Feelings of panic, stress and uncertainty were likely felt by many throughout New Zealand during the earthquakes on Monday. As New Zealanders, earthquake stress is something we are learning to address and understand. There are opportunities to support each other, develop strategies to cope and be prepared for the future. Some people are able to 'keep calm and carry on' in the aftermath of … [Read more...]
Walking the Tightrope
What would you do? Here's the scenario: A customer rings up and you take the call. The customer is calling to complain about a report they received from your company. They complain that the report is poorly written and contains a number of factual errors. You check the report and see that it's written by your manager. What do you do? 'Saving face' - it's a concept that we usually associate … [Read more...]
'Mood based’ working areas which eliminate a designated desk and chair, an emphasis on wellness and healthy working environments, blurred boundaries between home and work are all characteristics of the future of our working environment. Gone are the days of arriving at your office desk at 8am to start work, morning tea in the staff tea room at 10am, lunch at 12 and home at 5pm. Skype conversations … [Read more...]
Games, Bots and Videos – The Changing Face of E-learning
E-learning is now so integrated into our daily use of the internet that we barely recognise it as learning. Whether it is reading a blog, a linked-in post, watching a TED talk or subscribing to a webinar, e-learning has challenged the traditional frameworks of classroom training and learning. The Journey So Far E-learning by definition, is learning conducted via electronic media – typically on … [Read more...]
Language Matters
There's a part of me that dies inside when I hear cliches. Business ideas described as a 'gap in the market' (seriously?), managers who talk about 'going forward' (it's quite difficult to go backwards), or 'blue skies thinking' (translated = I have no idea how to solve this problem). Cliches are overused expressions which lack originality of thought and clarity of intent. I'd rather spend time … [Read more...]
‘Cause you had a bad day
OK, you've had a bad day. It all started when you ran out of petrol on the way to work, but things really turned to custard when someone bumped into you on the way out of the cafe, knocking your flat white to the pavement. A grumpy co-worker aggravates you all day by interrupting you with trivial questions. Then on the way home from work you stop at the supermarket for the regular, weekly shop. … [Read more...]
Trust is like oil
Trust is the oil that reduces friction in a relationship. It is a platform for effective understanding, communication and relationships and the key element in all relationships at work, home and in our social lives. And because we’re human, trust is key in business and politics. The 2015 Edelman Trust Barometer study found that countries with higher trust levels overall also show a greater … [Read more...]
What makes a good team?
We're genetically wired to be part of a team - whether it's a work team, a family or a sport's team. We depend on building a team for success and happiness. So, why do we find them so difficult? The chart gives some clues. In a team of 2 people, one connection or relationship is required. For 3 people, 3 connections are required. So far, so good. But by 5 people, the connections required double … [Read more...]
E-learning – A Personal Encounter
Bob Lavigna. Jim Kouzes. Hardly household names and when pitched against names like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter they are hardly a blip on the radar. Nevertheless, unlike the English rugby team, they are my heros. Bob Lavigna led the research on employee engagement - a progression from 'job satisfaction' of the 1970's to 'commitment' (1980's) to 'engagement' (1990's) ; that guides leadership … [Read more...]
The E-Learning Effect
What is e-learning? Most of us have heard of it, some may have even tried it and more and more of us are considering it an attractive option when deciding on training. E-learning by definition, is learning conducted via electronic media - typically on the Internet. With origins in distance learning, the rise in popularity of e-learning is fast accelerating. Try browsing on-line courses and you … [Read more...]