We are in uncharted territory in these COVID-19 times, but can still learn from the past. The last World Pandemic we had was the Spanish Flu in 1918. So, I thought I would interview my two grandfathers who were born in the 1890s and lived through this. What can we learn from their experiences? My paternal grandfather, M. E. Sheehan, essentially invented the gig … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Spanish Flu Era
productivity
The Happiness Advantage
Research shows that “happy employees have, on average, 31% higher productivity; their sales are 37% higher; their creativity is three times higher.”* That is quite a “happiness advantage” both for people who are “happy” and organizations who cultivate “happiness” in their employees. In an article by Shawn Achor in Harvard Business Review*, he outlines three ways that … [Read more...] about The Happiness Advantage
Leadership Rejuvenation
Most people who have found themselves in leadership positions agree on one thing – leadership is exhausting! Leaders not only have to worry about their own deadlines, projects, goals, etc., but also the deadlines, projects, goals, etc. of their followers. With so many plates to spin, it can be difficult for leaders to find the energy to do everything they need to do, and … [Read more...] about Leadership Rejuvenation
Unforced Errors & Winners
Wimbledon just concluded and the US Open is just six weeks away – time for some great tennis! I’m not a good player, but here are a few of my observations from watching some excellent matches. I think there are some takeaways we can apply to our working world. Champions Minimize Foolish Mistakes. One statistic that the commentators refer to is “unforced errors” – errors … [Read more...] about Unforced Errors & Winners
Positivity Power: More than Smiley Faces
Positivity – it’s more than Smiley Faces and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” slogans. And it is a lot more than encouraging people to put on a fake air of cheerfulness (“Shiny Happy People”). During the past twenty years, Positive Psychology has advanced tremendously as a science and we have learned a lot about ourselves. Key among these findings – people who have more positivity … [Read more...] about Positivity Power: More than Smiley Faces