Milo & Kiki

Milo is a very good reader. He reads a lot. In fact one time when the latest novel of Milo's favourite series came out, Milo read it in one sitting. It took him all night but he powered through it. So Kiki sees this and recommends a book to Milo. Then a couple of weeks … Continue reading Milo & Kiki →

Holding the door open

I walk to the door, open it, turn around and see someone behind me. They look up, see me holding the door open for them and immediately increase their pace to get to the door quicker. This happens with the majority of people, they feel obliged to return the courtesy by lessening the time you … Continue reading Holding the door open →

Not addressing the problem

I was at a rugby match recently. It was the final of a tournament, at the end of a long season. Pretty quickly into the match, it became apparent that the hooker on one team couldn't throw well. He couldn't throw straight and he couldn't make it past the first player. So slowly but surely … Continue reading Not addressing the problem →

Expecting creative work from menial workers

If you hire them to do menial work, train them to be obedient and give them no decision making leeway. It is inviting frustration to ask them to do creative thinking and expect it to be good.

Owning vs disowning a problem

The power rangers are having a meeting to discuss the latest attack on their city. You can tell just from the body language who is going to take ownership of the problem and who will ignore it. The green power ranger isn't paying attention he's on his phone. He's leaning back in his chair with his feet … Continue reading Owning vs disowning a problem →

Morale code

You come across an immoral act. An act that happens regularly and it conflicts with your morale code. You ask around and everyone already knew about it. They don’t seem to care. So what do you do? Justify it and join the rest of your group? Try to change the norm? Or find a new … Continue reading Morale code →

Are you near?

You planned to meet up with someone at 2 but it's 2:05 and they haven't arrived, they haven't even contacted you. You craft a message to them. It simply says: 'Where are you?' You're about to hit send. When you're old pal Jeeves appears at your shoulder. 'Might I make a suggestion sir?' 'Please do … Continue reading Are you near? →

Checking screens

Checking how much work everyone else is doing and making sure that you appear busy looks exhausting. It's a lot less effort and better for your peace of mind if you just become more productive. When you're actually productive you don't care what anyone else is doing because you're too busy getting the work done. The war … Continue reading Checking screens →

Initiative

Taking initiative is a big win for all involved and I would highly recommend it. Managers like initiative because it means you weren't just standing around waiting for orders. You showed the ability to see an opportunity and the courage to act on it. Furthermore, managers are very busy, they can't do all the thinking and … Continue reading Initiative →

Only one way to find out

A job opens up in your company, a job you could do well. They're accepting internal applications but everyone has to interview. Would you go for it? You peruse the job description, you could definitely do this job and it's more pay. You start to debate it in your head, will I go for it? … Continue reading Only one way to find out →