All posts by Bruce C Pappas

A Counterpoint to the Trend of being “Authentic” at Work

This goes against conventional thinking; that’s the point! Here is another piece of the growth mindset puzzle:
“Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, here’s another piece of advice: forget what you think you know about who you are. This kind of thinking will professionally trap you, says Herminia Ibarra, an expert in leadership and professor at international business school INSEAD.”
http://www.fastcompany.com/3040878/hit-the-ground-running/how-authenticity-is-standing-in-your-way

The Positive Results of Being Negative

Much has been said and written about the power of positive thinking. I, too, subscribe to the idea, along  with a healthy balance of the negative (Barbara Fredrickson extolls a 2:1 balance.) Here is what Stephanie Vozza writes as 5 positive results of being negative:
1. Negative thinking helps you avoid failure.
2. Negative results can strengthen your focus.
3. Negative moods can produce better teamwork.
4. Negative thoughts provide a healthy balance.
5. Negative reminders can keep you grateful.
I think she’s onto something.
http://www.fastcompany.com/3038199/the-positive-results-of-being-negative

 

The Fine Art of Negotiations

Frankly, as a negotiator, I don’t always get what I want and that’s okay by me; I get what I need (with all due respect to the Rolling Stones). How about you? [I like her 5 points.]
“Fletcher says good negotiators have an ability to do five things well when striking a deal:”
1. THEY SET THE STAGE;
2. THEY FIND COMMON GROUND;
3. THEY ASK WITH CONFIDENCE;
4. THEY EMBRACE THE PAUSE;
5. THEY KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE.
http://www.fastcompany.com/3037251/how-to-be-a-success-at-everything/5-habits-of-people-who-always-get-what-they-want

Be More Like Tesla

Start with a bold goal: Be More Like Tesla: How To Turn Your Company Into A Movement
“Businesses that change the culture–instead of just campaigning for sales–will transcend individual products by inspiring customers to something greater than just mindless consumption.” Your thoughts?
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036818/be-more-like-tesla-how-to-turn-your-company-into-a-movement

Four Roots of Employee Engagement

Culture U has this right: The Four Roots of Engagement
#1: People Want to Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Themselves
#2: People Want to Feel a Sense of Belonging
#3: People Want to Go on a Meaningful Journey
#4: People want to Know Their Contributions Make an Impact

What are you doing to engage employees?
http://www.cultureuniversity.com/the-four-roots-of-engagement