Happiness at work

Linda

The General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

The annual World Happiness Report released this week shows that New Zealand rates 10th in the world for national happiness.

The measuring, and celebration, of happiness might sound a little Pollyanna-ish to a business minded person.  However there is plenty being written about the importance of happiness to our mental health and general wellbeing, including in the workplace.

Think about it – whether we are an employee or an employer – we spend a lot of time at work in the course of our lives.  It helps to be happy at work because the alternative of being miserable for eight hours a day doesn’t have a lot to recommend it.

Studies have shown that a happy worker is engaged, productive, and very importantly in this time of labour shortages, more likely to be retained. 

Let’s look at some of the research to support making being at work one of your happy places.

Robert Waldinger is an American psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.  He also oversees the one of the world’s longest running studies of adult development and therefore has had the opportunity to study what provides individuals with a sense of wellbeing, fulfillment and  ultimately, happiness.

In this TED talk Waldinger  shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

Another psychologist, Shawn Achor, has also written a lot on happiness and a couple of his books are listed below.  In this fast-moving and very funny TED talk, psychologist Achor argues that, actually, happiness inspires us to be more productive.

Database: Business Source Elite – available with library registration and login

Golnaz Sadri, in Happiness and its impact on workplace behavior (Industrial Management) 
discusses how : Happier workplaces report less turnover, lower healthcare costs, fewer mistakes and accidents, more efficiency, greater shareholder value and quicker rebounds in the wake of failures. This article describes a number of strategies that individuals can adopt to create happier lives for themselves as well as strategies that organizations can adopt to create happier, healthier, more productive workplaces.
Database: MasterFILE Complete – available with library registration and login
 

In recent years some businesses have begun to take employee happiness seriously and role titles such as  chief happiness officer or happiness commander have begun appearing.  It would seem that the concept of “happy employees make happy workplaces” is starting to cotton on. But why?

An article in The Guardian describes this trend as a ‘Commercial no-brainer’: why the role of happiness officer is taking off’  

So what have we learned from all that?

In the last couple of years New Zealand has dropped two points in the World Happiness ratings.  

As an employer is it in your interest to ensure staff happiness?  Yes, the indications are it makes for a more stable and productive workplace. 

Does your business need a Happiness Officer?  Probably not.  

If you are an employee and unhappy with your work situation there are strategies you can put in place to ensure you have a more resilient mindset.  

Let some of the resources Wellington City Libraries has help guide you to a better state of mind, improving your wellbeing, longevity and productivity.

Unlocking happiness at work : how a data-driven happiness strategy fuels purpose, passion and performance / Moss, Jennifer
“Unlocking Happiness at Work takes you on a journey into why and how leaders should become compassionate capitalists and ensure that their teams thrive. This book debunks the myth that happiness at work is a waste of time and demonstrates how it can deliver a more productive and engaged workforce, which can have real impact on the bottom line. Based on two decades of scientific research, real-time data, interviews and case studies, this book proves that happiness fuels higher performance, provides a greater sense of purpose and spreads passion throughout organizations. With insightful practical guidance throughout, Unlocking Happiness at Work is a lively and persuasive exploration of how to be more happy and make others more happy through the power of habits, emotional intelligence and an innovative approach to work/life flow. This is an essential resource for leaders who want to increase sustainability, attract new talent, improve their brand and boost profitability – in a way that is life-enhancing for them and their people.” ( Adapted from Catalogue)

Designing your work life : how to thrive and change and find happiness at work / Burnett, William
“A book that shows how to find meaning and satisfaction in your work life”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue) Also available as Ebook Overdrive

 

 

Make the most of your workday : be more productive, engaged, and satisfied as you conquer the chaos at work / Camuto, Mary A.
“Even if you don’t have your dream job, every day is precious and filled with opportunities. Make the Most of Your Workday challenges you to actively manage and make the most of workday possibilities and problems. With drive, determination, and optimism, it offers solutions to workday predicaments. You can take control; you don’t have to wait for leaders, people, or circumstances to change. No matter your level, situation, or dilemma, Mary shows you how to regroup, reframe, and bounce back.” (Catalogue) 
                                         Also available as E-Audiobook 

Whatever works : the small cues that make a surprising difference in our success at work–and how to create a happier office / Lobel, Thalma
“Thalma Lobel, one of the world’s leading experts on human behavior, explores ground-breaking psychological research on job performance, satisfaction, and creativity, revealing the hidden factors-often unrecognized, counterintuitive, or invisible-that have profound effects on how well we can do our jobs and how happy we are at work”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Beyond happiness : how authentic leaders prioritize purpose and people for growth and impact / Lim, Jenn
“Jenn Lim has dedicated her career to helping organizations from name-brand industry leaders to innovative governments build workplace cultures that benefit both their employees and their bottom line, with less employee turnover, greater engagement, and higher profits. Her culture consultancy, Delivering Happiness, demonstrates the profound impact happiness can have on businesses’ ability to thrive in our ever-changing times. In this book, she clearly and concretely shows the way the model works in a hyper-connected fast-paced world, beginning with each individual defining their sense of values and purpose (the ME), and rippling through the organization ecosystem (the WE and the COMMUNITY) in waves of impact.” (Catalogue)

Connect first : 52 simple ways to ignite success, meaning, and joy at work / Katzman, Melanie
“A renowned business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world’s leading companies reveals the key to greater success, meaning, and joy at work,”–Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The happiness advantage : the seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work / Achor, Shawn
“‘… Happiness fuels success, not the other way around. When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work. This isn’t just an empty mantra. This discovery has been repeatedly borne out by rigorous research in psychology and neuroscience, management studies, and the bottom lines of organizations around the globe. In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor, who spent over a decade living, researching, and lecturing at Harvard University, draws on his own research including one of the largest studies of happiness and potential at Harvard and others at companies like UBS and KPMG to fix this broken formula. Using stories and case studies from his work with thousands of Fortune 500 executives in 42 countries, Achor explains how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive in order to gain a competitive edge at work. Isolating seven practical, actionable principles that have been tried and tested everywhere from classrooms to boardrooms … he shows us how we can capitalize on the Happiness Advantage to improve our performance and maximize our potential.”–Publisher description.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Available in EAudiobook Borrowbox

 

Before happiness : 5 actionable strategies to create a positive path to success / Achor, Shawn
“Shawn Achor introduces a groundbreaking new theory about success and human potential. He shows how a positive mindset is the best predictor of motivation, engagement and performance in the workplace and in your personal life and offers five practical, actionable strategies for creating this mindset that will make us more successful at work and at home.” (Catalogue)
Also available in EAudiobook Borrowbox

 

A great place to work for all : better for business, better for people, better for the world / Bush, Michael C.
“From Great Place to Work, … comes a new definition of what it takes to make an organization great FOR ALL–for the business, for people and for the world. For 20 years Great Place to Work has published their gold-standard list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. But their latest research shows that what was good enough to be a “great” workplace 10 or 20 years ago is not good enough now. Even at the best workplaces, leaders can–and must–do better. CEO Michael C. Bush and his team connect the dots to show how the emerging economy is about developing every ounce of human potential. Today’s business climate is defined by speed, social technologies and people expecting “values” besides value. As a result, leaders have to create an outstanding culture for everyone, no matter who they are or what they do for the organization. They have to build a Great Place to Work For All. The authors share new research on how Great Places to Work For All outperform in the stock market and grow revenue 3x faster than less-inclusive rivals. Bush and his team tell surprising, inspiring stories about how closing gaps in the work experience between groups of employees pays off for everyone. They document the ways Great Places to Work For All benefit the individuals working there and contribute to a better global society. And they introduce a new leadership framework, showing the advantages of what the authors define as Level 5 “For All” leaders. In effect, the times demand executives who not only are business-savvy but also are devoted to fairness, have deep faith in people, and empower all individuals to reach their full human potential. This is a call to lead so that organizations bring out the best in everyone”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Talking Ginger beer and Business with Tim Key, Peacock’s Tail

Linda

But listen — if you’re feelin’ dry,
Just see there’s no one near,
And go and wink the other eye
And ask for ginger beer.

