Lucy is just moving into her first management position. It can be daunting making that step, especially if you are managing a team that were previously your colleagues. It can be hard to know how and when to modify your behaviour, and how to motivate your team while ensuring they respect your new position. Here [...]
Asking for a pay rise can be one of the trickiest meetings we have at work, so here is some food for thought before you take the plunge – and then some advice on how to have that conversation. Be objective Know what the role is worth. Remember it is the role that commands the [...]
Most of us get involved in some kind of goal setting these days, whether it’s personal or work related. The reasons why have long been known by psychologists; we actually thrive and are happier if we have something to aim for – or so they say! Most of have been taught that goals should be [...]
This is a lemon crystal. That’s a type of cucumber, you know. Consider this. A couple of months ago I bought a little cucumber plant at the village fete. I’d never grown one before, but it seemed to settle quite nicely in the greenhouse. A few days ago I noticed that it’s fruit didn’t quite [...]
Power means, very simply, getting someone to do the things you want them to do. One of the few things that irks me in my job as a trainer is the number of times people say they are powerless. Are they really? We all have more power than we could possibly realise. Types of power [...]
No, not that CIA. This one: Confidence Integrity Amiability As far as I am concerned, these are the three most important components needed for a professional, positive image. […]
It happens to us all sometimes – another person gets on our nerves, and we feel the irritation rise – sometimes before they have even spoken a word! It happens because we are complex beings – we have different needs, desires and drivers, values, personalities, upbringing and experience… This means there are hundreds of possible reasons [...]
Getting results At work, we are all being driven to get results, to achieve, to succeed – and fast. Some of us have personality styles that thrive in this type of environment – even if we haven’t, we learn to operate this and cope with the pressure. It’s the way of the world. A game [...]
What makes a good question? When do we use them? Why does it matter? I believe that a lack of questioning skills is one of the most important skills shortages in managers today. Decision making, productivity and relationships are all affected by our ability to ask great questions at the right time. I'm interviewed here [...]
