Workplace Wisdom Blog

Negative May Be Smart, but Happy is Better

Is happiness boring? It is, according to the “Anna Karenina principle.” Tolstoy’s famous opening line from the book of the same name says that happy families are all alike; unhappy families, on the other hand,... Continue reading

More Sleep Strategies

The sleep piece in the March 2011 issue of Workplace Wisdom received so many comments, chuckles, and questions in response that some additional suggestions seemed appropriate. If you have trouble actually making it to bed... Continue reading

When “Follow the Leader” Is Bad for the Team

Senior executives usually work at having strong relationships with their team members -- but surprisingly often, they don’t focus as strongly on their relationship with their team as a whole. What’s even more curious is... Continue reading

Signs of Socially Intelligent Life: Getting the Best from a Group

Seeking the “wisdom of crowds” is quite popular right now, and I’ve always believed in scanning the room to get the “sense of the group.” I’m also a big proponent of the value of teamwork... Continue reading

Nine Rules for Using (Surviving) Twitter

I resisted Twitter for a long time. 140 characters about, uh, lunch? Still, I do enjoy clever, and I appreciate good information -- and I certainly have opinions I can share. So after entering the... Continue reading

Pros and Cons of Technology for Talking and Thinking

Can’t we all just be humans together? Certainly part of being human is the intelligent creation and use of tools, but I want to feel like I’m using them, not turning into one. What Do... Continue reading

Oscars Smackdown: Franco Gave Up an Arm, But Hathaway Was All Heart

Randy Newman pointed it out: The producers of this year’s Academy Awards show instructed the presenters and nominees about the behavior necessary to ensure a “good television” experience for the viewers, but once the award... Continue reading

Are You a Supertaster? Taste is Temperamental

It looked like a tasty dinner. Daughter took a bite of potato, chewed it, thought for a second, and then complained of a strange feeling under her tongue and in the back of her throat.... Continue reading

Tomlin’s Touchdown: Leadership as Standard Business

Since the Super Bowl I’ve been thinking a lot about Coach Mike Tomlin. Football is not my sport (people knocking each other down on purpose?!?), so I’ve never been that interested in the Super Bowl,... Continue reading

A Thirst to Engage

Another flight, another aisle seat. We’re on time, the middle seat is empty, and I’m happily organizing myself for a week with my lovely client in Southern California, anticipating blue skies and pleasantly crisp mornings... Continue reading

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