Andrew's Podcast on: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK Andrew

Esme is deep in project work when the delegation arrives at her cubicle. All three team members wait patiently until she saves her current activity, and Andrew explains so that she can give them her full attention. 

Esme asks the team members some questions before committing to helping them with their project. This can make saying "no" empowering and helpful to success. But you need to say no with care. In this case Esme offers some alternative  names who might help the delegation.
As the delegation retreats, clutching the list of names, Esme pauses to consider what’s happened. 

One of the most challenging things she has learned in the last year is how to say "no" without upsetting those on the receiving end. Occasional refusals need to rest on solid ground and win respect, enhancing rather than damaging your reputation. Being willing to say "no" at work can be a powerful tool to protect yourself and enhance your integrity.
Andrew then goes on to answer three main questions that people have about saying "no" at work: why saying "no" is important, how to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," and when and how to say "no" to the boss or senior person. 

Andrew explains that saying "no" at work is essential because over-committing to clients, family, or new projects can leave no time for yourself or your pet projects. 

He also suggests ways to avoid feeling guilty about saying "no," such as being honest, setting clear boundaries, and learning "no" phrases to make the conversation easier. 

Finally, Andrew advises that when it comes to saying "no" to the boss or senior person, it's essential to ensure that it's worth taking a stand and to never give in to demands that are abusive, unethical, or illegal.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this episode, "Make Space," Andrew discusses the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. He presents two stories showing how employees can feel reluctant to speak up,.

Such reluctance can undermine collaboration and harm decision-making processes. A lack of psychological safety can also lead to an environment where employees feel like their opinions do not count. 

Psychological safety promotes engagement, encourages people to speak up, and inspires creativity and ideas. Creating a psychologically safe workplace is one of the best ways to inspire employees to be fully present at work, feel safe and valued, and less likely to leave the company.
To contribute to creating a psychologically safe workplace, Andrew suggests that you need clarity about your role, show concern for team members, actively solicit questions, show value and appreciation for ideas, and engage in positive dialogue and discussion. 

Additionally, you need to respect and encourage colleagues to speak up, counter any negativity by others, and watch for hidden boundaries that may be preventing colleagues from speaking up. 

A lack of psychological safety affects people's performance by undermining collaboration, harming decision-making processes, and creating an unsupportive and unsafe environment.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew tells the story of Nadine, a member of a team who identifies the need to connect daily work with core values in response to a customer satisfaction report. 

She develops a plan that is implemented over three months and is instrumental in improving the team's customer service. The story serves as an example of the importance of being a connector at work, someone who helps build relationships and make connections. 

The episode then provides tips on becoming a practical connector, including reaching beyond your comfort zone, being willing to reconnect with people, and following up with contacts.
The first question the episode addresses is what jobs are suitable for connectors. The answer is that anyone can be a connector, regardless of their job title or position in the company. 

Being a practical connector involves keeping core values at the forefront of everything you do and showing others how to put those values into practice. 

The episode provides several tips for becoming a practical connector, such as thinking about others first, reaching beyond your comfort zone, and being a resource to others. 

Finally, the episode emphasises the importance of following up with contacts and obtaining permission before connecting people.
The takeaway from this episode is:  invest in relationships at work and give yourself your best chance of longer-term success.
 


Five ways to create stronger connections, The Way We Work, a TED series, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtZQT3avFaY&ab_channel=TED
Seven Ted talks that will teach you about connection, https://b-buildingbusiness.com/blog/grow/ted-talks-connection/
 


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K. Caprino, How To Be A True Connector And Transform Your Career With Powerful Support, Jun 11, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/24rystxs
D. Brustein, Forget Luck. Become A Connector and Create Your Own, May 26, 2019, https://tinyurl.com/2t2bv82e
B. Attfield, ten ways to connect people in your workplace, Jostle, https://tinyurl.com/2p98dmhd
K. Cherry, Why Can't I Connect With People? February 24, 2022, https://tinyurl.com/y2dk857c
 
 
 
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Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

