Productivity should not be measured in the amount of hours put in but the speed with which tasks are completed. A 12 hour study session does not mean it was a productive one, it just means it was a long one. Work smarter not harder is great advice and the way forward but if your … Continue reading Appearing lazy →

Gerrard saved a child's life. Then later that day he stole from a shop, he berated a customer service rep and manipulated his senile mother out of money. Now, overall, whether Gerrard is a good person or not can be debated. But I think any negative action cannot override or cancel out the saving of … Continue reading Gerrard’s character →

When the turtle feels unsafe he retreats into his shell. I can relate! Whenever I feel insulted or criticised I find myself withdrawing mentally from the conversation. I believe it's a protection mechanism. But after reading 'Nasty People' I have seen the light! Jay Carter talks about how the introversion reaction is not the most … Continue reading Turtling →

The employee who quit to pursue their dreams got nothing but well wishes. The employee who was leaving to join a competitor got the silent treatment for their notice period. Both employees are leaving the company for the foreseeable future, never to return and yet it's their destinations that provokes two opposing reactions. To take … Continue reading Survivors denial →

"Progress is a double edged sword" From the film Hidden Figures. Meaning congratulations on building the self service check out till but you've also just put people out of a job. In a similar vein we can lump the Manhattan project. But it's funny how the costs of progress are rarely considered as we race … Continue reading Costs of progress →

Here's how I would redesign committees. One person, the chief troublemaker and the most passionate about making change, drafts up a plan. They then send this draft to the other 'committee' members for FEEDBACK not approval. The primary ruckus maker takes the feedback into account, makes changes if needed and proceeds to publish the draft. … Continue reading Redesigning committees →

Their reputation preceded them. So much so, that it actually prepared the room for them. Their imminent arrival will put everyone in the vicinity on edge. So that when they enter their mere presence will add tension. They need not utter a syllable and the air will be thick with anxiety.

Whilst you're humming and hawing about whether or not you'll write the piece your brain is all distractions and doubt.But when you firmly commit to writing the piece the most amazing switch happens.Your brain changes tack at lightning speed.Now that you have decided you're going through with it, all of a sudden it's finding options … Continue reading Humming & hawing off →

I think the 'Why?' question serves different functions in an organisational setting. When it is between two individuals of the same status it is usually in the form of a complaint. 'Why the hell are we doing this task. Surely this is someone else's job!' But when the Why is run up the flag pole … Continue reading Why? →

I think in order to work well with others you need to excel at adaptation. With each new colleague/teammate/agency/employee you need to be ready and willing to modify to make the relationship work. You need to make tiny adaptation sacrifices in order to please the efficiency gods. "Aideen would be a much better attacking threat … Continue reading Adapting relationships →