Facing big challenges? Anxious you might not seize an opportunity, or that people and personalities might get in the way? There are some things in working life you can’t fix or tackle until the right moment comes; so rather than worrying, sometimes it’s best to save your energy and trust yourself to perform ‘in the … Continue reading Curling
Burnout
A lot to like, as so often, in HBR's top tips. We've all been there - overtired, overstretched and overwrought. Different people do different things; but when you're tired and low there are only three which really work: changing your perspective, small pleasures and rest. To Fight Your Burnout, Take Control of It When you’re … Continue reading Burnout
Anger
There is no better advice for any Specialist-Generalist than this - know when to step away. When you're cross, tired, stressed or rattled you're not helping anyone. That last sharp word, that 'in your face' exchange, that cutting edge in your voice - watch it; it never helps. Thomas Aquinas spoke in favour of 'righteous … Continue reading Anger
HBR – Craft Your Job to Make It More Satisfying
By John Worne It is in the nature of a Specialist-Generalist's job, that at least some of what you do you're not great at; and actually don't enjoy. That's the price we pay for variety - which is after all the 'spice of life'. But some weeks the mix of what you enjoy and what … Continue reading HBR – Craft Your Job to Make It More Satisfying
Down on the farm
All organisations moan about their planning rounds. Some say they want a clear process, some say they want a simple target; everyone wants more resources - and there's the rub. As I often say, the truth is: human beings go to war for resources. So not surprising then that anyone battling the annual planning round, … Continue reading Down on the farm
HBR – Don’t Let Pressure Turn into Stress
Pressure and stress are not the same thing. But the former is converted into the latter when you add one ingredient: rumination, the tendency to keep thinking about past or future events in a negative way. When you start ruminating (you’ll notice that your attention gets caught in an unproductive loop, like a hamster on … Continue reading HBR – Don’t Let Pressure Turn into Stress
‘Monetising’ Problems
By John Worne Not everything can be counted in money, nor should it be - but paradoxically putting a price on a deeply human problem usually helps move things along. Why? Once something intractable is 'monetised' as a "£1m problem"; either in direct spend to fix it or in potential hidden losses and impacts, then … Continue reading ‘Monetising’ Problems
HBR – Three Mindset Shifts to Help Avoid Burnout
An excellent short piece from the Harvard Business Review on managing yourself; Specialist-Generalists can get very stretched - here's how not to: February 10, 2017 Three Mindset Shifts That Will Help You Avoid Burnout Everyone faces stress at work, but some people are able to handle the onslaught of long hours, high pressure, and work … Continue reading HBR – Three Mindset Shifts to Help Avoid Burnout
The Specialist-Generalist 