Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

HEURISTIC HERO--solve problems, make better choices, build your career

Today's episode, "Heuristic Hero – Solve Problems, Make Better Choices, Build Your Career," dives into the power of heuristics in the workplace.
Learn how Jai, an IT support expert, uses heuristics to resolve issues efficiently and how these mental shortcuts can enhance your decision-making skills, simplify complex problems, and boost your productivity.
Discover the different types of heuristics, such as availability, representativeness, anchoring, recognition, and affect heuristics, and see how successful figures like Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk have applied them to their careers.
Understand the benefits and potential downsides of relying on heuristics and how to use them strategically for better outcomes at work.
Join me in exploring how heuristics can be a game-changer in your career, leading to better judgment, adaptability, and success. Don't miss this enlightening episode of Series 3 of 50 Ways to Succeed at Work. For more episodes, visit 50ways.site, and check out my book for even more insights and practical advice.
See you next week for another unmissable episode in Series 3. Bye for now.

SLEEP, THE REAL THING--accept no substitutes!

This insightful episode of 50 Ways to Succeed at Work, series 3, dives into the hidden connection between sleep quality and job performance.
I highlight the potent examples of prolific French writer Balzac and Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, to exhibit divers and impactful sleeping patterns.
I delve into scientific research regarding the links between sleep, focus, attention, and workplace performance. The evidence shows that a well-rested individual is more competent in handling complex tasks and staying energized.
I further emphasise the risks of sleep deprivation that result in mistakes and slower reaction times, detrimental especially for professionals in high-stakes fields like the medical industry, emergency services, and critical office environments.
The episode also includes the role of emotional well-being, supported by employers' increasing initiatives that encourage better sleep habits to improve productivity and establish happier, healthier work environments.
The highlighted case studies of Google and General Mills show the benefits of integrating wellness programs into their organisations.
Additionally, the episode warn you about sleep deprivation and its significant impact on the workplace, citing insomnia rates among adults in the US and the UK.
I next lay out actionable strategies for optimizing sleep, introducing the concept of the 'body clock', durational napping at work, and ways to create sleep-conducive environments to enhance overall sleep quality.
I end the episode reiterating how a well-rested individual greatly contributes to a better work environment and ultimately improves performance. I urge you to embrace healthy sleep habits to empower your carer and your life. 
Check out my book Happiness at Work, its at the book's web site and on Amazon.

THE SLOPPINESS TRAP- how to avoid it on your way to success

 
 

IS YOUR JOB A WRITE-OFF OR WORTH SAVING?

In this episode (32, Series 3) of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work," I delve into whether your job is a write-off or worth saving.
The episode features a compelling case study of Malcolm Lee, who found himself in a situation where he felt his job was trivial and damaging his mental health. His journey of re-evaluating his career and his purpose could serve as a valuable guide for those facing similar challenges.
I offer a practical tool for self-evaluation using four insightful questions. It underscores the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our jobs and how this clarity can be a powerful source of energy in our work lives.
There are plenty of cues in the episode on counteracting a mundane work life with positivity. The importance of countering negativity, taking a news break, shifting your perspective are some of the ways for re-engaging with one's job.
Reflecting on what drives you, what your values are, what you're good at, and the influence you wish to have can also aid in job salvage.
I stress the importance of exploring opportunities outside your job, seeking contributions to your team or organization along with expressing gratitude towards your colleagues.
The episode culminates in advice against making rash decisions and urges you to stay positive during decision-making to make the most out of your existing circumstances.
Listen to more podcasts from the "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" series, available on the 50ways.site, also available in my book, "Happiness at Work", packed with great stories, advice and suggestions at Amazon or the book's website, myhappinessatwork.com.
Join me next week for another enlightening episode.