This week in our Business blog we acknowledge International gingerbeer day, recognised on 13 March.   We delve into the history of gingerbeer brewing in Wellington City and talk to one of Wellington’s newest ginger beer brewers, Tim Key of The Peacock’s Tail.

Ginger beer – a refreshing beverage resulting from the fermentation of ginger, sugar, yeast and water – is believed to have originated in the Britain around the mid-1700s, taking advantage of the increased trade in goods like sugar and ginger from the Caribbean and India.  Usually it was bottled in sturdy, earthenware bottles that allowed for wide distribution. 

It’s not surprising then, that no sooner had the first Pākehā settlers arrived on the shores of Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and they began using natural springs to brew a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Gingerbeer was one of the many beverages popular with the new immigrants and the first recorded brewers in the fledgling settlement believed to be John Osborne (Osborne and Co) and John Roots both of whom were documented as being merchants or manufacturers of gingerbeer by 1843.

As the colony grew so too did the number of manufacturers of “aerated waters, cordials and syrups” all of which made up the broader “softdrinks” (ie those without alcohol).  While some businesses flared and died within a short period of time, others became generational and established a solid reputation for product quality and service.

It was these family run operations that sometimes gave some women an opportunity to move into the business world, albeit due to the necessity of needing to support themselves and their families on the untimely death of their husbands.

Colonial life was harsh and Mary Roots took over John’s business following his demise a few years after establishing his business.  Also continuing on, and successfully expanding, the family business was Emma Dixon (Mrs Geo Dixon), following the death of her husband George.    George had in turn earlier taken over the aerated water and ginger beer manufacturing company started by his father Edward (who was ably assisted by wife Catherine) in the mid-1850s.  Other of Edward and Catherine’s offspring either branched out into starting cordial businesses in the Manawatu, Wairarapa or Nelson (for the sons) or, in the case of their daughters, married into manufacturing families.  Emma Dixon eventually sold the business to a competitor company, Bennet and Ready in 1897 and they in turn continued manufacturing softdrinks until 1920.

Around the same time as the Dixon business was established Thomas Cooper, and eventually his son George, ran an aerated water business first in Molesworth Street and then Thorndon Quay, continuing production for over thirty years.

Other names that became brands associated with the brewing of gingerbeer in Wellington included the Strikes who formed numerous companies over a forty year period.

Thomson and Co was a respected business that began in Dunedin, and through partnership, expanded operations into Wellington.  Becoming Thomson and Lewis in the late 1880s,  the company Thomson Lewis and Co. still has registered offices in Ngauranga.  A remnant of Thomson Lewis manufacturing can be found in the well at the entrance to Moore Wilson’s in Te Aro. 

F W Niven & Co. :[Thomson, Lewis & Co., Te Aro House. 1895]. F W Niven & Co. :View of Wellington N Z [ca 1895] from Aurora Terrace. F W Niven & Co. [lith] Ballarat, [Victoria, ca 1895]. Ref: D-002-005-002. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23007862

The big brand international names of Schweppes and Coca-cola moved onto the Wellington softdrink manufacturing scene in the 1930s.  

Ginger beer remained a popular refreshment, particularly with those who abstained from alcoholic drinks, until some time after the Second World War, when popularity began to wane. 

The 1990s saw a resurgence in popularity of the ginger brew as noted in this article in City Voice from July 1995.

Throughout the decades there have been as many as 70 different Wellington gingerbeers.

Tim Key, a musician and self-described Fizz Whizz, and his Peacock’s Tail kawakawa infused gingerbeer are the latest to join the long list of Wellington gingerbeer brewers.

With the increased popularity in fermentation and its health benefits, along with a growing interest in alcohol free drinks we are again seeing a revival in gingerbeer and it was both these things, along with a desire for a less heavily sweetened drink, that led Tim Key to begin experimenting in his kitchen several years ago.

Tim operates his small batch gingerbeer brewing business out of the Vogelmorn Bowling Club community centre,  where he first began offering his product through the on-site cafe before venturing into wider sales via his website.

The name, Peacock’s Tail is, Tim advises a reference to its symbolism in alchemy and in turn the fermentation process the gingerbeer ingredients go through to become the end product.

Using the juice of freshly pressed root ginger, and infusing it with several leaves of kawakawa, Tim has arrived at a brew that is a dry, warming and refreshing addition to the non-alcohol options available locally.

Gingerbeer isn’t Tim’s first venture into beverage production having been involved in the start up of a chai manufacture some years previous.

Assisted by his daughter Ela who oversees the bottle labelling after school,  Tim’s gingerbeer is a unique, 21st century addition to a manufacturing industry that has a long history in Wellington. 

Watch our video as we talk to Tim about making gingerbeer and future plans to grow his business.


If you want to know more, check out some of Wellington City Libraries’ historical resources and some of the books we have that might encourage you to begin your own brewing.

A pictorial guide to collecting New Zealand ginger beers / Baldwin, Bruce
“Lists every New Zealand ginger beer bottle known to date, March 1996″–Pref.” (Catalogue)

  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

The aerated water and soft drink industry in New Zealand, 1845-1986 / Robson, Peter E. W

  • The origins and early development of the industry –The soft drink industry in New Zealand — Further developments in the industry — The N.Z. Soft Drink Association.
  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

Capital thirst : Wellington’s soft drink industry 1843-1988 / Fisher Peter

Traces the development Wellington’s softdrink manufacturing industry through bottles.

