E24/S2 HANDBOOK HAPPY - Study any new employee notes or handbooks

Andrew discusses the importance of company handbooks for new employees. He talks about Boris, an employee who is tasked with creating a handbook without any guidance, budget or deadline. Boris reviews examples of successful handbooks from other organisations and decides to base his handbook on the employees' fears, worries, and queries. He contacts the recruits and creates an online app for the culture guide.
Andrew explains that company handbooks can be helpful for new employees, as they provide information about the organisation's culture, values, and expectations regarding workplace behaviour and performance. He suggests that employees should read the handbook carefully and consider what it tells them about the organisation's culture and rules that are essential to pay attention to. Andrew also notes that some information in the handbook may protect the organisation from possible litigation or help managers impose uniformity across the organisation, which aids with control.
Furthermore, Andrew shares examples of unique handbooks, such as the US retailer Nordstrom's famous rule book, which claims to have only one rule, "Use good judgment in all situations." He also mentions the Zappos Employee Handbook/Comic book and Netflix's culture guide, which explains the company's culture, values and expectations without a handbook. Andrew advises that while reading the handbook or watching a video makes sense, employees should ask themselves questions such as "What does this tell me about the company's culture" and "Is there anything I need help understanding that matters?"
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E23/S2 CHANGE MAKER - Be a Change Maker, not a Change Loser

In this podcast episode, Andrew discusses the story of Katharine Viner, the first female editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who turned around the struggling newspaper by finding new ways to fund the company and involving its readers. She demonstrated the needed characteristics of successful changemakers, such as asking more questions, offering more solutions, and building relationships to help cultivate change.
Andrew then relates Viner's story to the listener's situation at work, emphasising the importance of being a changemaker rather than a change loser. He suggests that success depends on supporting change rather than becoming its victim in a world of ongoing change. He addresses three main questions people tend to have about being a changemaker at work: how to be one, how to persuade those who disagree, and what to do if rejected.To be a changemaker at work, Andrew advises accepting that change is inevitable and preparing for it by pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, focusing on the positives of change, and learning to voice concerns. He also emphasises collaboration's importance and draws in everyone who can help make the change happen.To persuade those who disagree with the proposed change, Andrew advises seeking common ground and interacting with them instead of bombarding them with reports or arguments. He emphasises the power of engagement and the human voice to persuade.Finally, for those who fear rejection when suggesting change, Andrew advises being willing to risk failure and presenting a robust case for change, starting from a position of humility and being open to alternative views.Overall, Andrew encourages you to commit to supporting change, taking on more responsibility, and adopting a positive and supportive attitude towards change. Responding in this way can contribute to their success at work.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E22/S2 ASTUTE ADAPTOR - Why it pays to go with the flow

Andrew introduces the story of Deepak, a customer adviser, who is asked to move to the HR team to deal with the trade unions. Andrew explains adaptability as taking on new roles and responsibilities and adjusting work to reflect changing priorities. To be an astute adapter means staying calm and responding quickly to unexpected situations.  Andrew further elaborates on how AQ (Adaptability Quotient) is now an essential ingredient for success at work. To show adaptability, it is crucial to highlight disrupters, check assumptions, make plans, assess threats, and speed up how you work.
Andrew explains that showing adaptability also means accepting alternative ideas, unexpected changes, and urgent strategic requests. The second question Andrew addresses is about examples of adaptability skills. Andrew lists several learnable skills, such as clarity of purpose, resilience, active listening, and asking questions.
Andrew further suggests that people must constantly seek to upskill themselves by exploring the world more intensely, asking what-if questions, and looking for ways to unlearn what they already know. Andrew advises taking a step back when change is in the air and ensuring several options are discussed to promote brain and day-to-day flexibility.
In summary, Andrew emphasises that it is essential to be an astute adapter and adapt to change, and the speaker outlines the importance of AQ in today's rapidly changing workplace. One can show adaptability at work by highlighting disrupters, checking assumptions, making plans, assessing threats, and speeding up how you work.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E21/S2 SAYING NO - Can be empowering and helpful to your success, but handle it with care

