try to figure out why. 

(f) Attend conferences and events in other industries or functions. 

All of this will give you the information you need to sense opportunities and potential crises.

 adapted from "Strategic Leadership: The Essential Skills" by Paul J.H. Schoemaker, Steve Krupp, and Samantha Howland.

The effect of the 'evoking freedom' technique on sales

  MAY 9, 2013 Thursday 

" Be Sure to Tell People They're Free to Say No to Your Request ! " 

An extreme-sports store's campaign to get its customers to bring in new patrons was nearly twice as successful if the existing customers were EXPLICITLY  informed that they were free to participate or not, says a team led by Aude Grassini of the University of Bordeaux in France. 

In other studies, this technique, known as "evoking freedom," has been shown to be efficient in  (a) increasing the number of people who agreed to give someone money, (b) the number of passersby who agreed to respond to a survey, and (c )  the number of homeowners who agreed to buy pancakes.

Source: The effect of the 'evoking freedom' technique on sales in a computer-mediated field setting

3 qualities of a good quality business

 

MAY 13, 2013 Monday 

Go After High-Quality Revenue ( 3 qualities ) 

An uncompromising focus on growth can take companies in the wrong direction. Take Groupon. Once lauded as the "fastest-growing company ever," its stock price has fallen about 80% since the company went public in 2011. The key is to find quality, sustainable revenue. Here's what that looks like:

(1) It's predictable. 

It's always easier to forecast if you can be confident that 90% of last year's customers and dollars will be back this year. The money should come from returning clients willing to spend the same amount.

(2) It's profitable.

 A benchmark for a good margin varies by sectors, but quality revenue tends to be higher-margin. Aim for gross margins of at least 70%.

(3) It's diverse.

 While early-stage companies may often have a couple of customers that make up a large portion of revenue, over time you want to build a diverse base. None of your top five clients should make up more than 15% of revenue.

adapted from "What High-Quality Revenue Looks Like" by Anthony K. Tjan.

business network for feedback and idea generation

 MAY 14, 2013 Tuesday

Use Your Crowd to Source Ideas

Skilled networkers use their contacts as a source of quick feedback and even solutions to challenges of all sorts. If your network is strong, you're connected to well-placed colleagues, suppliers, customers, and fellow executives in your field — a host of experts who can help you at a moment's notice. For example, if you're thinking of hiring a contractor, ask for reviews of his work. Or use an internal blog to request ideas on how to cut costs. Start by making suggestions of your own and then ask others to contribute. These tactics will not only help you get valuable information but also will increase your visibility within your network.

Good Lamps Are the Best Police: Darkness Increases Dishonesty and Self-Interested Behavior

 MAY 13, 2013 Monday 

Does Wearing Dark Glasses Make You More Selfish?

People playing an online game in which they could give money to an unseen player ended up donating 33% less, on average, if they were wearing sunglasses while playing, says a team led by Chen-Bo Zhong of the University of Toronto. Putting on sunglasses—even if no one can see you—induces an illusion of anonymity, which encourages selfish or unethical behavior, the researchers suggest. Dimming the lights has a similar effect.

Source: Good Lamps Are the Best Police: Darkness Increases Dishonesty and Self-Interested Behavior

Mention your accomplishments on your resume

 MAY 15, 2013 Wednesday 

Job Seekers: Focus on Achievements

The whole point of résumés and cover letters is to sell your skills. Rather than simply listing the responsibilities in the positions you've held (as many candidates do), call out specific ways you've made a difference in those roles. Suppose you're in sales: Did you exceed your annual targets? By what percentage? Or, if you're a customer service manager, did you reduce the number of complaint calls? How did you do it — and by how much? Quantify whatever achievements you can, and include promotions and other acknowledgments of your success. For example, you may have started as a production manager and then, after six months, taken on full control of the firm's quality assurance program. Mention accomplishments like that — they reflect the trust you earned and your level of competence.

 adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job.

How White Amercian Social Networks Drive Black Unemployment

  MAY 16, 2013, Thursday 

" Most People Forget That Others Helped Them Get Employment ! " 

The vast majority of people who were asked by Nancy DiTomaso of Rutgers Business School how they found their jobs cited THEIR OWN SKILLS and hard work; and forgot the reference help or guidance they received ;  just 14% mentioned that they had received help of any kind from others ! ( Target group : White Americans , 70% male ) 

 But favoritism is almost universal in today's job market, she says; it's false to think that companies' decisions about interviews and hiring are based on merit.

Source: How White Amercian Social Networks Drive Black Unemployment

Courtesy : Harvard Business Review 

Synchrony and cooperation among team mates.

  MAY 17, 2013 , Friday . 

" Before Your Next Product Launch, How About a Square Dance? " 

Research participants who were induced to stroll around a campus in step with other people reported greater trust in their fellow walkers, in comparison with people who didn't walk in step (5.6 versus 4.1 on a 7-point scale), say Scott S. Wiltermuth and Chip Heath of Stanford.

 This and other studies show that unison movement fosters a greater willingness to cooperate, suggesting that cultural practices such as marching and dancing may make groups better able to take coordinated action, the researchers say.

Source : Synchrony and cooperation among team mates. 

Courtesy : Harvard Business Review

Reverse Bullying and what should boss do ?

 Monday 12 Dec 2022

When Your Direct Report Is Bullying You ! 

Bullying in the workplace can take many forms, including bullying of managers by people who report to them. If you’re feeling targeted by an employee who’s circumventing your authority, spreading rumors about you, and undermining your status, how can you protect your mental health and your career?

(1)  First, don’t give in to shame—someone else’s toxic behavior isn’t a reflection of your leadership. 

(2) Next, resist the temptation to avoid your bully. Burying yourself in work, isolating yourself from important support systems, and downplaying the severity of the issue won’t help you in the long run. Confront the reality instead, starting by documenting exactly what’s going on. Having detailed notes will help you clarify the situation—both for yourself and HR, if you choose to escalate and pursue mediation.

(3)  As you’re going through these steps, monitor your feelings. A professional coach or therapist can help you cope with your emotions and ensure you don’t snap at your bully, adding fuel to the fire and making the situation messier. Finally, prepare yourself to stand up to them. Remember, you’re still the boss, and you still have influence over your bully’s career.

 Confrontation and accountability could save their career from derailing when (not if) their behavior backfires—and more importantly, it will help you reestablish your legitimacy, confidence, and position of power.

This tip is adapted from “What to Do When a Direct Report Is Bullying You,” by Ludmila N. Praslova et al.

“What to Do When You’re Laid Off During a Recession,” by Marisa Bryan

 Friday 09 Dec 2022

How to Move Forward After Being Laid Off ! 

Losing a job is hard. If you’ve recently been laid off, here’s how you can move forward with confidence and patience.

(1)  First, understand that it’s not personal. 

People are laid off for many reasons, most of which are rarely about the performance of individual employees and completely out of your control. Don’t make looking for a job your only job. To protect yourself from burnout, decide which part of your day you’ll dedicate to your job hunt and how you’ll go about it. 

(2) Next, be honest with people.

 Don’t be afraid to share your story. You’ll be amazed by how quickly people offer to support you, which is critical to keeping you in the right frame of mind, especially in the earliest days after a layoff.

(3)  Finally, be patient.

 It can take six months or longer to find a job, and the timeline varies by industry. Stay open to new opportunities while you wait for a big win. Temping or freelancing in the meantime keeps you gainfully employed, occupied, and also helps you expand your network.

This tip is adapted from “What to Do When You’re Laid Off During a Recession,” by Marisa Bryan

HR guys need to answer to job aspiriants too

Wednesday 07 Dec 2022

Be Prepared to Answer Pay Equity Questions ! 

As a manager, you need to be well equipped to have conversations with your employees about pay equity. Here are a few common (and difficult) questions your employees might have about their compensation—and some suggested responses.

(1) “How is my pay determined?” 

To answer this question, you might say: There is a salary range for this position that is determined by factors such as skills, level of experience required, title, and location (if applicable). Your pay is based on the position you’ve been hired for and the education and experience you bring to the table.

(2) “Why don’t I make as much money as my peers?”

 To address this concern, you might respond: Direct comparisons regarding pay aren’t always accurate, as people are hired with diverse levels of skill and education and perform at different levels. If you’d like, we can discuss ways you can increase your earning potential.

(3) “What is a ‘salary range,’ and how does the company decide where my pay falls on the spectrum?”

 Try saying: A salary range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary an organization is willing to pay for a specific job. Where your pay fits in the range is determined by various factors, including supply and demand, your experience and education, location, budget, and in-demand skill sets.

This tip is adapted from “Managers, Are You Prepared to Answer Questions About Pay Equity?,” by Roberta Matuson

Leadership is all about communication ( 4 tips )

 Monday 05 Dec 2022

Great Leadership Is About Great Communication ! ( 4 strategies for the same ) 

To be an effective leader, you need to become an exceptional communicator. Here are four strategies to help you motivate and inspire your team with your words.

