A sleepless night can trigger up to a thirty percent rise in anxiety levels.  That’s according to new research from the University of California Berkeley.  But the researchers also identified the type of sleep that calms you and resets your brain.   During periods of deep sleep or non-rapid eye movement, slow-wave sleep, the heart rate and blood […]

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According to the Society of Human Resource Management, a growing number of employers are looking for ways to address sleep apnea and insomnia among their employees.  A recent SHRM article by Kaiser Health news’ Phil Galewitz says rising healthcare costs are driving companies to address this issue. Hartford Financial Services has been actively helping employees deal […]

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According to Gallup, companies that allow employees to work remotely not only increase engagement and retention, they also reduce their carbon footprint.  When employees work at home, they use less paper, less electricity and produce less solid waste. In addition, they drive fewer miles and emit less carbon dioxide.  Sun Microsystems reported that when they allowed 24,000 […]

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Recently, government agencies have started to pull back on their telework arrangements.  As a result, one agency found no increase in productivity.  But sick leave and vacation requests increased, and two-thirds of employees considered quitting.  Today’s workforce has embraced jobs they can do remotely.  What was once seen as a special privilege is now an expectation.  For companies to attract […]

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Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.”  While her words can be interpreted in a number of ways, here’s one take… If we go through life only tending to that which is handed to us, […]

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Although no one listening is likely to be on the 2024 moon mission, we can all learn a lot from the astronauts NASA has chosen.  In a recent Inc.com article Psychologist James Picano shared the three qualities — besides the technical skills and abilities — that made these women and men ideal for the job.  They […]

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Diana Ross once said, “Instead of looking at the past, I put myself ahead twenty years and try to look at what I need to do now in order to get there then.”  Great advice for anyone looking for perspective and ways to set goals and make choices.  Whatever your time horizon, one year, five years, […]

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If your meetings are rambling and unfocused, it may be time to learn or relearn what makes a meeting effective and meaningful.  Start by identifying the meeting’s objective.  Are you looking for updates, ideas, or decisions?  Are you communicating changes or educating about plans?   Often times meetings have more than one objective. In that case, clearly identify what […]

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Lifelong learning is an important way to stay relevant, marketable and innovative.  Success.com asked members of its Young Entrepreneur Council what they do to engage in lifelong learning outside the traditional classroom setting.  Here’s are answers from three of them. Travel.  There’s no better way to embrace new ideas and educate yourself than by exploring new places, meeting […]

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In my experience, I’ve seen how innovation and effective problem solving are more easily achieved when companies actively seek interdepartmental collaboration.  They break down long-standing silos and encouraging open communication.  Microsoft Workplace Insights contributors offer these tips to accomplish this challenging task. Broaden your employee’s vision.  Bring diverse teams together to work on an initiative. They’ll uncover a […]

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According to a recent article from Microsoft Workplace Insights, employees who reach outside their silos gain skills faster and make ore sales.  But many companies aren’t built to function across teams, departments or divisions.  Here are three things Microsoft recommends doing to create cross-silo collaboration. Develop and deploy cultural brokers. Look for people who already excel at interdepartmental […]

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Do you feel guilty about seemingly never being able to catch up?  When you’re home at night or away from your desk, are you plagued by negative thoughts about what you’re not getting done?   Harvard Business Review contributor Art Markman says sometimes guilt or shame can motivate us.  But other times, it’s better to let go. How? […]

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In a recent Mind Tools Twitter poll, forty-four percent of respondents said they need to learn how to better manage their expectations about career progression.  For thirty-three percent it was managing expectations about how they’ll be rewarded.   Sometimes our expectations can lead us astray, causing us to become easily frustrated or act in ways that aren’t […]

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Every year, Gallup invites their client organizations to apply for the Exceptional Workplace Award.  Part of the process includes nominating the best managers in their organization.  Here are two things that stood out when 2019 Manager of the Year Finalists were asked how they lead, navigate change and develop successful teams.   One manager said he coaches his […]

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For the past 81 years Harvard has been conducting “The Study of Adult Development” to answer one question.  What keeps us happiest as we go through life?  The answer:  good relationships. Inc.com contributor Scott Mautz took a look at what gets in the way of good relationships. The demands and distractions of work are becoming more and more […]

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In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the Dalai Lama shared his thoughts on ways leaders can contribute to a happier world and workplace.  He offered three ways leaders can BE to cut down on stress and anxiety, as well as build cultures of cooperation. Be mindful.  Don’t let destructive emotions like anger and attachment cloud your ability to […]

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Buddhist tradition describes three styles of compassionate leadership.  In a recent Harvard Business Review article, the Dalai Lama described how these styles operate. The Trailblazer is someone who leads from the front, takes risks and sets an example.   The Ferryman accompanies those in his care and manages the ups and downs of the crossing.   The Shepherd sees everyone of […]

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The new year is underway, but it’s not too late to think about how you’d like to navigate 2020.  To that end, Oprah.com contributor Ariane de Bonvoisin offers these five thought-provoking questions. What do I most want to feel this year?   Look at goals from an experience angle rather than a task to complete.   Who am I […]

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Being kind to yourself has a ripple effect at work and at home.  It’s how we build up what we need to face the world.  One of my favorite New York Times columnists, Tim Herrera, reached out to experts for ways to treat yourself with kindness in the new year.  Psychotherapist Emily Roberts says Take more time for […]

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Strategic thinking is one of the most important skills today.  It comes with its own language that new and aspiring managers might not be accustomed to hearing or using. Here’s a quick primer from executive coach Helen Baxter Southworth. External scan means learning about the competition, it’s key players and the market forces that influence your business.  An internal […]

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