Very early in my career I participated in a two day retreat with my work unit. Our manager had organised the retreat with the intention of increasing our team connection and our performance. We came back even more disillusioned, disengaged and dysfunctional after one very telling team activity. (Image Source: www.olympic.org/photos)
Resources
Resilience: Its not what you think
I don’t often tell people about the kind of psychology I do. It’s not that I’m not proud of it, but because it is generally misunderstood. When I tell people my work involves applying positive psychology and building resilience in the workplace, they usually look at me like I’m a flake. It seems they picture me facilitating group hugs and Kumbaya sing alongs. (Image source: reachout.com)
What happens when you put two control freaks together on a tandem bike?
What do you get when put two control freaks on a tandem bike together? The same thing you get when you put two high achievers on a project together! Here are some tips for managers of control freaks, co-workers of control freaks, and the control freaks themselves (from a fellow control freak). Image source: www.tandembicycletours.com
Learning: Why it’s easier said than done
How can you learn and grow, when you feel you need to know it all to begin with? We are habituated to measure our success by external validation. For children, this may take the form of stickers, praise or grades at school. For us adults, it includes promotions, pay rises and positive feedback. Unfortunately, this external validation can undermine our capacity to learn and grow. (Image source: www.holidayssun.com; Puerto Banus at night)
Irasshaimase: The Art of Mindful Service
There is no chance of walking into a Japanese store unnoticed. And when you are spotted, you will hear a welcoming greeting – ‘Irasshaimase’ – which seems to reverberate around the room, with each available staff member joining in the chorus. Japanese customer service is mindful customer service. Time stands still and the most important thing in the world is the present moment. Image Source: http://agorafukuoka-hilltop.com/english/
What do bike riding in Japan and organisational performance have in common?
Want to drive performance? Have you thought about culling your policies and procedures? (image source: www.tokyobybike.com)
Overcoming the Imposter Phenomenon
Did you know up to 70% of people will experience impostor fears at some stage in their life (Gravois, 2007), and it actually occurs at similar rates amongst men and women? Phoebe Cook is a Consulting Psychologist at Within Consulting and the author of this fascinating article, outlining an experience that may be sabotaging your career success. (Image source: https://www.gardenamerica.com)
Lessons from Ordering a Mocha-Frappuccino-with-a-Caramel-Shot-on-Soy
Miriam Yates is a Consulting Psychologist and Project Manager at Within Consulting. Miriam shares her tips and tricks for changing behaviours and modifying our automatic habits, so they work for us – not against us! For more information, contact Miriam at miriam@withinconsulting.com.au.
GRIT
An inspiring review of Angela Duckworth’s book Grit, by Miriam Yates, Consulting Psychologist at Within Consulting.
Why do you need Grit? How do you get it? And why talent isn’t everything!
That Sinking Feeling
When do you get that sinking feeling? Is it when you’ve made a great big whopping mistake? When you feel out of your depth and not sure of what you are doing? Or when you receive negative feedback? Read more about working with that sinking feeling to be the leader/team member/partner/parent/friend you want to be.