SELF IMPROVEMENT AND MOTIVATION

When it comes to working conditions, we’ve come a long way in the past 100 years — and not just in the wealthiest countries. Global unemployment rates have  been down  since the 2008 financial crisis, and the number of new jobs created by technological disruption  exceeds  the number of old jobs that are automated. Yes, there are still ghastly sweatshops, windowless call centers, and asbestos-ridden factories. But, for the most part, there has arguably never been a better time in history to be employed, and it has also never been easier. In this industrialized world, most employees desire consumer-like experiences. Stable jobs that pay well and give recognition are no longer enough. People want  meaning and purpose , a sense of  calling , and jobs that  are crafted  to their unique personalities. They want flexibility, fair compensation, tasks that stimulate, and perhaps most of all, they want to feel safe showing their “authentic selves.” Top em...

It isn’t surprising that a man like  JM Barrie , whose maxim was “two years old marks the beginning of the end” put the words “oh, why can’t you stay like that forever?!” into the mouth of one of his characters (Mrs. Darling). Interestingly,  there very well may be people who “stay like that forever,” and they suffer from something known as Peter Pan Syndrome. However, it’s complicated. In fact,  the people who decide not to mature, or at least try not to, end up sick . There’s actually a name for it: Peter Pan Syndrome. But it’s not as nice as it might seem at first glance. Let’s check it out. What is Peter Pan Syndrome? An adult who behaves like a child is fun for a while.  However, it can get old. It’s not just that we have to put up with their jokes. A person with  Peter Pan Syndrome  doesn’t  want  to grow up and  mature , and they never get past the egocentric, narcissistic, immature phase of childhood. But there’...

There are just too many scenarios today where many people are caught in a redundancy situation. You may know of someone who is waiting for a mutual separation scheme, someone who is being displaced or transferred into a pool of resources, or someone being cold storaged. Most of the times, it is sadly happening to people who are not prepared for it, and they may be in a shock state and not taking the right recovery action fast enough. I have been in such situations before, and have been preparing my teams wherever I go. But we can never be prepared adequately, and sometimes you just cannot avoid being made redundant at some point in your career. Top revenue lines are declining, costs are escalating and hence profit margins need to be defended. Businesses are transforming at a fast pace to stay relevant. It needs a lean, preferably digital native team with innovative ideas and ready to explore new things. Here are my 7 thoughts in order to get onboard the right train, and how best to ste...

Having a good  relationship  with those that you report to and work with, is important. Keeping your head down, not causing any conflict with others, and getting your responsibilities done is not a  relationship . To name a few, open communication, feedback, trust, mindfulness, and mutual respect are characteristics that define a healthy working  relationship . Healthy, working  relationships  can make your work life a lot easier and more enjoyable. When you’re happy at work, you’ll be happy outside of work, therefore the benefits are endless. According to a study done by  Gallup , people who have a friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. Given the ample amount of time employees spend together, the development of good relationships can increase employee morale and productivity in the workplace. Conversely, a firm and unfriendly environment will have the opposite effect. Although we are social beings that crave friendship...

The definition of a leader, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is straightforward: ‘A person who has commanding authority and influence’. The Business Dictionary is more specific, it includes establishing and realising a clear vision, coordinating conflicting interests and thinking and acting creatively in difficult situations. Nowhere does it say exactly   how  a leader is supposed to influence and direct.  Historically, leaders have relied on established hierarchical structures. Simply put, the higher up they were, the more authority they had, the more they could do what they wanted.  Yes, there were advisors, but if they displeased their leader, they ran the risk of being exiled or even put to death. The system was inherently patriarchic, favouring men of high social status and leaving those who didn’t have the required bloodlines at the bottom of the ladder. Except for a handful of exceptions, women were excluded from official leadership altogether....