It seemed a good idea at the time. Let's hire someone with high-level business skills, which need to be added to our young organisation.
“Let’s take a risk and recruit Tiffany ”, suggested one interview panel member.
“She’s counterculture, but she’ll be just what we need, agreed another of the panel.
“It’ll be an interesting hire; let’s see how it works out,” said the third-panel member.
It took several months before reality hit home. By then, disenchanted colleagues were branding her “Toxic Tiffany.” 
While Tiffany knew her stuff business-wise, she needed help to work with the team. It was not just that she was rude and insensitive. She influenced everyone else around her, denigrating her victim’s efforts, and the whole team suffered. 
For example, the team would meet, discuss an issue, and decide. Toxic Tiffany would then hold separate meetings, bad  mouth the agreed actions and say things like, “I’m not going to support that decision.”
One of her early mistakes was crossing Brandon, an influential but easy-going team member. A confident person, he was shocked when she dismissed his ideas in a meeting in language that showed her contempt for him. 
Unlike his colleagues, Brandon would not take this lying down. He made an appointment to see Tiffany and came straight to the point. 
“I will die at the barricades for your right to critique my ideas.” Then fixing her with a steely gaze, he declared:
“If you ever talk to me like that again, we will be at war with each other.”   
Tiffany blanched and realised that she had made a dangerous enemy. From then on, she was careful to avoid public speaking about him. That did not stop her from running him down when he was not around. He soon found out. 
Toxic Tiffany had no time for even her most senior colleagues. She told one he was a “waste of space” and another that he was “hard to work with”. It was as if Tiffany had a death wish, and no one was surprised, only relieved when she was asked to leave.
In your search for success at work, you may encounter a toxic individual and need to know how best to deal with a destructive person who may be doing nothing illegal yet be hard to neutralise.
Every workplace has its toxic colleagues. There is no need not fall victim to them if you develop a strategy for action. 
Sources:
Master the minefield - dealing with bullies, bozos & buffoons | Jeanne Sullivan | TEDxBarnardCollege, May 2015, https://
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this podcast, Andrew focuses on managing relationships with bosses in the workplace.  He explains that about 50% of employees leave their jobs due to their supervisors, and at least 10% of employees don't like their bosses. 

Empathy is essential, he suggests if you are to build a strong relationship with your boss, putting yourself in their shoes. That way you can start to understand their perspective and work with them better. 

Creating development sessions is another recommendation for building a strong relationship. These sessions can help you understand your boss's expectations and work towards helping to achieve them.
Delivering results is another vital aspect of building a good relationship with one's boss. It is crucial to set goals and work towards achieving them. 

Finding reasons to praise the boss genuinely is another recommendation. Recognising the boss's achievements and efforts can help build a positive relationship.
Andrew offers other solutions to common problems you may face.  For instance, when your boss keeps changing their mind about what's important. In such situations, Andrew suggests that you have a conversation with your bosses and seek clarity on what they expect of you.  

Andrew's podcast ends this week by reminding you yet again that managing relationships with bosses is critical to success and effectiveness in the workplace. 

By following these recommendations and solutions, you can build strong relationships with your bosses and contribute to a positive work environment.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this episode, Andrew discusses the issue of pettiness in the workplace and its consequences. 

The story follows a team leader who is met with resistance when he announces new work coming their way. Sonia, one of the team members, becomes upset and vocalises her frustration, leading the team leader to label her as petty. However, when the leader discovers that Sonia is going through personal issues, he realises he has misunderstood her behaviour.
Next, Andrew addresses the leading causes of pettiness at work, which are essentially unwanted distractions from the main aims of a team or individual. Examples include ambient noise, equipment malfunction, conversations that disturb concentration, and letting the mind wander. 

Pettiness is often an excess reaction, where negative or vindictive behaviour is directed towards things that are typically meaningless. This can harm relationships and, if left unchecked, damage long-term success.
The text also outlines behaviours that amount to pettiness, such as acting immaturely or unprofessionally, constantly complaining about minor issues, giving disproportionate attention to detail, and losing sight of the bigger picture. 

Finally, Andrew suggests avoiding pettiness in the workplace, such as holding onto the big picture, refusing to be dragged into unimportant matters, setting priorities, and developing a sense of perspective.
Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY