Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

MORAL COMPASS – use your values to guide your actions

This episode delves into the significance of values in guiding our decisions and actions both personally and professionally.
The episode begins with a case study on the 2023 Washington Post staff backlash against a new editor, highlighting how values influence workplace dynamics and decision-making.
I underscore the importance of a moral compass, not just in personal life but also as a crucial factor for professional success.
Real-life examples, such as a young boy returning a lost wallet and an employee whistleblowing on safety concerns at Spirit Aerosystems, illustrate the impact of strong ethical values.
The episode also touches on the growing trend of 'climate quitters,' professionals who resign from companies with conflicting environmental policies.
I provide a series of thought-provoking moral dilemmas to help you test your moral compass. I end the episode with practical tips on how to strengthen your moral compass, emphasizing empathy, aligning actions with values, and being open to new perspectives.
Tune in to explore how your moral compass can lead to a fulfilling and harmonious life, and don't miss my book, "Happiness at Work," available on Amazon and the book's website.

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET--knowing when it's time to quit

Imagine getting your dream job. Now try imagining deciding to quit. It happens.
Achieving that dream job and abandoning it can seem highly unlikely at first.
Well, Ash Barty fulfilled her dream of winning Wimbledon in 2021, and the Australian Open in January the following year. Then Barty stunned the tennis world by quitting at the age of 25. She said,
"I don't have the physical drive, the emotional want. I am spent."
Starting your first job or even your second or third can be exhilarating. Earning money, learning new skills and meeting new people can make work seem like a continuous new adventure.
But what happens when the excitement fades? Suppose you begin to feel stuck or unappreciated. Or worse, the organisation changes around you and a new manager or colleagues arrive to make your once-dream job seem more like a nightmare.
Knowing when to quit can be challenging but crucial for personal and professional growth. What is essential right now, though, is to understand the signs that it's time to vote with your feet and move on.
There may be warning signals that a once much-liked job is no longer attractive. You're feeling unhappy. While occasionally discontent with work is normal.
If you find yourself dreading going to work every day, it's definitely a red flag. Persistent and unhappiness at work can lead to distress, anxiety and even depression. If you're constantly counting the hours until you can go home, it's maybe time to consider moving on.
You're no longer growing in the job. One of the main reasons people take a job is to grow professionally. If you've been in your role for a while and haven't learnt anything new or advanced in your or career, it might well be time to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Stagnation can lead to boredom and make you less competitive in the job market.
A toxic work environment is yet another red flag. Pay close attention to its presence, as it may tell you something important.
For example, if you constantly encounter negativity, office politics, bullying or harassment, it's a sure sign that you need to rethink your job. No job is worth your well-being, and prioritising your health over a paycheck is essential.
Disagreeing with your organisation's values too, that may be telling you to move on. It could be the employer's approach to environmental issues, social responsibilities or how they treat employees.
Check out the final podcast in this series which contains valuable information about your moral compass.
Better opportunities could also signal that it's time to vote with your feet and that there are better opportunities elsewhere. You probably already know the present situation by keeping your ear to the ground on the job scene.
Still, it's worth remembering that simply moving for the sake of money can be a deceptive gain. Prioritise your professional development to better align with your career goals.
Take Samantha, who left her company to pursue a new opportunity. Her previous firm was fine. However, the latest role allowed her to manage a team and gain additional skills to advance her career.
What Sam failed to realise was that the culture of her new company and her new boss were out of alignment with her personal values, leaving her distressed and unfulfilled. After ten months in the new job, Sam was able to show that her new skills and capabilities could fulfil a newly created position in her previous company. She boomeranged back and continued to grow her career.
Sometimes voting with your feet can be both sensible and a surprising way out of a previously unfulfilling situation. In Samantha's case, for example, she twice used it to resolve an unacceptable situation.
Now, let's talk about looking before you leap. Take a careful look at where you might land. Samantha, who we've just talked about, failed to do that and was lucky to be able to bounce back nearly a year later. Reflect on your decision and don't be hasty. Take time to think about why you want to quit. Write down your reasons.
Are there any ways to address these issues in your current job? Sometimes a conversation with your senior or someone in HR can lead to positive changes for you.
Another precautionary measure is to evaluate your finances. Are you financially prepared to leave your job? Having at least three to six months' worth of living expenses saved can provide an important safety net.
Yet if the job market proves less buoyant than you expected, the cushion may need to be improved. An inadequate cushion can add stress to your job search.
Do some basics around your resume and your LinkedIn profile. For example, highlight your achievements and any new skills that you've acquired. A polished resume can make a big difference in your job search.
And remember to network during the adrenaline rush following a decision to move on. Contact your professional network to let them know that you're seeking new opportunities. Networking can lead to job leads and recommendations that you might not find through traditional job searches.
And my final thoughts on this? Knowing when to quit a job can significantly impact your career and well-being. Be sensitive to signs that it's time to quit. Your career is a journey and it's essential to make choices that support your growth and happiness.
Check out my book, Happiness at Work. It's packed with great stories, compelling advice, and suggestions for tackling real issues that you can encounter at work. There's also an audio version if you prefer listening. Join me next week for another unmissable episode in Series 3. Bye for now.

