Andrew's Podcast on: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK: Recent Episodes
Andrew
A weekly podcast of 50 Ways to Succeed At Work, for school leavers, Uni grads, anyone starting work and those who have been in work for a few years.Each week's episode is ends with clear suggestions for action and is designed for easy listening. Episodes deal with work issues seldom mentioned in joining documentation, handbooks and other support material. Andrew's wide-ranging work experience delivers help and insight for those wanting to succeed at work.Visit the web site www.50Ways.site to access the podcast transcripts; play past episodes, and learn about e-learning courses.
Send us a Text Message.
In this final podcast of Series 2 50, Andrew explores the importance of integrity in building a solid reputation.
He starts by recounting the Tylenol crisis of 1982. The US company Johnson and Johnson faced a crisis when someone laced Tylenol capsules with cyanide causing several deaths.
Despite the potential impact on the company's profits, CEO James Burke prioritised the safety of consumers and integrity. The company conducted a massive product recall and relaunched Tylenol in tamper-proof packaging, demonstrating its commitment to doing the right thing.
Burke's actions and integrity saved the company's reputation and eventually restored Tylenol's market share.
Andrew defines integrity as holding oneself to a high moral standard and doing what's right, even in unpopular circumstances. He emphasises that integrity and honesty go hand in hand and are essential for gaining respect at work.
You can demonstrate integrity by keeping promises, speaking honestly, taking responsibility, and supporting organisational values.
Although integrity doesn't guarantee success, it increases the chances of success and fosters respect and trust from others. It also contributes to a harmonious work environment, strengthens morale, opens career opportunities, and positively impacts personal life.
When faced with an ethically wrong request at work, Andrew advises against complying with illegal actions.
Instead, he suggests understanding the situation by asking clarifying questions. Requesting instructions in writing can help ensure clarity and protect you and the organisation.
Andrew encourages you to trust your gut instincts. For example, would you be proud to share your decisions or choices with loved ones?
He concludes by recommending three actions: clarifying personal values, understanding organisational integrity rules, and being cautious when challenging others on their integrity.
The key takeaway is that integrity is a crucial behaviour to exhibit at work. It builds reputation and personal brand, contributes to success, and creates a positive work environment.
By upholding high moral standards, acting honestly, and making ethical choices, you can demonstrate integrity and positively impact their professional and personal lives.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Send us a Text Message.
Andrew discusses the importance of promoting oneself at work in this podcast and why modesty can backfire.
He shares the " amplification " strategy used by female staffers in the Obama administration. Women would repeat and give credit to each other's critical points in male-dominated meetings.
This forced recognition of their contributions and prevented men from claiming the ideas as their own. Obama noticed this strategy and called on women and junior aides more often.
Andrew explains that promoting oneself at work is necessary for pursuing success. Being modest and expecting others to recognise your achievements may yield a different result.
He advises recording accomplishments regularly, updating your LinkedIn profile and CV, and being prepared to present a convincing case for promotions or raises.
He explains that offering specific details and expressing enthusiasm and clarity are essential when discussing achievements.
Blowing your own horn should be done without offending others or making direct comparisons. Recognising your expertise, boosting the team's success, and allowing others to brag for you can also be effective strategies.
Andrew emphasises that self-praise at work should be genuine and authentic, focusing on accomplishments that make you proud. Sharing gratitude and informing people about exceptional efforts, including those of your colleagues, can build credibility and success at work.
The key takeaway is that informing others about your achievements is better than bragging. Andrew argues that providing evidence to support your claims and promote your colleagues' successes is essential.
By adopting these approaches, says Andrew, you can demonstrate your value, credibility and create opportunities for success at work.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Send us a Text Message.
Andrew shares a story about a junior employee who went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer care.
When a distressed customer called the company, the employee took the initiative to reassure the customer and arranged a private hire car to ensure she arrived in time for a training event. This act of going the extra mile eventually led to the employee's promotion to a senior role and further career advancement.
Andrew explains that having a personal brand is essential and goes beyond just reputation. It is the impression people have of you and reflects who you are as a person.
Your personal brand is built on your experience, expertise, competencies, actions, and achievements. In the context of customer care, your personal brand is how you interact with others and provide value to them. Whether it's your team, boss, or other departments, treating them as customers and delivering satisfaction contributes to building your brand.
To deliver excellent customer care that enhances your brand, Andrew suggests clarifying your mission statement and defining what success means to you. For example, being a supportive colleague, offering value, having a broad vision, and being a problem solver are key aspects of building your brand.
Five critical touchpoints can help build your personal brand: Communication, impact, problem-solving, handling mistakes, and exceeding expectations. These touchpoints will set you apart from others and enhance your personal brand.
A solid personal brand can help you succeed at work by attracting greater responsibility. It opens up more opportunities and improves your chances of finding fulfilling work.
A powerful personal brand also enhances your credibility, setting you apart from others.
Andrew encourages you to take immediate action by considering yourself a dedicated customer care provider, actively seeking opportunities to support your customers, and using the five essential touchpoints to deliver outstanding customer care.
By honing your customer service skills, you can build your brand and increase your chances of success in the workplace.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Send us a Text Message.
Andrew's revelation in this Podcast is that being approachable can underpin your success at work."
Miriam is perceived as unapproachable by her co-workers. Jake, an infrequent visitor, opens her eyes to this reality by bluntly stating that she always appears unapproachable.
This realisation prompts Miriam to embark on a journey of self-improvement. She enrols in a "Personal Impact" course to learn the essentials of being approachable. The next time she encounters Jake, she expresses gratitude, acknowledging that he has changed her life.
Being approachable at work means being open, vulnerable, and willing to expose one's vulnerability. Approachable individuals exude confidence and calmness, inviting interaction through their body language.
Improving work relationships involves getting to know oneself, introducing oneself to colleagues, investing time in building relationships, asking questions, showing interest in others' lives, offering assistance, seeking help, and expressing gratitude.
Fostering solid connections with co-workers increases prospects of success at work, as approachable individuals are perceived as relatable and welcoming, fostering trust and collaboration.
The consequences of being unapproachable at work can hinder your chances of success.
If you seem unapproachable, valuable opportunities may not come your way. On the other hand, being approachable opens doors to new opportunities and fosters strong bonds with co-workers.
Undefended individuals who dismantle boundaries and cultivate trust are more likely to be seen as hospitable, friendly, and easy to converse with, enhancing their chances of excelling in their work.
Andrew explains that being approachable at work is crucial for success, as it invites fruitful conversations and fosters strong relationships. Through self-awareness, open communication, and a willingness to connect with others, you can enhance your approachability, paving the way for success in the workplace.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Send us a Text Message.
In podcast episode 46, Andrew discusses how trash-talking can negatively impact relationships and careers in the workplace.
He presents the story of Netra, an employee who makes rude and unpleasant remarks about her co-workers, including Geraldine.
Geraldine is upset by Netra's comments and confides in Elizabeth, who advises her to be more direct with Netra. Geraldine confronts Netra when she makes a remark about her clothing, telling her to stop making personal comments.
Other employees also start to confront Netra about her behaviour, and her supervisor ultimately issues her a verbal warning.
In the second story, Andrew discusses the true story of General Stanley McChrystal. President Obama dismissed the general after he and his aides publicly criticised the president and other senior US officials.
Andrew notes that trash-talking used to be confined to competition but has become more prevalent in workplaces due to cultural factors.
He advises you to avoid trash-talking and recognise that such talk often reveals more about the speaker than those being trashed.
Andrew also notes that managers and supervisors may only sometimes respond well to complaints about trash-talking. Often they tend to duck the issue.
Andrew provides tips for those who have engaged in trash-talking. These include offering a sincere apology and owning up to the offence. Rather than offer excuses or justifications, instead find ways to make amends.
Andrew explains that trash-talking can harm careers by sapping morale and creating a hostile work environment.
Finally, he emphasises the importance of avoiding trash-talking involving disrespect, racism, sexual aggression, ageism, and other forms of discrimination.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Send us a Text Message.
Andrew discusses how to seek a pay rise and its connection to success in this podcast.
He presents the story of Dylan, who believes he deserves a pay increase due to his successful projects, years of experience, and personal development.
But when Dylan presents his case to his boss, he meets strong resistance, as the company's policy needs to align with his expectations.
Frustrated, Dylan contacts a friend in a recruitment agency and lands a job interview with another company, which offers him a 25% salary increase and more benefits.
Dylan confronts his manager again, informing him of his decision to leave. Subsequently, Dylan's colleagues in the logistics department also leave for higher-paid positions.
This exodus of talent causes the company to need more staffing and lose out on lucrative projects. Eventually, Dylan's regretful boss attempts to re-hire him with a 30% salary increase, but Dylan declines the offer.
Andrew provides insights into the challenges of seeking a pay rise and highlights the importance of researching market rates before making a request. In particular, he advises you to consider factors beyond just pay, such as work conditions and relationships, in evaluating true success at work.
Andrew also addresses common questions about pay raises, including the timing of requesting a raise and the best way to respond to a pay increase.
Andrew explains the significance of understanding one's worth and making informed decisions when pursuing a pay rise.
He encourages you to define success beyond monetary compensation and take appropriate action based on one's personal circumstances.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast, Andrew discusses the importance of recognising and supporting support staff in the workplace.
He starts by sharing a story about a company that eliminated the role of a travel person to save on costs. But this resulted in chaos and miscommunication regarding travel arrangements.
Eventually, they realise the need for a part-time travel person and hire Emma, who efficiently automates travel tasks and creates an online travel management system.
This new system saves the company money, improves visibility and control over travel spending, and frees administrators to focus on more valuable work.
Andrew emphasises the significance of supporting support workers, highlighting their crucial role in the smooth operation of an organisation.
He explains that their contributions, although often unnoticed, can significantly impact the success of individuals and the company's overall functioning.
By treating support workers well, you can gain a reputation for caring and benefit from their connections and insights.
Andrew also sheds light on the skills required for office support positions, emphasising the diverse responsibilities and the need for a broad skill set.
To take action, Andrew suggests showing interest in support colleagues. For example, could you understand their challenges and offer help and advice when possible?
Building relationships and acknowledging the contributions of support staff can lead to mutual benefits.
In conclusion, Andrew encourages listeners to support their supporters, as it can positively impact personal and organisational success.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this latest podcast, Andrew tells the story of Kevin, who becomes an "Assignment Addict" by never refusing an assignment.
Kevin initially helps his colleague Trevor's boss with a minor web assignment, which impresses his own boss and leads to new opportunities.
This story highlights the potential benefits of accepting new assignments, such as strengthening relationships, showcasing talent, learning opportunities, and being seen as a can-do person.
Andrew also provides guidance on how to say "No" to a new assignment when necessary.
As part of being an assignment addict, Andrew recommends that you give your boss regular details about your current work schedule limitations. Can you explain the likely impact of any new assignment on output, and offer alternative solutions or suggestions?
In particular, raise promptly any concerns about new work and offer assistance options that help avoid missed deadlines and maintain good working relationships.
To show commitment to new assignments, Andrew advises preparing well. That means showing enthusiasm, making genuine comments, demonstrating interest, offering suggestions, understanding expectations, establishing communication channels, being punctual, delivering quality results, maintaining positive behaviour, avoiding comparisons, and seeking help when needed.
The critical takeaway is to be selective in evaluating assignments. For instance, analysing the opportunities and threats they present.
It's also important to consider how an assignment supports the organisation's goals and to decline an assignment, if necessary, by offering solutions rather than simply refusing.
You aim to become an "Assignment Addict" known to embrace new opportunities rather than declining them.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew discusses the concept of being a high-maintenance employee at work.
Being high-maintenance means causing problems, seeking attention, and being super-sensitive, demanding, or temperamental. You recognise such people by their excessive complaining, shirking ownership, being avoided by others, frequently requesting interventions, spending more time on job hunting than actual work, and doing the bare minimum.
Andrew provides tips on how to avoid being a high-maintenance employee, such as minimising negativity, taking ownership of a solution, resolving work problems at the lowest level possible, being future-focused, pushing for recognition for the team, accepting constructive criticism, and delivering steady improvements.
Andrew also addresses how to deal with a needy work colleague. Setting clear boundaries, encouraging them to find solutions independently, promoting independence, and recommending professional help are some strategies for handling a needy co-worker.
He suggests that it is essential to maintain a friendly but not overly involved relationship with colleagues and encourage their self-reliance.
The key takeaway from the discussion is to become aware of the characteristics and behaviours that make a person high-maintenance at work and to strive to be easy to work with.
By focusing on solutions, being future-oriented, and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, you will avoid being labelled as high-maintenance and improve your effectiveness in the workplace.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In the podcast's opening story, Janet is a dedicated giver at work. She goes above and beyond to help others and rarely asks for anything in return.
However, her work starts to suffer due to missed deadlines, communication issues, and a lack of attention to detail. Her supervisor confronts her about the problem, highlighting the difference between weak givers and strong givers.
Weak givers prioritise helping others at the expense of their job responsibilities, while strong givers practice reciprocity and expect something in return.
Janet learns the concept of reciprocity to become a strong giver and starts seeking mutual benefits in her interactions. She realises that many of the people she previously helped were selfish takers who rarely reciprocated and struggled to advance in their careers.
Janet's work improves when she aligns her support with expected returns and finds that others are more willing to reciprocate. Through her newfound understanding of true giving, Janet achieves success at work.
Andrew emphasises that when givers succeed, their positive impact spreads and benefits others.
In contrast, when takers win, it often comes at the expense of others or leads to attempts to undermine them. Andrew encourages you to reflect on your default approach in work interactions. Do you lean more towards being a giver, taker, or matcher?
He suggests that being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests can lead to long-term success.
Andrew offers several suggestions about being a genuine giver. These include recognising others' successes, acting as a cheerleader for colleagues, and finding opportunities for mutually beneficial exchanges.
He warns against being a low-performing giver who constantly says "yes" to everything without considering the costs. Additionally, he advises you to avoid being seen as a taker by being mindful of others' needs and creating win-win situations.
Takers, he explains, are self-focused, rarely reciprocate, and tend to contact others only when they need help.
Andrew emphasises the importance of being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests.
He cautions against being a weak giver who sacrifices their own work for the sake of helping others. By seeking balance and practising reciprocity, you can foster positive relationships and increase your chances of success at work.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast, Andrew discusses how to deal with micromanagement at work and how to ask for more autonomy.
Micromanagement, he points out, may create stress and dissatisfaction, causing people to leave their jobs.
To deal with micromanagement, it's essential to understand the cause. Schedule regular check-ins with the micromanager to make them feel part of the process. Send regular emails with progress updates, and show how organised you are so that you can be trusted to do your job correctly without supervision.
Andrew argues that opening up a conversation with your manager about their management style is essential. Be willing to share with your manager how constant checking on you can reduce your productivity.
To ask for more autonomy, determine what autonomy or "doing things my way" means to you and communicate it clearly.
To gain autonomy start by taking on new projects that show leadership qualities. Or
propose new ideas and show how they can benefit the company.
