Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

EPISODE 18 (50) TOXIC TURNOFF - dealing with difficult work colleagues

Andrew introduces the Triple T or Total Toxic Turnoff at work. These are people whose attitude and behaviour can drag an entire organisation through the mud.  Or undermine individuals and even teams.It's essential, says Andrew, not to stay passive in the face of such people. Instead,  speak up and help to mobilise action. You won't regret it, and most of your colleagues will be in your debt!How do you deal with toxic colleagues who don't quite qualify for being labelled a Triple T?Andrew says to reframe them and stop seeing them as insoluble problems. Instead, try to figure out what they offer and where all this angst is coming from.Searching for this information will help reduce your resentment about their behaviour.No matter how much you like your job, it doesn't mean that all your co-workers will be a pleasure to work with.  The main point Andrew stresses are never let interpersonal problems affect your professionalism.He ends the Podcast with the usual three practical actions you can take about toxic colleagues:  1)  Examine your behaviour before blaming the other person as difficult2)  Communicate the issues you are having to the other person in a discreet way3) Ask a senior person for help if you can't solve the issue independently.Additional MaterialIn her book Jerks at Work, social psychologist Tessa West reveals her findings after 20 years of studying different "jerk" personality types. Understanding them is "a bit like profiling a serial killer.  You need to get into your jerk's head to learn what makes them tick."She also offers a quiz to determine whether you might be the jerk at work!Other professionals who have studied the toxic jerk at work say that the worst offences of workplace culture occur because many of us are unwittingly acting out our grievances. We have long-buried wounds from our childhood.  No amount of working from home (WFH) or work habits can protect you from idiots and other toxic contenders.  You can't avoid encountering annoying people at work, so figure out a strategy for dealing with them.As one commentator puts it: "The bogey (wo)man is rarely as bad in person as they are in your imagination. You can WFH. But you can't hide."Reference: V.Gloskop, You can WFH, but you can't hide from jerks as work, Financial Times,
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
 

EPISODE 17 (50) BOSS BOVVER - respect, praise or show devotion but don’t antagonize the boss

It makes no sense to get on the wrong side of your boss, says Andrew. But some bosses don't want to hear precisely what they should know. He says it takes bravery and cunning to keep giving the boss unwelcome news. Managing up is when you consciously work with your boss to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss and your organisation.  Managing up can help you succeed at work. Sometimes, as in the case example quoted in the notes here, there's a dark side and no matter how hard you try, giving the boss unwelcome facts proves impossible.  In most situations, though, you will be able to manage up. That means you establish a good relationship with your boss or supervisor.  This starts by making clear the goals you will be working on.Aim to become known for taking care of agreed tasks, reviewing finished work and delivering on time.  Unfortunately, it's common for inexperienced employees to present work which has not been adequately checked or well presented. Andrew closes this Podcast with the usual three action points. One must admit mistakes, accept rebukes with good grace, and thank the person for feedback. Another is to be sure to tell the boss when you go the extra mile. The overall conclusion is that a good relationship with senior colleagues is essential to your success at work, and be sure to find out what that person most wants from you in the job and be sure to deliver. Case study:The famous story of the Pinto, a car that Ford sold knowing it was faulty, is the ultimate case study of managers refusing to listen to uncomfortable feedback. Conservative estimates suggest Pinto crashes caused 500 burn deaths to people who would not have been seriously injured if the car had not burst into flames. The figure could be as high as 900.Ford knew the Pinto was a firetrap, which could have been fixed relatively cheaply.Yet the company instead paid out millions to settle damage suits out of court. It spent more millions yet lobbying against safety standards. With half a million cars rolling off the assembly lines each year, Pinto was the biggest-selling subcompact in America. The company’s operating profit on the car was fantastic. It took Ford eight years to do the right thing and modify the car because its internal “cost-benefit analysis,” which placed a dollar value on human life, said it wasn’t profitable to
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
 

