How-to

Black text over white background: 'Culture itself is defined by the stories we continually tell ourselves' Michelle Gielan

“What you heard isn’t what I said!” How to prevent miscommunication and get your message across

A large part of modern work and life centres on communication. But how often have you been surprised when someone misinterprets something you’ve said? When it happens, we shake our heads at the other person’s inability to understand us, assuming that the error lies at their end. After all, what we were saying was really

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Photo of a book with pages being blown by the wind

Leadership toolbox: how to use change stories to transform your reality

Our change stories can make or break us as we navigate change. I’ve written previously about how we humans are sense-making machines. We always seek out a story that explains what we are experiencing. And if what is happening doesn’t come with a story that makes sense to us, we’ll make up one that does!

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Four quadrant model showing learner, collaborator, inclusion and challenger safety

Leadership Toolbox: how to create psychological safety at work

Have you ever wondered why some teams thrive in difficult times? Their leaders have learned how to create psychological safety. Team members and the manager trust one another, freely share knowledge, admit mistakes and generate creative and innovative ideas at the drop of a hat. Other teams and managers spend their time covering up mistakes,

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List of approaches to single-tasking and productivity

Multitasking is a myth – how can you achieve more in less time, and feel better by single-tasking?

Once upon a time, “Multitasker Extraordinaire” was the big, shiny badge we all wanted to wear. We thought we could be super-human, combining conference calls with writing a report while reading some juicy online gossip. Or watching TV while spending “quality time” with our family. And now add smartphones to the mix… and we can’t

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Black noticeboard with white writing saying 'Thank You'

Recognition – how to turbo-charge success

There are many factors that go into creating success, from talent to resources to committed action. One-off successes can be achieved relatively effortlessly – but ongoing, sustained success takes thoughtful leadership and careful management. And recognition is a golden opportunity to turbo-charge success and make it sustainable over the long-term. The sad thing is that

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