Monthly Archives: January 2024

A Simple Hack to Help You Communicate More Effectively…

Using a structured approach when communicating can help you prioritise what you need to convey.

Next time you have a project that needs clarity in message to multiple stakeholders, try this approach and see if the results are different to your normal ways of working…

It’s the “What, So What, Now What” framework.

Much like the Swiss Army knife, known for its versatility and reliability, this structure is flexible and can be used in many different communication situations.

The structure is comprised of three simple questions:

1) What: Describe and define the facts, situation, product, position, etc.

2) So What: Discuss the implications or importance for the audience. In other words, the relevance to them.

3) Now What: Outline the call-to-action or next steps such as taking questions or setting up a next meeting.

Let me know if you found it a useful hack, good luck.

Stop Assuming Introverts Aren’t Passionate About Work

Picture this: You ask two of your direct reports to take on important projects for your team, expecting both to be passionate about the opportunity.

In response, one gets visibly excited, becoming animated as you discuss their ideas, and you notice them chatting with their co-workers about it over lunch.

The other reacts with less enthusiasm, remains calmer, and seems to keep to themselves.

Who would you conclude was more passionate about their assignment?

Society often assumes that the only way to be passionate is to act extroverted, but that is simply not true.

In recent research, it was found that regardless of their actual level of passion, extroverted employees are perceived as more passionate than introverts.

Moreover, this can drive substantial inequities in the workplace, as studies have shown that employees who are perceived as more passionate are rewarded by their managers, seen as higher-status and higher-potential, and are more likely to receive financial resources and other forms of support.

It is important to understand what drives these (often flawed) perceptions of employee passion and to develop strategies for managers and employees to ensure that true passion — not just extroverted behaviours — are recognised and valued.

Setbacks Can Actually Boost Your Career…

Many of us will face a setback at some point in our careers — perhaps we’ll be passed over for a promotion, fail to get the job we want, or even be asked to resign.

Because such experiences can shake our confidence and make us doubt our worth, trying to shield ourselves from them is instinctive.

But what if by focusing on the obvious negative aspects of setbacks, we miss their silver lining?

If you’ve hit a big pothole on the road to success, take heart.

Research shows that setbacks can galvanize your career in unexpected ways that make you more successful.

Three practices are key to turning them to your advantage: exploring whether your goals still fit your aspirations, opening yourself to unorthodox opportunities, and adopting a growth mindset.

You may find that it’s just the stimulus that you didn’t realise you needed.

If you need help sticking to your 2024 resolutions, here are 3 of my favourite productivity hacks:

1. Eliminate notifications: Mute 99% of your Slack channels, enable “Do not disturb” modes on your phone, turn off as many app notifications as possible, and actively click on “show fewer posts like this” on social media platforms.

The average person picks up their phone nearly 150 times a day.

Translation: There’s ample opportunity to choose what you want to see versus what algorithms want to show you.

2. Prioritise response times: Not everyone, nor every task, deserves first dibs on your attention. Group contacts and projects based on their importance to you.

3. Geofence your home: While I haven’t yet gone nuclear and put my phone outside the bedroom at night, I have restricted myself from checking anything other than text messages anytime my body is in bed.

This prevents me from working up to the minute my eyes close and waking up to work.

The big picture: Tame the noise.