Shankar Vedantam recently hosted an informative discussion on why we work. In a dialogue on his NPR show Hidden Brain, he explored how we can shape our thinking about the daily grind and make work a more rewarding experience. His guest, Yale psychologist, Amy Wrzesniewski, informed us that people who see their work as a […]
There’s not one leadership style that works for all contexts. For example, in some situations, it’ll make sense to tell people what to do, whereas asking open-ended questions will work better in others. You might need to adjust goals as new information emerges, or, under certain circumstances, stick exactly to the plan. You should adjust […]
Versatility is a key leadership trait. Managers must have the capacity to read and respond to change with a wide repertoire of skills and behaviors. So how can you actually build this ability? [1] Start by soliciting feedback from trusted colleagues. Ask a simple question like, “What should I start doing, stop doing, or continue […]
During stressful and uncertain times, it’s normal to feel anxious and scared. Chances are, most people around you feel it, too. It’s easy to infect each other with anxiety and fear, but we can take steps to protect ourselves from these emotional contagions. Cut down on how often you engage in venues where fear feeds […]
It’s not always clear how you should think about growing in your career. One thing to try is writing a “from/to” statement that articulates where you are today and where you want to go. For example :: I want to progress from an individual contributor who adds value through technical expertise and closely follows others’ […]
When our daily routines are geared toward barreling through a to-do list, it can be hard to set the right conditions for creativity. Fortunately, there is a time-tested approach — that’s also quite simple — for generating creative ideas. 1 :: Gather raw materials in your area of interest. This could mean anything from articles […]
High achievers often have lofty aspirations for self-improvement. But big goals — such as “meditate for an hour every day,” or “read more” — are often more burdensome than they are sustainable. So, start small by focusing on “microhabits” — more achievable behaviors that you build over long periods of time. 1 :: These habits […]
Good presenters know how to connect with their audience — which is really challenging in a virtual setting. To start, you have to adopt an engaged, active persona. Make “eye contact” with your participants by looking directly into the camera as often as possible. This can be hard to remember, especially if you have to […]
Work stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Try these strategies during the day to avoid worrying about work at all hours of the night. Make a to-do list. The act of writing down uncompleted tasks allows you to put them out of your mind. […]
When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial. Consider who you feel inspired […]
We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity :: If you’ve got ambition and smarts, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession, regardless of where you started out. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Companies today aren’t managing their employees’ careers; knowledge workers must, effectively, be their own chief executive officers. It’s up […]
Some jobs have very clear lines between when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.” But when you work in a role where the lines are blurred — or potentially nonexistent — it’s important to protect your non-work time. If you feel like work is taking over most of your waking hours, start by clearly defining […]
We’re all stuck at home. Conferences and events are canceled, restaurants and gyms are closed. You have more free time now than you may ever see again in your life. Don’t waste this time. In 1606 a plague swept England, and Shakespeare was quarantined in his home. During that time, he wrote Macbeth, King Lear, and Antony […]
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others. If so, focus on those […]