They use the carrot and the stick.They encourage fun but lambast too much fun.They ply them with energy drinks and sugary treats.In the morning they pit staff against each other and in the evening they force team work.It's like the managers are cattle herders and the team are their cows. I think if you asked … Continue reading Robots wanted →

Sometimes unnecessary small talk is a way for the proud individual to say 'I'm sorry' without explicitly apologising.

The tiger bit me! Well what do you expect? You cornered it in a threatening manner, of course it was going to try and claw its way out! ... The same is true for insecure individuals in power. Making them feel small is likely to result in them flexing their authority over you.

I think when wanting improvements from others, the framing of the delivery is key to avoid angering the ego."You're really bad right now, you need to do better. Like a lot better"... is sure to make anyone defensive."I think an area you could potentially improve, if you're interested is..."This version emphasizes that it's just my … Continue reading Framing improvements →

The person of high status steps off stage, the person of low status steps on stage. The phones come out.

If I learnt anything from The Last Dance and the Beckham docuseries, is that the media is a double edged sword.Both Jordan and Beckham profited hugely from the additional attention, but the spotlight also shone brightly on their mistakes.

As they passed through the turnstile, Karen pointed out some of the stadium staff and whispered to Tegret something along the lines of:"You see those people over there who you have no authority over? Yeah, make sure they do their job."Tegret didn't know what to do. On the one hand, he didn't want to disappoint … Continue reading Tegret’s dilemma →

"Now Billy, we have secured the funding to get you that new kidney and a new lease of life. But I should say the donation came from a company clearly trying to make up for an immoral blunder. Do you want to reject the money and die within a month?"I think it's quite cynical to … Continue reading Corporate donations →

It seems, that in the working world, employees are so afraid of criticism that they are willing to sacrifice autonomy and decision making practice.I think this is symptomatic of two things.One, our innate desire to avoid pain.And, two, those in power unable trust and will happily trade in the benefits of subordinate satisfaction for more … Continue reading Risk criticism for decision →

It looks like Sheila is talking to me but it sounds like Hugo's agenda.The weird bit for me is not that Sheila complies with this (Hugo has power over her you see).The weird bit is why does Hugo feel he has to resort to human ventriloquism?Why not just come talk to me himself?I think it's … Continue reading Human ventriloquism →