Complete autonomy without any constraints is rare, even for those with mega salaries. Gaining more autonomy happens when senior people trust you to do what's needed without telling you how to achieve the goal.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew discusses the impact of arriving late at work and the importance of arriving on time. He shares a story about Ethan, who frequently arrives late and expresses his frustration verbally, which affects the team's morale.
The supervisor approaches Ethan and asks him to arrive five minutes earlier than expected and donate to charity whenever he arrives late.
Ethan becomes an Arrival Artist by putting a charity box into which he must pay a fine unless he arrives on time.
Andrew shares tips for arriving on time and communicating when running late. He emphasises the importance of arriving on time, showcasing professionalism and dependability, reducing stress, building work relationships, and demonstrating time-management skills.
Next Andrew advises the importance of communicating proactively when running late, avoiding tedious excuses, and showing an intention to make up for tardiness.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew introduces a story that illustrates the importance of being an Action Hero at work, always looking to make things happen.
Being an Action Hero means having a mindset geared towards taking action, unlike plodders who don't make things happen.
Action Heroes don't wait for the perfect time to act and don't let fear hold them back. Several factors can prevent someone from being action-oriented, such as low motivation, no self-confidence, excessive perfectionism, goal confusion, procrastination, and analysis paralysis. It's essential to address these factors to become more action-oriented.
To become an Action Hero, Andrew explains that you need to take practical action, even small actions, that make things happen.
Being an Action Hero requires a clear goal, confidence, and the ability to prioritise tasks. People gravitate towards Action Heroes who get things done.
Here's how Action Heroes think, says Andrew:
- Nothing will ever be perfect, so I won’t wait for perfection to act.
- Action cures fear, and fear can stop me from taking action.
- Rather than wait for inspiration, I’ll start acting, and inspiration will come.”
He also identifies these factors that can dilute your tendency to act:
- Low Motivation- If a particular task is tedious or unimportant, there will be no urge to transform it into action.
- No Self-Confidence-to be action-oriented, you need self-confidence and to believe in yourself.
- Being a Perfectionist-an excessive demand for perfection can waste opportunities for action and follow through.
- Goal confusion-becoming distracted at work can happen quickly.
- Procrastination-this an action-killer. Leaving tasks until the last moment undermines being action minded.
- Analysis Paralysis-- What to do first? Is it the correct path? What if it backfires? How do you deal with the consequences?
During the podcast, he suggests various remedies for these. To show you're action-orientated and not a plodder:
- Look around to find things you can act on and focus on them.
Finally, you need an internal focus on solutions. Look to something other than external forces to make something happen.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Going the extra mile can provide several benefits, such as a sense of purpose, feeling good, and improving knowledge, which can help boost one's career prospects.
However, working beyond the limits of one's job could lead to emotional exhaustion, cause work-family conflict, and harm mental health. It is essential to consider what "going the extra mile" means regarding frequency and content and assess its possibilities to avoid it becoming a threat.
You must communicate your exceptional work to show you are going the extra mile. And as a team player, convey enthusiasm for the job, and use one's personality to bring value to the job.
Jane Malyon of The English Cream Tea Company went the extra mile by making a hamper from scratch and driving it 90 minutes each way to ensure her customer's birthday gift arrived. This illustrates how going the extra mile can significantly impact and create a loyal customer base.
The better you are at your core job, the more likely you will put yourself at risk by going the extra mile. A pushback on always going the extra mile has created “The Quiet Quitter”. If work becomes too intense, consider remedial action, such as being seen regularly at the office and easing off by doing your job well for the agreed hours, not constantly slacking.
In conclusion, going the extra mile can have several benefits, such as improving job satisfaction, boosting career prospects, and setting an excellent benchmark for colleagues to aspire.
However, it is necessary to assess the possibilities of going the extra mile and avoid it becoming a threat to mental health.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew introduces a short case study demonstrating how one business person used criticism in a constructive, if demanding way to build one of the world's biggest hedge funds.
Around one in three people say they’ve been spoken to at work in an abusive way. While you can report anything extreme, such as racial and sexual harassment, you need to be able to rise above the more ordinary forms of criticism and come up smiling.
Treat criticism as a gift. No matter the form of the criticism, the person giving it is interested enough to demand change and help you grow. They could have spotted your errors and said nothing had they wanted to harm you.
If you feel diminished or humiliated by what the other person has said, they have crossed a line. Saying that may take bravery, but it’s the right thing to do.
Listening to your critic gives you time to move past what happened. Focus on asking clarifying questions. If possible, take notes so you can recall everything later. Live by the general rule that any criticism is better than no feedback. Be a Criticism Conqueror.
Dealing with Criticism, Jul 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oINoO2S7hrE&ab_channel=WISDOMFORLIFE
How To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16CNY7LV9-A&ab_channel=LiveOnPurposeTV
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast, Andrew describes being a “Silent Sentinel".
A female project manager, Jean, expresses frustration to her supervisor about being interrupted during team meetings and cannot keep people’s attention when she speaks.
The supervisor suggests that Jean attend an internal one-day learning event called “Persona Impact” to learn about the power of silence. Jean attends the event and discovers that silence can be a powerful way to gain attention and convey disapproval of certain behaviours.
Silence can also effectively indicate that you are fully present, taking notes and paying attention to what is being said.
Using your voice to speak out against injustice or abuse is also appropriate, but it’s essential to recognise that staying silent is also a choice. If speaking up will cause more harm than staying silent, then remaining silent is the better option.
Also, consider the risks of staying silent when discussing something tricky. Overall, silence can be an effective way to communicate, but it’s important to recognise when to use it and when to speak up.
Lastly, be aware of how to use silence in the workplace by experimenting with using silence in painless and thoughtful ways to gain attention.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Abdul, a new employee, receives advice to keep a daily to-do list to manage his tasks. As he starts compiling his list, it grows larger and larger, becoming overwhelming.
A colleague suggests that rather than listing everything he needs to do, Abdul should focus on what is most important to get done today and how much time he should spend on it.
To stop being overwhelmed, Abdul should resist the temptation to demand that his list tracks everything he should be doing and instead prune it to within an inch of its life.
He should prioritise his list by asking if the task needs to be done today, by him, or at all. Keeping a modest, well-kept list can make life at work more manageable.
There are different ways to keep a to-do list, such as computer-driven ones or scribbles on a whiteboard. However, your list will inevitably keep growing. So it's vital to focus on what's most important.
Break big projects into smaller tasks but without necessarily always adding these to your daily list. Make sure you prioritise your lists and keep refining them so you can plan.
If your to-do list is at more than five or six items for the day, you should rethink it. To avoid failure, your list should not be stuffed with goals, minor tasks, and many jobs that need doing.
Instead, you can just list what you will do next and when there are unfinished ones at the end of the day, think hard about whether to add them to tomorrow's list.
Finally, ask yourself if you spent the intended amount of time on each task, if you got distracted and why?
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast Andrew discusses the importance of tackling trivial tasks at work.
The story follows Edd, who is frustrated when his college education is not being used, and he is given trivial work to do. However, Edd learns that even small, seemingly unimportant tasks can be valuable and help develop skills such as attention to detail.
Trivial work may be unavoidable, but it can provide an opportunity to shine, as Edd discovered. The episode also answers three frequently asked questions about dealing with trivial work, including how to ask for help, how to make the work less tedious, and whether to stay in a job that mainly involves trivial tasks.
Andrew suggests that accepting trivial work is essential because many mundane but critical tasks are necessary for individuals and organisations.
Rather than trying to avoid or make these tasks less tedious, try to improve at doing them to build a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking and persistence.
It is important to remember that even small tasks can be valuable and that avoiding trivial work may lead to being labelled as unwilling to do tedious work.
If you face a lengthy, trivial task, consider sharing the workload with others. Options include hiring part-timers, temporarily borrowing colleagues from other departments, or suggesting automation.
When it comes to making boring tasks less tedious, try pairing them with another activity that demands more attention, Such as listening to music while working out can be helpful.
Finally, Andrew suggests that people should be aware of the value of trivial work in developing attention to detail. It may be simple and easy to tackle, but it requires a high level of detail orientation.
You can learn to be more detailed-orientated yet still hold the bigger picture.
Finally, Andrew argues that while trivial work may be frustrating, it can provide opportunities for you to grow and develop skills.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew talks about the issue of lateness at work, highlighting its negative impact on career prospects and the resentment it can breed among colleagues.
He says if you are running late, to let colleagues know immediately. Apologise, tell the truth, offer solutions, and thank their boss for understanding.
To avoid lateness, Andrew recommends adopting a better approach to time management, writing down a list of those affected by your lateness and how, and adopting new strategies to counter the lateness tendency.
Andrew suggests laying out clothes and shoes ready for the next day before bed and seeking help from a partner or a friend who can prompt you to leave for work on time.
Andrew stresses that lateness is a form of abuse that can harm how others regard you and hurt your career prospects. It is disrespectful and tells others your time is more valuable than theirs. Arriving too early every day can also create a sense of resentment among colleagues.
In conclusion, Andrew urges people to recognise the importance of arriving on time and impacting their career prospects, colleagues, and overall work environment. Being on time shows respect builds trust, and enhances productivity.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Clutter is a common problem for many people, but as Andrew explains, it is not always bad.
Some of history's most brilliant minds, such as Francis Bacon, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg, have thrived in disorder.
However, clutter can also adversely affect mental health and productivity, especially in the workplace. To address this, it's essential to understand why we keep clutter and how to declutter effectively.
According to studies, clutter can significantly affect our cognition, thinking, emotions, behaviour, decision-making, and relationships.
People tend to keep clutter for various reasons, such as feeling overwhelmed or keeping things as reminders. However, clutter can harm our chances of success at work and reduce overall life satisfaction, especially among older adults. To tackle clutter, it's essential to create a simple plan and avoid leaving it all to chance.
One helpful framework for decluttering is Time, Reduce, Organize, and Maintain.
First, break your total time into manageable blocks and dedicate a specific time each day to decluttering. Take it slowly and set a goal for each session.
Next, reduce your material by making three piles of things: keep, reconsider, and chuck. Be honest with yourself and ask if you genuinely need the things you're keeping.
Finally, Andrew says to organise what you've kept and maintain it regularly. Finding a system that works for you and avoids clutter in the future is essential.
In summary, he reminds you that clutter is not always bad but can adversely affect mental health and productivity.
Understanding why we keep clutter and how to declutter effectively can create a more organised and fulfilling life.
Using the Time, Reduce, Organize, and Maintain framework can help you to create a simple plan for decluttering and avoiding the harmful effects of clutter in the workplace and at home.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode, Andrew discusses the importance of culture in the workplace and how employees can incorporate values into their approach.
Kellogg's is an example of a company that relies on six core values to drive its culture, including integrity, accountability, passion, humility, simplicity, and results. The company aligns everyone around its vision by reinforcing behaviours and success through a global recognition platform.
As an individual employee, understanding the organisation's core values and practising them can increase your chances of success at work.
To understand the culture at your workplace, you can ask questions such as "What are our strengths and weaknesses?", "How do we prioritise things around here?" and "What is our duty towards our customers or clients?"
You can take pride in your organisation through giving back to the community, optimism, quality products and services, decision-making authority, employee development, cost control, and a sense of accomplishment, benefits, and transparency.
An organisation's response to failure can reveal much about its culture. A culture intolerant of failure and managing through fear will not encourage risk-taking,
A better response to failure is to use it as a learning experience. When an organisation promotes a culture that embraces risk-taking and uses failures to improve, employees can take risks and learn from their failures
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew shares insights about the importance of sharing information in the workplace.
In a story of two teams working for the same company, Andrew explains how hoarding information negatively impacted their performance. A new manager commissions research and presents data to both teams.
He introduces a solution to the inter-team rivalry problem, which involves regular rotation of team members. As a result, both teams start to work together and share knowledge, leading to exceeding their sales quota.
Andrew answers some of the most common questions about sharing information in the workplace. Before sharing information, he suggests asking, "Is this helpful and motivating for the team? Also, "Do we have the authority to share it, and could doing so potentially breach any regulations?"
Andrew explains the benefits of sharing knowledge in the workplace, such as encouraging fresh thinking, creating a learning culture, and providing a better customer experience.
Andrew acknowledges the risk of losing one's job or career prospects from irresponsible information sharing.
He recommends checking the organisation's information-sharing expectations to protect its reputation. However, responsible sharing has personal benefits such as gaining respect from colleagues, becoming more visible, and supporting better decision-making.
Andrew encourages rejecting the approach of "my knowledge is power, and so I must hold on to it" and instead encourages being generous with information.
Andrew emphasizes that sharing knowledge is power, and work is all about collaboration. Regular rotation of team members and information sharing helps retain collective knowledge and improve performance.
Responsible sharing of information has personal benefits and supports better decision-making.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew explains the power of using “Yes, And” in communication to build on ideas and to promote active listening.
The story illustrates how the team leader uses “Yes, And” to generate more ideas during the meeting.
Saying “Yes, And” is not simply agreeing with others but accepting and expanding their ideas.
Andrew highlights that saying “Yes” instead of “No” creates an environment for positive thinking and progress. The “Yes, And” attitude allows people to find common ground, accept and expand on ideas, and offer new thoughts that support the idea.
Andrew suggests using “Yes, And” at work to promote innovation and inspire people. It could make a big difference and can be a recipe for personal success.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
We hear Gerald S complain about work. He thinks deadlines are unfair and that Nolan, the team leader, has it out for him. His colleague asks questions and tries to understand but suggests that it might be time for Gerald to find a new job if he hates it so much.
Whiners like Gerald can be harmful to the workplace. They have a negative focus and are always looking for sympathy.
Taking responsibility for your needs and wants is essential to avoid sounding like a victim. Focus on positive thoughts, help others, and avoid blaming others for your problems.
If you need to talk to a whiny co-worker, use "I-statements." For example, "I feel like I can't help with that right now" or "I wish I had more time to talk, but I have a deadline."
If that doesn't work, could you talk to your boss about the problem as an organisational issue, not a personal complaint?
Remember not to get trapped in a whiner mentality yourself. Stay positive and avoid making everything seem like a disaster. Instead, focus on solutions and things that are going well.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew discusses two stories in this episode, highlighting the consequences of covering up mistakes and how to handle mistakes at work.
The first story recounts the Ford Pinto case where the company launched the Pinto car despite knowing it had a design flaw, and how settling burn victim lawsuits would save the company more than remedying the fault.
The second story features Sheila Marcelo, founder and CEO of Care.com, who fired an employee, regretted it immediately, and later rehired the person. Marcelo learned that wrong decisions could be reversed, apologising does not indicate weakness, and taking responsibility for mistakes is essential.
Andrew advises handling mistakes at work, including the need to admit mistakes, accept the consequences, and avoid making excuses or inventing stories to explain the mistake.
He emphasises that apologising is essential and can save one's job, showing maturity and professionalism.
