Work Archives

What Is Upstream Thinking? Journeying to Find the Root Cause

What is upstream thinking? Why is it a superior problem-solving strategy? In Upstream, Dan Heath advocates for focusing energy on upstream problem-solving. He concedes that the concept of working on the root causes of problems is not always the easiest route, but it does offer the potential for improving flawed systems and reducing harm on a broader scale. Continue reading to learn what upstream thinking is and why it’s a better way to solve problems.

How to Hone Your Work Style to Create Masterful Work

What’s your work style? Did you create it deliberately? Would you like to develop your own unique way of working? Throughout history, many famous innovators—whether they engineered scientific breakthroughs or composed revolutionary musical pieces—went through a process of developing their own style of work. You, too, can go through this process and make a unique mark on the world. Read more to learn how to develop a personal style that sets you and your work apart in your field.

Crafting & Sharing Your Career Story With Others (and Yourself)

Do you look at your career as just a timeline with points on it? What if you saw it as a story? Whether you realize it or not, your career has a narrative. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end (in the past or in the future). You’re the main character who has certain motivations and faces obstacles along the way. Keep reading to learn how putting your career story into words can be powerful for colleagues, prospective employers, and even yourself.

The Power of Saying No and Setting Boundaries

What is the power of saying no? Why should you set boundaries at home and work? If you want to make others happy, you might be inclined to say “yes” to everything. But, as The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden claims, this could prevent you from achieving your dreams because you’ll lose focus. Learn more about the power of saying no and how boundaries keep you on the path to success.

How Storytelling in Presentations Sets Up & Bolsters a Message

Do you give presentations at work? Are you ever called on to make a toast? Does your company have an origin story that needs to be told? Stories have an important place in presentations, whether you’re pitching an idea, introducing a product, or giving a lecture. In Unleash the Power of Storytelling, Rob Biesenbach provides practical advice for using storytelling in presentations, including your corporate story and even a toast or eulogy. Keep reading to learn how to engage an audience by using storytelling in presentations.

How to Stay Productive All Day: Create a Marathon Out of It

What is a productivity marathon? How can you stay productive all day? With phones and email distracting us all day, it’s easy to slack off and get off task. By taking a productivity marathon, you can check off all the items on your list and stay focused on the task at hand. Here’s how to stay productive all day, according to Jeff Haden’s book The Motivation Myth.

How to Heal From Burnout: 6 Tips to Relieve Stress

Are you exhausted from work and home from responsibilities? How do you heal from burnout? Physical, emotional, or mental burnout is something you can experience when you neglect your personal needs while overworking yourself. The most common symptoms of burnout are exhaustion, lack of motivation, and even more dangerous effects such as high blood pressure and insomnia. Here are six tips that will teach you how to heal from burnout.

How to Create an Innovation Strategy in Business + Example

Why do most innovation projects fail? How can you increase the chances of your innovation project succeeding?? According to Larry Keeley, the author of Ten Types of Innovation, most innovation projects often fail because they don’t have a well-defined scope or clear objectives. In Keeley’s experience, assigning a team to figure out an innovation strategy in business with well-defined goals generates beneficial innovations for your company. Here’s how to create an innovation strategy with a clear direction and a high chance of success.

How to Organize Tasks: The Important vs. the Irrelevant

Do you feel like you’re always juggling tasks? Do you focus only on what’s in your hand at the moment and leave important tasks up in the air? To reach your full potential and accomplish extraordinary things, Matthew Dicks says you must learn how to make the most of your time. The first step is to stop wasting time on unnecessary tasks. Read on for Dicks’s advice on how to organize tasks in a way that allows you to accomplish greater things.

Quick Tips for Delegating: Unloading the Necessary But Trivial

Do you have too much to do? What’s the best way to go about getting help with tasks? You’re busy doing big, important stuff. A certain category of tasks keeps getting in your way: necessary but unimportant. The lawn needs mowing, but you’re too busy making a living. This is where task delegation might be the right solution for you. Keep reading for a few tips for delegating that will help you focus on what matters most to you.