Why companies should be hiring more graduates May 19, 2015 Successful firms will tap into their ability to learn and innovate. Companies are not often excited about hiring graduates. They’re nervous about their ability and autonomy, about under-investment in training, low expectations, and a disconnect with older, senior managers. But it pays to see the world slightly differently. If a business can accommodate a [...]
Is it time to think inside the box? Counterintuitive methods can generate fresh ideas and yield results May 18, 2015 Everyone knows that success in the modern world demands innovation and creativity. But generating innovative and creative ideas quickly and consistently can be difficult. Luckily, there are some sound alternatives to the traditional brainstorming session that could well come in handy next time you run into a creative block, or need to come up with [...]
How to master interview etiquette: A firm handshake may open doors, but the wrong questions can talk you out of a job May 17, 2015 Interviews are a minefield. You’re in an alien environment, it can sometimes feel like your interviewer is taking shots at you, and any misstep may result in total defeat. Anxious candidates are increasingly resorting to professional coaching in an attempt to immunise themselves, but the truth is there is no way of telling exactly [...]
The workplace designs that combat ageism: Floating desks and a paperless environment won’t suit the whole team May 14, 2015 There has been much hype recently about what makes an office “cool”. Respondents to a survey from a design company ranked a slide, personal barista and a puppy/kitten room as the top three “cool” requirements. These may appear on the wish lists of so-called millennials, but are they likely to represent the views of employees [...]
What leaders can learn from social activists May 13, 2015 Support for your cause depends on getting the right people on board. Social movements vary in size and scope, from the civil rights movement and the Arab Spring to small petitions seeking to rescue a local business or service. But they all have one thing in common: they’re led by individuals who are able [...]
The real secrets of Silicon Valley May 12, 2015 Beneath the magical veneer, there are business principles everyone can learn from SILICON Valley has become something of a mecca for talented entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. As a professor teaching them, I have had a ringside seat as some of the most driven businesspeople on the planet slug it out. Life here is [...]
How to stop the machines from killing your job May 11, 2015 Invest in skills that complement tech but don’t compete with it. Rapid improvements in digital technology are changing the nature of human work. Computers can now recognise human speech and use it to carry out simple instructions. They work alongside humans in factories, warehouses and fields. And they can parse through large databases in [...]
Wellbeing success in the workplace May 10, 2015 Webinars for those who work from home and regular sessions on seasonal illnesses can help. The total number of working days lost due to stress, depression or anxiety was 11.3m in 2013-14, according to recent statistics from the Health and Safety Executive. In our “always-on” world, it is perhaps unsurprising that we are [...]
Game changers: How to get them to full potential May 7, 2015 It’s vital that traditional structures don’t stifle these invaluable employees THE TRADITIONAL concepts of business manager and business leader are being challenged by a shifting global economy, new technology and an increasing demand for a more diverse workforce. And business strategies are being overhauled, as leading organisations recognise the importance of those individuals who deliver [...]
Can companies thrive in times of uncertainty? May 6, 2015 Resilience lets firms turn disruptions into new opportunities. We live in an increasingly interconnected and volatile world, so companies can find it hard to anticipate risky events that can cause significant financial losses. From minor shipment delays and weather disruptions to a major crisis like Ebola, it’s clear that things can often go wrong. [...]