Andrew suggests spending time repairing relationships and identifying specific learning from the mistake. It's also essential to avoid blaming others and owning up to the error to demonstrate confidence and take cues from your behaviour.
Andrew also shares advice on forgiving oneself after making mistakes.
He suggests being honest about what happened, apologising to those affected, and asking for forgiveness.
Excessive guilt can be counterproductive, and moving on from the mistake and identifying specific lessons learned is essential.
Finally, he notes that it's easier to come clean and take responsibility for mistakes than to cover them up, and hiding mistakes can have severe consequences.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In the audio text, Andrew discusses the benefits of personal development and training opportunities. He tells the story of Brett, who was feeling unmotivated at work until HR offered him a tailored package that paid him to go to the gym twice a week during office hours.
Andrew explains that a personal development plan (PDP) is a roadmap to success that can help people clarify their goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, improve their employability, track their progress, and boost their mental well-being.
Andrew answers three common questions about personal development and advises people to create a PDP to clarify their goals, gain practice to grow their confidence, and take the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.
Andrew suggests two actions that people should take: investing time to create their PDP as a long-term investment in their success and getting clear on their personal development goals, gaining practice to grow their confidence, and taking the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew discusses the importance of company handbooks for new employees. He talks about Boris, an employee who is tasked with creating a handbook without any guidance, budget or deadline.
Boris reviews examples of successful handbooks from other organisations and decides to base his handbook on the employees' fears, worries, and queries. He contacts the recruits and creates an online app for the culture guide.
Andrew explains that company handbooks can be helpful for new employees, as they provide information about the organisation's culture, values, and expectations regarding workplace behaviour and performance.
He suggests that employees should read the handbook carefully and consider what it tells them about the organisation's culture and rules that are essential to pay attention to.
Andrew also notes that some information in the handbook may protect the organisation from possible litigation or help managers impose uniformity across the organisation, which aids with control.
Furthermore, Andrew shares examples of unique handbooks, such as the US retailer Nordstrom's famous rule book, which claims to have only one rule, "Use good judgment in all situations."
He also mentions the Zappos Employee Handbook/Comic book and Netflix's culture guide, which explains the company's culture, values and expectations without a handbook.
Andrew advises that while reading the handbook or watching a video makes sense, employees should ask themselves questions such as "What does this tell me about the company's culture" and "Is there anything I need help understanding that matters?"
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast episode, Andrew discusses the story of Katharine Viner, the first female editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who turned around the struggling newspaper by finding new ways to fund the company and involving its readers.
She demonstrated the needed characteristics of successful changemakers, such as asking more questions, offering more solutions, and building relationships to help cultivate change.
Andrew then relates Viner's story to the listener's situation at work, emphasising the importance of being a changemaker rather than a change loser. He suggests that success depends on supporting change rather than becoming its victim in a world of ongoing change.
He addresses three main questions people tend to have about being a changemaker at work: how to be one, how to persuade those who disagree, and what to do if rejected.
To be a changemaker at work, Andrew advises accepting that change is inevitable and preparing for it by pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, focusing on the positives of change, and learning to voice concerns.
He also emphasises collaboration's importance and draws in everyone who can help make the change happen.
To persuade those who disagree with the proposed change, Andrew advises seeking common ground and interacting with them instead of bombarding them with reports or arguments. He emphasises the power of engagement and the human voice to persuade.
Finally, for those who fear rejection when suggesting change, Andrew advises being willing to risk failure and presenting a robust case for change, starting from a position of humility and being open to alternative views.
Overall, Andrew encourages you to commit to supporting change, taking on more responsibility, and adopting a positive and supportive attitude towards change. Responding in this way can contribute to their success at work.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew introduces the story of Deepak, a customer adviser, who is asked to move to the HR team to deal with the trade unions.
Andrew explains adaptability as taking on new roles and responsibilities and adjusting work to reflect changing priorities.
To be an astute adapter means staying calm and responding quickly to unexpected situations. Andrew further elaborates on how AQ (Adaptability Quotient) is now an essential ingredient for success at work. To show adaptability, it is crucial to highlight disrupters, check assumptions, make plans, assess threats, and speed up how you work.
Andrew explains that showing adaptability also means accepting alternative ideas, unexpected changes, and urgent strategic requests. The second question Andrew addresses is about examples of adaptability skills. Andrew lists several learnable skills, such as clarity of purpose, resilience, active listening, and asking questions.
Andrew further suggests that people must constantly seek to upskill themselves by exploring the world more intensely, asking what-if questions, and looking for ways to unlearn what they already know.
Andrew advises taking a step back when change is in the air and ensuring several options are discussed to promote brain and day-to-day flexibility.
In summary, Andrew emphasises that it is essential to be an astute adapter and adapt to change, and the speaker outlines the importance of AQ in today's rapidly changing workplace. One can show adaptability at work by highlighting disrupters, checking assumptions, making plans, assessing threats, and speeding up how you work.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Esme is deep in project work when the delegation arrives at her cubicle. All three team members wait patiently until she saves her current activity, and Andrew explains so that she can give them her full attention.
Esme asks the team members some questions before committing to helping them with their project. This can make saying "no" empowering and helpful to success. But you need to say no with care. In this case Esme offers some alternative names who might help the delegation.
As the delegation retreats, clutching the list of names, Esme pauses to consider what’s happened.
One of the most challenging things she has learned in the last year is how to say "no" without upsetting those on the receiving end. Occasional refusals need to rest on solid ground and win respect, enhancing rather than damaging your reputation. Being willing to say "no" at work can be a powerful tool to protect yourself and enhance your integrity.
Andrew then goes on to answer three main questions that people have about saying "no" at work: why saying "no" is important, how to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," and when and how to say "no" to the boss or senior person.
Andrew explains that saying "no" at work is essential because over-committing to clients, family, or new projects can leave no time for yourself or your pet projects.
He also suggests ways to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," such as being honest, setting clear boundaries, and learning "no" phrases to make the conversation easier.
Finally, Andrew advises that when it comes to saying "no" to the boss or senior person, it's essential to ensure that it's worth taking a stand and to never give in to demands that are abusive, unethical, or illegal.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode, "Make Space," Andrew discusses the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. He presents two stories showing how employees can feel reluctant to speak up,.
Such reluctance can undermine collaboration and harm decision-making processes. A lack of psychological safety can also lead to an environment where employees feel like their opinions do not count.
Psychological safety promotes engagement, encourages people to speak up, and inspires creativity and ideas. Creating a psychologically safe workplace is one of the best ways to inspire employees to be fully present at work, feel safe and valued, and less likely to leave the company.
To contribute to creating a psychologically safe workplace, Andrew suggests that you need clarity about your role, show concern for team members, actively solicit questions, show value and appreciation for ideas, and engage in positive dialogue and discussion.
Additionally, you need to respect and encourage colleagues to speak up, counter any negativity by others, and watch for hidden boundaries that may be preventing colleagues from speaking up.
A lack of psychological safety affects people's performance by undermining collaboration, harming decision-making processes, and creating an unsupportive and unsafe environment.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew tells the story of Nadine, a member of a team who identifies the need to connect daily work with core values in response to a customer satisfaction report.
She develops a plan that is implemented over three months and is instrumental in improving the team's customer service. The story serves as an example of the importance of being a connector at work, someone who helps build relationships and make connections.
The episode then provides tips on becoming a practical connector, including reaching beyond your comfort zone, being willing to reconnect with people, and following up with contacts.
The first question the episode addresses is what jobs are suitable for connectors. The answer is that anyone can be a connector, regardless of their job title or position in the company.
Being a practical connector involves keeping core values at the forefront of everything you do and showing others how to put those values into practice.
The episode provides several tips for becoming a practical connector, such as thinking about others first, reaching beyond your comfort zone, and being a resource to others.
Finally, the episode emphasises the importance of following up with contacts and obtaining permission before connecting people.
The takeaway from this episode is: invest in relationships at work and give yourself your best chance of longer-term success.
Five ways to create stronger connections, The Way We Work, a TED series, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtZQT3avFaY&ab_channel=TED
Seven Ted talks that will teach you about connection, https://b-buildingbusiness.com/blog/grow/ted-talks-connection/
|
| |
K. Caprino, How To Be A True Connector And Transform Your Career With Powerful Support, Jun 11, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/24rystxs
D. Brustein, Forget Luck. Become A Connector and Create Your Own, May 26, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/2t2bv82e
B. Attfield, ten ways to connect people in your workplace, Jostle, https://tinyurl.com/2p98dmhd
K. Cherry, Why Can't I Connect With People? February 24, 2022, https://tinyurl.com/y2dk857c
c:\users\and
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
It seemed a good idea at the time. Let's hire someone with high-level business skills, which need to be added to our young organisation.
“Let’s take a risk and recruit Tiffany ”, suggested one interview panel member.
“She’s counterculture, but she’ll be just what we need, agreed another of the panel.
“It’ll be an interesting hire; let’s see how it works out,” said the third-panel member.
It took several months before reality hit home. By then, disenchanted colleagues were branding her “Toxic Tiffany.”
While Tiffany knew her stuff business-wise, she needed help to work with the team. It was not just that she was rude and insensitive. She influenced everyone else around her, denigrating her victim’s efforts, and the whole team suffered.
For example, the team would meet, discuss an issue, and decide. Toxic Tiffany would then hold separate meetings, bad mouth the agreed actions and say things like, “I’m not going to support that decision.”
One of her early mistakes was crossing Brandon, an influential but easy-going team member. A confident person, he was shocked when she dismissed his ideas in a meeting in language that showed her contempt for him.
Unlike his colleagues, Brandon would not take this lying down. He made an appointment to see Tiffany and came straight to the point.
“I will die at the barricades for your right to critique my ideas.” Then fixing her with a steely gaze, he declared:
“If you ever talk to me like that again, we will be at war with each other.”
Tiffany blanched and realised that she had made a dangerous enemy. From then on, she was careful to avoid public speaking about him. That did not stop her from running him down when he was not around. He soon found out.
Toxic Tiffany had no time for even her most senior colleagues. She told one he was a “waste of space” and another that he was “hard to work with”. It was as if Tiffany had a death wish, and no one was surprised, only relieved when she was asked to leave.
In your search for success at work, you may encounter a toxic individual and need to know how best to deal with a destructive person who may be doing nothing illegal yet be hard to neutralise.
Every workplace has its toxic colleagues. There is no need not fall victim to them if you develop a strategy for action.
Sources:
Master the minefield - dealing with bullies, bozos & buffoons | Jeanne Sullivan | TEDxBarnardCollege, May 2015, https://
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this podcast, Andrew focuses on managing relationships with bosses in the workplace. He explains that about 50% of employees leave their jobs due to their supervisors, and at least 10% of employees don't like their bosses.
Empathy is essential, he suggests if you are to build a strong relationship with your boss, putting yourself in their shoes. That way you can start to understand their perspective and work with them better.
Creating development sessions is another recommendation for building a strong relationship. These sessions can help you understand your boss's expectations and work towards helping to achieve them.
Delivering results is another vital aspect of building a good relationship with one's boss. It is crucial to set goals and work towards achieving them.
Finding reasons to praise the boss genuinely is another recommendation. Recognising the boss's achievements and efforts can help build a positive relationship.
Andrew offers other solutions to common problems you may face. For instance, when your boss keeps changing their mind about what's important. In such situations, Andrew suggests that you have a conversation with your bosses and seek clarity on what they expect of you.
Andrew's podcast ends this week by reminding you yet again that managing relationships with bosses is critical to success and effectiveness in the workplace.
By following these recommendations and solutions, you can build strong relationships with your bosses and contribute to a positive work environment.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode, Andrew discusses the issue of pettiness in the workplace and its consequences.
The story follows a team leader who is met with resistance when he announces new work coming their way. Sonia, one of the team members, becomes upset and vocalises her frustration, leading the team leader to label her as petty. However, when the leader discovers that Sonia is going through personal issues, he realises he has misunderstood her behaviour.
Next, Andrew addresses the leading causes of pettiness at work, which are essentially unwanted distractions from the main aims of a team or individual. Examples include ambient noise, equipment malfunction, conversations that disturb concentration, and letting the mind wander.
Pettiness is often an excess reaction, where negative or vindictive behaviour is directed towards things that are typically meaningless. This can harm relationships and, if left unchecked, damage long-term success.
The text also outlines behaviours that amount to pettiness, such as acting immaturely or unprofessionally, constantly complaining about minor issues, giving disproportionate attention to detail, and losing sight of the bigger picture.
Finally, Andrew suggests avoiding pettiness in the workplace, such as holding onto the big picture, refusing to be dragged into unimportant matters, setting priorities, and developing a sense of perspective.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
“Tame the Beast” provides insights into how to manage anger and impatience in the workplace.
Andrew shares a story about Brian, who struggles to control his anger when he finds his favourite chair missing for the third time in a week.
After a reprimand from his supervisor, Brian attends an anger management course and learns to express his anger in an assertive, not aggressive, manner. He also practices calming techniques such as breathing and meditation, works on a strategy to deal with chair borrowers and communicates his needs more effectively to his colleagues.
Andrew emphasises that anger is not necessarily bad and can be a powerful force for change if channelled correctly. However, it is essential to acknowledge and communicate strong emotions safely.
Andrew also addresses the effectiveness of venting anger and explains that while it may provide temporary relief, it can cause more significant problems down the road.
Instead, he recommends taking a break, exercising, and practising mindfulness to harness and reduce the power of anger. The episode concludes by highlighting that acknowledging emotions can boost emotional intelligence and motivate individuals to focus on solving current problems.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
The audio text for Episode 14 emphasises the importance of teamwork in achieving success at work. Corinne, the protagonist, had a challenging experience with a competitive and unproductive team. However, she realised the importance of teamwork and the value of collaboration in a healthy team.
She also recognised that some work can only be done with a group effort. As a team player, Corinne had the opportunity to celebrate successes, share risks, draw upon various unique skills, ask for help, and avoid burnout.
To be a successful team player, one needs to be able to work well with others, respect their points of view, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and ask relevant questions to achieve the common goal.
These questions include understanding the project’s objectives, steps to take, deadlines, budget, the definition of success, and individual responsibilities. Working in a team encourages personal growth, innovation, and job satisfaction and reduces stress.
Overall, the audio text emphasises that teamwork is crucial to achieving success and that being a team player is essential for anyone in a company that values collaboration.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew identifies the three main concerns that people have about goals are:
- “Do I need to set my own goals at work? Can’t I just let my boss do it?
- “I know all about goal setting, but it never seems to work for me.”
- “What do I need to be sure I can reach my goals?”
His podcast today deals with each of these in turn
The number one reason for goal setting hitting a brick wall is that many people don’t believe what they hear. They’re sceptical and don’t think they can do much more than they are currently achieving.
If those around you set poor goals or uninspiring them, it’s hardly surprising if you feel sceptical or unambitious about yours.
There are many tools for making sure you have the best chance of reaching your goals are, says Andrew. He lists at least 12
- Write down your goal—drag your goal out of your imagination and into a written statement of intent. This forces your subconscious to accept the commitment to work towards your target.