EPISODE 16 (50) PLAY BIG - why it pays to avoid being petty at work

Andrew explains in this episode that pettiness flourishes like weeds in most organisations.  It happens when people become obsessed with unimportant matters or minor details at the expense of working on their priorities.Few people set out to be petty. Yet this behaviour often thrives in even the most efficient work settings.  Maybe just less than elsewhere.Want to see the wide range of issues that make pettiness at work? Google The Stomp Out Most Pettiness (STOMP) Checklist or click this link. Here are the first five items from the STOMP list of petty behaviour you might come across at work: 
Act immaturely or Act unprofessionally    
 Complain about noise levels  
 Complain about smells from food or other sources   
 Criticize or ridicule someone for being intelligent       
 Devote obsessive attention to inconsequential matters 
 What do you say in response to pettiness? Try any of these:"Is this relevant to our current priorities?""I hear your concern, but let's stay focused." I know this information is essential to you, but I also need it for my work. 
It's not petty, suggests Andrew, to tackle pettiness instead of just ignoring it. Why? Because such behaviour can damage: teamworking, meeting goals, policy, and performance.Andrew ends the podcast as usual with three simple actions you can take right away. These include checking your behaviour to make sure that you are not being petty or small-minded and listening carefully to those you think are petty to discover what lies behind their concerns.All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
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
 

EPISODE 15 (50) TAME THE BEAST - be smart and master your most difficult emotions

Mastering what gets your emotions into the danger zone can boost your chances of success at work. That's the core message from this week's Podcast from Andrew.He suggests that you need something to help master strong internal and possibly damaging emotions that occasionally may surface at work.The solution is to acknowledge your feelings and begin applying emotional intelligence. That is your essential awareness, to focus on what's happening. This can be liberating, channel your emotions, and help get what you want.Next, Andrew asks: What's your self-image when you get angry? How do you look, feel and sound? Do you like this picture of yourself. By taking a more mindful approach, you can harness the feelings and reduce their power over you.The Podcast ends with Andrew's suggesting three practical things you can do right away. One of these is accepting strong emotions are natural and not trying to ignore them.There's more at the Podcast website 50Ways.site where you can read a transcript of the podcast, ask Andrew questions, and consider extending your learning with specially created e-learning units you can access from anywhere.Here are some more practical things you can do when experiencing, for example, anger and hostility:
Recognize the fear driving your anger
Flow with the fear; allow yourself to feel it
Look for the good within you and not the bad
Practice "letting go".
Be prepared by noting when you feel anger towards others 
Avoid "should's", ie "should do this or that. 
Set realistic goals, so if you don't reach them you don't become frustrated and angry.
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
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
 

EPISODE 14 (50) TEAM PLAYER - why being a team player at work makes perfect sense

Andrew lists some major successful companies and explains that they all rely on having great teams in common. Most good employers see teamwork or collaboration as essential for their success. So you must take cooperation seriously if you want to succeed at work.No matter how brilliant you are, creative or talented, aim to make a great start by becoming a good team player.Andrew then shares a little-known secret about helping each other in a team. This releases a chemical called oxytocin in the brain, which creates a sense of well-being and positive emotions.The other not-so-secret fact Andrew mentions is the prediction that you will rely heavily on relationships to get things done at work. Even if you are a specialist with great expertise, you will still need good relationships at work to get things done or your work used.  Andrew ends with the usual three practical actions you can take right away. These include:Encourage colleagues to ask each other: "How can I help you?"Invest as much energy into other people's ideas as your ownHelp colleagues deal with challenging situations--it builds trust and connection.All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
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
 

EPISODE 13 (50) GOAL POLISHER - making others look good helps you to succeed

In this episode, Andrew explains how to be a Goal Polisher who understands goal setting, especially the critical part of the execution.The starting point is the definition of success for the goal. How will anyone know it's been reached.Focusing on execution can help you impress people who are supportive and knowledgeable.Andrew suggests that the "how" of execution is as important as the "what" of the goal itself.Excellent Goal Polishers says Andrew fight shy of the limelight. They put others in it to win people's trust and indirectly help themselves.In his usual three action points at the end, Andrew suggests that you should become familiar with goal setting techniques such as the well-known SMART goal method. SMART stands for goals which are 
Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
Achievable (agreed, attainable).
Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).
Time-bound or time-limited 
Sometimes SMART includes Acceptable rather than Achievable. What's important, though, is that you systematically apply a framework like this.All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
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
 