RESISTING ROUTINES--stay flexible and avoid becoming a robot

 
Join Andrew in this intriguing episode 31 of Series 3 of the '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' podcast, where he takes an in-depth look at our dependence on routines and their impact on careers and lives.
When the Covid 9 pandemic disrupted daily activities worldwide, we received a unique opportunity to evaluate the routines that dominate our lives.
Despite routines' perceived comfort, they can have detrimental effects, even turning into career killers if unmanaged.
This episode reveals how routines impact our neurological functions, dulling our senses and creativity. This insight offers a unique perspective on how we can rethink routines.
The insight highlights the value of novelty, spontaneity, and the interplay between the familiar and the unexpected. Andrew encourages you to fight against routines that turn life colourless and undermine careers.
From self-care to small victories and consulting with higher-ups, this episode provides strategies to tackle the negative effects of routines. Moreover, it encourages you to design the routine that works best for you, focusing on one's natural tendencies.
Throughout this episode the focus is not on abolishing routines but deliberately disrupting them.  Your aim should be to find a balance that encourages productivity and creativity without rigid confinement.
A mixture of expert insights, real-life examples, and practical advice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone caught in the trap of routine monotony, looking to reintroduce dynamism, flexibility, and happiness into their work and personal lives.

DIVERSITY CHAMPION--respect and mobilise differences

Welcome to the 30th episode of Series 3 of the '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' podcast, presented by Andrew. In this enlightening episode titled 'Diversity Champion, Respect and Mobilize Differences,'
Andrew delves deep into the compelling subject of diversity and inclusion (D&I) at workplaces. He highlights its importance, the challenges involved, and provides practical advice on how individuals can become diversity champions within their organizations.
Andrew begins with outlining the many benefits of embracing diversity, such as improved risk handling and promotion of fresh thinking. He portrays D&I as a journey rather than a destination and urges patience and understanding with those who are yet to appreciate its values in the quest for an inclusive workplace.
Explore how fostering a more inclusive environment can elevate your career. Andrew illustrates how organizations wrestle in making sense of D&I and discusses the need for effective, ground-level diversity programs.
The episode raises important questions about the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution, and highlights the importance of thinking outside the box to maximize the gains through D&I initiatives.
An interesting part of the episode features 9 concrete techniques on how one can actively support and encourage D&I in the workplace. This ranges from understanding organization's diversity goals, responding to engagement surveys, to driving positive change in the organization, and more.
In his closing remarks, Andrew emphasizes the necessity of diversity and inclusion for success at work and encourages listeners to actively engage in practices that support and promote it.
Don't miss this enlightening episode, available now on '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' podcast and discover the power of D&I!

MENTOR ME--why you need a mentor, how to find one, and get the best from them

 
Join Andrew in his weekly podcast, "50 Ways to Succeed at Work", as he delves into the power of mentorship. This episode helps you uncover the importance of a mentor and how to find the right one to fuel your professional growth.
A mentor is more than just a guide for professional development—they can contribute to your personal development, providing resilience and empowerment to tackle life's challenges.
Tune in and gain insights on how a mentor, with their wealth of experience, can offer strategic advice to accelerate your professional growth. Mentors can help you reach your full potential by helping you hone essential skills and expand your network.
However, finding the right mentor can be challenging. Andrew provides tips on how to reach out to potential mentors, propose a meeting, and show gratitude once you've established a mentor-mentee relationship.
This episode inspires by providing case studies of individuals like Sarah Morsbach and Janet Phan, who have flourished under the guidance of a mentor.
Immerse yourself in the wisdom of '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' and delve into the rich library of nearly 100 episodes, each offering practical solutions to a myriad of professional challenges. Don't miss out on Andrew's book, 'Happiness at Work', a treasure trove of essential tips and strategies to elevate your workplace happiness. Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes and enrich your professional journey!

