Posts

Brainstorming: A Super Important Skill

  Brainstorming is super important because it helps us unlock a whole bunch of ideas and possibilities that we might not have thought of on our own. Think of it like this: when you put a bunch of minds together, or even just dedicate some focused time to free association, you're creating a space where creativity can really flow. Benefits of Brainstorming: ·       Generates a wide range of ideas: Brainstorming encourages quantity over quality in the initial stages. This means you're not filtering yourself and you're more likely to stumble upon some truly innovative or unexpected solutions.   ·       Sparks creativity and innovation: One person's idea can trigger another, leading to a snowball effect of new concepts and approaches. It's like building blocks – one idea lays the foundation for the next. ·       Encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives: When done in a group, brainstorming brings t...

Values-Based Rational Decision-Making

  "Values-based rational decision-making" is an approach that combines the structured, logical process of rational decision-making with a strong consideration of one's personal or organizational core values. Instead of solely focusing on objective facts and potential outcomes, this approach emphasizes aligning choices with what is deemed important, ethical, and meaningful according to those values. Rational Decision-Making ·       Identify the problem: Clearly define the issue that requires a decision. ·       Establish decision criteria: Determine the factors that will influence the decision. ·       Weigh decision criteria: Prioritize the criteria based on their importance. ·       Generate alternatives: Brainstorm a range of possible solutions. ·       Evaluate alternatives: Assess each alternative against the established criteria. ·    ...

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect the decisions and judgments people make. They arise from our brain's attempt to simplify information processing, and while they can sometimes be helpful, they often lead to irrational or inaccurate conclusions. Categories and Examples:  Biases Related to Memory: ·       Hindsight bias: The "I knew it all along" phenomenon, where people perceive past events as more predictable than they actually were. ·       Recall bias: Systematic error due to differences in accuracy or completeness of recall to subjects regarding past events or experiences.  Biases Related to Decision-Making: ·       Confirmation bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms preexisting beliefs. ·       Anchoring bias: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the "anchor") when making deci...

The Science of Persuasion

  The science of persuasion explores the psychological principles that influence people's attitudes and behaviors. A cornerstone of this field is the work of Dr. Robert Cialdini, who identified key principles that govern how people are persuaded. Key Principles of Persuasion:   Reciprocity : ·       People tend to return favors. If you do something for someone, they feel obligated to do something in return.   Scarcity : ·       People want what is limited. The perception of scarcity increases demand.   Authority : ·       People are more likely to comply with requests from perceived authorities or experts.   Commitment and Consistency : ·       People strive to be consistent with their prior commitments. Once they make a choice, they tend to stick with it.   Liking : ·       People are more easily persuaded by those they li...

Incivility Erodes Productivity

  Workplace incivility, even in its subtle forms, can significantly erode productivity. Decreased Focus and Concentration: ·       When employees experience or witness incivility, their mental energy is diverted from their tasks. ·       They may spend time ruminating on the negative interactions, leading to difficulty concentrating and reduced efficiency. Reduced Motivation and Engagement: ·       Incivility can create a sense of disengagement and demotivation. ·       Employees may lose their enthusiasm for their work, resulting in lower quality output and reduced effort. Impaired Communication and Collaboration: ·       A climate of incivility can hinder open communication and collaboration. ·       Employees may be hesitant to share ideas or participate in team projects, fearing negative responses. ·    ...

Civility & Employee Retention (Just the Bullet Points)

  Civility in the workplace plays a crucial role in employee retention.   1) Creates a Positive Work Environment.   2) Enhances Employee Engagement.  3) Reduces Turnover Costs.  4) Improves Team Collaboration.  5) Fosters a Culture of Respect.  6) Decreases Negative Behaviors. In essence, civility is not just about being polite; it's about creating a workplace where employees feel respected, valued, and supported. This, in turn, leads to higher employee retention and a more successful organization. K. H. Little Consulting Services Kenneth H. Little, MA KHLittle603@gmail.com kenlittle-nh.com  

Civility and Employee Retention

  Civility in the workplace plays a crucial role in employee retention.  Creates a Positive Work Environment: ·       Civility fosters a sense of respect and belonging, which are essential for employee satisfaction. ·       When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to enjoy their work and stay with the company. ·       A positive environment reduces stress and burnout, which are major contributors to employee turnover.  Enhances Employee Engagement: ·       Civil workplaces encourage open communication and collaboration. ·       Employees who feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions are more engaged in their work. ·       Increased engagement leads to higher productivity and a stronger sense of commitment to the organization.  Reduces Turnover Costs: ·     ...