I have long maintained that there is such a thing as “positive” office politics. “Bah!” You say with skepticism. “No such thing.” Here’s my counter-argument: there’s nothing inherently wrong with people who use power and status, but it’s the way in which they use it that gives office politics its bad name. It’s those “people…
Personal Effectiveness
Why One-Size-Fits-All Recognition Doesn’t Work
Appreciation matters. According to research by recognition experts OC Tanner, only 61% of people feel appreciated at work. And although many employers think the reason people leave is compensation, only 12% of people who leave their company cite that as the reason for their departure. The real reason folks are departing? A whopping 79% say…
5 Tips for Building Your Superhero Power at Work
When we were kids, all it took was donning a beach towel cape and running through the neighborhood to make us feel strong and competent. A simple garment addition and voila! We were superheroes. Then, we grew up and went to work. At your place of employment, you might be less inclined to feel the superhero…
11 Ways to be a Giver at Work
In the New York Times bestselling book, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, author Adam Grant makes the case for being a “giver.” He writes, “Givers don’t wait for signs of potential. Because they tend to be trusting and optimistic about other people’s intentions, in their roles as leaders and mentors, givers…
Should You Give Advice or Coach?
“Hey, I need a sounding board. Can I run something past you?” This is pretty typical at work, especially if you’re a leader. But what if you’re not in a position of titled leadership? If you’re an individual contributor, congratulations! Somebody sees you as a trustworthy confidant. Should you offer advice or coach them? Is there…