UNBREAKABLE - building and Retaining your essential resilience

Taylor Swift, the pop singer, famously sang,
"Ask me what I learned from all those years. Ask me what I learned from all those tears. Ask me why so many fade, but I'm still here, I'm still here. I'm still here."
For Taylor Swift, success is a reward for her determination and perseverance, no matter what life throws at her.
Rebecca Adlington, the Olympic gold medalist, expressed her resilience as,
"I've never been more nervous in my life than I was when I got up at 6am today. I had a swim in the pool in the Olympic Village, had chocolate cereals for breakfast, then watched a little CSI Miami. After I arrived at the Olympic pool, though, I had to lie down, as I thought that if I sat up, I would have been sick."
Emma Warder, a young software engineer at Google, is an inspiring example of resilience.
She joined Google straight out of college and faced the challenge of adapting to a high-pressure environment and learning new skills.
Initially, Emma struggled with a complex project that involved a new, unfamiliar programming language. By spending extra hours learning, enrolling in online courses, and seeking guidance from mentors, Emma overcame these challenges.
Her resilience paid off as she became proficient in the new language, completed her project, and earned recognition from her peers and supervisors.
So, what is resilience? It's your ability to bounce back from setbacks and respond positively to challenging circumstances. Especially at the start of a career, resilience is crucial because the workplace can be unpredictable and demanding. Will you keep going in the face of adversity or give up?
I explain five steps to build your resilience:
Create realistic goals
Seek feedback
Stay positive
Build a support network
Learn continuously
My final thoughts? Resilience comes from coping with setbacks. Look for opportunities to keep learning and growing, and nurture your networks.
Check out my book, Happiness at Work, available on Amazon or at the book's website, myhappinessatwork.com. Join me next week for another unmissable episode in Series 3. Bye for now.

TRUST YOUR WISDOM--employers need your wisdom and insight

In this episode, I explore the importance of wisdom, intuition and insight in the workplace.
I delve into real-life stories of individuals like Lynn Tilton, Staff Sergeant Martin Richburg, Palmer Luckey, and Ben Silberman, who trusted their intuition to make remarkable decisions that led to significant achievements. Their experiences highlight the power of instinct and its role in guiding better decision-making.
I also provide practical advice on embracing your core values, listening to your intuition, learning from mistakes, and seeking mentorship to harness your wisdom. By doing so, you can navigate your career with confidence and authenticity.
I show how trusting your natural wisdom can lead to personal and professional success.
Don't forget to check out my book, Happiness at Work, on Amazon  or the book website myhappiness@work.com for more compelling advice and stories. Tune in next week for another insightful episode in Series 3. Bye for now!

ARE YOU BUSY OR ACHIEVING?

Are you constantly busy but not seeing tangible results? This episode explores the detrimental effects of focusing on quantity over quality and provides practical strategies to regain control and shift from busyness to achieving.
Learn how prioritizing tasks using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and techniques such as the Pomodoro method can enhance your productivity and job satisfaction.
Discover the stories of professionals like Alicia and Arkim, who transformed their work lives by focusing on high-impact activities and saying no to low-value tasks. Embrace mindfulness practices to manage stress and maintain focus, and start achieving your goals effectively.
Don't miss out on the next unmissable episode in Series 3 on Sunday next 

THE PRIMA DONNA SYNDROME--how to avoid it and handle those with it

Today I delve into the intricate world of the prima donna syndrome—how to recognize it, avoid it, and handle those who exhibit it.
Meet Blake, a charismatic project manager whose egotistical tendencies have led to professional isolation and personal loneliness. We'll explore how prima donna behavior, despite its leadership qualities and visible contributions, can be detrimental to both personal and professional relationships.
Through real-life examples of high-profile figures like Marissa Mayo, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Gordon Ramsay, and Michael Ovid, we examine how prima donna traits manifest in various industries and their impact on teams and organizations.
Learn the symptoms of prima donna syndrome, including the need for control, a sense of entitlement, and a lack of empathy. Discover strategies to manage and cope with prima donnas in the workplace, from setting clear boundaries to focusing on facts and solutions.
If you suspect you might be exhibiting prima donna behaviours, I offer practical advice on self-awareness, humility, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. And if you're dealing with a prima donna colleague, my tips will help you navigate these challenging interactions effectively.
Don't forget to check out my book, Happiness at Work, available on Amazon and at myhappinessatwork.com, for more compelling advice and strategies for workplace success.
Tune in at 50ways.site for more episodes packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Join me next next week for another Episode of Series 3, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work

