Productivity

Decisions: should you act now or sleep on it?

We all have decisions to make daily, regardless of our seniority within an organisation or community. Our decision making paths are deeply personal, but most decisions have positive and negative ramifications for others, as well. Quick decisions let others move … Read More

How to turn your ‘rock star’ team member into an engaged leader

Always on time, reliable, wants to learn and executes exceptionally. If that sounds familiar then you may have a rock star on your team. These rock stars are often the go-to person, not just for you, but for other team … Read More

In times of uncertainty, should you stick or twist?

A company’s success or failure is ruled by many factors, not all of which are controllable. These include resource allocation, macroeconomic conditions, competitor behaviour, regulatory shifts, and technology advances. And when the chips are down, leaders are often faced with … Read More

How the moon landing can help your business

Last week saw the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. On the 16th July 1969, Apollo 11 left the earth carrying Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins on their historic journey to the moon. Four days later, the pioneers landed on the … Read More

10 surprising facts about meetings

Before calling or attending your next meeting, have a look at these 10 surprising facts. They can help make your meetings more productive (or less frequent)! 1. 15 mins is the optimal meeting time Longer meetings don’t get more done. … Read More

Work smarter not harder: easy to say, hard to do

We recently discussed how employees are increasingly experiencing burnout. When raising the topic in the workplace, the response is often ‘work smarter, not harder’. But how do you actually do that? 1) Put the comms away Data shows 70% of … Read More

Turn off your communications and start getting things done

A recent survey showed that 70% of us have email and other messaging channels open all day. Receive, read, reply send, repeat. Add in time for meetings, and things get even worse, with only 1 hour and 12 minutes per … Read More

Why collaboration unlocks greatness

silo /ˈsʌɪləʊ/ verb verb: silo; 3rd person present: siloes; past tense: siloed; past participle: siloed; gerund or present participle: siloing isolate (one system, process, department, etc.) from others. Silos are a common problem for organisations. A PwC survey indicates that … Read More

10 tips to avoid burning out

A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 67% feel burned out “sometimes, often or always” with 23% in the “often or always” categories. Almost all of us will experience this feeling at some point within our … Read More

Why work should be reframed as projects

Job stability is a very good thing. But job stagnation is very bad indeed. To prevent routine and boredom from affecting staff morale and productivity, employers should consider reframing work in terms of projects. Instead of seeing employment as a … Read More

investing in intangible assets

Why your most prized assets are intangible ones

One of the most successful taxi companies in the world doesn’t own any cars. One of the most famous hotel chains in the world doesn’t own any hotels. And one of the most beloved retailers in the world doesn’t own … Read More

multi generational teams

From T to Z: Integrating a cross-generational workforce

The modern workforce is unique in history as it is the first time as many as 5 generations are represented. From Traditionalists, to Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millenials, and now Gen Z – how does a company integrate employees that … Read More

management styles

How principle-based management can stop your employees leaving

If your company is experiencing high levels of attrition, it’s tempting to dismiss the issue as the result of natural causes like retirement, emigration, and family responsibilities. However, research by the IBM Smarter Workforce Institute cites job dissatisfaction as the … Read More

read about your passions

What to read to stay creative (part 2 of 3)

In part 1 of our Reading Series, we discussed the various ways reading helps you stay creative. So, the obvious follow-up would be to give suggestions on what you should be reading. And that’s exactly what we do in this … Read More

reading keeps you sharp

How reading keeps you creative (part 1 of 3)

If you’re stuck for inspiration, or you need a constant source of inspiration to keep you creative, the best thing you can do for yourself is READ. Which means the fact that you’re here is helping already. In this post, … Read More

more money

5 things employees want that’s not money

At the end of each month, what are your employees taking home? A paycheque? Or a sense of accomplishment at a job well done? If it’s just the former – that’s a problem. Because despite conventional wisdom, what employees want … Read More

career progression

Is your career stagnating? Here’s what to do about it

The alarm goes off. You wake up. You lie in bed contemplating the day ahead. What do you have to do? What new projects do you have planned? What gets you excited? Nothing. Today is a day like any other … Read More

time is money

Time is money. Are you making the most of it?

Between eating, sleeping, taking care of the family and the house, and miscellaneous chores like recycling and paying taxes, there are precious few hours in the day when you can dedicate to work – the kind of work that makes … Read More

tidy workspace

How to declutter your life: Workspace edition

Old magazines – check. Half-empty coffee cups – check. Complex maze of wires – check. Anything we forgot? Oh, how about some random paper clips, sales brochures, other people’s pens and maybe some pet toys thrown in for good measure? … Read More

how to be more productive

Find your productivity period: Early birds and night owls

It’s 7am. For early birds, this is prime productivity time. Brains are fresh, energy reserves are up, and you can’t wait to get stuck in the day. For night owls, this is the start of hell. With another 3 hours … Read More