Better for you : entrepreneurs who broke big soda’s stranglehold on the USA and New Zealand / Lewis, Lisa A.
“In Better for You, Lisa A. Lewis examines the rise of a global healthy drinks market and presents profiles of entrepreneurs who dared to create innovative “better for you” beverages in two distant countries”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

Kombucha & co : tips & recipes to make your own kombucha, kefir, jun, ginger beer, honey mead & more / Evans, Felicity
“Kombucha and other fermented drinks are great for gut health, but they’re expensive to buy and you can’t be sure of the quality. But it’s easy to make your own kombucha when you know how. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans has you covered with step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious flavours of gut-friendly probiotic drinks, including troubleshooting tips and inspiration for alcohol-free happy hour at home. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead, learn to confidently make your own fermented drinks and transform your health from within.” (Catalogue)

Wild drinks : the new old world of small-batch brews, ferments and infusions / Flynn, Sharon
“Wild Drinks is the definitive book on infusing, brewing and fermenting delicious and often nutritious things to drink, from mead to kombucha to cider to kvass. With the entertaining and assuring voice of fermentation expert Sharon Flynn, it is a perfect jumping off point for anyone who is curious to learn more about this magical and witchy world. Across six chapters, Wild Drinks features more than 60 recipes. Learn the basics of wild fermentation and read about the equipment you need to start your fermentation journey. Discover drinks made from grain, including doburoku (farmhouse sake), wild beer and kvass; explore recipes for wild apple cider, country wine and wild soda; try water kefir, kombucha, ginger beer and fruit vinegars, and come to understand the art of imparting flavour, from shrubs to flavoured waters to syrups and liqueurs. And in the spirit of reducing waste, the final chapter shows how to use fermentation byproducts – ranging from crackers made from sake lees to kimchi pancakes, nettle risotto and Basque cider chicken. Recipes include fascinating historical context and quick tips, and Sharon considers the traditions associated with these ancient fermentation practices too”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Probiotic drinks at home : make your own seriously delicious gut-friendly drinks / Evans, Felicity
“Take the next step after green smoothies, with probiotic drinks for gut health. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead – learn to confidently handcraft your own beautiful elixirs and transform your health, one ferment at a time. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans provides step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious probiotic drinks. Including expert guidelines and troubleshooting tips so that you ll soon be brewing delicious drinks to make your gut happy.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Digital inclusion and the gender divide

Linda

Today, 8 March, marks International Women’s Day and this year the UN Women’s theme for the day is DigitAll : Innovation and technology for gender equality.

We delve into what that means for wāhine here in Aotearoa.

Entering into kōrero with us is Aleisha Amohia (Te Ātihaunui-a-Papārangi), tech expert at Catalyst IT and co-president of the Wellington branch of the National Council of Women.

As a woman in the tech industry Aleisha is advocating for the IT industry to be a more representative space, mentoring younger women and addressing the digital divide that sidelines a percentage of our population.  

“There are also real-world consequences for a tech industry lacking diversity. The products and services around us are all powered by tech or have technological aspects – tech touches everything. It can cause problems and possibly become dangerous if engineers and developers neglect to consider and include the needs and experiences of all potential users into their tech solutions”  Source 

Watch our interview with Aleisha here.


If you would like to know more about the work of the National Council for Women you can find details about the local branch and their meeting times on the website.

“Since 2017 we have been actively raising national consciousness about gender equality in twenty-first century Aotearoa New Zealand. The campaign is supported by a wide-range of people and organisations. Find out more on our Gender Equal NZ website”.

The local branch are also holding Fourth-wave: International Women’s Day Celebration on Saturday 11 March 2023,  Te Wharewaka o Poneke
Join us at Fourth-Wave, a festival which aims to celebrate intersectionality and empower women through kōrero and performance.
Fourth-Wave is named after the most recent feminist movement, characterised by intersectionality, internationalism, solidarity, and the use of technology and the Internet. The fourth wave of feminism seeks greater gender equality by focussing on gendered norms and the marginalisation of women in society.

As discussed in the video, Wellington City Libraries also offers a range of services and programmes to assist in addressing the digital divide. 

Among the offerings are : Free computer and internet use, Digital catchup sessions for adults, Techtime and Code club for children and young people. (Refer to our events calendar for more details about these sessions). 
 
For those who meet the criteria, Newtown, Kilbirnie and Arapaki branch libraries offer assistance to sign up to Skinny Jump.
Skinny Jump is flexible prepaid broadband: Only $5 for 35GB of data, no contracts or credit checks, and the modem comes free of charge. You may be eligible for Skinny Jump if you are a family with children, are a job seeker, senior, live with a permanent disability, or live in social housing. Your address must also be covered by the Skinny network.   

You can also join via the Linden, Tawa, and Newlands community centres, who can sign you up and give you a modem.
 

Some of the resources we have to help understand the digital divide and gender inequity.

How to recognize privilege – and uplift those without it (TED talk)

Depending on your lot in life, you may see the status quo as a result of unearned privilege or a simple reflection of merit. Backed by statistics and personal stories, lawyer Mariam Veiszadeh offers a much-needed perspective check on the quasi-equality touted in business today, calling for real change in workplace diversity and inclusion that routs out biases rather than replicating them.

Shouting zeros and ones : digital technology, ethics and policy in New Zealand
“This vital book is a call to action: to reduce online harm, to protect the integrity of our digital lives and to uphold democratic participation and inclusion. A diverse group of contributors reveal the hidden impacts of technology on society and on individuals, exploring policy change and personal action to keep the internet a force for good. These voices arrive at a crucial juncture in our relationship to fast-evolving technologies”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

More zeros and ones : digital technology, maintenance and equity in Aotearoa New Zealand
“Many of today’s digital technologies inadvertently amplify the power structures and prejudices of wider society. By examining the way digital tools and platforms are designed, built, and maintained, this BWB Text aims to identify how we can do better for everyone in Aotearoa. Following on from the success of Shouting Zeros and Ones (BWB Texts), this fresh collection includes writers with specific expertise in applying topics such as environmental science, law and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to recent developments in technology. More Zeros and Ones continues the exploration of emerging issues for digital technology and society in Aotearoa New Zealand.” (Catalogue)

Girls who code : learn to code and change the world / Saujani, Reshma
“Introduces the relevance of coding and shares down-to-earth explanations about coding principles and real-life stories of women programmers who work at such places as Pixar and NASA.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Ada Lovelace cracks the code
“Growing up in nineteenth century London, England, Ada is curious about absolutely everything. She is obsessed with machines and with creatures that fly. She even designs her own flying laboratory! According to her mother, Ada is a bit too wild, so she encourages Ada to study math. At first Ada thinks: Bleh! Who can get excited about a subject without pictures? But she soon falls in love with it. One day she encounters a mysterious machine, and from that moment forward Ada imagines a future full of possibility.”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

 

The future of tech is female : how to achieve gender diversity / Branson, Douglas M
“An accessible and timely guide to increasing female presence and leadership in tech companies Tech giants like Apple and Google are among the fastest growing companies in the world, leading innovations in design and development. The industry continues to see rapid growth, employing millions of people: in the US it is at the epicenter of the ……” (Catalogue)

 

 

Women in tech : take your career to the next level with practical advice and inspiring stories / Van Vlack, Tarah Wheeler
“”Jam packed with insights from women in the field,” this is an invaluable career guide for the aspiring or experienced female tech professional (Forbes) As the CEO of a startup, Tarah Wheeler is all too familiar with the challenges female tech professionals face on a daily basis. That’s why she’s teamed up with other high-achieving women within the field–from entrepreneurs and analysts to elite hackers and gamers–to provide a roadmap for women looking to jump-start, or further develop, their tech career. In an effort to dismantle the unconscious social bias against women in the industry, Wheeler interviews professionals like Brianna Wu (founder, Giant Spacekat), Angie Chang (founder, Women 2.0), Keren Elazari (TED speaker and cybersecurity expert), Katie Cunningham (Python educator and developer), and Miah Johnson (senior systems administrator) about the obstacles they have overcome to do what they love. Their inspiring personal stories are interspersed with tech-focused career advice. Readers will learn: – The secrets of salary negotiation- The best format for tech resumes- How to ace a tech interview- The perks of both contracting (W-9) and salaried full-time work- The secrets of mentorship- How to start your own company- And much more BONUS CONTENT: Perfect for its audience of hackers and coders, Women in Tech also contains puzzles and codes throughout–created by Mike Selinker (Lone Shark Games), Gabby Weidling (Lone Shark Games), and cryptographer Ryan “LostboY” Clarke–that are love letters to women in the industry. A distinguished anonymous contributor created the Python code for the cover of the book, which references the mother of computer science, Ada Lovelace. Run the code to see what it does!” (Catalogue)

Geek girl rising : inside the sisterhood shaking up tech / Cabot, Heather
“This book “isn’t about the famous tech trailblazers you already know, like Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer. Instead, veteran journalists Heather Cabot and Samantha Walravens introduce readers to the … female entrepreneurs and technologists fighting at the grassroots level for an ownership stake in the revolution that’s changing the way we live, work and connect to each other”–Amazon.com.”Meet the women who aren’t asking for permission from Silicon Valley to chase their dreams. They are going for it–building cutting-edge tech start-ups, investing in each other’s ventures, crushing male hacker stereotypes, and rallying the next generation of women in tech. With a nod to tech trailblazers like Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer, Geek Girl Rising introduces readers to the fearless female founders, technologists and innovators fighting at a grassroots level for an ownership stake in the revolution that’s changing the way we live, work and connect. Readers will meet Debbie Sterling, inventor of GoldieBlox, the first engineering toy for girls, which topples the notion that only boys can build; peek inside YouTube sensation Michelle Phan’s ipsy studios, where she is grooming the next generation of digital video stars while leading her own mega e-commerce beauty business; and tour the headquarters of The Muse, the hottest career site for millennials, and meet its intrepid CEO, Kathryn Minshew, who stared down sexism while raising millions of dollars to fund the company she co-founded. These women are the rebels proving that a female point of view matters in the age of technology; as a woman, you can rock big returns if you have a big idea and the passion to build it.”–Jacket.” (Catalogue)

Whose global village? : rethinking how technology shapes our world / Srinivasan, Ramesh
“In the digital age, technology has shrunk the physical world into a “global village,” where we all seem to be connected as an online community as information travels to the farthest reaches of the planet with the click of a mouse. Yet while we think of platforms such as Twitter and Facebook as open and accessible to all, in reality, these are commercial entities developed primarily by and for the Western world. Considering how new technologies increasingly shape labor, economics, and politics, these tools often reinforce the inequalities of globalization, rarely reflecting the perspectives of those at the bottom of the digital divide. This book asks us to re-consider ‘whose global village’ we are shaping with the digital technology revolution today. Sharing stories of collaboration with Native Americans in California and New Mexico, revolutionaries in Egypt, communities in rural India, and others across the world, Ramesh Srinivasan urges us to re-imagine what the Internet, mobile phones, or social media platforms may look like when considered from the perspective of diverse cultures. Such collaborations can pave the way for a people-first approach toward designing and working with new technology worldwide. Whose Global Village seeks to inspire professionals, activists, and scholars alike to think about technology in a way that embraces the realities of communities too often relegated to the margins. We can then start to visualize a world where technologies serve diverse communities rather than just the Western consumer.” (Catalogue)

Credible threat : attacks against women online and the future of democracy / Sobieraj, Sarah
“This book argues that the rampant hate-filled attacks against women online come are best understood as patterned resistance to women’s political voice and visibility that coalesce into an often-unrecognized form of gender inequality that constrains women’s use of digital public spaces, much as the pervasive threat of sexual intimidation and violence constrain women’s freedom and comfort in physical public spaces. What’s more, the abuse exacerbates inequality among women, as women of color, and Muslim, immigrant, and/or LBTQ women of all races, are disproportionately targeted. Drawing on in-depth interviews with women who have been on the receiving end of digital hate, Credible Threat shows that the onslaught of epithets and stereotypes, rape threats, and commentary about their physical appearance and sexual behavior come with great professional, personal, and psychological costs for the women targeted, but also with underexplored societal level costs that demand attention. The women’s accounts show that when effective, identity-based attacks undermine their contributions to public discourse, create a climate of self-censorship, and at times, push women out of digital publics altogether. Given the uneven distribution of toxicity, those women whose voices are already most under-represented (e.g., women from historically undervalued groups, those in male-dominated fields) are particularly at risk. In the end, identity-based attacks online erode civil liberties, diminish public discourse, limit the knowledge we have to inform policy and electoral decision-making, and teach all women that activism and public service are unappealing, high-risk endeavors to be avoided”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Subscription services

Linda

In 2020 when the world began panic buying toilet paper, our household wondered what all the fuss was about.

Our quarterly delivery of mixed paper products – tissues, toilet paper and paper towels, had just arrived and been stored in the laundry cupboard.  We’ve subscribed to this service (products are made from bamboo and recycled sugar cane with limited packaging) for some years and have found it reliable, flexible and – importantly – we never run out because someone has forgotten to add these regularly used items to the shopping list.

In the past, subscriptions – where you pay a recurring amount at regular intervals for your chosen product or service – were used for publications, gym memberships and not much else.  Some were annual, like a magazine subscription, others monthly or quarterly.  Then came subscription television services, and, as the internet developed, on-demand streaming services started up followed by meal delivery boxes and now the subscription model is being used to sell – and purchase – a wide range of products and services.

Since early 2020, Covid lockdowns and working from home have driven a rise in such services and the article Innovative Subscription Services: Turning a Crisis into a Win looks at how and why the subscription industry took off during lockdowns.

These days you can also arrange for flowers or potplants, coffee, health and beauty products, alcohol, cheese and clothing to be delivered to your door on a weekly, monthly or quarterly cycle.

For a consumer, in a busy world, it’s convenient to have things delivered without leaving home, and for retailers the move into e-commerce has been driven by necessity.  A subscription service, for some, is the basis of their entire business, while for others it’s an addition to their retail models.

For a business, a subscription model allows for less uncertainty and ensures a regulated income stream which in turn assists planning.

The Foliage Studio in Ngaio offers a tiered subscription model for houseplants.  Director Cam says that offering a subscription service “… helps with planning regarding stock and cashflow.”  When setting up the subscription model, used to share the love of houseplants, research went in to what would work best.  Amongst the considerations were the need to offer a variety of products, ensure enough products were in the supply chain, whether the cost of subscriptions covered product costs and also consideration of shipping, packaging and associated costs.  The original model proved a successful formula although “minor tweaks” were made to “delivery schedules and secure packaging options”.  Ongoing benefits to business has been increased exposure to the service from satisfied customers along with a noticeable  increase in store visits.

If, as a business, you are thinking of developing a subscription service, or adding one to your offerings, here’s a reading list to help you decide what may be best.