Esme is deep in project work when the delegation arrives at her cubicle. All three team members wait patiently until she saves her current activity, and Andrew explains so that she can give them her full attention. Esme asks the team members some questions before committing to helping them with their project. This can make saying "no" empowering and helpful to success. But you need to say no with care. In this case Esme offers some alternative  names who might help the delegation.
As the delegation retreats, clutching the list of names, Esme pauses to consider what’s happened. One of the most challenging things she has learned in the last year is how to say "no" without upsetting those on the receiving end. Occasional refusals need to rest on solid ground and win respect, enhancing rather than damaging your reputation. Being willing to say "no" at work can be a powerful tool to protect yourself and enhance your integrity.
Andrew then goes on to answer three main questions that people have about saying "no" at work: why saying "no" is important, how to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," and when and how to say "no" to the boss or senior person. Andrew explains that saying "no" at work is essential because over-committing to clients, family, or new projects can leave no time for yourself or your pet projects. He also suggests ways to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," such as being honest, setting clear boundaries, and learning "no" phrases to make the conversation easier. Finally, Andrew advises that when it comes to saying "no" to the boss or senior person, it's essential to ensure that it's worth taking a stand and to never give in to demands that are abusive, unethical, or illegal.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E20/S2 MAKE SPACE - Give other people the psychological space and confidence they need to be seen and heard

In this episode, "Make Space," Andrew discusses the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. He presents two stories showing how employees can feel reluctant to speak up,.Such reluctance can undermine collaboration and harm decision-making processes. A lack of psychological safety can also lead to an environment where employees feel like their opinions do not count. Psychological safety promotes engagement, encourages people to speak up, and inspires creativity and ideas. Creating a psychologically safe workplace is one of the best ways to inspire employees to be fully present at work, feel safe and valued, and less likely to leave the company.
To contribute to creating a psychologically safe workplace, Andrew suggests that you need clarity about your role, show concern for team members, actively solicit questions, show value and appreciation for ideas, and engage in positive dialogue and discussion. Additionally, you need to respect and encourage colleagues to speak up, counter any negativity by others, and watch for hidden boundaries that may be preventing colleagues from speaking up. A lack of psychological safety affects people's performance by undermining collaboration, harming decision-making processes, and creating an unsupportive and unsafe environment.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E19/S2 CONNECTOR - Build strong work relationships

Andrew tells the story of Nadine, a member of a team who identifies the need to connect daily work with core values in response to a customer satisfaction report. She develops a plan that is implemented over three months and is instrumental in improving the team's customer service. The story serves as an example of the importance of being a connector at work, someone who helps build relationships and make connections. The episode then provides tips on becoming a practical connector, including reaching beyond your comfort zone, being willing to reconnect with people, and following up with contacts.
The first question the episode addresses is what jobs are suitable for connectors. The answer is that anyone can be a connector, regardless of their job title or position in the company. Being a practical connector involves keeping core values at the forefront of everything you do and showing others how to put those values into practice. The episode provides several tips for becoming a practical connector, such as thinking about others first, reaching beyond your comfort zone, and being a resource to others. Finally, the episode emphasises the importance of following up with contacts and obtaining permission before connecting people.
The takeaway from this episode is:  invest in relationships at work and give yourself your best chance of longer-term success.
 
Five ways to create stronger connections, The Way We Work, a TED series, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtZQT3avFaY&ab_channel=TED
Seven Ted talks that will teach you about connection, https://b-buildingbusiness.com/blog/grow/ted-talks-connection/
K. Caprino, How To Be A True Connector And Transform Your Career With Powerful Support, Jun 11, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/24rystxs
D. Brustein, Forget Luck. Become A Connector and Create Your Own, May 26, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/2t2bv82e
B. Attfield, ten ways to connect people in your workplace, Jostle, https://tinyurl.com/2p98dmhd
K. Cherry, Why Can't I Connect With People? February 24, 2022, https://tinyurl.com/y2dk857c
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E18/S2 TOXIC TURNOFF - Dealing with difficult work colleagues

