The theory of evolution argues that survival depends on adaptation to the environment. Biological, psychological and behavioural characteristics in living things evolve or emerge in an ongoing battle to survive in a changing environment. Through the prism of evolution, leadership emerged because of the social needs of groups—that is, leadership is necessary for groups to […]
Read More… from Inspiring Hero or Humble Diplomat? The Core Functions of a Leader
An extensive review of innovation studies in leading academic journals reveal that constraints on innovation are not necessarily negative. In fact, according to this careful analysis of 145 academic studies, constraints increase innovation…. up to a certain point. When constraints are pushed too far, they stifle rather than enable and encourage innovation. The term ‘innovation’ […]
Read More… from Constraints Aren’t So Bad When It Comes to Innovation
The concept of agility — an approach to innovation and development based on shorter project timeframes, focused targets and ‘sprints’ — was first conceived in software development companies. Metaphors such as SEAL teams are used to describe these fast-moving, nimble project teams. This attractive concept is spreading to more traditional companies and industries, although with […]
Read More… from Ignoring Collaborative Demands Sinks Agile Teams
A new study shows how impactful customer contact can be in terms of employee engagement and organizational results. According to the study, contact with customers elicits the feeling in employees that they are working to help others, that their job is not just a task in a vacuum with no connection to the rest of […]
Read More… from How More Customer Contact Creates a More Energetic, Motivated and United Workforce
Recent corporate scandals as well as the recognition that great innovative ideas can come from lower-level and front-line employees are two important reasons that the most successful organization are those in which people at all levels are not afraid to speak up. An organization’s employees must feel comfortable and safe enough to alert leaders to […]
Read More… from Speaking Truth to Power Is More Complex Than You Think
The ideal candidates for a new job are highly competent and highly sociable. They are knowledgeable and skilled in their fields while at the same time have collegial and easy to work with personalities. Nobody is perfect, however, and many candidates will be stronger on one dimension than the other — they will come across […]
One of the key success factors of an organization is that its executives, managers and employees or staff are able to share with each other best practices and processes, new routines, innovations and all other beneficial and important knowledge. Unfortunately, rather than the smooth and widespread transfer of knowledge, organizations find that knowledge often gets […]
Read More… from How to Encourage Interprofessional Knowledge Transfer In Your Company
Friendship in the workplace can be a positive factor as friendly colleagues collaborate harmoniously, share information easily and support each other’s work. On the negative side, friendships can also lead to ‘friendship cliques’, in which the members work closely with each other but consider non-clique members outsiders, and perhaps competitors. Members belonging to a clique […]
Even the most well-intentioned people can be swayed by almost subconscious, automatic biases against certain categories of people — what scientists call “implicit out-group bias.” These biases emerge from engrained negative and positive associations that lurk in our minds. A team of researchers from Central Michigan University explored whether mindfulness meditation could help reduce our […]
Read More… from Mindful Meditation Helps Reduce Racial and Age Bias
There is much research and much human resources emphasis in recent years on finding, hiring and retaining star performers. New research involving nearly 60,000 workers in 11 firms reveals that a company will save twice as much money by exchanging a toxic worker for an average performer, than changing an average performer for a superstar. […]
Read More… from Expel Expensive Toxic Workers Before Hiring Superstars