Not sure if this is the right approach for you?  Then Subscription Model? Is This Really The Best Approach for Me? might be a helpful read.

How Subscription Services Work & Why You Should Use Them claims Subscription services are one of the best things you can do for your ecommerce site and briefly outlines seven reasons for adopting a subscription model.

Another article 6 Most Popular Subscription Services [+Tools They Use to Drive Growth] gives examples of  nine companies it considers to be offering successful models.

Done your research and ready to give it a go?  Have a look at How to start a subscription business : A 2023 guide

If it’s ideas you’re wanting here’s some subscription service ideas that you could either add to an existing business or start up : 53 subscription box gift ideas for every interest and hobby and  The 67 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift for Every Interest

Be aware though that The rising power of subscription services warns :
Adding a subscription service into a new DTC offering is a great strategy, although giving customers the ability to auto-replenish won’t just sell itself. Businesses need to understand their new B2C customers and develop a mutually value-driven relationship.

The Harvard Business Review considers the psychology behind subscription services and looks at some of the main reasons why they fail.

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For more in-depth reading try these two offerings from the Wellington City Library collection.

The automatic customer : creating a subscription business in any industry / Warrillow, John
“How smart companies can use subscriptions to win customers, increase cash flow, and ignite growth What do Zipcar, Netflix, and WhatsApp have in common? They are pioneers of the new subscription economy in which people pay automatically for much more than publications. John Warrillow, the acclaimed author of Built to Sell, offers a blueprint for winning subscribers for any kind of business. He explains, for instance, – The nine different subscription models and how to apply each in your business. – How Dollar Shave Club turned shaving into a subscription. – The secret psychology of selling a subscription. – The eight reasons why customers stop subscribing. Whether business owners want to transform their entire model into a recurring revenue engine or just pick up an extra 5 percent of automatic sales, they will find great insights and examples in Warrillow’s book”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Subscribed : why the subscription model will be your company’s future – and what to do about it / Tzuo, Tien
“Companies like Netflix, Spotify, and Salesforce are just the tip of the iceberg for the subscription model. The real transformation–and the real opportunity–is just beginning”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The membership economy : find your superusers, master the forever transaction, and build recurring revenue / Baxter, Robbie Kellman
“The membership business models of Netflix, ZipCar, and other industry giants revealed–and how you can use them to lead your company to the top of the food chain For decades, consumers and businesses have joined clubs, bought products and accessed services using a subscription model. But it has only been in recent years that the model has been perfected. Join Today shows how nimble companies that have developed a Membership Model are thriving. Companies including those that rent, lend or offer unlimited or premium access instead of just ownership, have the opportunity to leapfrog industry leaders. In terms of strategic business models, this is one that allows for breakthrough growth. The book also explores how industry leaders like AmEx, Uber, Weight Watchers, and Salesforce.com are radically rethinking how they provide value to their customers.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

When is it time to break up with a client?

Linda

Rangi* runs a small landscaping and garden maintenance business, employing two staff. At times what the company can do is strictly governed by weather.  Recently Rangi spent a bemused five minutes listening to a new client berating him for not doing work to the client’s satisfaction.  The tirade culminated with the accusation that due to perceived lack of action Rangi and his team had “ruined” a recent family gathering.

Chloe* runs a home based massage therapy business in the Eastern suburbs.  She is a qualified and experienced massage therapist with a website clearly detailing all aspects of her business and with a list of glowing customer feedback.  Her target market is her local community – a mix of work from home types and mums wanting a wellbeing treatment.  Unfortunately Chloe’s business sometimes attracts a type of customer who thinks it is ok to make inappropriate requests.  As a result Chloe has been forced to terminate appointments and request the client leave.

What Rangi and Chloe have in common is clients who have unreasonable (and unacceptable) expectations of the service they expect these small businesses to provide.

Rangi allowed the customer to vent her frustration then calmly addressed the issues raised by the client, including restating what work the contract with his company did and did not include and the schedule that had been agreed upon.

Chloe, while displaying a code of conduct she worked to, has now introduced a code of conduct for clients which they are expected to sign.  It includes a clause stating that inappropriate language or behaviour will not be tolerated and should a client make her feel uncomfortable they will be asked to leave.

Both Chloe and Rangi have addressed the immediate issues with respective clients.  At the moment this works for them.  But what if the unreasonable expectations continue?  Is it ok to ‘fire’ a client?

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Small businesses, contractors or sole traders are often reluctant to let a client go but sometimes you need to consider if they are really worth it.  Clients who are a drain financially (slow payers or late to appointments) or emotionally (rude, demanding, unreasonable) are disrespectful and shouldn’t be tolerated.

Certainly the first step is to address the issues that are causing problems in the working relationship and try and find a working solution.  If that doesn’t work though, a decision needs to be made, in a professional manner, about the future of this working relationship.

In the article My customer is so annoying! How to rationally decide if the time has come to sack them Colin Shaw writes that ” Customer relationships have to be win-win. If they aren’t, it’s time to end it. However, it shouldn’t be a quick decision, nor should it happen in an email or text. There is a process, and today we will look at when and how you should sack a customer”.

Forbes.com offers 10 ways to respectfully ‘break up’ with a client while Entrepreneur.com offers up this piece of advice : “As an entrepreneur, it can be hard to cut a client lose. But, remember the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If one client is taking the majority of your energy, you have less available for other clients, for attracting new clients and for taking care of yourself”.

Ellen Brezniak’s article The art of breaking up with bad customers also emphasises that point :
Every business needs customers, and it can be a real challenge to lose any of them. But the time and energy your team will gain – once the breakup with obnoxious customers is complete – makes the near term pain worth it

One of the upsides as also noted in Why you sometimes need to ‘break up’ with a client is having the time and energy to put into recruiting and developing new clients who will quickly offset any initial loss of income.

Thriving under fire : turn difficult customers into business success / Faisandier, John
“Angry and upset customers are a challenge to any business. They cause stress for staff and, if not handled well, customers will tell others about their negative experiences. This book provides practical solutions to help you respond effectively to difficult customers and remain relatively stress-free, while giving good service. Through the story of the likeable characters in Sophie’s Café & Bar you will learn how to deal with the range of customers and emotions you are likely to encounter.” (Catalogue)

How to manage difficult people / Fairweather, Alan
“Dealing with difficult customers, colleagues, uncooperative staff, a manipulative boss – or an irritating neighbour – is a challenge many people face daily. This book shows how to identify and understand challenging behaviours, how to manage them and how to reduce stress.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

*names and identifying details have been changed

Te Araroa walkers and Wellington business

Linda

 

Kia tupato kia pai to hikoi
Me te titiro whanui, kia koa
Ki nga taonga kei mua i a koe

Walk the path in safety
Look deeply and learn
From your surroundings*

*Inscription on the Te Araroa foundation stone at Shorland Park, Island Bay.
The stone marks the end (or beginning) of the North Island section of 3000 km Te Araroa trail.

*********************************************************************************

They usually arrive at our door mid-late afternoon.

They shoulder backpacks with attached trekking poles and carry bags of supplies picked up on their traverse of the city.

They’re sweaty and puffing if it’s a warm day. Sodden if it’s a wet one.

