ARTICLES

Demanding change from people rarely works. If it happens, it’s done begrudgingly and inevitably will not last. That is the stick, forcing change with threats. What is far more effective is the carrot, enticing change with the promise of reward. But whichever approach you take, behavioural change hinges on making what you want appealing enough to induce a sustainable change in behaviour.

Strengths are the fuel that makes work feel energising rather than draining. When you take your strengths from good to great, and then from great to extraordinary, you not only stand out in your career, you also feel more confident, motivated and fulfilled.

Successfully asking for a pay rise isn’t about money. Of course, it is about money, but there’s far more to it than the figure itself. Use this simple, structured approach that is proven to work.

How many of us are good at faking active listening whilst our brains rush to devise solutions we can offer as advice? Two hard but vital lessons for me in my career have been to stop my brain racing and listen and think about the best solution, not the first solution.

How do you discover what motivates you? And how do you make that work to your advantage? I used to think I lacked discipline because I only got motivated when deadlines loomed. But I learned I’m not lazy, I’m externally motivated. Some people thrive on routine, others on novelty or achievement. Once you understand your own style, you can build systems that work with your rhythm instead of against it.

Stress is a fact of life and being stressed, feeling stressed, is a choice. How we react, how we manage our mental health and how we choose our perspective are our choice - even if we feel like we have no control.

Speaking up is a critical career tool. It's no good having ideas and opinions if you can't articulate and share them. Use these practical tools to help you learn how to speak up.

Dogs live in the moment and we can learn from them how to be present and how to enjoy simple pleasures to boost well-being and confidence.