It seemed a good idea at the time. Let's hire someone with high-level business skills, which need to be added to our young organisation.
“Let’s take a risk and recruit Tiffany ”, suggested one interview panel member.
“She’s counterculture, but she’ll be just what we need, agreed another of the panel.
“It’ll be an interesting hire; let’s see how it works out,” said the third-panel member.
It took several months before reality hit home. By then, disenchanted colleagues were branding her “Toxic Tiffany.” 
While Tiffany knew her stuff business-wise, she needed help to work with the team. It was not just that she was rude and insensitive. She influenced everyone else around her, denigrating her victim’s efforts, and the whole team suffered. 
For example, the team would meet, discuss an issue, and decide. Toxic Tiffany would then hold separate meetings, bad  mouth the agreed actions and say things like, “I’m not going to support that decision.”
One of her early mistakes was crossing Brandon, an influential but easy-going team member. A confident person, he was shocked when she dismissed his ideas in a meeting in language that showed her contempt for him. 
Unlike his colleagues, Brandon would not take this lying down. He made an appointment to see Tiffany and came straight to the point. 
“I will die at the barricades for your right to critique my ideas.” Then fixing her with a steely gaze, he declared:
“If you ever talk to me like that again, we will be at war with each other.”   
Tiffany blanched and realised that she had made a dangerous enemy. From then on, she was careful to avoid public speaking about him. That did not stop her from running him down when he was not around. He soon found out. 
Toxic Tiffany had no time for even her most senior colleagues. She told one he was a “waste of space” and another that he was “hard to work with”. It was as if Tiffany had a death wish, and no one was surprised, only relieved when she was asked to leave.
In your search for success at work, you may encounter a toxic individual and need to know how best to deal with a destructive person who may be doing nothing illegal yet be hard to neutralise.Every workplace has its toxic colleagues. There is no need not fall victim to them if you develop a strategy for action. 
Sources:Master the minefield - dealing with bullies, bozos & buffoons | Jeanne Sullivan | TEDxBarnardCollege, May 2015, https://
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E17/S2 BOSS BOVVER - Respect, love, or praise but don’t antagonise the boss

In this podcast, Andrew focuses on managing relationships with bosses in the workplace.  He explains that about 50% of employees leave their jobs due to their supervisors, and at least 10% of employees don't like their bosses. Empathy is essential, he suggests if you are to build a strong relationship with your boss, putting yourself in their shoes. That way you can start to understand their perspective and work with them better. Creating development sessions is another recommendation for building a strong relationship. These sessions can help you understand your boss's expectations and work towards helping to achieve them.
Delivering results is another vital aspect of building a good relationship with one's boss. It is crucial to set goals and work towards achieving them. Finding reasons to praise the boss genuinely is another recommendation. Recognising the boss's achievements and efforts can help build a positive relationship.
Andrew offers other solutions to common problems you may face.  For instance, when your boss keeps changing their mind about what's important. In such situations, Andrew suggests that you have a conversation with your bosses and seek clarity on what they expect of you.  Andrew's podcast ends this week by reminding you yet again that managing relationships with bosses is critical to success and effectiveness in the workplace. By following these recommendations and solutions, you can build strong relationships with your bosses and contribute to a positive work environment.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E16/S2 PLAY BIG - Avoid being petty at work and retain the bigger picture

In this episode, Andrew discusses the issue of pettiness in the workplace and its consequences. The story follows a team leader who is met with resistance when he announces new work coming their way. Sonia, one of the team members, becomes upset and vocalises her frustration, leading the team leader to label her as petty. However, when the leader discovers that Sonia is going through personal issues, he realises he has misunderstood her behaviour.
Next, Andrew addresses the leading causes of pettiness at work, which are essentially unwanted distractions from the main aims of a team or individual. Examples include ambient noise, equipment malfunction, conversations that disturb concentration, and letting the mind wander. Pettiness is often an excess reaction, where negative or vindictive behaviour is directed towards things that are typically meaningless. This can harm relationships and, if left unchecked, damage long-term success.
The text also outlines behaviours that amount to pettiness, such as acting immaturely or unprofessionally, constantly complaining about minor issues, giving disproportionate attention to detail, and losing sight of the bigger picture. Finally, Andrew suggests avoiding pettiness in the workplace, such as holding onto the big picture, refusing to be dragged into unimportant matters, setting priorities, and developing a sense of perspective.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book 

E15/S2 TAME THE BEAST - Be smart and master your anger and impatience

“Tame the Beast” provides insights into how to manage anger and impatience in the workplace. Andrew shares a story about Brian, who struggles to control his anger when he finds his favourite chair missing for the third time in a week. After a reprimand from his supervisor, Brian attends an anger management course and learns to express his anger in an assertive, not aggressive, manner. He also practices calming techniques such as breathing and meditation, works on a strategy to deal with chair borrowers and communicates his needs more effectively to his colleagues.Andrew emphasises that anger is not necessarily bad and can be a powerful force for change if channelled correctly. However, it is essential to acknowledge and communicate strong emotions safely. Andrew also addresses the effectiveness of venting anger and explains that while it may provide temporary relief, it can cause more significant problems down the road. Instead, he recommends taking a break, exercising, and practising mindfulness to harness and reduce the power of anger. The episode concludes by highlighting that acknowledging emotions can boost emotional intelligence and motivate individuals to focus on solving current problems.
 
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at
www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading
and
www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.
www.myhappinessatwork.com/book