They’re seeking a couple of nights in a warm, dry space in which to wash, sleep, refuel and restock before moving on.

They are Te Araroa through walkers and they come from all points of Europe, North America and sometimes New Zealand and we are Trail Angels  – locals, usually living near a trailhead, who offer accommodation or a backyard campsite, amenities, maybe a meal, transport and advice to those who are walking New Zealand end to end.  

Te Araroa (The long pathway) is a 3000km network of 87 separate trails/tracks that runs the length of Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff.  The trail traverses a range of public and private land and is managed overall by the Te Araroa Trust although DOC managed facilities account for approximate 45 percent of the route.  Some parts are linked by stretches of road walking.

The TA is gaining popularity and is moving up to take its place alongside lengthy hikes such as the Camino de Santiago, (Spain), the Appalachian Way (USA) and the Pacific Crest trail (spanning the eastern coast of the north American continent from Mexico to Canada).  

With the opening of New Zealand borders late last year international TA hikers began arriving almost immediately. Many are trying to complete the journey within the terms of their visa (usually three months).  Allowing 3-5 months is recommended depending on speed and ability. 

As of January 2023 there were 4000 trail walkers registered with the Te Araroa Trust.  Along with through walkers there are also section walkers – often New Zealanders – who do a small, different, section of the trail as time permits.

Walkers are either NOBO or SOBO – that’s trail speak for North Bound (beginning at Bluff) or most usual South Bound – beginning at Cape Reinga.

Some are hard core and walk the full distance. Others find the road walking sections or detours not to their liking and opt to hitch a ride, catch a shuttle service or even bike. They drop off trail to do other activities including adding in some extra walking in the form of one of the Great walks.

However they choose to do it Wellington is an important stop on their itinerary.

In good weather a SOBO exits the Tararua ranges at Waikanae, then using routes like the Escarpment track and Wellington’s network of walkways they finally reach the Southern Terminus at Shorland Park in Island Bay, around 1700km after leaving Cape Reinga.

Once across the Strait the path takes them along the Queen Charlotte Track to Pelorous where they begin the arduous trek along the Richmond Ranges. Eventually they will drop down to St Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes area to pick up their “bounce boxes” – packages mailed on ahead. From there it’s through the Travers-Sabine and down to the St James Walkway and another supply pick up.  Depending on progress some will terminate their walking here while others will push on through the southern section to Bluff.

If they’re heading northwards they do this route (or variations of it) in reverse.

Either way they arrive in Wellington tired, hungry and in need of restocking equipment and preparing food packages to mail onwards to a pick up point.

Which means that when in the city they spend.

These aren’t the usual cruise ship day tourists sitting on a bus or maybe purchasing a coffee in a CBD café.

Once clean and rested, TA walkers head to outdoor equipment stores and supermarkets. They make menu plans and purchase up to a month’s worth of meals and snacks. Sometimes dehydrated, just add water and wait, meals. Sometimes more substantial supplies like rice and pasta. They measure out their supplies, package them up and post on to a supply drop point en route

If they are waiting for a ferry they allow themselves around 3 days in the city to stock up, relax and take the opportunity to sample capital life.

On the Te Araroa facebook group there has been some discussion around costs to walk the TA. It varies for everyone but estimates have ranged from NZ$10, 000 to a more detailed $16,000 and upwards over the course of three months or so. This includes replacing equipment, food, supplies, koha, accommodation and transport. It doesn’t necessarily include things like the cost of airfares to New Zealand, flights from Invercargill back to Auckland when they head back to their home country and so on.  The official TA site suggests a minimum budget of NZ$10,000 is needed along with contingency funds. 

TA walkers are a sizeable tourist market in Wellington but a hidden one.  A spokesperson for Dwights Outdoors in Mercer Street says they have seen an increase in international hikers since the start of the 2022-23 season with TA walkers now providing a noticeable portion of business.  There have been two distinct waves – the first in October as the early departures prepared to head to Northland before beginning the long trek southwards.  Then again in December as the southbound trekkers reached town with a need to resupply before crossing the Strait.

Dwights now offers TA walkers free shipping to a trail destination of choice on instore purchases over NZ$150*. (*Ts & Cs apply).  In one memorable purchase around NZ$600 of dehydrated meals were purchased by a couple preparing to tackle the Richmond ranges and routes onwards from there.

Next time you see a couple of trampers, fully kitted up and looking a little dishevelled on Lambton Quay, give them a welcoming smile.  They’re most likely international visitors fulfilling a physically challenging ambition.  They’re in our city for a few days and they’re great for our economy.

“To know Papatuanuku you have to go through slowly, on foot”
– Hone Tuwhare**

**Quoted in A walking guide to New Zealand’s long trail : Te Araroa by Geoff Chapple, 2017 : p13

If you’re inspired and want to know more about Te Araroa here’s some of the WCL resources on offer. 

Te Araroa : the New Zealand trail / Chapple, Geoff
“Geoff Chapple has created a continuous hiking trail through New Zealand from Cape Reinga to Bluff. This is his story – he describes the dream of establishing a long pathway, and how his dream became a reality.” (Catalogue)

Also available as EBook Overdrive

 

A walking guide to New Zealand’s long trail : Te Araroa / Chapple, Geoff
“This is the guidebook of Te Araroa Trail: The Long Pathway, a continuous trail running from Cape Reinga to Bluff, 35 years in the making, which officially opened in late 2011. The book maps the 3000-kilometer trail in 40-kilometer sections, with maps by leading map maker Roger Smith of Geographx. Author Geoff Chapple is a modern-day visionary who took the concept of a continuous trail running the length of New Zealand and turned it into a reality. Until recently the CEO of the Trust, Chapple complements the maps with a running commentary describing the landscape, the flora and fauna encountered along the way, as well as the special features of particular parts of the trail. Photographs of the trail illustrate each section. Each of the 12 regional sections opens with a stunning 2-page 3D map. A short introduction describes the history of the trail as well as the variety of New Zealand’s landscape along the way: forest, farmland, volcanoes and mountain passes, river valleys, green pathways, and the urban areas of seven cities. This book is an accessible guide both for those who only want to walk parts of the trail and dedicated trampers who intend to walk its entire length.” (Catalogue)

Te Araroa : walking New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre trail / Watson, Mark
“In January 2015 Mark Watson left sunny Cape Reinga to walk and photograph the length of Te Araroa. The journey would take him nearly six months, through constantly changing landscape, geology, and many different kinds of forest. He walked urban pathways, farm tracks, beaches, roads, regional and national parks and reached Bluff – amid winter storms – in July. His visual record of the trail’s scenery is presented in nine geographic sections matching the structure of the trail, with introductory text and captioned photographs to describe the landscape, diversity, culture and history of each region. Te Araroa, the long trail, was established by Geoff Chapple and officially opened in December 2011 by Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae. Mark Watson’s book features a Foreword by Geoff Chapple, founder, Te Araroa.”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

