Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

E28/S2 POSITIVE THINKER - Use the power of “yes and…”

Andrew explains the power of using “Yes, And” in communication to build on ideas and to promote active listening. The story illustrates how the team leader uses “Yes, And” to generate more ideas during the meeting. Saying “Yes, And” is not simply agreeing with others but accepting and expanding their ideas. Andrew highlights that saying “Yes” instead of “No” creates an environment for positive thinking and progress. The “Yes, And” attitude allows people to find common ground, accept and expand on ideas, and offer new thoughts that support the idea. Andrew suggests using “Yes, And” at work to promote innovation and inspire people. It could make a big difference and can be a recipe for personal success.
 
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 

E27/S2 WINNER, NOT WHINER - Grumblers seldom come out on top

We hear Gerald S complain about work. He thinks deadlines are unfair and that Nolan, the team leader, has it out for him.  His colleague asks questions and tries to understand but suggests that it might be time for Gerald to find a new job if he hates it so much.
Whiners like Gerald can be harmful to the workplace. They have a negative focus and are always looking for sympathy. Taking responsibility for your needs and wants is essential to avoid sounding like a victim. Focus on positive thoughts, help others, and avoid blaming others for your problems. If you need to talk to a whiny co-worker, use "I-statements." For example, "I feel like I can't help with that right now" or "I wish I had more time to talk, but I have a deadline." If that doesn't work, could you talk to your boss about the problem as an organisational issue, not a personal complaint? Remember not to get trapped in a whiner mentality yourself. Stay positive and avoid making everything seem like a disaster. Instead, focus on solutions and things that are going well.
 
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 

E26/S2 COME CLEAN! - How and why cover-ups can damage your career

Andrew discusses two stories in this episode, highlighting the consequences of covering up mistakes and how to handle mistakes at work. The first story recounts the Ford Pinto case where the company launched the Pinto car despite knowing it had a design flaw, and how settling burn victim lawsuits would save the company more than remedying the fault. The second story features Sheila Marcelo, founder and CEO of Care.com, who fired an employee, regretted it immediately, and later rehired the person. Marcelo learned that wrong decisions could be reversed, apologising does not indicate weakness, and taking responsibility for mistakes is essential.
Andrew advises handling mistakes at work, including the need to admit mistakes, accept the consequences, and avoid making excuses or inventing stories to explain the mistake. He emphasises that apologising is essential and can save one's job, showing maturity and professionalism. Andrew suggests spending time repairing relationships and identifying specific learning from the mistake. It's also essential to avoid blaming others and owning up to the error to demonstrate confidence and take cues from your behaviour.
Andrew also shares advice on forgiving oneself after making mistakes. He suggests being honest about what happened, apologising to those affected, and asking for forgiveness.Excessive guilt can be counterproductive, and moving on from the mistake and identifying specific lessons learned is essential. Finally, he notes that it's easier to come clean and take responsibility for mistakes than to cover them up, and hiding mistakes can have severe consequences.
 
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 

E25/S2 GRAB TRAINING - Stay alert for personal development opportunities

In the audio text, Andrew discusses the benefits of personal development and training opportunities. He tells the story of Brett, who was feeling unmotivated at work until HR offered him a tailored package that paid him to go to the gym twice a week during office hours.
Andrew explains that a personal development plan (PDP) is a roadmap to success that can help people clarify their goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, improve their employability, track their progress, and boost their mental well-being.
Andrew answers three common questions about personal development and advises people to create a PDP to clarify their goals, gain practice to grow their confidence, and take the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.
Andrew suggests two actions that people should take: investing time to create their PDP as a long-term investment in their success and getting clear on their personal development goals, gaining practice to grow their confidence, and taking the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.
 
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 

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