(1) Use simple language to write about complex things.

 Long, complicated sentences make written ideas hard to understand because they demand more concentration. You’ll win more supporters if you replace long words and sentences with shorter, more straightforward ones.

(2) Choose sticky metaphors.

 When you introduce a new or abstract idea, your audience will search for something they recognize to help them make sense of it. A metaphor is a powerful tool that compares or equates a new, abstract idea to a familiar image or concept.

(3) Humanize data.

 Slide decks with statistics and charts are helpful, but limited. The trick to making any data point interesting is to humanize it by placing the number in perspective. Any time you introduce numbers, take the extra step to make them engaging, memorable, and, ultimately, persuasive.

(4) Emphasize your mission.

 Shine a spotlight on your company’s purpose across communication channels: meetings, memos, emails, presentations, social media, and marketing material. If your mission stands for something, then stand up for it.

This tip is adapted from “How Great Leaders Communicate,” by Carmine Gallo

Decision making during career crises & turning point

 Thu 08 Dec 2022

When Making Career Decisions, Embrace Feeling “Torn”

Inflection points in your career (like a promotion opportunity or job loss) often evoke feelings of ambivalence: the experience of positive and negative emotions at the same time. Ambivalence can feel uncomfortable, but you can use it to your advantage when faced with a big decision. 

(1) Start by taking time to reflect.

 Approach your complex feelings with curiosity—not judgment—to identify what you feel and why. You might ask yourself a series of questions to unpack your feelings and jot down some notes.

(2)  Make sure to relieve some pressure—if you can, give yourself a deadline that isn’t in the immediate future and allows you to devote time and energy to listening to your emotions and considering your options. 

(3) Finally, remind yourself that no decision is permanent.

 Whatever you decide, it’s just “for now.” The beauty of most career decisions is that they’re often reversible, or at least recoverable, and there will always be another chapter to your career down the line.

This tip is adapted from “Embrace Ambivalence When Making Big Career Decisions,” by Brianna Barker Caza et al.

Transitioning ' Trans ' Team members

Thu 01 Dec 2022

" Support Trans Employees Who Are Transitioning " 

There are 1.6 million trans people living in the U.S., and one in five Gen Zers identify as LGBTQ. As a manager, you need to be prepared to support transgender employees who are transitioning.

(1)  Start by educating yourself on the terminology. “Trans” is an umbrella term used to describe the experience of someone whose sex assigned at birth doesn’t match their gender. It encompasses a range of identities, and there is no one way to be trans. The action of “transitioning” typically describes a trans person who is choosing to take legal, medical, or social actions to affirm their identity. 

(2) Next, pay attention to the language you use on a daily basis. Respect people’s pronouns, use language that will uplift and validate transgender gender identities, and avoid asking intensely personal questions about surgery, hormones, or biology. 

(3) Finally, the best response you can give an employee who is telling you that they’re transitioning is to thank them for sharing their experience with you. Acknowledge that this might have been difficult for them to bring up and that you appreciate their trust in you. 

Don’t prod—instead, offer support by helping them take time off, navigate health benefits, or find a mentor who can advise and guide them.

This tip is adapted from “How Managers Can Support a Team Member Who’s Transitioning,” by Nate Shalev

When your new hire fails and it all backfires !

Fri 02 Dec 2022 

What to Do When a New Hire Isn’t Working Out ! 

Not every new hire pans out. If you’ve onboarded a new employee who’s struggling to hit their targets, how can you decide whether to invest in them further—or whether it’s time to terminate their employment?

(1) Reevaluate their onboarding experience. 

After their first month, ask yourself: Did you set clear expectations? Have you given them the tools necessary to succeed? Have you been available and accessible? If you identify gaps in their onboarding experience, it’s your responsibility to fill them in and chart a more successful course forward. Reset expectations, reopen the lines of communication, and ensure they have all the tools and support they need to succeed.

(2) Communicate with your manager. 

Keep your boss up to date on your concerns. This way, you’ll not only get the benefit of their advice and support, but you’ll also ensure they’re not caught off guard if you end up deciding that the new hire isn’t the right person for the job.

(3) Check your gut feeling. 

Knowing what you know now about the role and the employee, would you enthusiastically rehire this person for the same role? If you had a whole team made up of this employee, how strong would it be? If they walked into your office tomorrow and quit, would you be relieved?