- Set a deadline—state when you’ll reach your goal; if necessary, break it into smaller steps with a deadline for each. Add these to your diary or planner.
- Beef up your mindset--begin working on this long before you tackle your first goal; what might get in the way of completion?
- Seek inspiration—talk to other motivated people; find inspiring reading and videos; work on your attitude daily.
- Develop skills—your new goals may require learning a new skill or some form of personal growth; what new knowledge and other support will you need?
- Take the first step—make it easy and fight any urge to delay; don’t wait for something out of your control to happen first; goals tend to die at the first hurdle of a first step; start now and adjust along the way.
- Persist until completion—it’s unlikely that the path to your goal completion will be straight and simple; fight the natural urge to give up when you encounter the first or later obstacles.
- Stay focused--always keep the result in sight and keep moving forward; treat each difficulty as an opportunity for learning and growth.
- One a day--commit to doing at least one thing every day that moves you closer towards your goal.
- Reward yourself—choose a reward for when you will complete your goal; make sure it’s worth having; this trains the subconscious mind to focus on activities that produce successful results.
- Set your next goal—m
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In today's episode in Series 2, Andrew explores why smiling gets other people purring.The opening scene of the podcast has a team member making a presentation and worrying about his impact. Andrew uses this story to explain the importance of smiling for making effective presentations and daily interactions at work.
He identifies the three main questions people tend to have about smiling at work:
- “My face is naturally serious and not built for smiling; does that matter?”
- “How much smiling should I do at work?”
- “Just how important is it to smile at work?”
After briefly answering each of these questions, Andrew offers three practical actions you can take right away:
- Smiling can get people purring at work if your smile is genuine.
- A genuine smile puts people at ease, making them more comfortable around you.
- Excessive smiling can bounce back at you
He ends the podcast with a single TAKEAWAY:
Your authentic smile can change how others see you in the workplace, but avoid overdoing it.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Why does your appearance at work matters so much?
Andrew tackles this critical issue in today's broadcast, presenting a scenario in which Jerome, a new recruit to a major pharmaceutical company, learns about his demeanour.
Next, Andrew identifies the three main questions most people have about appearance or demeanour at work:
- “Who cares what I look like at work these days?”
- “I love fashion. Can I always turn up at work looking terrific?”
- “What image should I project at work?”
He unravels answers to each of these issues, giving examples from his extensive experiences as both a manager and a leader.
Finally, he offers three practical steps you can take on this issue:
- Do your research; looking on social media can be a cultural miscue as overdressing may be promoted as an essential fashion statement
- Meet the basics of good hygiene and cleanliness
- Be sure that your grooming at work and demeanour make you look and feel good
His final TAKEAWAY is:
More than 1 in 4 employees have experienced discrimination due to their looks; most often, it happens to women. Check what people at work expect about employee appearance.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In the opening scenario, we learn how Mike applies for a new job and thinks he's done well in the interview.
But to his horror, he receives a rejection letter and can't discover what went wrong. Later in a chance meeting with an old school friend who now works at the firm that rejected Mike, he learns what happened.
It seems that somehow his body language upset the head of the division who was on the interview panel.
Andrew then presents the three main questions that people at work seem to have about body language:
- “How can body language affect my work and “career prospects?”
- “What are the most important things I should know about body language?”
- “How can I improve my body language at work?”
Andrew explains that non-verbal communication is thought to achieve between 65 to 93 per cent greater impact than spoken words.
If you're wondering how your nonverbal behaviour can affect your career, Andrew lists six ways in which this can happen, including having a poker face behind which you hide your feelings. Or looking bored at work is a common failing of newcomers.
Finally, Andrew suggests three simple actions you can take immediately to improve your non-verbal signals. His final Takeaway is:
Take the nonverbal seriously. It will help you respond more appropriately to people and will increase your chances of success at work.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this latest 50 Ways to Succeed at Work podcast, Andrew offers fresh insight into the importance and danger of using your natural sense of humour at work.
In the short opening scenario, we hear how one employee is just a bit too jokey, and his team supervisor tries to explain his current concerns.
Andrew then identifies three essential questions that people have about using their humour at work:
- “What sort of humour should I avoid at work?”
- “Can humour help me be a success at work?”
- "How does humour at work make a worthwhile difference?”
In particular, Andrew points out that studies confirm that people who share a healthy, positive sense of humour tend to be more likeable and viewed as more trustworthy.
It's also a key to success since most (91%) of executives believe that a sense of humour is essential for career advancement.
On the other hand, Andrew explains that too much joking can become a burden, as happens in the opening scenario when the team supervisor tries to warn Steff that his joking is proving counterproductive.
The action that Andrew suggests includes three steps you can take, plus The final Takeaway:
Humour at work is good and healthy; please ensure that yours comes at the right time without disrespecting or damaging others.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode, Andrew suggests that you polish your storytelling skills to make a powerful impact.
Asmara fails to sell her important money-saving suggestion to her boss and Andrew explains why that happened.
Andrew identifies three important questions people tend to have about storytelling at work:
- Why is storytelling important in the workplace?”
- “How can storytelling help me to succeed at work?
- “What are the essentials to include in my storytelling?”
He explores each of these briefly, and the episode ends with three action points
And the takeaway from all this:
Storytelling is a powerful way to get your message across to work colleagues in a targeted manner and to build your success at work
Andrew also offers you curated further reading and YouTube videos to watch at
50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In today's episode, Andrew introduces the idea of you being a Chit Chat Chucker. That's someone who tackles constant gabbing at work, which can harm your chances of success.
After a short mini playlet illustrating the impact of constant interruptions on performance, Andrew explores the three main concerns his research reveals people have about this topic.
- "Why is chit-chatting at work bad?
- How do I balance social chatting with work-distracting chit-chats?
- My boss keeps chit-chatting and affecting my work performance."
After reviewing some of the evidence and practical suggestions about each of these, Andrew offers three essential actions you can take, plus a clear Takeaway.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In a brief playlet, Andrew introduces why manners at work still matter.
Next, he identifies the three main concerns people seem to have about the issue of manners at work.
"What do people mean by good manners work?
How can good manners help my career?
How should I respond if I keep encountering bad manners at work?"
After making numerous suggestions in response to these important questions,
Andrew ends the podcast with three basic actions you can take over manners at work, plus a simple Takeaway. It seems that two out of three executives and managers feel good manners at work affect a person's career.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this week's episode, Andrew explored why names at work matter and how to remember them.
After a lively miniplay about name recall, Andrew identifies the three main questions people seem to have about this topic.
- Why is it important to recall people's names at work
- What's the best system for remembering people's names?
- What if I lack the mental powers to remember names?
He then explores these with further suggestions. Such as not accepting that you don't have sufficient mental powers to recall names.
What matters more is your intent--you must want to recall names. Also the importance of re-enforcement plus linked images to aid recall.
The episode ends with the three practical action steps you can take on this critical work issue, together with a single significant Takeaway.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew explores the pros and cons of swearing at work in this episode. He explains that sometimes swearing can serve a useful purpose, helping to relieve tension.
From research, Andrew suggests the evidence is that mainly swearing at work is counter-productive and can damage your career.
He addresses the three main questions that people have about swearing at work
- Can swearing at work harm my chances of success?
- How do I control my swearing at work?
- How do I deal with someone at work who keeps swearing?
The Podcast includes practical answers to these important questions. It ends with Andrew offering three highly practical action points and a single, powerful takeaway.
You can find further suggestions at the 50Ways.site to Read and Watch about this episode topic.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
This podcast begins with a short playlet in which CEO Mason demands that his people start to travel economy class to save overheads.
But a nasty rumour soon circulates suggesting that he still travels business class. Unsure what to do about it Mason consults the company's head of Public Relations who suggests a strategy for killing off the rumour by circulating a new one which seems to do the trick
Andrew then explores three issues that people tend to have about organisational grapevines:
- “What is a company grapevine, and how does it work.”
- “Can I trust what I hear on the organisation’s grapevine?
- ”How do I deal with rumours and gossip at work?”
He ends the podcast with three practical actions you can take to deal with rumours and gossip at work. He offers a final takeaway:
TAKEAWAY
At least 70% of all organisational communication comes through the grapevine. Strangely, most employees consider it trustworthy. Avoid gossip and rumours and preserve your reputation.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In Series 2, Andrew reaches for more depth in the 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.
Many episodes are like mini playlets as Andrew conveys what produces success at work.
Andrew identifies the three main questions that research suggests people have about this particular topic.
- What are the right questions to ask at work?
- What questions should I ask on my first day at work?
- What questions should I ask my co-workers?
He offers practical suggestions of what to do about each of these questions,
The episode ends with three main action points, along with a highly practical Takeaway.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Integrity means that you live by a set of ethical and moral principles. These are so important that they cause you to do the right thing, no matter the circumstances.
In this final Podcast in the series of 50 weekly episodes, Andrew explains why integrity is so critical to your success at work.
Integrity is the best of you. It never gets lost, though it sometimes goes AWOL (absent without leave). When your integrity goes missing it means that you have lost sight of your moral compass. You get it back when you’re on the right path.
It can be challenging to manage something as slippery as integrity at work. It’s one reason people may not talk much about integrity in even the best organisations. So, how do you make sense of integrity?
The source says Andrew, is using your values to define what integrity means to you. They also mean taking responsibility and being accountable for your actions. That includes respecting yourself and others.
Most people you meet at work will be familiar with trust, honesty, and doing their best. So, feel free says Andrew to talk about them without feeling inhibited or worried that you're causing trouble. If you can’t talk about them, then integrity, yours and others are at risk.
As usual Andrew offers you three simple actions you can take to pursue integrity at work and he concludes with the takeaway:
Integrity is the most critical behaviour you can show at work; it will build your reputation and personal brand and aid your search for success.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
At work, should you boast or blow your horn like Muhammad Ali? Is that the best way to make people realise what a valuable contribution you’re making? Or is boasting at work wrong, even obnoxious?
Andrew starts this week's Episode on boasting at work with a reality check. He says, if you don’t tell people what you’re doing or the great work you’re achieving, how are they supposed to know?
Suppose a task needs your attention outside of regular working hours. Will your supervisor know that you’re doing this he asks?
Unless you share what’s happening, your senior colleague may never realise the extraordinary effort you’re making. It can therefore be a mistake and harm your chances of succeeding at work by not revealing that you’re going that extra mile.
Incidentally, if you haven’t already heard it, visit the Podcast website and listen to episode 37 on The Extra Mile. Its Ad free, and you may find it helpful.
Early on, we learn to refrain from boasting. Instead, we’re encouraged to be modest and urged not to blow our own horns.
Widespread disapproval of self-praise may stem from a cultural bias. For example, Sweden is one of the most innovative countries globally. Yet its business culture deplores showing off. Sweden believes in “Keeping boasting to a minimum and finding a consensus, so everybody is on the same page."
That tells us something useful about the whole practice of blowing your own horn. There’s good boasting and unacceptable boasting. When or whether to blow your own horn needs to be carefully calibrated.
What makes boasting acceptable is when as human beings, we have an urge to be recognised and rewarded in some way for our efforts.
Most big achievements at work come from a team effort. This seldom depends on one talented individual. It can take a whole group working in concert to get something important done.
Sensible boasting at work is, therefore, best based on joint celebrations. Nobody claims more than their fair share of credits. It’s humanity rewarding itself with uncontrolled and heart-warming bragging about their achievements—something everyone can enjoy.
On the other hand, isn’t there something obnoxious about a colleague walking around with a smirk and a ‘know-it-all attitude? There’s a big difference between bragging and informing and between celebrating and boasting.
Bragging is talking yourself up, like a walking advertisement. You insist th
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew tackles this issue head-on and wonders why as a species able to put a human on the moon, create the Mona Lisa and invent vaccines we find it challenging to deliver outstanding customer service,
Even if you’re not in retail or selling, you need to think of yourself at work as someone there to give customer satisfaction, urges Andrew in today's podcast.
He explains that your “customers” could be co-workers, another department or a demanding boss who wants everything by yesterday.
If you think of yourself as giving customer care, he says, you’re in the right place to burnish and grow your brand. That is, improve your work impact and build how others view you.
Providing excellent customer care is a terrific way to enhance your work profile. It can enable you to stand out from the crowd and help you move towards your goal of success at work.
Why does thinking of yourself as a customer carer help you achieve that goal?
Because this kind of thinking rapidly makes you aware that an essential part of your work depends on people wanting more of what you do.
One aspect to which Andrew draws attention is how coming across well to your “customers” depends on developing reliable writing skills.
Everyone knows about spell checks. Yet most people, especially those starting work or having worked for a short time, often fail to apply them? Too often, that means shoddy documents, full of poor grammar and weak presentation.
Yet if you’ve come across Grammarly or Hemmingway Editor, you have two excellent writing tools at your fingertips.
Using one or both regularly can transform your performance. If you’re humble enough to know you should improve your writing skills, these two free programs alone can help build your brand.
Another customer service communication touchpoint is your impact on the phone and in virtual or real face-to-face meetings.
It’s easy to assume that you’re already good at these. When next you use Zoom or its equivalent, such as MS Teams, Andrew suggests that you click on the “record” function. Then check out how you come across.
Do you look interested in what people are saying? Or are you an expr
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this week's Podcast, Andrew explains that being approachable is critical to building good relationships with your colleagues. He explains that it underpins long-term success.
An approachable person is undefended. That means you are happy to break down barriers and build an environment of trust.
What exactly would that look like, asks Andrew? For instance, what would you see or not if you saw an undefended person? For a start, no grumpy looks, lack of eye contact, failure to smile, or show impatience.
You probably know the basics of being approachable. Still, Andrew takes you through the seven main indications to be sure:
Number 1 is you smile at people no mattertheir level in the organisation and invite them to interact with you.
Number 2, you make eye contact and encourage people to approach you.
Number 3, you show positive body language by being angled towards and not away from the other person.
Number 4, you look up from your work, desk or screen and give the other person your full attention.
Number 5 is you remain still rather than fidgeting, which sends negative signals.
Number 6, you often nod to show the other person they have your attention
Lastly, Number 7, you convey your positive outlook and readiness to engage.
Two other ways to be undefended are also worth your attention: showing empathy and compassion; and the technique of mirroring. These will be dealt with later in Series 2 of 50 Ways to Succeed, starting soon.
If you want to be a hit with your colleagues, says Andrew, some key personality traits can make you likeable in the workplace. These include being positive, approachable and having a sense of humour.
The evidence suggests that two out of three workers feel disliked people struggle to get ahead at work.
As with all Andrew's weekly podcasts, this one ends with him offering you three action points you can pursue immediately. Together they can help you to become more approachable at work.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Customer Carer: Focusing on customer service is a sure way to gain confidence.
- Horn Blower: Demonstrate how you add value and why modesty can backfire.
- Integrity Wins: Showing integrity is a sure way to build your reputation.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Rudeness pervades organisations, reports Andrew in this week's podcast on Trash Talking. More than half the employees (57%) in a Fortune 500 survey reported trash-talking happening every month in their organisation.