PARTNERS OR RIVALS? –help your career by resolving this dilemma

In episode 44 I explore the delicate balance between collaboration and competition in the workplace through the story of Morton, a new recruit at a mid-size tech company.
Morton faces his first major challenge: a viral marketing campaign for a new product launch. He quickly realizes that collaboration with peers, who are also his rivals, is essential.
Guided by his team leader, Mosi, Morton learns the benefits and pitfalls of working closely with others.
The episode delves into how Morton navigates this complex dynamic, from improving communication and building strong relationships to setting personal goals and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of autonomy in balancing collaboration and competition.
Tune in every Monday to discover valuable insights and strategies for succeeding at work by effectively managing the compete or collaborate dilemma. 
Don't forget to check out the other episodes of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" and my book, Happiness at Work, available on Amazon and the book's website. 

BE A CLIMATE CHAMPION--inspire others and boost your reputation

In Episode 43,  "Be a Climate Champion: inspire others and boost your reputation," I delve into the importance of addressing climate change in the workplace.
Do you have strong environmental concerns? Learn how you can influence your employer's sustainability practices without alienating colleagues.
I talk about "climate quitting," where young employees leave jobs for greener pastures. A Deloitte survey reveals that 70% of job seekers consider an employer's green credentials crucial. Discover how you can become a climate champion and push for climate action within your organisation.
The episode outlines a journey with six key destinations: Build Alliances, Start Small, Leverage Your Skills, Scale Up, Educate and Inspire, and Highlight Organisational Gains.
Learn from real-life examples of individuals like Sarah Collins, John Miller, Raj Patel, Emily Chen, Maria Gonzalez, and Ahmed Khan, who successfully implemented sustainability initiatives in their workplaces.
I provide practical tactics to try, such as requesting meetings with managers, celebrating small victories, joining or starting a green Employment Resource Group (ERG), and advocating for energy-saving practices.
Your positive and persistent efforts can lead to significant improvements in your workplace's environmental impact.
Join me for this insightful episode and learn how addressing climate change can enhance your growth, satisfaction at work, and possibly your career growth. Don't forget to check out my book, Happiness at Work, for more great stories and advice. See you next week for another unmissable episode in Series 3. 

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND STORY—craft your narrative for a lasting impression

Today's episode is about your personal brand story. I explain how to craft your narrative for a lasting impression.
Cristina Scoccia, CEO of Ilia Cafe, joined in 2022 to expand the Italian coffee company outside of Italy. She says,
"I came in with a clear objective. I see my role a bit like a doctor's. I like taking care of a specific condition. Once I'm done with the job, I like to move on to the next patient." Christina made the overall task reflect her brand.
All of us need to understand the importance of branding, says Tom Peters, the management consultant and co-author of one of the most successful business books of all time. He says,
"We're CEOs of our own companies, me, Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketeer for the brand called you," he continues.
Many others echo similar sentiments. For example,
"Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room," says Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Jonathan Sachs, co-founder of Free Range Studios, stresses that your brand "extends beyond your online presence. It's about consistent interactions with people and shaping how you're perceived."
Dan Schwabel, a personal branding expert, explains that "your brand is what makes you weird, makes you unique, and therefore makes you stand out."
Let's look at crafting a brand narrative. Crafting your brand narrative is a big ask. Even becoming comfortable thinking of yourself as a brand requires clarity about what's realistic and what you can live up to.
For instance, there's a big difference between aiming to be seen as a competent musician and expecting others to see you as a direct competitor to Taylor Swift or Beyoncé! It's not that you can't dream, but effective branding has to be solidly grounded in some reality.
Your brand narrative or personal story is a powerful way to bring your brand to life. This narrative helps you consider what you want and the behaviours you may need to adopt to support the brand.
The narrative is like a film, a story around a campfire, or even a computer game. What, for example, would the audience see or hear?
Here are the five basic steps to help you think about your personal brand and bring it into daily existence:
Identify your core message
Create characters that embody your brand values
Design a plot 
Incorporate conflict or challenges
Conclude with a resolution
My final thoughts about developing a narrative:
Develop a narrative that expresses your brand
Get clear on the core values of this brand
Demonstrate your brand value through your daily behaviour.
 

TREASURY OF CONTACTS—developing this vital career asset

In episode 41 I talk about your "Treasury of Contacts: developing this Vital Career Asset," I delve into the importance of building a robust network of professional relationships.
I use insights from Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, and his approach to creating a valuable network that has significantly contributed to his entrepreneurial success.
I discuss how to develop your contact treasury, emphasizing the quality of relationships over quantity--learn how to deepen existing connections and widen your network with meaningful contacts.
Discover strategies for maintaining and nurturing these relationships to support your career development and overall well-being.
I also cover the evolution of contact management systems.
Finally, we highlight the ongoing effort required to build and sustain a valuable network.
Join me for next week's insightful episode 41 in Series 3, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work