This tip is adapted from “Should You Fire a Bad Hire?,” by Kurt Wilkin

“How to Do Sponsorship Right,”

Tue 29 Nov 2022

What Makes an Effective Developmental Relationship

As you move into leadership positions throughout your career, you might find yourself mentoring or sponsoring junior employees. Here are three ways to ensure a positive developmental relationship.

(1) Establish a reciprocal and mutual dynamic.

 While you help the employee advance in their careers, you too should feel revitalized by learning new skills and gaining an understanding of a younger generation with ambitions, priorities, and challenges different from your own.

(2) Encourage openness and authenticity. 

To develop a stronger relationship, both you and your counterpart should share your thoughts, perspectives, and feelings candidly, while being open to those of the other person.

(3) Validate each other’s experiences. 

When you both feel heard, understood, and endorsed by each other, you’ll both experience a growing sense of competence, confidence, and self-worth. These new feelings should inspire you both to not only learn from your interactions, but also to act on the lessons you learn.

This tip is adapted from “How to Do Sponsorship Right,” by Herminia Ibarra

6 ways to energize a depleted team

Wed 30 Nov 2022

Reenergize Your Team

If your team is depleted, demotivated, and drained, there are a few strategies you can deploy to reenergize them. 

(1) First, proactively initiate purpose-driven career conversations—and make them routine. People want to know they’re on a path of growth and opportunity for greater impact. Include caring feedback on areas to improve so that your employees are ready to take on new opportunities when they arise. 

(2) Second, create team rituals that foster relationships and a sense of belonging. When people feel deeply connected to their peers, it energizes work and makes it more fun. You might open team meetings with a variety of prompts—for example, asking people to share something they’re grateful for that day or one word that describes how they’re feeling. The idea is that, over time, the team becomes a place of collective refuge and trust.
(3) Finally, rather than worrying about whether or not people are working enough, spend time helping people prioritize what’s most important. Help them eliminate non-value-added activities and connect each person’s work to the organization’s most important priorities. This will help create a sense of positive productivity as people engage in purposeful work rather than work for work’s sake.

This tip is adapted from “6 Ways to Reenergize a Depleted Team,” by Ron Carucci and Kathleen Hogan

Care givers among your team mates

 Monday 28 Nov 2022

3 Myths About Caregivers at Work ! 

Chances are there are many caregivers on your team: parents of young children, colleagues caring for elderly family members, and those supporting a sick or disabled child, sibling, or spouse. Effectively managing these employees starts with addressing your blindspots and assumptions about them. Here are some common myths you need to be aware of.

Myth #1: School and childcare are back to normal.

 Employees who rely on daycare and schools to do their jobs continue to face constant, unpredictable scheduling conflicts. Evaluate flexibility and hybrid policies with this in mind, and if your organization provides backup care services to ease ongoing stressors, make sure your employees know how to access them.

Myth #2: Employees who need flexible work arrangements are less interested in advancement.

 Flexible work is an essential resource for employees with caregiving responsibilities. Beware proximity bias, which could lead you to favor in-person employees over those working remotely.

Myth #3: People aren’t talking about it, so it must not be an issue. 

Many people aren’t comfortable sharing about their caregiving responsibilities in the workplace because they’re worried about being penalized professionally. To foster transparency around caregiving, acknowledge it yourself. When people feel comfortable sharing their challenges juggling work and caregiving, you’ll be able to create policies that better support them.

This tip is adapted from “5 Things Employers Get Wrong About Caregivers at Work,” by Katherine Goldstein

Cold calls for job hunt

 

MAY 22, 2013 Wednesday . 

Get a Job Offer from a Stranger ! 

A good network is important when searching for a job. But if you don't already know the right people, you need to expand your reach. People you don't know yet can be just as helpful as those you do. Here's how:

(1) Define your professional goals.

 Write down your objectives and make sure you can tell a cohesive story about yourself and where you're headed.

(2) Cast a wide but focused net.

 Scour LinkedIn, company websites, and Twitter to identify people who may be able to offer you a job in your chosen field, or advice on how to get one. With this cold call approach, you're not likely to get a high response rate so don't be afraid to compile a long list.

(3) Tell a personal story. 

Write an email to each person making it clear who you are, what you're interested in, and why he or she should respond and help you.

 adapted from "Make a Stranger Believe in You" by Anne Kreamer.

