“Pull Yourself Up by the Bootstraps” Saying Explained

“Pull Yourself Up by the Bootstraps” Saying Explained

What does “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” mean? Why is Stephanie Land so critical of it? Stephanie Land, the author of the memoir Maid, criticizes the “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” mentality in America. The saying insinuates that people in poverty are lazy and make bad choices. Read more about why this mentality is outdated and offensive to people living in poverty.

Zettelkasten: Digital Versus Analog

Zettelkasten: Digital Versus Analog

Why is a digital Zettelkasten better than a paper version? What are the benefits of going digital? Having a digital Zettelkasten is generally more convenient than a paper one. You can access a digital slip-box anywhere; you can only access a physical slip-box if you’re standing next to it. Having said that, paper slip-box is better for efficiency. Here’s why you should have a digital version of the reference system—no matter which slip-box version you pick. 

5 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in the Workplace

5 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in the Workplace

What role does self-esteem play in one’s professional success? How can organizations help their employees foster healthy self-esteem? Self-esteem has grown essential to both economic and professional success. In such a world, companies must keep up with constantly changing realities and ever-increasing global competition—which requires employees with high self-esteem. Here’s what companies can do to promote employees’ self-esteem in the workplace.

The Slip-Box Method: Level Up Your Writing

Mastering the Art of Giving Feedback in the Workplace

What is the slip-box system of note-taking? What are the benefits of the slip-box method over traditional techniques? In his book How to Take Smart Notes, Ahrens argues that the slip-box system is specifically designed to help you both have and share original insights. The slip-box method has several benefits over the traditional writing process: For example, using it will make you more efficient and lead to more creative insights.  Let’s look at the three benefits of the slip-box method.

How to Build a Successful Team: Focus on Strengths

How to Build a Successful Team: Focus on Strengths

Do you want to know how to build a successful team for your business? Why should you focus on developing your employees’ strengths rather than fixing their weaknesses? In their book Nine Lies About Work, Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall say that the key to building a successful team is encouraging your subordinates to develop their unique strengths rather than fix their weaknesses. To do this, you must determine what outcomes you want from your team and then figure out how each member can help you achieve those outcomes given their individual strengths. Here’s why leaders should shift their focus

Oliver Burkeman: The Delusion of Time Management

Oliver Burkeman: The Delusion of Time Management

What does Oliver Burkeman have to say on time management? Do you believe that you can fully have control over how you spend your time? According to Oliver Burkeman, time management is an illusion in a sense. In his book Four Thousand Weeks, he contends that humans live with the mistaken belief that if you try hard enough and find the right time management solutions, you should be able to gain total control over your time. Contrary to the promises of self-help gurus and time management tools, you’ll never be able to wield total control over your time. Let’s discuss the

5 Myths About Leadership and People Management

5 Myths About Leadership and People Management

What are some of the most common leadership myths modern leaders have been led to believe? How does buying into these myths hurt your leadership? When it comes to leadership and people management, there’s no manual to follow. According to Buckingham and Goodall, the authors of Nine Lies About Work, many modern leaders still harbor dangerous misconceptions that hurt their employees, and ultimately, their organizations’ bottom line. Here are five myths that still permeate modern leadership thinking.

Organizational Planning: Why Strategic Plans Fail

Organizational Planning: Why Strategic Plans Fail

Do you use organizational planning for your business? Why will it ultimately fail your business in the long run? In a typical company, senior leadership comes up with a strategic plan for success and then communicates it to their direct reports. The message is then passed down until it reaches the execution team, which makes its own plans based on the directives from the higher-ups. The problem with this dynamics is that plans made by higher-ups tend to disregard the daily struggles of their employees who make the magic happen. Here’s why strategic plans often fail.

The Importance of Teamwork in an Organization

The Importance of Teamwork in an Organization

How important is a teamwork culture in your organization? Why is a collaborative work environment more important than corporate culture? Many companies believe that creating an enticing corporate culture is what makes the business thrive. While corporate culture (various perks, free lunches, etc.) can attract people to work for your organization, it’s not what makes them stay. High-value people seek to do meaningful work as part of a supportive, collaborative team. Keep reading to learn about the importance of teamwork in an organization.

Identifying High Potential Employees Hurts Businesses

Identifying High Potential Employees Hurts Businesses

What is deemed a “high-potential employee”? How does classifying your employees into high- or low- potential hurt your organization? Companies use performance appraisal systems for identifying high-potential employees. When an employee is “high potential,” it usually means they have promise for promotion because of their skillset and work ethic. However, “high-potential” people don’t matter in the long run. Here’s why you shouldn’t segregate your employees based on high or low potential.