How to deal with workplace dismissal March 19, 2015 An office fracas between employer and employee can be contained. We all know that when a business has an explosive falling out with one of its key members of staff, sides can be taken quickly and the rumour mill can go into overdrive. But in these cases, there are ways that both parties can preserve [...]
How psychology can make you a better negotiator March 18, 2015 Use empathy and build trust to get better results in negotiation. What can help make you a better negotiator? The common advice is to research your opponent and do your homework on what they want to achieve from the negotiations. But it’s also crucial to recognise the psychology behind the bargaining process. Several studies have [...]
Lessons from flexible workspaces March 17, 2015 Even established companies can re-create the environments that let startups thrive. For years, truly modern workspaces were the sole domain of Californian tech giants such as Google and Facebook. Smaller businesses were resigned to drab serviced offices or onerous, equally uninspiring, fixed leases. But with more innovative workspaces opening across the capital, London’s small [...]
Avoiding political clashes at work March 16, 2015 Consider an office policy, and don’t assume others’ points of view in the run-up to the election. It's often said that you should never discuss religion or politics in public, but this may well prove hard over the coming months. As the General Election campaign builds momentum, high profile individuals (and there are many [...]
There’s still value in pitching – even if you won’t win March 15, 2015 Don’t listen to Sun Tzu, says James Wilkins. A failed pitch could still open many doors. The art of War by Sun Tzu states that you should only fight the battles you know you can win. The same might be said of pitching to new clients. If you know you’re unlikely to be successful, it [...]
How to quit with confidence: Everything you need to know about resigning March 12, 2015 If you follow these steps, you can quit your position with confidence. Have you landed a dream job at a rival company? If so, are you about to have that awkward conversation with your boss? Before dropping the bombshell, there are certain things that you ought to consider first. Notice and timing It is [...]
How to use breaks at work to regain focus and improve productivity March 11, 2015 Improve productivity by making sure your brain gets just the right amount of downtime. It may seem that taking a break at work is a luxury you can’t afford, but it can be a powerful tool for enhancing your productivity. Several studies have shown the importance of letting your brain get distracted from purposeful tasks. [...]
How to get back into work after a career break March 10, 2015 Don’t be afraid to ask former colleagues for advice on what to do. The spotlight on the unemployed is often focused on school leavers and graduates. Among those looking to get back onto the career ladder, however, are many returners, struggling to stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive environment, despite their vast [...]
Why business needs military skills March 9, 2015 Dealing with uncertainty and embracing the future are attributes the corporate world needs. The world around us is changing at an incredible pace – the graph is not linear, but exponential. Advances in technology threaten to outpace the ability of individuals and organisations to keep up. Some, like professor Stephen Hawking, are concerned that artificial [...]
Danger zones: Everything you need to do to stay safe when working in risky locations. March 8, 2015 Deadly diseases, wild animals, terrorism, crime, kidnapping, political unrest, harsh laws, cultural misunderstandings, extremes of climate, loneliness and isolation – all risks that may be experienced by those assigned to work in dangerous places. From treating Ebola sufferers in Sierra Leone to oil exploration in Iraq, world events show that both the risks – and [...]