ASK SMART QUESTIONS--raise your profile and build your career

In this episode of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work," host Andrew takes you on an informative journey that explores the power of asking smart questions and how it can bolster your career.
He discusses how smart questions can shape conversations, uncover hidden insights, challenge assumptions, and drive learning.
Andrew highlights the story of Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, who made questioning an essential part of his management strategy despite the extreme unpredictability and urgency that his innovative company faces.
Andrew also provides a deep-dive into five different types of smart questions - investigative, speculative, productive, interpretive, and subjective - explaining how each can be utilized in various scenarios to facilitate better conversation and understanding.
Furthermore, Andrew provides practical advice on how to become a smart questioner by being curious, actively listening and asking follow-up questions.
He emphasizes that these questions not only encourage learning but also foster relationship building by showing genuine interest and valuing others' opinions.
Finally, he invites listeners to explore other episodes of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" and encourages them to check out his book, "Happiness at Work," available on Amazon and its website.

STAND-IN--—you briefly become a team leader and avoid the pitfalls

Episode 27 of the 50 Ways to Succeed at Work podcast series examines the challenges and opportunities of stepping into a temporary leadership role.
Andrew shares practical advice and insights on effectively managing your team in a stand-in capacity while avoiding common pitfalls.
Andrew emphasises the need to understand the boundaries of the temporary role and the importance of maintaining tag with the established team dynamic.
As the temporary leader, your key responsibility is maintaining momentum, driving cohesion, and ensuring the team's focus remains fixed on the objectives at hand.
The episode dwells on the significance of transparent communication in fostering unity within the team besides encouraging creativity and innovation.
Andrew warns against analysis paralysis - the fear of making mistakes which can be detrimental to decision-making - and exhorts listeners instead to be decisive, even when faced with calculated risks.
Andrew also explores the issue of micromanaging, a deterrent to creativity and trust within the team, and advises against falling prey to this habit.
Instead, he suggests empowering team members to manage their tasks, thereby boosting productivity and spurring innovation.
Feedback, delegation, and focusing on the bigger picture are other aspects Andrew delves into.
The episode ends with the encouraging note for stand-in leaders to consider the experience as a growth opportunity that leaves a lasting positive impression.
In conclusion, taking care of yourself and having clearly defined objectives are integral to successfully leading a team, even if it's for a short duration.
Find more episodes of ‘50 Ways to Succeed at Work’ on the dedicated website. You can also explore Andrew's book ‘Happiness at Work,’ available on Amazon and the book's website.

RAISING THE BAR--saying goodbye to mediocrity

About the Episode
"50 Ways to Succeed at Work: Raising the Bar is the 26th episode in Series 3 of Andrew's weekly podcasts.
This episode emphasises the importance of refusing to settle for mediocrity and continuously pursuing better performance and higher-quality work.
Andrew illustrates how aiming for higher standards can be the catalyst for significant career developments, with an example of a customer service employee raising the bar for her entire team.
Key Takeaways
The episode presents a real-world example of a customer service agent - Jenna, who decides to elevate the standards for customer responses.
Her commitment to promptly and personally cater to customers’ inquiries leads to an impressive surge in customer satisfaction, thereby enhancing the reputation of her company.
Andrew suggests every individual has the potential to resist mediocrity and set admirable standards in their roles.
Andrew also delves into how one can get trapped in a cycle of low performance standards. He reiterates how significant it is to strive for excellence, and even if perfection isn't reachable, the process of chasing it can induce mastery.
Andrew suggests valuable ways to raise one's performance bar, such as focusing on strengths, aiming a level higher, learning from peers, and focusing on making a difference rather than getting entangled in minutiae.
The episode ends with an encouraging note to nurture higher standards for enhanced career confidence and outcomes.
Conclusion
"50 Ways to Succeed at Work: Raising the Bar, Bidding Farewell to Mediocrity" is a thought-provoking episode that urges listeners not to settle for the ordinary, but impel towards the pursuit of excellence at work.
Andrew's pragmatic advice in this episode, coupled with his compelling narrative, provides listeners with the necessary motivation to defy the status quo, raise the bar and significantly boost their career trajectory.
About the Podcast and the Book
You can explore other compelling titles in Andrew's weekly podcast series, "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" at 50ways.site.
Andrew's book, "Happiness at Work" available on Amazon and myhappinessatwork.com, offers an in-depth exploration of real work issues accompanied by sound advice and solutions to tackle them.