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

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In this podcast, Andrew discusses the importance of recognising and supporting support staff in the workplace. 

He starts by sharing a story about a company that eliminated the role of a travel person to save on costs. But this resulted in chaos and miscommunication regarding travel arrangements. 

Eventually, they realise the need for a part-time travel person and hire Emma, who efficiently automates travel tasks and creates an online travel management system. 

This new system saves the company money, improves visibility and control over travel spending, and frees administrators to focus on more valuable work.
Andrew emphasises the significance of supporting support workers, highlighting their crucial role in the smooth operation of an organisation. 

He explains that their contributions, although often unnoticed, can significantly impact the success of individuals and the company's overall functioning. 

By treating support workers well, you can gain a reputation for caring and benefit from their connections and insights. 

Andrew also sheds light on the skills required for office support positions, emphasising the diverse responsibilities and the need for a broad skill set.
To take action, Andrew suggests showing interest in support colleagues. For example, could you understand their challenges and offer help and advice when possible? 

Building relationships and acknowledging the contributions of support staff can lead to mutual benefits. 

In conclusion, Andrew encourages listeners to support their supporters, as it can positively impact personal and organisational success.


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

Send us a Text Message.
In this latest podcast, Andrew tells the story of Kevin, who becomes an "Assignment Addict" by never refusing an assignment. 

Kevin initially helps his colleague Trevor's boss with a minor web assignment, which impresses his own boss and leads to new opportunities. 

This story highlights the potential benefits of accepting new assignments, such as strengthening relationships, showcasing talent, learning opportunities, and being seen as a can-do person.
Andrew also provides guidance on how to say "No" to a new assignment when necessary. 

As part of being an assignment addict, Andrew recommends that you give your boss regular details about your current work schedule limitations. Can you explain the likely impact of any new assignment on output, and offer alternative solutions or suggestions? 

In particular, raise promptly any concerns about new work and offer assistance options that help avoid missed deadlines and maintain good working relationships.
To show commitment to new assignments, Andrew advises preparing well. That means showing enthusiasm, making genuine comments, demonstrating interest, offering suggestions, understanding expectations, establishing communication channels, being punctual, delivering quality results, maintaining positive behaviour, avoiding comparisons, and seeking help when needed.
The critical takeaway is to be selective in evaluating assignments. For instance, analysing the opportunities and threats they present. 

It's also important to consider how an assignment supports the organisation's goals and to decline an assignment, if necessary, by offering solutions rather than simply refusing. 

You aim to become an "Assignment Addict" known to embrace new opportunities rather than declining them.


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

Send us a Text Message.
Andrew discusses the concept of being a high-maintenance employee at work. 

Being high-maintenance means causing problems, seeking attention, and being super-sensitive, demanding, or temperamental. You recognise such people by their excessive complaining, shirking ownership, being avoided by others, frequently requesting interventions, spending more time on job hunting than actual work, and doing the bare minimum. 

Andrew provides tips on how to avoid being a high-maintenance employee, such as minimising negativity, taking ownership of a solution, resolving work problems at the lowest level possible, being future-focused, pushing for recognition for the team, accepting constructive criticism, and delivering steady improvements.
Andrew also addresses how to deal with a needy work colleague. Setting clear boundaries, encouraging them to find solutions independently, promoting independence, and recommending professional help are some strategies for handling a needy co-worker. 

He suggests that it is essential to maintain a friendly but not overly involved relationship with colleagues and encourage their self-reliance.
The key takeaway from the discussion is to become aware of the characteristics and behaviours that make a person high-maintenance at work and to strive to be easy to work with. 

By focusing on solutions, being future-oriented, and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, you will avoid being labelled as high-maintenance and improve your effectiveness in the workplace.


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

Send us a Text Message.
In the podcast's opening story, Janet is a dedicated giver at work. She goes above and beyond to help others and rarely asks for anything in return. 

However, her work starts to suffer due to missed deadlines, communication issues, and a lack of attention to detail. Her supervisor confronts her about the problem, highlighting the difference between weak givers and strong givers. 

Weak givers prioritise helping others at the expense of their job responsibilities, while strong givers practice reciprocity and expect something in return.
Janet learns the concept of reciprocity to become a strong giver and starts seeking mutual benefits in her interactions. She realises that many of the people she previously helped were selfish takers who rarely reciprocated and struggled to advance in their careers. 

Janet's work improves when she aligns her support with expected returns and finds that others are more willing to reciprocate. Through her newfound understanding of true giving, Janet achieves success at work.
Andrew emphasises that when givers succeed, their positive impact spreads and benefits others.

In contrast, when takers win, it often comes at the expense of others or leads to attempts to undermine them. Andrew encourages you to reflect on your default approach in work interactions. Do you lean more towards being a giver, taker, or matcher?

He suggests that being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests can lead to long-term success.
Andrew offers several suggestions about being a genuine giver.  These include recognising others' successes, acting as a cheerleader for colleagues, and finding opportunities for mutually beneficial exchanges. 

He warns against being a low-performing giver who constantly says "yes" to everything without considering the costs. Additionally, he advises you to avoid being seen as a taker by being mindful of others' needs and creating win-win situations. 

Takers, he explains, are self-focused, rarely reciprocate, and tend to contact others only when they need help.
Andrew emphasises the importance of being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests. 

He cautions against being a weak giver who sacrifices their own work for the sake of helping others. By seeking balance and practising reciprocity, you can foster pos
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

Send us a Text Message.
In this podcast, Andrew discusses how to deal with micromanagement at work and how to ask for more autonomy. 

Micromanagement, he points out, may create stress and dissatisfaction, causing people to leave their jobs. 

To deal with micromanagement, it's essential to understand the cause. Schedule regular check-ins with the micromanager to make them feel part of the process. Send regular emails with progress updates, and show how organised you are so that you can be trusted to do your job correctly without supervision. 

Andrew argues that opening up a conversation with your manager about their management style is essential. Be willing to share with your manager how constant checking on you can reduce your productivity. 
To ask for more autonomy, determine what autonomy or "doing things my way" means to you and communicate it clearly. 

To gain autonomy start by taking on new projects that show leadership qualities. Or 
propose new ideas and show how they can benefit the company. 

Complete autonomy without any constraints is rare, even for those with mega salaries. Gaining more autonomy happens when senior people trust you to do what's needed without telling you how to achieve the goal.


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

Send us a Text Message.
Andrew discusses the impact of arriving late at work and the importance of arriving on time.  He shares a story about Ethan, who frequently arrives late and expresses his frustration verbally, which affects the team's morale. 

The supervisor approaches Ethan and asks him to arrive five minutes earlier than expected and donate to charity whenever he arrives late. 

Ethan becomes an Arrival Artist by putting a charity box into which he must pay a fine unless he arrives on time.  

Andrew shares tips for arriving on time and communicating when running late. He emphasises the importance of arriving on time, showcasing professionalism and dependability, reducing stress, building work relationships, and demonstrating time-management skills. 

Next Andrew advises the importance of communicating proactively when running late, avoiding tedious excuses, and showing an intention to make up for tardiness.


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