Trash talking used to mean slagging off competitors. Now there's a general trend of rudeness and less respectful attitudes towards others. Cultural factors partly explain this change.
Becoming a victim of someone badmouthing and saying unpleasant things about you is a terrible experience. It may even occur in front of your boss. When it happens, you may lose sleep and dream about revenge.
Trash-talking victims may become highly motivated to seek revenge but may become less cooperative. So, this kind of behaviour disrupts and reduces performance, especially when tasks need creativity and divergent thinking.
Trash-talking is competitive incivility. It includes boastful comments about oneself or insulting someone else. If you want to succeed at work, avoid this sort of rudeness.
Once you start trash talking, others may soon view you as a rival. You may even be unwittingly promoting the use of unethical behaviour.
With a genuine opponent, trash-talk may prompt them to perform better. But if you make uncivil remarks to a teammate, you may cause them to perform worse. The point is you never really know the impact such talking sets in motion.
Manipulative language comes in many guises. It can sometimes appear harmless. Yet it can be dangerous and further perpetuate the oppression of women and the disadvantaged. It is just another form of racism.
Trash-talking now pervades social media. Nasty postings have an uncomfortably long-life span and may return to haunt you.
If trash-talking is frowned upon in your organisation, it's certainly not going to boost your chances of success.
If you’re caught bad-mouthing someone, be sure to apologise at once. Explain that you were venting frustration, and that’s not how you feel about them. Then give two examples of what you like about the person.
And tell a senior person or your team leader what happened before your co-worker does. If they file a complaint, you will have removed the possible source of shock.
Just tell your senior colleague: “Look, I messed up and didn’t mean it. I have already apologised, but I wanted you to know if it comes up again.”
If you’re a victim of trash-talking at work, you can’t quickly punish the other person. But you can take steps to tackle it. If you stay silent, you may make the
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode, Andrew starts with a personal story of attempting to win a pay rise and how that went wrong.
Pay is only a crude way of keeping the score when it comes to success, says Andrew. How well you’re doing in pay terms seldom says much about how successful you are.
Nor does your working pay connect to how much you deserve to be paid. It's far more to do with market rates for the job. And how hard it would be to replace you.
Naturally, you think you need a pay rise. After all, prices are rising and seem destined to continue upwards for the foreseeable future.
Also, you work hard and consider that it’s time you were rewarded better for what you currently do. Yet none of this matters much to those who pay for your time at work.
Most employers are reluctant to offer pay rises. They may do so if you’re about to leave and you’re hard to replace. Or if your performance is essential to the work of a team, or your contribution can’t be replicated with internal candidates.
But pay seldom represents true success. For example, money may not be enough to compensate for a terrible commute, bad relations with work colleagues, an overdemanding boss, or stressful work conditions that threaten your health and wellbeing.
Still, at some point after you have started work, you may wonder if you're underpaid relative to your talent. So, what are the signs of you being underpaid and the signs that you are not?
Start by talking to recruitment agencies. If they tell you about other local jobs with similar responsibilities, paying a lot more than you’re currently earning then you may be underpaid.
But if those same agencies suggest jobs with pay, much like you're earning now with worse travel and hours or fewer benefits, then you are almost certainly not underpaid.
Next, check out the salary survey sites. Is the average pay for someone with your responsibilities and experience much higher than yours? If so, it’s time to negotiate for a pay rise.
You're underpaid, explains Andrew in this latest podcast, if you could easily find a new job with a better-paying one. But if others in your area do the same work for more money, you're not, or if there are seldom any new job openings.
Another sign you are not being underpaid is if you have practical knowledge, such as using statistics yet don't ever use this know-how in your job.
What would be your perfect pay increase in funding your vision of a “comfortable” life, asks Andrew.
In 2018, a UK study reported that most people’s
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
EPISODES (50) 44 FEEDBACK FRIENDLY--dealing well with negative feedback.
Negative feedback, says Andrew, could be one of the most radical ways for you to become a success at work
When it comes to negative feedback, Andrew asks, can you roll with the punches, not just out? Feedback at work sometimes hurts. Your bruised ego suffers and may make you feel shame.
Think of a time when you received some unpleasant feedback suggests Andrew. How would you rate your response to that unpleasant feedback?
Did you welcome it, thank the person for being honest, and reflect on what you intended to do about the feedback? Did you do something active to apply what you heard in real life?
Learning through feedback is a potent mechanism. It’s almost certainly a way to build your chances of success at work, by embracing such feedback.
Even the most confident person may struggle to handle negative feedback well. You may be fine with straight criticism, or even what passes for constructive criticism.
But what about those destructive remarks about you and your work performance? Not so easy, is it?
Negative feedback can touch a nerve. It can trigger your brain into a defensive state from which it’s hard to emerge feeling improved or inspired.
Rating your response to negative feedback works can be an antidote to the poison that such information administers to your whole being.
Another valuable approach to embracing negative feedback is the “Grain of Truth” tactic. This is a mental aid to convert your reaction from pain into curiosity.
The Grain of Truth method It that you're interested in discovering just two per cent of the truth of such awful feedback. Start by thinking:
“Yes, I’m hurt and angry. But could there be something in it? Perhaps two per cent of what the other person tells me has something I should think about?”
The Grain of Truth tactic helps get you over the threshold of discomfort. You defuse its emotional power by reframing the criticism into a search for meaning.
Your search for the elusive two per cent can prevent feelings from swamping your ability to extract something positive from the information.
To uncover this grain of truth you pay close attention to what was said. You take it apart with questions such as:
- “Can you be more specific about what you mean by that?”
- “What examples can you point to that lead you to say that?”
- “Could you explain a bit more why you think that?
Andrew makes the poin
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew introduces this tricky situation you may face at work-to accept or refuse a new assignment.
While you could be the exception, most people find it almost impossible to refuse a work assignment from a senior person. Yet those responsible for handing out assignments know that a potential recipient may refuse for various reasons.
Andrew suggests your first step is to analyse the possible new assignment in this way:
- What are the opportunities or threats of this new assignment?
- What benefits will its completion give the organisation? - viewing the assignment in this broader way can help clarify its importance or urgency.
- What benefits will you get from it-this may sound selfish, but if you don't look out for your interests, who will?
Will the new assignment provide you with tangible benefits? It may, for example, even distract you from your core work, on which you will ultimately be judged. Accepting a new assignment may be worth it if it
- Showcases your talent or ability to contribute
- Strengthens relationships with your team
- Offers a learning opportunity
- Presents you as a can-do person
- Provides valuable new contacts
- Unleashes your underused creativity
- Does not undermine your core work on which you will be judged
Hopefully, these wins will emerge when you analyse the assignment.
Later in the Podcast, Andrew reviews when, why and how you might refuse an assignment.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
COMING SOON!
- Feedback friendly Dealing well with negative feedback.
- Pay rise—how to get one, and will it make you a success?
- Trash Talker: Bad mouthing may boomerang and leave a nasty taste.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Being hard to manage can be toxic even for people brilliant at their job.
Nor will your talent always protect you from losing out on significant opportunities.
Being labelled as over-demanding or problematic to work with can damage your prospects. It may place an invisible question mark over your head about your long-term aim of being a success.
Those responsible for handling challenging behaviour at work say things like:
· “She spends more time looking for another job than the one we gave her”
· “She’s convinced that nothing we do for her is good enough.”
· “Yes, terrific in the job, but he always acts like he’s indispensable.”
Once you acquire a reputation for being high maintenance, people will start avoiding you. At first, you may not notice, but they may even exclude you from events, discussions, or sharing vital information.
Soon, you're out of the loop because nobody wants to be around someone selfish, complicated, or insensitive.
What are the signs that you might be high maintenance? First, you get by delivering only enough to give others hope that there will be more, but it never comes.
Second, you keep offering up inferior work compared to others. You may not know that right away and assume that all is well.
A third warning sign is that you keep making mistakes. While forgivable, these force others to keep doing damage limitations due to your deficiencies.
Hoping it will get better or not caring will be a poor strategy for success.
The opposite of being high maintenance is being easy to work with. People gravitate towards you, and new opportunities keep coming your way.
There are many small steps you can take to be anti-high maintenance. Andrew lists a few of them in today's podcast, and you can check them out by re-listening it at the website www.50Ways.site.
A takeaway from this : Become aware of what makes a high-maintenance person at work and make sure people find you easy to work with.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Assignment Addict—never refuse an assignment.
- Feedback friendly Dealing well with negative feedback.
- Pay rise—how to get one and will it make you a success?
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew starts today's broadcast by explaining that success depends on how you interact with other people. When you do that, you also have a choice.
Do you try to get as much as possible from the connection? That is, you're a Taker.
Or do you contribute value without worrying about what you receive back? That is, are you a Giver?
It’s tempting, says Andrew ,to be a Taker. As a Taker, you expect to get more than you give. You are likely to see the world as a competitive, dog-eat-dog place.
To succeed, you must excel and prove your competence.
Naturally, Takers get good at self-promotion and always extract the most credits possible from their efforts. Nor does this mean you are always entirely selfish. Instead, you can justify being a Taker as you're merely being cautious and self-protective:
“If I don’t look out for myself first, no one else will.”
Next, Andrew asks: Why waste your precious energy on being a Giver or a Taker? You don’t have to become one or the other. There is a third way---to become a Matcher.
Matchers keep a balance between giving and getting. What drives them is the principle of fairness.
For them, work relationships are a mix of giving and taking. It's an exchange of favours:
“You do this, and I’ll do that.”
As a Matcher, when you help others you expect something in return.
Being a Giver gives you an excellent chance to reach the top of an organisation. Yet some Givers become stuck down in the dungeons of an organisation because they always say "yes".
Their "yes" comes at the expense of their work. It affects their time management, project delivery, communication, and execution in general.
Instead, it makes more sense to be a Smart Giver. That's someone who thinks about what’s best for the organisation, not just what’s best for you or only for the person asking for help.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- High Maintenance---being hard to manage at work is short-sighted.
- Assignment addict:---never refuse an assignment.
- Feedback friendly---dealing well with negative feedback.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
At work, always demanding to do things your way or getting what you want may damage your long-term prospects says, Andrew.
He explains that is even more true if you become angry, agitated, or downright rude if you fail to get your way.
Whether arguing with someone or making an important choice, most of us like to come out on top. This can have dire career consequences.
So be cautious about always insisting on people agreeing with you and giving in to your demands. Getting what you want may be the opposite of what you need.
But if you’re pushy and demanding and in too much of a hurry, you may make bad choices.
Naturally, there may be a good reason for trying to get what you want at work.
For example, you believe that your supervisor or colleague has less knowledge about a task than you. If this sounds familiar, you are in danger of being seen as a “know-all”.
This doesn’t make you an easy person to work with. A "my way or the highway" attitude can create discontented colleagues, disgruntled clients, and an unhappy work environment.
Consequently always wanting things your way at work can harm your journey towards success. So be cautious about always insisting on people agreeing with you and giving in to your demands.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
COMING SOON!
- Giver not a taker—why giving out is more effective than taking out.
- High Maintenance: Being hard to manage at work is short-sighted.
- Assignment Addict—never refuse an assignment.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Your mood on arrival, says Andrew, can have a significant effect on your own and other people’s performance that day.
He gives an example of a managing director who realised that he needed to improve his relations with his work colleagues. Yet he struggled to find a way that worked for him, as well as for them.
When he arrived each day at his office, he walked straight past open doors where people were working. Head down, looking neither left nor right and with head down Jason strode without stopping towards his room at the end of the corridor.
Hearing this uncomfortable feedback was a shock. It never occurred to him that how he arrived each morning impacted others.
Jason took the feedback to heart. He took steps which Andrew describes to change how he interacted with people. It made a big difference and soon people saw him in different light.
Your arrival in the office matters. Being on time, or a little early helps. Even if you work from home, mainly meet colleagues virtually, or have a hybrid work pattern your arrival can still convey mood.
It sends a silent message about your commitment or sets a standard that others can emulate.
When you arrive at work, take your time to connect with colleagues. Do the minor things, like making eye contact, smiling and asking about their journey. Check whether they need any help. It can do wonders for your reputation.
People often come into work harried because they never leave enough time to deal with “home stuff. If you’re commuting, you may have a stressful journey. This is why some people even meditate for ten minutes every morning before doing anything else.
Slow down and take a moment to pause. Create a routine of centring yourself, to arrive both physically and mentally. This approach can work wonders, affecting both you and others. How you treat yourself on arrival can inspire them to do the same.
Try to assess your current mood and be aware of its effect on colleagues.
Emotional intelligence has the most impact early in the morning. Like that managing director, make a special effort to adopt a cheerful outlook on arrival. Grab a second or third cup of coffee if that’s what it takes.
Your arrival can set your ‘attitude barometer’ and do it for others too. One morning moan, for instance, can infect an entire team, getting everyone off to a poor start.
Mix things up a bit. For example, if you can, choose to sit somewhere different. Gain a fresh perspective.
If possible, walk around and be visibl
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
No need to acquire superhero powers says Andrew at the start of this episode. The route forward is almost like having these powers, when you focus on practical action at work.
People may call you pro-active or a can-do person, even a leader, if you're something of an Action Hero.
Making things happen at work builds your reputation and there's always room to make a difference says, Andrew.
Action Heroes pay great attention to how you're spending your day. They make every moment count claims Andrew.
The opposite of being an Action Hero is someone who inhabits "Someday Island. That's where so many people at work spend their time. They are always saying I'm going to do that soon or later.
What can get in the way of being an Action Here explains Andrew is a lack of confidence, being a perfectionist, confusion over goals, and a paralysis of analysis.
Trust your gut says Andrew as to what action to pursue. Do this by paying attention to the feeling about the work--unhappy, disgusted, bored, uninspired, confused and so on.
Being Action-Minded also means paying close attention to whether decisions are implemented. Is there execution?
Andrew offers suggestions that you can try as part of being an Action Hero. You can see them listed in the Transcript.
He ends the podcast with three action points you can take immediately.
Why not listen to the Podcast again to get a firmer feel for follow-through action at www.50Ways.site
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Doing it your way: Getting your way may be the wrong way
- Stop the Sloppy: No sense in gaining the wrong sort of reputation.
- High Maintenance: Being hard to manage at work is short-sighted.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew offers examples of what it means to go the extra mile. He explains that to be an extra-miler, you will:
1) assist colleagues with tasks; or
2) make suggestions for how to move forward
Andrew says that you're not paid just to turn up to work. An organization needs people committed to its values and willing to go the extra mile to support its aims.
While going the extra mile is an opportunity, make sure it does not become a threat, warns Andrew. For example, pushing you to overwork or take excessive risks.
He urges you to assess the opportunities created by going the extra mile and whether it is worth it.
One benefit of going the extra mile is that it can help you to feel better about yourself, creating a sense of purpose in your working life.
Similarly, it may improve your knowledge and connection with your organization's aims.