EPISODE 12 (50) SMILER - why smiling at work gets other people purring

Andrew's latest episode explores the benefits of smiling at work and how it can contribute to your success.He points to lesser-known facts about smiling. First, it releases a chemical in the brain that makes us feel good.  Which partly explains why we do it.Second, there's something called mirroring you should know about. If you smile at someone, it creates a mirroring effect. The other person automatically finds themselves reflecting on one of their own.Translate these facts and their implications for your workplace. You can now realise how and why your smiling can get others purring with pleasure without them even knowing why. Smiling alone, though, won't make you a success warns Andrew. But it goes a long way towards it.As usual, he ends the week's podcast with three actions you can adopt immediately and offers a suggested takeaway.All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.
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
 

EPISODE 11 (50) PERFECT APPEARANCE - why it matters so much at work

Does it matter how you look at work? Andrew thinks it does and in this episode he talks about demeanour.This is broader than the clothes you wear. It includes your general appearance, the importance of good hygiene, and more fundamentally how your demeanour affects how you feel inside.There's more tolerance days at work these days on how you look.  But check out what's expected. Turning up wearing the height of fashion may suit you but how will it land with others?  In some of the stuffier organisations, he says, you could be silently faulted for sloppy looks, a missing item of clothing such as a tie,  or messy shoes.  You may not lose your job for these failings but it could affect your long term success. The big secret Andrew shares is that demeanour profoundly affects how you think about yourself. His action suggestions include checking for a cultural miscue such as overdressing; meeting the basics of hygiene and cleanliness, and ensuring that your demeanour makes you look and feel good. Appearance Work Out
Find a full-length mirror as in a department store changing room. Consider installing one a home as part of polishing your demeanour.
Wear your regular work clothes and take a long hard look at what you see in the mirror.
CARE: does this person seem to take care of themselves? What changes could you recommend?
FLAIR: what makes you look distinctive? Does anything stand out, or is everything bland in terms of look, colour or design? What changes might introduce some flair?
AWARE: How appropriate is your appearance to your working life. Even if you like what you see, does it support the message you want to send to people about your wish to be a success at work?
All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
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
 

EPISODE 10 (50) LIVELY LISTENER - how to become a terrific listener and watch your impact at work grow

In this week's Podcast, Andrew introduces you to Trampoline Listening. This is the opposite of  Sponge listening, where you stay silent and absorb what the other person says. Trampoline Listening is more like bouncing on a trampoline in which people bounce ideas off you. It's when you act as an amplifier instead of passively absorbing ideas and energy.What's so particular about this kind of behaviour?  According to Andrew, most people prefer broadcasting, using airtime with their views and opinions.Trampoline listening, he says, is Authentic Listening and others enjoy and want more of it if they can get it.Andrew presents the three forms of Trampoline Listening. First, there's cognitive listening, in which you pay attention to all the information you receive.    Then there's Emotional Listening, where you manage your emotional reactions to what you are hearing. Thirdly there's Active Behaviour, where verbally and non-verbally, you show any interest in what the other person says. All three matter, and it can take a significant investment to master these completely. However, being aware of them can help enhance your listening impact.Active Trampoline Listening, says Andrew, promotes good communication and makes it obvious you are paying attention. This builds your reputation at work.All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
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
 

EPISODE 9 (50) NON VERBAL - watch peoples’ body language for essential insights

In this episode Andrew explains some of the secrets of non verbal communication.He points out that this is a useful source of information since communication at work is vital to success at work.The Non Verbal is important because people think and respond visually, we're built that way.Andrew introduces a quotation from Helen Keller that famous blind and deaf woman who despite her disadvantages became a master of reading non verbal signs.What does it take to understand these signals? Nothing more than being observant, self-aware and ready to show empathy.Context is important for interpreting the Non Verbal says Andrew. Certain signals can be misinterpreted unless you are sensitive to the particular situation.Andrew also shares some potent Non Verbal secrets used by ex President Clinton who was famous for his use of this approach. There's no shortcut to understanding body language. But you are equipped with an inborn instinct to look out for it and use it to your advantage.Quotation by Helen Keller read by Carol Leader.Also: check out this YouTube video: https://tinyurl.com/39k5rvs2All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.
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