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Read a fascinating book recently:  “The no asshole rule: building a civilised workplace and surviving one that isn’t.” by Robert Sutton.

Conflict in the workplace is a common topic, but what I particularly liked is Sutton’s exploration of individuals who cause conflict, and just exactly what they do to undermine performance.

Now apologies for those of you with sensitivities to language. Sutton himself explains how he, when asked by Harvard Business Review, to write about “mean-spirited people” in the workplace, felt using the AH terminology would be unacceptable, and yet using words such as “jerk” or “bully” or “difficult people” wouldn’t  have the same emotional resonance  for readers.

To his surprise, HBR not only published  his article using the word, he receive a deluge of responses from  readers, many of which told stories of real experiences with workplace bullies, tyrants and mean spirited people . more »

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Many of you may know Daniel Pink’s new book: “Drive; the surpising truth about motivation”,  is due soon.

I can’t wait to read this one when it comes out!

For those, like me, interested in motivating others, reserve your copy now!

I’ve just stumbled on a video of Pink’s discussing the research. There’s some great quotes in there. My favourites?

“There’s a mismatch between what science knows and what business does”.

“Those 20th century rewards/motivators we think are the natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances.”

“Those “if–then” type rewards (carrot stick) only destroy creatvity.” more »

What’s your employee turnover like? Do you tend to keep staff (particularly the good ones!), or is staff turnover an issue for you?

Is there a relationship between customer service and employee loyalty?

In the third Undercover Boss programme last night they followed Paul Fisher,, Head of the Jockey Club, as he went undercover to try to understand what was going on at the coal face of his organisation.

Now, this is a business which has few full-time staff. The vast majority of it’s staff are casual, part-time labour, which brings with it its own set of problems in terms of management and  customer service. more »

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I’ve recently been learning from my mentors how to do some of the techie stuff which has been scaring me for months! Learning how to navigate my wordpress site; learning the intricacies of Facebook and Twitter, and LinkedIn  and a whole new platform which will help me develop on-line programmes and resources to support new manager training.

Learning these things has been a little daunting, but with a little patience and persistence, a good coach, and some practise, I’m getting there! more »

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Found myself on my soap box this morning when I saw this question from Ankhur Chadha posted on Linked In from one of the groups in which I’m a member!

“We are starting an Employee Motivation Survey. Please share your ideas and insight on Do’s and Dont’s.

1. Necessity of conduction this survey.
2. Pre & Post planning of survey.
3. What should be the Sample size.
4. how to motivate employees to take part in the survey.

Would also like senior members to comment on the analysis and post analysis part of the survey.”

Here’s my response! more »