He ends the podcast with three action points you can take immediately.
Why not listen to the Podcast again to get a firmer feel for follow-through action at www.50Ways.site
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Tackle Trivia: Just because you’re smart you can’t avoid the trivial.
- List Lover: You’ll never remember everything; learn to love your to-do list.
- No Doormat: Why “no” can be as important as saying “yes.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Around one in three people say they’ve been spoken to at work in an abusive way.
While you can report anything extreme, such as racial and sexual harassment, how do you rise above the more ordinary forms of criticism and come up smiling?
In this episode, says Andrew, there may be some situations at work when criticism will press all your buttons. That's when your mind switches to what’s called the reptilian brain. This is your survival mode.
It's your fight and flight reaction and it can be hard to master it on the spot. Even if you do what you usually know works such as taking a deep breath to steady your nerves. Now the danger is that you react badly too.
You may become angry, defensive and deaf to any further rational communication. Or you revert to child-like reactions such as becoming tearful and apologetic. Or perhaps a feeling of being helpless. Neither state does much good for your aim of being a success at work.
Andrew shows there are two practical ways of responding that return more control of the situation to you and how you feel inside. The first is to say nothing and listen.
You wait until the criticism downpour ends. Then you ask a simple question in a friendly or neutral way:
“What exactly is wrong? Can you be more specific? Please give me some examples of what concerns you.”
Use the person’s name and thank them for pointing out the apparent flaws in your work.
The other approach is to stay silent. This uses the power of silence and you can learn more about this from last week's episode 35: Silent Sentinel - using silence to make an impact at work
Depending on how serious the criticism you can choose to give the other person a long look and try to see them now, not as a supervisor, manager, boss or colleague.
Instead, you now view the person as playing the part of a critical parent. They are treating you as a child, which is disrespectful and potentially harmful to your future relationship.
Hurt pride may tempt you into making light of their complaint. You may begin replaying the conversation repeatedly in your mind. You wish that you’d said something different at the time. This only distracts you from the lesson you could learn from the experience.
Treat it as a gift if someone gives you the thumbs down about some work. No matter the form of the criticism, it seems that the person was interested enough to demand change and help you to grow. Had they wanted to harm you, they could have spotted y
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Silence may be golden, but in this episode 35, Andrew deals with the pros and cons of speaking up on complex issues or remaining silent.
He raises the critical issue of when it pays to be silent at work. He names six situations where this makes sense.
Visit the Podcast Web site (www.50Ways.site) and read them in the Transcript.
It's vital to deal with these tricky situations, says Andrew, without triggering a defensive reaction from others. He offers ways of doing that described fully in the Transcripts on the website.
Silence, though often undesirable at work, can also be a powerful weapon that you can adopt. For example, success at work seldom comes from constantly pushing yourself forward in front of the queue to speak.
Another valid remaining staying silent is sharing your hopes and goals pushes your brain into thinking, "I've already done that." This can lead you to give up and not pursue these aims.
Next, Andrew talks about The Ransberger Pivot, about how to win an argument by not arguing. This is a technique for listening and finding common ground with the other person.
Andrew, as usual, ends the Podcast by suggesting three actions you can adopt to use silence well at work.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- The Extra Mile: How exceeding expectations works wonders.
- Action Hero—become action-minded, not a plodder
- Arrival artist: How you turn up makes a more significant difference than you think.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
SHOW NOTEThe Ransberger Pivot: How to Win an Argument by Not Arguing, https://www.rapidstartleadership.com/ransberger-pivot
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew explains at the start of this latest Podcast why a list can help you succeed at work. The main reason is that it can help you focus and not carry too much in your head.
If you’re relatively new to the work scene, you may regard your list as a lifesaver.
If so, says Andrew, resist the temptation to expect it to keep track of absolutely everything you should be doing. That way, your list may die as a valuable tool, carrying too great a burden.
Make your list earn its passage by breaking projects into smaller tasks. Too many of these, though, can cause an unwelcome brain effect. This mental state nags us more about our unfinished tasks than completed ones.
Incomplete tasks cause stressful, intrusive thoughts, he explains.
They reduce sleep and deplete mental and emotional resources. It may even cause behavioural problems.
Unfinished tasks also damage your self-image. Over a prolonged period, they can make you feel like a failure. To counter bad list effects, prune yours to within an inch of its life.
Review your current list if you have one. Andrew asks:
Is it overflowing with things to do? Will you be able to complete them all? If you struggle to finish your tasks, revise, and be more realistic.
Your to-do list can be infinite. The trouble is your time is not. Match the tasks against your available time and energy. This is where prioritising is so important.
There's a lot to take in from this Podcast. . Consider a second or third hearing at the Podcast site https://www.50Ways.site.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- No Doormat: Why “no” can be as important as saying “yes!”
- Personalise: How to manage criticism and come up smiling
- The Extra Mile: How exceeding expectations works wonders.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Many jobs require attention to detail, says Andrew and you may need some practice to develop rigorous attention to what is trivia and what is not.
He lists at least five ways to do that with
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Analytical skills
- Observational skills
- Active listening skills
If you're good with detail employers will come to regard you as precise, careful and conscientious.
Protesting "I'm really bad at detail" is not an excuse it's a copout. It just reveals you can't be bothered.
Consequently, your supervisor, teammates and those around you soon stop relying on you for accuracy or trusting you to do a thorough job.
Andrew says that the brighter you are the more you may resent dealing with what to you seems trivia.
But one person's trivia may turn out to be another's mission-critical decision. There's a good story in the Podcast about what that meant for a NASA space probe costing billions.
At your level, you will probably need to accept that you'll need to deal with some trivia. Moaning about it risks you being labelled as unwilling to do your share of the boring bits of work.
Most organizations though spend far too much time and effort on trivia. As part of using your analytical skills, you can choose your moment to politely suggest "perhaps we're missing the bigger picture here"
Tackling trivia can fill your day and prove to be soul-destroying. It can also be a great way to waste time and procrastinate. Learning to deal with it can enhance your search for success at work.
There's a lot to take in from this Podcast. . Consider a second or third hearing at the Podcast site https://www.50Ways.site.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Tackle Trivia: Just because you’re smart you can’t avoid the trivial.
- List Lover: You’ll never remember everything; learn to love your to-do list.
- No Doormat: Why “no” can be as important as saying “yes
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
This week Andrew takes a closer look at lateness for work. One in four US and UK employees struggle to arrive on time.
Whatever the excuse, every lateness incident can become a significant problem for those on the receiving end.
If lots of people are late for work, does it matter if you do the same asks Andrew? Yes, it does matter, he warns, since turning up late shows disrespect. It suggests that you consider your time to be more valuable than theirs.
If you're going to be late, says Andrew in this podcast, at least use the "Advanced Notice Explanation". This is where you provide colleagues with an advanced warning that you will arrive late. Explain that you won't be on time because something specific will delay you.
Offer apologies for the delay and don't invent excuses, suggests Andrew. It can also be tempting to make a drama from your delay and heroic late arrival. Give that a miss says Andrew, for a natural break.
As usual, Andrew ends on three practical steps you can take to be a time traveller in which you deal with lateness in positive ways.
Best of all, avoid acquiring a reputation for abusing other people's time.
There's a lot to take in from this Podcast. Consider a second or third hearing at the Podcast site https://www.50Ways.site.
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
SHOW NOTE
Have fun watching this employee arriving late - is he for real? Maybe
Conan Catches Jordan Schlansky Coming In Late | CONAN on TBS, https://tinyurl.com/2bxsamsb
Also, here's some help with excuses!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vA_6GP9gjM
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
People differ over whether a cluttered, paper-strewn work area is a good or a bad thing. In favor is that it could mean you’re highly creative, maybe even a genius.
Against clutter is that your physical environment may strongly affect your understanding, emotions, and behavior. It can also influence your decision-making and relationships.
In this week's podcast, Andrew teases some essentials about clutter.
Scans show that our brains like order. Mess is seldom a visual reminder of genius, more often it suggests disorganization that drains mental resources and reduces our ability to focus.
Andrew explains how the clutter happens and why. For example, even touching material things makes you more emotionally attached to them.
That mess is saying to you: "To touch me is to love me!" No wonder it's more comfortable to hold onto the clutter than dump it.
Since you are in search of success at work, Andrew warns that perception is everything and tidiness suggests that you are well organized,
Passing your chaotic desk prompts the opposite perception, "How do find anything from all that?"
He suggests you encourage your team to have regular spring cleaning days and perhaps turn these into enjoyable social experiences as well.
Andrew ends this podcast on clutter with the usual three practical actions you can take right away to deal with it.
Why not give this Podcast a second hearing so that you begin to include this kind of thinking into your search for success at work?
Or check out the transcript at the podcast site for a slower, more sustained read and improved learning.
Don't forget there is also an e-learning mobile unit associated with it by an independent company not connected with 50 Ways.
Show note
Photo of Einstein’s desk on his death: https://tinyurl.com/4w23j2n9
Photo of Steve Jobs’ home/office at Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yck5395r
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew first explains what is company culture and goes on to describe why it matters to you in your search for success.
Company culture is about behavior and is the total behaviors and practices spread throughout the organization.
Andrew sums it all up as about values. These show what's essential for people's behavior; examples include loyalty, honesty, integrity and kindness.
Even if you are not high in an organization's power structure, you can still have a significant impact at the local level by incorporating workplace values in your work.
You have values, too, which must be acceptable to the organization. For example, there can be conflicts between valuing honesty and choosing to be dishonest to achieve something, such as money.
When senior people see you embracing the organization's values, you boost our chances of success.
Andrew then lists actions you can take to support values and affect the culture and concludes, as usual, with three practical steps you can take immediately.
There's a lot to absorb in this particular Podcast. Why not listen to it again a couple of times? If you have questions, you can always raise them by subscribing to the Podcast website.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
In this episode Andrew asks whether you should share information at work or keep it to yourself.
He explains that there is a difference between holding onto information, which is just data and facts, and in contrast not letting go of knowledge.
It can be tempting to hold on to these if you think they will give others the edge over you. But he points out that if you do squirrel them away there's a cost to you and others.
If you choose to resist sharing you don't gain strength from this approach you lose wans Andrew.
People soon realize you are being selfish or worse, you are not being a team player. Andrew spells out when you are more likely to hide knowledge.
He explains a long list of gains from sharing including collaboration which is more than putting heads together.
When you share you come across as effective and productive and it gives a real boost to your search for success.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Two words, says Andrew can change your life. They are "Yes and" and their shadow side "Yes but."
Others are fans of "yes and" since they too realise their power to communicate and persuade. They're like a grenade thrown into any communication.
Andrew takes you on a closer look at using these words at work and how best to use them to your advantage.
He points out that these words are not magical, just incredibly useful as they can transform how a group works together.
"Yes but" too can prove impactful sometimes for good as when it makes people look more carefully at the possible effect of a decision. However it can also cause harm and is like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hide, with a secret monster waiting to emerge.
Finally Andrew offers his usual three practical actions points you can take today, including adopting the personal discipline of never following on from someone talking with a "yes but."
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Could you be a Whiner asks Andrew in this latest episode?
He explains how Whiners are easy to spot and how they undermine everyone's performances including their own.
Once you're sure the Whiner isn't you Andrew goes on to explain what to do about this person and how you can deal with them.
He explains how in contrast Winners find ways forward, and their belief shows as confidence, persistence and perseverance.
While Whiners wait for things to happen, Winners are continually putting things in motion.
Andrew poses a challenge: which do you want to be? He concludes with the usual three action points that you can do right away.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, ***and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch*.
BOOK: The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY
Andrew explains that it takes nearly half an hour after being interrupted at work to get back into the flow.
As part of being a success at work, he urges, take advantage of what we know about being adaptable.
That another way of talking about flow and the importance of dealing with interruptions with destroy flow.
There are many benefit at work from going with the flow and Andrew describes several of them, such as you get more done in less time.
There are some simple steps to stay flexible and adapt to changing circumstances and stay in the flow. Andrew explains, for example, that establishing a clear goal can help you remain adaptable.
He offers other suggestions and as usual, ends the podcast with three basic actions you can take right away.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Astute Adaptor: Why it pays to go with the flow
- Change Maker: Be a Change Maker not a Change Loser
- Handbook Happy: Study any new employee notes or handbooks
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcripts
In this latest episode, Andrew talks about the power of saying no at work, but that you have to be careful in how you do that.
In numerous workplaces, you will face a choice, whether to speak up and say "no" or risk damaging your career.
Sometimes it may even mean having the courage to say no to going along with corruption, fraud or some aspects of treating people with disrespect.
For most of us says Andrew, saying no at work does not come naturally. We feel bad for disappointing a colleague or guilty about turning down a boss.
You don't want to be seen as a "No" person explains Andrew
Andrew goes on to suggest ways in which you can say "no" responsibly. One way for instance is to refer to current priorities. Basing your "no" on priorities can prevent you from becoming swamped by demands.
An important step is to review carefully requests for your help as on closer inspection they may prove to be more complex and time-consuming than expected.
Andrew ends the Podcasts as usual, by proposing three practical actions and a simple Takeaway.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Astute Adaptor: Why it pays to go with the flow
- Change Maker: Be a Change Maker not a Change Loser
- Handbook Happy: Study any new employee notes or handbooks
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcripts
According to Andrew, in this week's Podcast, over 60% of calls and meetings at work tend to be unscheduled or begin in unpredictable ways.
You may not even realise that you are under excessive pressure. But the signs will almost certainly be there, such as unexpected colds, minor illnesses or perhaps severe infections.
These can all damage your effectiveness. What is missing?
It's deliberately making time and space for yourself and including others at work. You know something is not correct when people at work say things like:
- "I need space to think that over."
- "Too pushed right now to make this decision."
- "Now's not the right time to deal with this."
Take such boundary warnings seriously, urges Andrew.
Those who need space could be your allies if you let them. Let them realise that you get the picture and calmly respond to their warning signs. For example, saying, "OK, I see now's not a good time; let's talk later."
Once you're on the lookout for these signs, use this awareness to help colleagues think through things by offering help and support.
It would help if you looked after yourself too, by making your own space and giving
yourself time to think.
Your thinking is not abstract rumination. Instead, it needs to be focused on what is happening to you and what should be the next steps.
For example, you might need to walk away from work for a few hours or even
days.
Or you might realise that you are battling on alone and would benefit from some help from your team or a supervisor.
The main takeaway from today's Podcast says Andrew is that there are
increasing demands on all employees for flexibility and readiness to change.
These make it essential to respect your and others' needs for space and time to think.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Saying NO: can be empowering and helpful to your success, but handle with care
- Astute Adaptor: Why it pays to go with the flow
- Change Maker: Be a Change Maker not a Change Loser
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
A short reminder to watch out for Monday's next episode of 50 Ways to Succeed at Work. It's on Making space--giving people the space they need to be seen and heard.
Of the many ways to succeed at work, being a connector is up there with the best, says Andrew in this EPISODE 19.