Bewildered : leaving everything behind for 3000km in the wilds of New Zealand / Waters, Laura The pants of perspective : one woman’s 3,000 kilometre running adventure through the wilds of New Zealand / McNuff, Anna
“A thrilling, coming-of-age journey that will make you yearn to go on your own adventures.” – Runner’s World Anna was never anything like those ‘real’ runners on telly—all spindly limbs, tiny shorts and split times—but when she read about New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometre-long Te Araroa Trail, she began to wonder… perhaps being a ‘real’ runner was overrated. Maybe she could just run it anyway? Travelling alone through New Zealand’s backcountry for 148 days, she scrambled through forests, along ridge-lines, over mountain passes, along beaches and across swollen rivers. Running up to 52 kilometres in a day, she slept wild most nights, and was taken into the homes and hearts of the kiwi people in between. The Pants of Perspective is a witty, colourful and at times painfully raw account of a journey to the edge of what a woman believes herself to be capable of. It is a coming-of-age story which will lead you on a roller coaster ride through fear, vulnerability, courage and failure. For anyone who has ever dreamt of taking on a great challenge, but felt too afraid to begin—this story is for you.” (Catalogue)

Broken heels and bicycle wheels / Blair, Larry
“As 2018 drew to a close I embarked on what was to be my grand odyssey, a North – South walk of Aotearoa. Following the Te Araroa route, I was to walk 3,000km over the next six months. Spoiler: I didn’t. After some ups and downs, I binned that idea and had a crack at biking it instead. Broken Heels and Bicycle Wheels is my tale from that six month period. It’s a fairly raw retelling of my trip as I lived it, warts and all…”–https://lawrenceblair.com.” (Catalogue)

 

Lillibutt’s Te Araroa adventure / O’Rourke, Maris
“When Lillibutt the kunekune pig decides to walk from Cape Reinga to Auckland she meets others along the way and overcomes some scary challenges during her long adventure.” (Catalogue)  Te reo version

 

 

Scenic playground : the story behind New Zealand’s mountain tourism
“This lavish book explores the story behind the promotion of New Zealand’s mountains – through posters, advertisements, hand-coloured photos and more. It explains how the country built its reputation as an alpine playground and, alongside, how mountains became central to belonging to Aotearoa”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

 

     New Zealand outdoor magazine Wilderness is available in hardcopy or e-journal formats along with copies of Walking New Zealand also in hardcopy or e-journal

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

The art of giving and receiving feedback

Linda

“You shouldn’t wear stripes dear.  That top makes you look like a little barrel”. 

So said one colleague to another in a former workplace. 

In a similar exchange (same workplace),  I was taken aside by a kindly co-worker who advised me that my chosen shade of lipstick was “too bright”.

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We’ve all had it at some point.  The “helpful”, unasked for, feedback someone feels obliged to give and which often catches us off-guard and leaves us feeling personally attacked.

The usual response to such “advice” is either stunned silence at the audacity/inappropriateness of the feedback giver or more often, a curt variation of  “If I want your opinion I’ll ask”.

In the above examples, whilst most likely well meant, the delivery of said feedback was not tactful, expected and ultimately not good for workplace relationships.

Alternatively, what about when you have received a glowing compliment only to shrug it off with an “Aww shucks, it was nothing” attitude when in fact you had worked darned hard to deliver?

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Giving – and receiving – feedback is a necessary part of communication in the workplace.  Effective feedback should encourage, train and guide us even if it challenges us.  Delivery, however, no matter the direction – upwards, downwards or sideways to a hoamahi (colleague) – requires a degree of tact, sensitivity or emotional intelligence.  

Unfortunately, when badly delivered, feedback can damage workplace relationships as it is perceived as threatening and the receiver can become defensive or even hostile.

Whether you are a manager of people, a co-worker or employee, learning how to deliver and accept feedback is a skill that can be developed with a little effort and awareness.

To assist this week’s blog features a compilation of resources for different workplace scenarios, all offering tips and guidance on how to improve your acceptance and delivery of feedback. 

First though, what is feedback?
This Hotjar blog sums it up nicely :

Employee feedback is any information exchanged by employees (formally or informally) regarding their performance, skills, or ability to work within a team. Both supervisors and peers may deliver feedback, and when done tactfully, the process can create a stronger, more harmonious workplace.

Positive and negative feedback is important because it helps break bad habits, reinforces positive behavior, and enables teams to work more effectively toward their goals.  

Why is it important to give feedback?  Research presented in this article discusses why employees want feedback and ways to make it constructive.

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How do you find ways to give feedback without offending?  
Approach everyone you give feedback to as if they are an iceberg, as there is more below the surface when you deliver structured feedback.

Striking the right balance when giving feedback is a fine line.  This Inc. article outlines words to use to make feedback more effective for the recipient while this article outlines the ABC Feedback Formula for those who find the giving of feedback a scary proposition.  However the skill is in not softening the feedback to a point where the message is lost on those to whom it is being given.

It is generally assumed that feedback should be given verbally, in person.  A recent HBR article presents a case for the times it is more appropriate to give feedback in writing.  The authors state :

Consider what works best for the context, audience, and goals of your specific situation. Spoken and written feedback are both necessary, and each has their time and place.

If you are sensitive to criticism, having your work practices or behaviours critiqued will not be easy.  This article suggests three things to do the next time you get criticism that stings while this one offers some tips to help you take feedback the right way.  This article explains how to tell whether the criticism is fair or unfair, before offering tips on handling criticism with good grace, and making it work for you.  

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It ‘s not just the giving and receiving of negative feedback that matters.  There’s a skill to providing and accepting positive feedback as this TED talk discusses.

As a leader,  do you compliment your team when they do something well?  Or even your team mates?  Praise can be a big motivator and an important leadership practice.  

As an employee you may be put in the position of passing feedback upwards.  It’s sometimes hard (and scary) to give feedback to your boss.  The advice in this article is to first develop a relationship with the manager, and as a manager, when feedback is offered, accept it graciously.

Remember though, there’s a difference between validation and feedback.  Sometimes feedback is requested when what is wanted is validation of behaviours rather than a critique.  If you find yourself faced with that situation there’s some advice to be found here. 

What if your manager or workplace just doesn’t do feedback?  Some companies, particularly if they are small, don’t prioritise performance appraisals.   That makes it difficult to track how you are performing.

In a recent Podcast from the Harvard Business Review team  “… an expert on interpersonal communication and organizational behavior, shares creative ways to draw out people’s perceptions of your performance and potential. She also offers advice on how to make sense of the feedback you do receive”.  

It’s easy to praise a standout employee or team performance.  But what about the majority of workers who calmly and quietly go about their jobs, doing them competently and being the engines that allow a smaller percentage of staff to shine?  Remember that they too are worthy of positive feedback.  They may not have pulled in $1000s of dollars of business in the last year, but their steady contribution to the smooth running of a workplace should be regularly acknowledged.


Recognising the contribution of average workers isn’t just good for these employees – it’s vital for employers. Keeping middle-of-the-pack employees engaged and on board literally keeps companies in business, since these workers keep day-to-day operations smooth. 

Amongst the Wellington City Library resources you will find this short film on the Kanopy platform – Work Place Excellence: Recognition & Feedback
Included in the the topics covered in this short video are how to :
* Give immediate recognition and feedback, 
* Be constructive with feedback,
* Implement feedback tools
* 360 degree feedback.