Zen & Gerontology ! Cognitive computer games

 May 22, 2013 Wednesday

Take Up Computer Games, Not Crosswords, as You Age

People aged 50 and over who were assigned to play the computer game Double Decision (formerly Road Tour) for at least 10 hours over eight weeks showed a clear improvement compared with the normal loss of cognitive function as people age, says the Wall Street Journal. The amount of improvement ranged from 2 to 7 years. People who were assigned to do crossword puzzles showed no such improvement. Previous research shows that older people who play various kinds of cognitive games have better health outcomes and better driving records.

SOURCE: When Computer Games May Keep the Brain Nimble

team work ingradients

 MAY 23, 2013 Thursday 

4 Things Every Team Needs ! 

No matter how big or small your team or what its goal is, there are four things it needs to succeed. As a leader, it's your job to help your group create and adhere to each of these:

(1) A meaningful common purpose.

 Most teams are responding to a mandate. But to be successful, your team must "own" this purpose by developing its own spin on it.

(2) Specific performance goals.

 Develop measurable goals to inspire your team and inject a sense of urgency. Shared goals require everyone to focus on their collective effort, rather than on differences in titles or status.

(3) Commitment to how the work gets done. 

At the onset, agree on who will do what jobs, how you will establish and honor schedules, and how you will make and modify decisions.

(4) Mutual accountability. 

You can't force trust and commitment. By agreeing upon purpose and goals, your team members forge their accountability to one another — not just to the leader.

 adapted from the HBR Guide to Managing Up and Across.

"Great Leaders Know When to Forgive" by Rosabeth Moss Kanter.

 

MAY 24, 2013 Friday .

As a Leader, Know When to Forgive ! 

As a leader, it's your job to hold people accountable. But you also need to know when to let them off the hook. Letting go of peoples' past wrongs will help you build a brighter future for your team and your organization. Sure, it's tempting to hold a grudge against an employee who went behind your back, or a colleague who failed to meet his goals and tarnished your team's reputation. But don't go around settling scores. Instead, make sure employees know the consequences of their actions and then move on. Tell them that you believe they can change or make up for their mistakes. Anger and blame are unproductive emotions. Giving people a second (or even third) chance is better for you, and them, in the long run.

 adapted from "Great Leaders Know When to Forgive" by Rosabeth Moss Kanter.

DNA anonymity in USA

 May 24, 2013 Friday

What Was Anonymity?

In the name of science, 2,500 people have participated in Harvard's Personal Genome Project, anonymously sharing DNA data along with such information as histories of depression and sexually transmitted disease. But Harvard Privacy Lab director Latanya Sweeney demonstrates what "anonymous" really means. Of 579 participants who listed their birth dates, ZIP codes, and genders, her team was able to identify 42% by name using public records. Previously she was able to identify up to 87% of the U.S. population with just ZIP code, birth date, and gender.

SOURCE: Harvard Professor Re-Identifies Anonymous Volunteers In DNA Study

Plan your presentation with storyboarding !

 MAY 27, 2013

Storyboard Your Presentation for better results ! 

( Tip on presentation skills ) 

Before you start creating slides for your next talk / presentation / trainig -  PLAN what you're going to say ! 

 A storyboard — a visual outline of your presentation — will save you more time than it takes to create it ! 

(1)  First, draw small representations of your ideas on sticky notes. Advantage : The small space forces you to use simple, clear words and pictures.

(2) ( while making ppt slide deck)  Limit yourself to ONE IDEA  per slide: There's no reason to crowd them. This sketching process will help you clarify what you want to say and HOW you want to say it.

 As you storyboard, you'll be able to tell immediately which concepts are clunky or overly complex (you'll run out of space on your sticky notes). Eliminate them, and brainstorm new ways to communicate those messages more clearly.

 HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.

More in this article : 

How to Storyboard PowerPoint Presentation to Create a Killer Story - The SlideTeam Blog

How about a Digital Tech break , every week ?

 

MAY 28, 2013

Take a Weekly Technology Break ! 

There are serious personal benefits of taking time away from the constant hum of technology. So why wait for your next vacation? Take a device hiatus every week.

 On Friday night, turn off everything with a screen — your computer, tablet, and phone. Put them in a drawer to keep them out of sight. And don't turn them on again until Saturday night. Knowing you won't be able to connect for 24 hours can be unnerving, so prepare in advance.

 Print out your schedule, along with any maps or phone numbers you need. Let people know that they won't be able to text, tweet, email, use Facebook, or web chat during that time.

 Then enjoy — be present and focused on whatever you do — spend time with your kids, go for a hike, read a book. You'll likely find the day is longer and when you power back on, you'll feel recharged.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Tech's Best Feature: The Off Switch" by Tiffany Shlain.