Work Archives

Increase Productivity in the Workplace: Focus on These 4 Areas

What are areas that will increase productivity in the workplace? How important is a manager’s encouragement at work? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim’s recipe for a productive workplace contains elements that are applicable in any organizational setting. These include a focus on the needs of the customer, an environment in which candor is rewarded, a culture dedicated to improvement, and management that enables employees to find a sense of flow and pleasure in their work. Let’s dive into management practices that focus heavily on increasing productivity in the workplace.

Value Creation in Negotiation: 4 Steps to Getting What You Want

What’s value creation in negotiation? Why is value important for both parties? When negotiating, your goal should be to get the best possible deal for yourself while strengthening your relationship with the other party. To achieve a good deal and a stronger relationship, you must not only claim but create value. Keep reading to learn more about value creation in negotiation, according to Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman’s book Negotiation Genius.

The Importance of a Customer-Centric Approach in Business

What are the benefits of a customer-centric approach in business? Why is it advised to keep business strategies simple and straightforward? If you’re running a company, the customer should always be at the center of your focus. Anything other than that creates a complicated system that ultimately fails because projects grow out of control. Continue reading for a customer-centric approach that keeps things in moderation.

Why Creating Emotional Safety at Work Builds Trust

Do you show your employees you have trust in them? How should you create an environment of emotional safety at work? Trust at work goes a long way, especially from employers to employees. When an employee feels that sense of trust, you’re encouraging them to speak up when problems arise and work on solutions together. Find out how to create a feeling of emotional safety at work, according to The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim.

The Right Level of Autonomy at Work: Where’s the Sweet Spot?

What level of autonomy at work should you give to your employers? How do you find the balance of control as a manager? Will Guidara’s book Unreasonable Hospitality shares excellent lessons that anyone can apply to their career. One lesson is to find a good balance of control at work, letting your employees take initiative while also stepping in when needed. Here’s how to find that balance, according to Guidara.

Simon Sinek Book Club Exercises to Discuss & Put Into Practice

Have you read Simon Sinek’s books? Are you looking for discussion questions to use individually or with a group? Author Simon Sinek gives us a lot to talk about and act upon. We’ve put together several exercises based on the content in four of Sinek’s books. The exercises include questions that will help you discuss and implement each book’s ideas. Continue reading for Simon Sinek book club questions that will allow you to get even more out of Sinek’s books.

4-Day Workweek Trials: Here’s How They’re Going

Is a shorter workweek any closer to being a reality? What signs point to “yes”—and what barriers prevent it from happening? Countries around the globe have been running 4-day workweek trials and touting the benefits for years, yet implementation of the policy has been limited. Barriers to the policy’s implementation are keeping many companies from testing out the new schedule. Keep reading to learn about the results of the 4-day workweek trials, and why some companies are still reluctant to try it.

Focus on the Details if You’re Aiming for Excellence: EMP’s Story

Why are small details important? In what ways did the top-notch restaurant Eleven Madison Park (EMP) pay attention to the finest details? Will Guidara owes EMP’s three stars to him and his employees giving attention to even the smallest details. He was wise to focus on the almost-unnoticed elements that can actually make or break a customer’s experience. Discover why you need to focus on the details if you’re aiming for excellence.

How Diverse Skills Can Help You Get the Lifestyle You Want

Are you a specialist in just one area? If so, are you aware of how that could be holding you back? Retired astrophysicist Jacob Lund Fisker argues in Early Retirement Extreme that it’s possible to break out of the unsatisfying cycle of consumerism. Part of the equation is increasing your financial security by diversifying your skills. Read more to discover how diverse skills can help you get the lifestyle you want.

18 Procrastination Questions to Help You Stop Putting Things Off

Are you a serial procrastinator? A serial procrastinator who’s ready to turn things around and get things done? Nearly 95% of people say they procrastinate. That’s according to Piers Steel, the author of The Procrastination Equation. He defines procrastination as purposefully putting off tasks against your better judgment and contrary to your best interests. If this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading for several procrastination questions designed to help you examine and tackle your procrastination habit.