open plan offices

Working In Open Plan Offices Is Getting A Bad Rap

Working in open plan offices is getting a bad rap. They were designed to improve teamwork, increase communication and collaboration between staff. However, staff who are required to work in open plan offices report difficulties associated with noise, distracting behaviors, bad smells (Tuna sandwiches) cramped work spaces and lack of privacy. A recent survey from the University of Sydney by …

difficult conversations

How To Manage Your Expectations In A Difficult Conversation

When preparing for a difficult conversation, it’s normal to build expectations. But you should remember to set only reachable expectations. According to Travis Bradberry in his article, 8 Unrealistic Expectations That Will Ruin You, “Your expectations shape your reality. They can change your life, emotionally and physically. You need to be extra careful about (and be aware of) the expectations …

appreciation

Importance Of Appreciation In The Workplace

More than 35% of employees consider lack of recognition of their work as the biggest hindrance to their productivity according to a recent poll by Tjinsite, a division of TimeJobs.com. This poll discussed why recognition is important in the workplace and what is the easiest way to recognise people. Simply the easiest and most effective way to recognise employees is …

types of feedback

Three Types Of Feedback By Violet Dhu

Generally, feedback can be given either “in the moment” or daily. According to Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen from Harvard University, there are three different types of feedback based on purpose: Evaluation, Appreciation and Coaching. Evaluation feedback needs to be done “in the moment” to help the person receiving the feedback know where they stand. Appreciation and coaching should be …

Empathy

Using Empathy Is A Choice

“A prerequisite to empathy is simply paying attention to the person in pain.” – Daniel Goleman One of the many leadership traits that executives should practice is empathy. According to Ryan Makris in his article in Business First Magazine, “A leader must genuinely want to make a difference and develop staff to grow, yet many leaders are purely in the …

feedback conversation

How To Prepare For A Feedback Conversation

While many people avoid feedback conversations, feedback still needs to happen. And most of the time, especially with the right preparations, it can result in positive changes that lead to improvement and success. Feedback is not always bad. In fact, if we look at it positively, it is usually meant to help us become better. Unfortunately, one of the problems …