Connectors make links between individuals and groups. In the latest Podcast, Andrew suggests you should consider becoming a connector. Connectors are influential people who help create collaboration and improve problem-solving.
Being a Connector takes time and effort, and you may wonder whether it’s worth it. Asking people how important relationships are at work finds most, or 77% of respondents say these are top priorities.
Connectors are powerful because what they do goes beyond brain rewards. Good connections, for example, mean better collaboration, improved problem-solving, more engagement and commitment, and making space for new ideas and innovation.
Andrew explains what you have to do to become a connector. The essential requirement is that you want to build relationships and contacts at work.
More specifically, Andrew lists some ways to do this, including:
- Make time for everybody, not just senior people
- Build your branding, so you come across as a reliable, helpful and respectful team member
- Give people a chance to know you
Great connectors seem to know everyone and are always thinking about how to help others in their network.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Make Space: Give other people the space they need to be seen and heard. |
- Saying NO: can be empowering and helpful to your success, but handle with care
- Astute Adaptor: Why it pays to go with the flow
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew introduces the Triple T or Total Toxic Turnoff at work.
These are people whose attitude and behaviour can drag an entire organisation through the mud. Or undermine individuals and even teams.
It's essential, says Andrew, not to stay passive in the face of such people. Instead, speak up and help to mobilise action.
You won't regret it, and most of your colleagues will be in your debt!
How do you deal with toxic colleagues who don't quite qualify for being labelled a Triple T?
Andrew says to reframe them and stop seeing them as insoluble problems. Instead, try to figure out what they offer and where all this angst is coming from.
Searching for this information will help reduce your resentment about their behaviour.
No matter how much you like your job, it doesn't mean that all your co-workers will be a pleasure to work with. The main point Andrew stresses are never let interpersonal problems affect your professionalism.
He ends the Podcast with the usual three practical actions you can take about toxic colleagues:
1) Examine your behaviour before blaming the other person as difficult
2) Communicate the issues you are having to the other person in a discreet way
3) Ask a senior person for help if you can't solve the issue independently.
Additional Material
In her book Jerks at Work, social psychologist Tessa West reveals her findings after 20 years of studying different "jerk" personality types.
Understanding them is "a bit like profiling a serial killer. You need to get into your jerk's head to learn what makes them tick."
She also offers a quiz to determine whether you might be the jerk at work!
Other professionals who have studied the toxic jerk at work say that the worst offences of workplace culture occur because many of us are unwittingly acting out our grievances. We have long-buried wounds from our childhood.
No amount of working from home (WFH) or work habits can protect you from idiots and other toxic contenders. You can't avoid encountering annoying people at work, so figure out a strategy for dealing with them.
As one commentator puts it: "The bogey (wo)man is rarely as bad in person as they are in your imagination. You can WFH. But you can't hide."
Reference: V.Gloskop, You can WFH, but you can't hide from jerks as work, Financial Times, https://www.ft.com/content/dd9d39f8-2861-4c99-809e-6a198dd7c4ee
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Connector: Build strong work relationships.
- Make Space: Give other people the space they need to be seen and heard.
- Stress Buster: Turning stress into a bonus not a bummer
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
It makes no sense to get on the wrong side of your boss, says Andrew.
But some bosses don't want to hear precisely what they should know. He says it takes bravery and cunning to keep giving the boss unwelcome news.
Managing up is when you consciously work with your boss to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss and your organisation. Managing up can help you succeed at work.
Sometimes, as in the case example quoted in the notes here, there's a dark side and no matter how hard you try, giving the boss unwelcome facts proves impossible.
In most situations, though, you will be able to manage up. That means you establish a good relationship with your boss or supervisor. This starts by making clear the goals you will be working on.
Aim to become known for taking care of agreed tasks, reviewing finished work and delivering on time. Unfortunately, it's common for inexperienced employees to present work which has not been adequately checked or well presented.
Andrew closes this Podcast with the usual three action points. One must admit mistakes, accept rebukes with good grace, and thank the person for feedback. Another is to be sure to tell the boss when you go the extra mile.
The overall conclusion is that a good relationship with senior colleagues is essential to your success at work, and be sure to find out what that person most wants from you in the job and be sure to deliver.
Case study:The famous story of the Pinto, a car that Ford sold knowing it was faulty, is the ultimate case study of managers refusing to listen to uncomfortable feedback.
Conservative estimates suggest Pinto crashes caused 500 burn deaths to people who would not have been seriously injured if the car had not burst into flames. The figure could be as high as 900.
Ford knew the Pinto was a firetrap, which could have been fixed relatively cheaply.
Yet the company instead paid out millions to settle damage suits out of court.
It spent more millions yet lobbying against safety standards. With half a million cars rolling off the assembly lines each year, Pinto was the biggest-selling subcompact in America. The company’s operating profit on the car was fantastic.
It took Ford eight years to do the right thing and modify the car because its internal “cost-benefit analysis,” which placed a dollar value on human life, said it wasn’t profitable to make the changes sooner.
Imagine being an employee and knowing this was going on.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Toxic Turnoff: Dealing with difficult work colleagues
- Connector: Build strong work relationships.
- Make Space: Give other people the space they need to be seen and heard.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew explains in this episode that pettiness flourishes like weeds in most organisations.
It happens when people become obsessed with unimportant matters or minor details at the expense of working on their priorities.
Few people set out to be petty. Yet this behaviour often thrives in even the most efficient work settings. Maybe just less than elsewhere.
Want to see the wide range of issues that make pettiness at work? Google The Stomp Out Most Pettiness (STOMP) Checklist or click this link.
Here are the first five items from the STOMP list of petty behaviour you might come across at work:
- Act immaturely or Act unprofessionally
- Complain about noise levels
- Complain about smells from food or other sources
- Criticize or ridicule someone for being intelligent
- Devote obsessive attention to inconsequential matters
What do you say in response to pettiness? Try any of these:
"Is this relevant to our current priorities?"
"I hear your concern, but let's stay focused."
I know this information is essential to you, but I also need it for my work.
It's not petty, suggests Andrew, to tackle pettiness instead of just ignoring it. Why? Because such behaviour can damage: teamworking, meeting goals, policy, and performance.
Andrew ends the podcast as usual with three simple actions you can take right away.
These include checking your behaviour to make sure that you are not being petty or small-minded and listening carefully to those you think are petty to discover what lies behind their concerns.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Boss Bovver: Respect love or praise but don’t piss off the boss.
- Toxic Turnoff: Dealing with difficult work colleagues
- Connector: Build strong work relationships.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Mastering what gets your emotions into the danger zone can boost your chances of success at work. That's the core message from this week's Podcast from Andrew.
He suggests that you need something to help master strong internal and possibly damaging emotions that occasionally may surface at work.
The solution is to acknowledge your feelings and begin applying emotional intelligence. That is your essential awareness, to focus on what's happening.
This can be liberating, channel your emotions, and help get what you want.
Next, Andrew asks: What's your self-image when you get angry? How do you look, feel and sound? Do you like this picture of yourself. By taking a more mindful approach, you can harness the feelings and reduce their power over you.
The Podcast ends with Andrew's suggesting three practical things you can do right away. One of these is accepting strong emotions are natural and not trying to ignore them.
There's more at the Podcast website 50Ways.site where you can read a transcript of the podcast, ask Andrew questions, and consider extending your learning with specially created e-learning units you can access from anywhere.
Here are some more practical things you can do when experiencing, for example, anger and hostility:
- Recognize the fear driving your anger
- Flow with the fear; allow yourself to feel it
- Look for the good within you and not the bad
- Practice "letting go".
- Be prepared by noting when you feel anger towards others
- Avoid "should's", ie "should do this or that.
- Set realistic goals, so if you don't reach them you don't become frustrated and angry.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Play Big: Why it pays to avoid being petty at work.
- Boss Bovver: Respect love or praise but don’t piss off the boss.
- Toxic Turnoff: Dealing with difficult work colleagues
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew lists some major successful companies and explains that they all rely on having great teams in common.
Most good employers see teamwork or collaboration as essential for their success. So you must take cooperation seriously if you want to succeed at work.
No matter how brilliant you are, creative or talented, aim to make a great start by becoming a good team player.
Andrew then shares a little-known secret about helping each other in a team. This releases a chemical called oxytocin in the brain, which creates a sense of well-being and positive emotions.
The other not-so-secret fact Andrew mentions is the prediction that you will rely heavily on relationships to get things done at work.
Even if you are a specialist with great expertise, you will still need good relationships at work to get things done or your work used.
Andrew ends with the usual three practical actions you can take right away. These include:
Encourage colleagues to ask each other: "How can I help you?"
Invest as much energy into other people's ideas as your own
Help colleagues deal with challenging situations--it builds trust and connection.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Tame the Beast: Be smart and master your anger and impatience.
- Play Big: Why it pays to avoid being petty at work.
- Boss Bovver: Respect love or praise but don’t piss off the boss.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
A reminder about the next Monday's episode, http://www.50Ways.site which is on being a team player.
There's plenty of great information and wisdom on being a Team Player and why it's so important at work for your success.
MORE.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Andrew looks in some depth at this critical issue than can impact your ability to succeed at work.
He introduces quotes from Michael Jordan and a successful entrepreneur to show how success can stem from learning from failure.
He also looks at how minor mistakes can lead to big disasters, as in a Nasa probe that went wrong, by using two different scales of measurement.
His main message is don't try and hide your mistakes at work, everyone makes them. What matters is how you deal with them.
That includes admitting them and not hoping that no one will notice. Also the importance of taking steps to rectify an error and reassuring your colleagues what you are doing to avoid a repeat in the future.
Despite the horrible name mistakes at work generally acquire, they can still sometimes prove a good friend. Though it will be unwelcome, your mistake at work could signal where you may need to learn or improve.
Andrew admits that hiding or not admitting to your gaffes can be tempting. You may hope and pray that it may never catch up with you to damage your prospects.
Beware, he warns! In most organisations, the big mistakes and even small ones almost always surface at some stage.
When you cover up your mistakes, and they get discovered, your colleagues and senior colleagues might never trust you again.
If the mistake is down to you, take ownership of it by the three most crucial damage limitation steps. Andrew then spells out what to do about it.
Choose carefully he suggests, between coming clean soon or staying silent and paying the price. When in doubt, breathe, ramp up your courage and come forward sooner rather than later.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Winner not Whiner: Grumblers seldom come out on top
- Positive thinker: Using the power of “yes and”
- Sharer: Why sharing information pays more than hoarding it
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
In this episode, Andrew explains how to be a Goal Polisher who understands goal setting, especially the critical part of the execution.
The starting point is the definition of success for the goal. How will anyone know it's been reached.
Focusing on execution can help you impress people who are supportive and knowledgeable.
Andrew suggests that the "how" of execution is as important as the "what" of the goal itself.
Excellent Goal Polishers says Andrew fight shy of the limelight. They put others in it to win people's trust and indirectly help themselves.
In his usual three action points at the end, Andrew suggests that you should become familiar with goal setting techniques such as the well-known SMART goal method.
SMART stands for goals which are
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
- Achievable (agreed, attainable).
- Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
- Time-bound or time-limited
Sometimes SMART includes Acceptable rather than Achievable. What's important, though, is that you systematically apply a framework like this.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Team Player: Why being a team player makes perfect sense.
- Tame the Beast: Be smart and master your anger and impatience.
- Play Big: Why it pays to avoid being petty at work.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew's latest episode explores the benefits of smiling at work and how it can contribute to your success.
He points to lesser-known facts about smiling. First, it releases a chemical in the brain that makes us feel good. Which partly explains why we do it.
Second, there's something called mirroring you should know about. If you smile at someone, it creates a mirroring effect. The other person automatically finds themselves reflecting on one of their own.
Translate these facts and their implications for your workplace. You can now realise how and why your smiling can get others purring with pleasure without them even knowing why.
Smiling alone, though, won't make you a success warns Andrew. But it goes a long way towards it.
As usual, he ends the week's podcast with three actions you can adopt immediately and offers a suggested takeaway.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Goal polisher: Making others look good helps you to succeed.
- Team Player: Why being a team player makes perfect sense.
- Tame the Beast: Be smart and master your anger and impatience.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
An invitation to next week's No13 Podcast on Being a Goal Polisher, and a short taster to whet your appetite!
MORE.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Another quick reminder about next Monday's episode on the benefits of smiling at work with some surprising information about this behaviour.
Here is a quick taster.
MORE.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Does it matter how you look at work? Andrew thinks it does and in this episode he talks about demeanour.
This is broader than the clothes you wear. It includes your general appearance, the importance of good hygiene, and more fundamentally how your demeanour affects how you feel inside.
There's more tolerance days at work these days on how you look. But check out what's expected. Turning up wearing the height of fashion may suit you but how will it land with others?
In some of the stuffier organisations, he says, you could be silently faulted for sloppy looks, a missing item of clothing such as a tie, or messy shoes. You may not lose your job for these failings but it could affect your long term success.
The big secret Andrew shares is that demeanour profoundly affects how you think about yourself.
His action suggestions include checking for a cultural miscue such as overdressing; meeting the basics of hygiene and cleanliness, and ensuring that your demeanour makes you look and feel good.
Appearance Work Out
Find a full-length mirror as in a department store changing room. Consider installing one a home as part of polishing your demeanour.
Wear your regular work clothes and take a long hard look at what you see in the mirror.
- CARE: does this person seem to take care of themselves? What changes could you recommend?
- FLAIR: what makes you look distinctive? Does anything stand out, or is everything bland in terms of look, colour or design? What changes might introduce some flair?
- AWARE: How appropriate is your appearance to your working life. Even if you like what you see, does it support the message you want to send to people about your wish to be a success at work?
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Smiler: Why smiling gets other people purring.
- Goal polisher: Making others look good helps you to succeed.
- Team Player: Why being a team player makes perfect sense.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcripts
I would love your feedback by email at hello@50Ways.site, leave a comment or best of all a review at Apple Podcasts.
Looking forward to hearing from you
In this week's Podcast, Andrew introduces you to Trampoline Listening.
This is the opposite of Sponge listening, where you stay silent and absorb what the other person says.
Trampoline Listening is more like bouncing on a trampoline in which people bounce ideas off you. It's when you act as an amplifier instead of passively absorbing ideas and energy.
What's so particular about this kind of behaviour? According to Andrew, most people prefer broadcasting, using airtime with their views and opinions.
Trampoline listening, he says, is Authentic Listening and others enjoy and want more of it if they can get it.
Andrew presents the three forms of Trampoline Listening. First, there's cognitive listening, in which you pay attention to all the information you receive.
Then there's Emotional Listening, where you manage your emotional reactions to what you are hearing.
Thirdly there's Active Behaviour, where verbally and non-verbally, you show any interest in what the other person says.
All three matter, and it can take a significant investment to master these completely. However, being aware of them can help enhance your listening impact.
Active Trampoline Listening, says Andrew, promotes good communication and makes it obvious you are paying attention. This builds your reputation at work.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Perfect Appearance: Why your appearance matters so much.
