Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Why Job Engagement Is Crucial to Performance

What does it mean to be engaged at work? In what ways do engaged employees do better? How can you increase your workplace engagement? According to Paul Marciano in his book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work, employee job engagement is essential for your employees to produce their best work. However, studies show that most employees feel disengaged from their work. Here is why job engagement is so important and steps you can take to increase your employee engagement.

Children and Technology: How to Limit Screen Time

Do you find it difficult to limit your children’s screen time? Why is it better to allow your child to set their own limits? Children and technology are a bad mix because oftentimes, children don’t understand why too much screen time is bad for them. That’s why Indistractable author Nir Eyal suggests educating your child on the importance of limiting screen time then allowing them to set their own limits. Learn why educating your children is better than setting arbitrary rules.

Identity Pacts: Make a Commitment to Yourself

What are identity pacts from Indistractable? Why is it important to make and keep commitments to yourself? In his book Indistractable, Nir Eyal says that it’s important to make commitments to yourself that will help you stay focused on your goals. Eyal calls these pre-commitments “identity pacts” because they should align with who your want to be and what you want to do. Continye below to learn how to make an identity pact and change your self-image.

The RESPECT Model: Building Employee Engagement

What is the RESPECT model for engagement? Why is respect more important than monetary incentives? In his book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work, Paul Marciano discusses the RESPECT model for engagement. He breaks down the five directions of respect: respect for the organization, leadership, team members, work, and the individual, and why each one is important. Here is what Marciano had to say about respect in the workplace.

Developing an Indistractable Schedule for Children

How do you build an indistractable schedule for children? Why is it important to teach children about their three core responsibilities? In Nir Eyal’s book Indistractable, he discusses three responsibilities that children should schedule into their days: themselves, their relationships, and their schoolwork/chores. It’s important to teach children responsibility at a young age so they can better balance their lives as adults. Here’s what Nir Eyal has to say about building a schedule for children.

Traction and Distraction: The Psychology of Attention

What are traction and distraction in terms of being indistractable? Is it possible to control your distractions? In the book Indistractable, Nir Eyal says that actions spurred by triggers are either traction or distraction. Your actions will either push you towards your goals or pull you away from them. Continue reading to learn about traction and distraction.

The Value of Praise and Recognition in the Workplace

Why is it important to provide praise and recognition in the workplace? What are the most common excuses for not giving recognition? In his book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work, Paul Marciano discusses why praise and recognition in the workplace are so important. When employees feel like their work is valued, they’re happier, they perform better, and the workplace becomes a more positive environment for everyone. Continue reading to learn the benefits of recognizing your employees’ work.

Competence, Relatedness, and Autonomy in Children

Why are children today so easily driven to distractions such as social media? How can you teach competence, relatedness, and autonomy to children? In his book Indistractable, Nir Eyal discusses how to raise indistractable children. He says that it’s not the technology’s fault for distracting children—distractions are caused by internal discomfort. That’s why it’s important to raise children with autonomy, competence, and relatedness so they’ll be ready to take on their adult years. Keep reading to learn how to raise children to become indistractable.

How to Control Your Internal Distractions

Do you get easily distracted by your phone, your coworkers, and other things around you? Do you blame external sources for your distracted behavior? As it turns out, the root of distraction is inside you, also known as internal distractions. We often turn to distractions when we want to escape the discomforts of our lives but there are ways to fight back. Here are three exercises that will help you push back against your internal distractions and stay focused on your tasks and goals.

How to Promote Empowerment in the Workplace

What are the benefits of employee empowerment in the workplace? What can you do to empower your employees? In Paul Marciano’s book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work, he discusses the many benefits of employee empowerment and autonomy. Marciano says that it’s only when employees can make independent decisions that they don’t detract from the team. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of employee empowerement and some actionable pointers for empowering your team.