There are myriad recommendations for improving our work productivity. For some, it is just hard to get through the day without dealing with yet another system. So instead of highlighting another way to get it done, I’ll present articles in the coming weeks that include human stuff, such as being overwhelmed, being a working mother, slow times and rapid changes, and a good … [Read more...]
Speak up when it matters
Speaking up is hard to do. We all like to think that if we see something questionable, we’ll say something. However, we are strikingly bad at anticipating how we’ll feel in future circumstances and it can be incredibly difficult to speak up in the moment. In fact, research suggests that most people tend to not act, and then rationalize their inaction. Source: HBR Ascend. … [Read more...]
Get back on track when your day gets derailed
More the norm than anomaly, stuff derails us from our planned schedules. Deb Knobelman, PhD, shares ideas to manage frustration and getting overwhelmed when the unexpected happens. A change in schedule does not mean the whole day is ruined. Source: The Medium, September 2018. Link. With the right framework plus the right mindset, anything is possible. . . . the perfect plan … [Read more...]
Stress is your brain trying to avoid something
Tom Kelley discusses stress, where it comes from and how it works. Stress is frequently a negative emotion, which functions from our motivational system. He describes two motivational system subcomponents that lead to distinct sets of emotions. Source: HBR Ascend, February 23, 2019. Link. Once you understand how stress works, you can begin to take steps to deal with it, so … [Read more...]
How to follow up with people after a conference
Dorie Clark provides a framework for structuring post-conference follow-up to increase chances that new connections turn into meaningful professional relationships. What matters is capturing the data and making a list of people you spoke with whose cards you didn’t obtain. Source: HBR Ascend, January 2019. Link. Most new relationships will fall into three categories, … [Read more...]
When an argument gets too heated, here’s what to say
Productive conflict is a hallmark of high-performing teams. Some teams struggle to communicate dissenting opinions without triggering resistance and defensiveness, writes Liane Davey. They fall into unproductive conflict by invalidating one another as they argue. IF you can validate your teammate’s perspective, expertise, and feelings, you will keep the conflict focused on … [Read more...]
The delicate art of being perfectly assertive
Whether you are the boss or the leader of conversations, striking the right balance between being too assertive and not assertive enough is immensely important. One area where self-awareness is particularly hard to gain has to do with one’s level of assertiveness. Source: HBR Ascend. Link. Being flexible and socially sensitive allows for motivating and engaging without being … [Read more...]