- Smiler: Why smiling gets other people purring.
- Goal polisher: Making others look good helps you to succeed.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteI would love your feedback by email at hello@50Ways.site, leave a comment or best of all a review at Apple Podcasts.
Looking forward to hearing from you
You're invites to join Andrew next Monday for PodcasEpisode 8, on being a lively Listener which means you need to become a Trampoline Listener and not a Sponge.
Andrew tells you how in the upcoming Podcast and here's a taster.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
In this episode Andrew explains some of the secrets of non verbal communication.
He points out that this is a useful source of information since communication at work is vital to success at work.
The Non Verbal is important because people think and respond visually, we're built that way.
Andrew introduces a quotation from Helen Keller that famous blind and deaf woman who despite her disadvantages became a master of reading non verbal signs.
What does it take to understand these signals? Nothing more than being observant, self-aware and ready to show empathy.
Context is important for interpreting the Non Verbal says Andrew. Certain signals can be misinterpreted unless you are sensitive to the particular situation.
Andrew also shares some potent Non Verbal secrets used by ex President Clinton who was famous for his use of this approach.
There's no shortcut to understanding body language. But you are equipped with an inborn instinct to look out for it and use it to your advantage.
Quotation by Helen Keller read by Carol Leader.
Also: check out this YouTube video: https://tinyurl.com/39k5rvs2
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Lively listener: Become a terrific listener and watch your impact expand
- Perfect Appearance: Why your appearance matters so much.
- Smiler: Why smiling gets other people purring.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcripts
I would love your feedback by email at hello@50Ways.site, leave a comment or best of all a review at Apple Podcasts.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Is your sense of humour an asset at work, or could it be a complete turn off?
This week Andrew takes a closer look at how best to use your natural sense of humour to build your reputation and make sure it doesn't undermine it.
Research shows that most people credit themselves with a good sense of humour. They can't all be correct? The evidence says Andrew suggests not.
He points to the many "isms" that soil otherwise well-intentioned humour. These include sexism, ageism, racism, weightism, mental healthism and more.
These and others, such as targeting less confident colleagues, nationality, and physical appearance do damage. Not only to those on the receiving end but to those jokers themselves.
It all comes down to whether people feel safe around you, and you may be last person to realise that they don't.
One amusing piece of information Andrew offers in this Podcast concerns the physical benefits that a good laugh can create. It seems a really good laugh might mean you could spend a bit less time in the gym!
The benefits of having a good sense of humour at work stem not from telling jokes, but rather from your ability to stand back from problems and see the humour in what's happening.
Finally, Andrew highlights the importance of choosing the right moment to launch your humour and making sure that it won't cause harm.
He ends by reminding you that you can access the transcript of this and his other Podcasts at the 50Ways.site*. You can also access the Forum to share your thoughts, questions and opinions on this and other topics with others interested in succeeding at work.
You can also obtain the specially created e-learning units based on each week's Podcast developed by a leading e-learning company.*
You can also contact Andrew through the site and even book a one-to-one session. You get a significant discount if you choose to become a Founding Member along with other benefits described at the site. All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Non-verbal: Watch peoples’ body language for essential insights
- Lively listener: Become a terrific listener and watch your impact expand
- Perfect Appearance: Why your appearance matters so much.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcriptsI would love your feedback by email at hello@50Ways.site, leave a comment or best of all a review at Apple Podcasts.
Looking forward to hearing from you
A quick reminder about next Monday's Podcast of the Non Vebal and a short taster to whet your appetite!
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
A quick taster and reminder that next week's 50 Ways to Succeed at Work Podcast is on being a joker at work, not a jerk! Here's a quick taster.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
This week Andrew brings the power of storytelling to life by telling you...yes, a story!
In his story, he tells how someone at work wanted a pay rise and used the art and science of storytelling to win one. Winning was against the odds, too, as pay rises were rare and rates were moving in the wrong direction.
During this tale of daring-do, Andrew outlines some of the critical questions you need to address in devising your story.
He draws attention to two specific dangers. The first is thinking you are no good at storytelling, and the second is believing that you are already brilliant at it.
Neither should prevent you from using storytelling well to your advantage at work. You need good preparation.
Plus, a focus on some of the critical questions your need to answer in devising your story, such as what do you want those on the receiving to do as a result of hearing your story?
As usual, the Podcast ends with three clear actions you can take.
There's also the reminder that you can find more at the 50Ways.site, where you can become a Founding Member. This gives you access to the Podcast transcripts and further reading based on Andrew's research, saving you from scouring the Internet for the best articles.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Grapevine Awareness: Run a mile from taking part in rumor and gossip
- Cut the Cuss: Why inappropriate language can undermine your impact.
- Name Magnet: Why names matter and how to remember them.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.siteTranscripts: https://www.50ways.site/reading/categories/transcripts I would love your feedback at hello@50Ways.site, leave a comment or best of all a review at Apple Podcasts.
Looking forward to hearing from you
A quick reminder that there's a great episode (aren't they all?) next Monday, on being a Story Teller at work. Here's a quick taster.
- Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Find bonus material
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
This episode explains some of the dangers of excessive chatting and how this can dent your chances of success at work.
Andrew points out the biggest timewasters at work; can you guess what they are?
- smartphones and texting
- messing with the internet
- gossip
- social media
- unexpected emails
- co-workers dropping by.
Next, he suggests what to do if you're on the receiving end of excessive chatting and some techniques for dealing with it.
- First, give chit chat situations at work a wide birth.
- Explain to chatty visitors that you need to focus on work right now.
- If the conversation starts to be about an absent person at once, respond that you don't like talking about someone behind their back.
This stuff is gold dust!All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Storyteller: Polish your storytelling telling skills to make a bigger impact.
- Joker: Using your brilliant sense of humor.
- Non-verbal: Watch peoples’ body language for essential insights.
Don't miss these essential success topics over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew points out in this episode that informality now runs rampant in many organisations. So perhaps it’s better to abandon “please and thanks” and concentrate on essentials?
No, argues Andrew. Good manners at work continue to matter. Failure to show them can still harm your chance of success. They’re essential social skills to convey important messages. Without them, it's harder to form or maintain relationships, collaborate with others, or behave civilly.
Manners still count when you’re interviewing for a job, talking with your boss, or interacting with customers. They count even when there’s no special occasion.
Examples of bad manners at work include:
[INSERT DING SOUND FOR EACH]
- Direct rudeness
- Ignoring a colleague talking to you
- Using your phone while someone talks to you
- Interrupting when others are speaking
- Treating a disabled or disadvantaged person in an uncaring or insensitive way
Most senior executives and managers surveyed feel that good manners matter when advancing a person’s career.
Begin by tweaking your behaviour suggests Andrew, so that you deliver regular small acts of showing respect and gratitude. These build your confidence, influence and effectiveness and produce significant returns.
Commitment to civility can cascade rapidly throughout an entire organisation with benefits to all.
You can help make it happen, and along the way build your chances of success.
Why not listen to the Podcast again to get a firmer feel for follow-through action and perhaps read the available transcript at www.50Ways.site
You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Chit chat chucker: How constant gabbing may do you harm.
- Storyteller: Polish your storytelling telling skills to make a bigger impact.
- Joker: Using your brilliant sense of humour.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew explains in this episode why name recall matters at work and can contribute to your success.
He offers a five-stage process of
- Wanting to recall
- Repetition
- Visualisation
- Re-enforcement
- Usage
The starting point is you must really commit to learning a name. It doesn't just happen by itself.
He offers examples for each of these five stages. He also points out that people who say it's easy to recall names are wrong, no matter what system they use. The brain is not designed to instantly recall names.
This stuff is gold dust!All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Storyteller: Polish your storytelling telling skills to make a bigger impact.
- Joker: Using your brilliant sense of humor.
- Non-verbal: Watch peoples’ body language for essential insights.
Don't miss these essential success topics over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
In today's episode, Andrew tackles the contentious issue of why swearing and salty language at work can damage your career prospects.
He reveals that over half of employers admit they'd be less likely to promote someone who regularly swears at work.
That's despite the laid-back cultures of some less traditional places of work. Experience shows that swearing at work can harm career prospects, no matter how casual the organization's culture.
Occasionally expressing your emotions with nasty words may be tolerated at work; the trouble comes when you do it often and inappropriately.
And what if you feel disrespected or threatened by a colleague swearing at you? Andrew has some practical suggestions for you to consider.
Check out this revealing YouTube video on this issue:
Nick Kyrgios blows up at Wimbledon line judge and spectators | 9 News Australia - YouTube
This stuff is gold dust!All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
COMING SOON!
- Name Magnet: Why names matter and how to remember them.
- Minding Manners: “Please” and “thank you” could be your secret weapon
- Chit chat chucker: How constant gabbing may do you harm.
Don't miss these essential success topics over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
This brief reminder introduces a topical trailer about inappropriate behaviour at work.
He mentions the bad boy of tennis Kyrgios whose previous spitting, swearing, and in the finals, at Wimbledon, his energy-depleting behaviour did him no favours in the much-watched Wimbledon thriller.
He reminds you that his next week's topic deals with the issue of inappropriate behaviour at work and invites you to listen to his upcoming podcast.
This week Andrew takes a closer look at the Grapevine, something seldom covered for those fairly new to the world of work.
He explains the need to distance yourself from this dangerous creature. At any time it might lash out at you. Try and distance yourself from rumour and gossip he says since it's a way to improve your chances of success at work.
The grapevine is more reliable than often thought and some 70% of employees trust it more than hearing from their bosses.
Andrew suggests that you can become a grapevine influencer, a sort of Guru who remains passive or distant from this potentially dangerous creature.
As with all the 50 Ways podcasts, this one closes with three highly practical steps you can do to make the most of the Grapevine.
As usual, Andrew reminds you the listener you can keep up to date with the weekly podcasts by subscribing for free.
There are e-learning modules are based on his podcasts, at www. 50 Ways.site. There you will also find a transcription of this podcast if you'd like to absorb the rich content in a different way.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Cut the Cuss: Why inappropriate language can undermine your impact.
- Name Magnet: Why names matter and how to remember them.
- Minding Manners: “Please” and “thank you” could be your secret weapon
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Andrew launches the 50 Ways to Succeed at Work series with this first episode on asking questions at work.
He explains why this is so important for your success at work and how best to go about doing it. He also reveals that despite this being a common topic not a lot of attention for newcomers to the world of work is given to it.
So this podcast takes a closer look at the issue and reveals that it remains one of the most frequent faults that new employees make. They often see asking as a failure rather than a strength.
- Andrew introduces the serendipity effect where there may be unexpected benefits from asking that you might not predict. Steve Jobs of Apple fame is heard talking about this result.
- He challenges you the listener to say what marks you out as a time-waster or potential management problem and provides the answer.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
COMING SOON!
- Grapevine Awareness: Run a mile from taking part in rumor and gossip
- Cut the Cuss: Why inappropriate language can undermine your impact.
- Name Magnet: Why names matter and how to remember them.
Don't miss these important success topics due out over the next few weeks.DISCOVER!
- Definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Find all these at the Podcast website: www.50Ways.site
Follow up research and reading: https://www.50ways.site/post/follow-up-research-and-reading-episodes-1-10
Transcript: https://www.50ways.site/post/episode-1-ask-away
A polite nudge that the very first of the 50 Ways to Succeed at Work goes live next week and here's a quick taster.
Subscribe at https://www.50Ways.site to read definitive, carefully researched articles on this topic
- Access the full audio transcript
- Discover the specially created e-learning units based on the Podcasts.
- Participate in the Forum where you can ask questions about this Podcast or raise issues about work and receive answers.
Andrew explains that his new Podcast series starting on July 4th, stems from extensive research.
It's full of important know-how on how to be a success at work. It's stuff you may not have encountered if you're just starting at work or have only been working for a short time.
He also explains how different people decide what success means for them, For some success is a career, not a job.
He also draws attention to a series of e-learning modules based on his weekly podcasts. He suggests that this is mobile learning at its best.
Any sponsorship money for his Podcasts will partly go to the charity Action Aid. This is a great organisation and its money goes directly to those who need it, not to some unpleasant dictator.
His final word is a reminder that the new series starts on the memorable date of July 4th. So be there!
I am Andrew, and on July 4th, my new Podcast series, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work, goes live.
It's for those starting work such as school leavers, Uni graduates and others who are getting back to work. It should also be helpful if you've been at work for just a few years.
In this short trailer, I mention some examples of the issues I will be presenting.
Such as:
- Asking Questions at Work, or
- How to be a Grapevine Guru.
These topics are essential for success at work. Yet they seldom get much attention from careers people, advisers, or onboarding procedures.
You usually only find out later in life why they matter so much.
There are, yes, 50 podcasts, and they happen each week, usually on a Monday. You can also find them and more at https://www50Ways.site.
Please also look at the specially created e-learning units based on my podcasts. A leading e-learning company creates them with years of experience in making mobile learning enjoyable.
Prefer to read as well as listen? You'll find the transcripts of each podcast at the site. On some platforms, they come with the podcast itself.
There's something special about this series, as you'll discover when it goes live on July 4th 2022. You may also come across brief trailer reminders a few days before each podcast goes live.
If you like what you hear, please subscribe free. Why not spoil yourself and come on this free 50-week journey with me and build your chances of success at work?
You can discover more about why I have the nerve to tell you this stuff about ways to succeed at work by visiting the site. You can also contact me at: hello@50Ways.site.
There are millions of Podcasts out there, and I don't envy you sorting out what's worthwhile. But I'm determined that 50 Ways to Succeed at Work will stand or fall by the quality of the content.
You can always tell me what you like and hate most by contacting me at
hello@50Ways.site. I'm looking forward to travelling with you, wherever you are!
Andrew
Andrew shares more about his new weekly Podcast series, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work, launching on July 4th.
It is aimed at school leavers, uni grads about to start work, and those who have been at work for a few years.
He provides a couple of sample titles, such as "Taming The Beast: how to master your anger and impatience at work." Or "Smiler: why smiling's a habit that gets people at work purring with pleasures."
For those who prefer reading for vital information, episode transcripts will be available at www.50Ways.site, currently being finalized.
Andrew also mentions a series of e-learning modules based on his weekly Podcasts. These are interactive learning courses created by a leading UK publisher of mobile learning.
Launching on the special date of July 4th, Andrew urges you to make a careful note to avoid missing the first of the 50 Ways.
This explains the upcoming Podcast series 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.
It introduces the five themes of the new series, the first of which is Communicating for Success. This is a not-for-profit project, with 25% of any sponsorship money going to the charity Action Aid.
Many of the episodes deal with aspects of work that are seldom given attention by more traditional sources such as careers officers, employers, and even work colleagues.
The launch date of the new weekly series is July 4th and continues after that for, yes, 50 Weeks!
Andrew introduces his new weekly Podcast: 50 Ways to Succeed At Work which launches on Wednesday 1st July 2022.
In this first short trailer, Andrew explains what it is about and gives some examples of upcoming episodes. He invites you to join him on the launch date.
Transcript