How You React At Work

How You React To 

Other People's "Stuff" At Work ...

Is More Important Than You Think

One of the best things about work is interacting with smart people who you like. One of the worst things about work? Interacting with everyone else.

We continuously react and respond to people around us in the workplace. Sometimes the interactions are positive and productive. Other times - without even realizing it - we react to people in ways that are at best non-productive, and at worst damaging to our success.

Remember Newton's three laws of motion? Every object moves in a straight line unless acted upon by a force. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force exerted. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Your world at work may not seem as simple as this science, but the general theory applies. On a typical day, you do your work and mind your own business until someone says something, does something, or causes something to happen. Without fail, you react to some degree. You respond favorably to your smart and likable co-workers. You probably react a little less favorably to others. 

The tricky part is that you probably "react" more than you think, even if it isn't obvious.

The more aware you become of your natural and subtle reactions toward others, the better you'll perform and the more favorably you'll be perceived. People tend to think that success is about big and obvious factors. I'm here to tell you that the more subtle way you handle yourself at work matters. A lot. 

Want to perform better and feel better at work? Watch out for these three common reactions.

Principles of Success

Principles of Success:

A Quick Guide to Achievement

There's no question that success takes hard work.

Here are ten principles that make it... a little easier.

I'm a big fan of a company called MindValley. This is a group of philosophical, accomplished, and diverse entrepreneurs bent on changing the world. The company does all kinds of interesting work, not the least of which is publishing articles from around the globe on the improvement of mankind, one person at a time. 

I recently came across an article on one of the MindValley websites that presented ten principles of success. The author is unknown, but the team was compelled to share the article and spark dialog on the topic. The thought: these ten principles "pretty much hit the nail on the head when it comes to what it takes to be successful."

Today, I share the highlights with you. I'm publishing the principles in abbreviated form, for a "quick hits" list of things to consider. I think you'll find it interesting. I know I did. Sometimes the most simple of concepts can be profound. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Reading time:  Two Minutes.

Office Grapevine

The Office Grapevine:
People Talking Smack 

Have you heard?
Everyone at work is talking about
everyone else at work. What gives?

Office politics are sometimes difficult, but can be managed. Office bullies are mean, but can be contained. Office workloads are intense, but mostly doable. But the office grapevine? Powerful. Annoying. Damaging. Out of control at times.

     "He said what?!?"          "That's not what I heard."       "She's definitely..."

Today's Coach on Call question comes from C.H. who asks:

"It seems like everyone in my office is judging everyone else. I haven't been here that long, but people talk about each other behind their backs all the time and then smile to their faces. Some people have had their reputations destroyed by gossip on the office grapevine. 

I try not to get involved, but it's hard to avoid. I'm guilty too. I worry what others say about me. I think even the big bosses do it. It's the way the whole company works. What should I do to protect myself? How can I keep from getting involved without making others feel bad or alienating myself from my co-workers?"

The office grapevine takes on a life of it's own if it isn't shut down by your leadership team. Unfortunately, that makes it all the more powerful a force to deal with at work. Every individual then has to decide on his or her own: What role will I play? How do I avoid direct (or collateral) damage when the light shines on me?

Thanks for your question. Here are three quick things you need to know:  Don't feed it. Don't fall victim to it. Balance grace with force.

Let's dig in.

Be Happier

Want To Be Happier?
Give These Things Up Today

I couldn't resist sharing this insight.
I felt happier immediately just for having read it.

Today I'm sharing an article that you may have seen making its way around the world online. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and read it today. If you have read it, but can't remember the details, read it again. It's one of those lists I wish I would've written. The next best thing? To have been lucky enough to read it.

Here are fifteen things you can give up to be happy. Starting today.