You will also find Linked In Learning has a range of video courses on feedback. You need to be a registered library user, then enter your library card and password and then search “feedback”.

As for that colleague (or family member) who offers you unsolicited feedback of a personal nature,  try this recommendation :

Simply smile, tell the person you appreciate them caring enough to give you that advice, and say that you’re not looking for advice on that topic at this time. And then smile again. Smiling softens most messages. Say nothing more. Most people will stop talking. What else is there to say?

If you want more, or different resources have a look at these ones :

Giving feedback : expert solutions to everyday challenges
“Good feedback is essential to helping employees perform better at work. It lets people know when they are meeting or exceeding expectations, and when they need to get back on the right track. This practical guide shows managers how to develop and refine this necessary skill.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Coaching and feedback for performance
“Why is coaching skill the hallmark of good management? Managers who provide consistent, constructive feedback run more efficient departments, equip their employees to become leaders, and gain the support they need for their efforts. Proficient managerial coaching aligns employees with company strategy, so that day-to-day activities ……” (Catalogue)

 

Thanks for the feedback : the science and art of receiving feedback well : (even when it is off base, unfair, poorly delivered, and frankly, you’re not in the mood) / Stone, Douglas
“The authors of the classic ‘Difficult Conversations’ teach you how to take criticism productively in this book. Receiving feedback is an important skill, and the rewards for learning well are substantial. But feedback can be painful, sometimes brutally so. This title takes an honest look at why feedback feels so hard, and gives readers the framework and tools needed to metabolize challenging information and use it to fuel real change.” (Catalogue) 
Also available on EAudiobook Borrowbox

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Starting out or moving on : job hunting resources at WCL

Linda

Is 2023 the year you step onto the career ladder?

Are you returning to work after a break?

Maybe you’ve had time to reflect over the summer break and feel it’s time to move on and are looking for a new job?

Let Wellington City Libraries and our extensive job-hunting resources assist you.  We have many, and varied, resources that may help you.

If you are new to job hunting you might find this blog piece aimed at Job seekers helpful.

There’s plenty of other resources too, regardless of what stage you are at in your career or job-hunt.

If you’re starting out;
Looking for a job;
Assessing your skills;
Getting your cv (resume) prepared;
Brushing up on some work skills;
Gaining confidence for an interview;

Read on to learn more.

Assess your skill set
If you are a school or university leaver, not certain about your skill set, or maybe someone thinking of changing careers, a good starting site is Careers New Zealand.  Here you will find tools that can assist you figure out what roles your skills and experience may be a good match for.  There is also guidance on cv preparation and other useful information.

Find a vacancy
To apply for a job you need to first know what companies are seeking workers and what roles are being advertised.

If you know what you are looking for and already have a cv prepared you can create a profile and upload your documentation to Seek or Trademe jobs.  Both these sites allow you to create alerts so that you are emailed a listing whenever a job in your area of interest is advertised.

For an experienced worker, looking to change roles or companies, there are a variety of recruitment agents in the Wellington CBD.  Some specialise in certain roles such as labour, IT, professional or executive recruitment.  Others have a more general approach.  Link here for a brief alphabetical Recruitment agents listing

Don’t forget the power of networking.  See our blog listing networking groups in the Wellington region or the one about using Linkedin for effective networking.

Prepare your CV/resume
Your cv and covering letter are what will attract a prospective employer to you.  Or not.  So how do you get noticed in among all the other applications?  Like everything, there are trends to how to present your cv and this article outlines some of the resume trends you should be aware of while this one suggests some things that should be on your cv.  If you are uncertain about some information, ask a trusted friend or colleague to check it over.  There are also professional companies that will work with you to produce a standout cv.

Acquiring or brushing up on skills
If, as you read through a job description, you feel you need some new or additional skills to be appropriately qualified for a role then there are many courses available to help you upskill.  Our blog on Professional development looks at some of the online options including Linkedin Learning courses available free with your library registration.

In person courses are offered throughout the year from Wellington High School‘s Community Education Centre or Victoria University‘s short course options.

Acing interviews
You’ve done all the above, and now you have an interview.  What next?  If, like many people you get nervous when faced with a panel of interviewers asking you questions then preparation is the key.  Look for the company website and brush up on your knowledge of their structure and people.  For a senior role, check to see if the company Annual Report is available and have a read.  Sometimes you may be questioned on how much you know about an organisation, for example, how it may be funded.  This is when your research will pay off.  There’s also the chance of an “awkward” question.  Have a look at the advice offered in this HBR article  How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Failed” in a Job Interview.

On the Wellington City Libraries website enter “Employment interviewing” in the catalogue search box to find resources that can help you prepare answers for those sticky questions.  And don’t be afraid to go into an interview with a list of questions you want to know about the company.

So that’s some of the many ways we can help your job search succeed.  You’ll also find more resources listed on our Aramahi/Careers Information page.

Within our broader library collection we also have resources like those listed below, that library users are welcome to borrow.  Or contact your friendly and helpful library staff for further suggestions.

The new rules for job hunting : changing jobs in a changing world / O’Neil, Tom
“The rules have changed! With economic uncertainty after COVID 19, as well as redundancies and unemployment on the rise, it has never been more important in New Zealand to secure strong and long-lasting employment. You may already have (or maybe think you have) the skills to gain a new career or win a dream job but if you are unable to sell yourself to a prospective employer. In reality, that potential is unrealised with most people. With sections on resumes, social media, preparing and sending impactful covering letters, the do’s and don’ts in an interview, interviewing tips (both ZOOM and traditional), networking, direct marketing, salary negotiation and career goal-setting, this book is packed with information. The book also includes up-to-date tips and information about social networking, online resources and long-term career planning. Discover how you can stand out from the competition and receive more job opportunities and better value job offers than ever before. ‘THE NEW RULES FOR JOB HUNTING’ will help you to discover and identify personal key career highlights and assist in marketing your skills to potential employers. New Zealander Tom O’Neil has been a professional recruitment and human resources consultant for over twenty years. He is sought after for Interviews for television and radio commentary regarding employment and has articles about career development printed in a wide range of magazines and newspapers. He is a significant contributor to the bestselling career guide ‘What Color Is Your Parachute?’ which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Tom has also been the author of the bestselling book ‘You’re Hired’, (published by New Holland) and is in demand globally for his workshops and public speaking. Gaynor O’Neil is a senior recruiter and works with Tom in their international personal development and resume writing businesses”–Publisher’s website.” (Catalogue)

What color is your parachute? : your guide to a lifetime of meaningful work and career success / Bolles, Richard Nelson
“In today’s challenging job-market, as recent grads face a shifting economic landscape and seek work that pays and inspires, as workers are laid off mid-career, and as people search for an inspiring work-life change, the time-tested advice of What Color Is Your Parachute? is needed more than ever. This completely updated edition features the latest resources, strategies, and perspectives on today’s job market, revealing surprising advice on what works–and what doesn’t–so you can focus your efforts on tactics that yield results.”– Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)  Available as EBook Overdrive

Love + work : how to find what you love, love what you do, and do it for the rest of your life / Buckingham, Marcus
“We’re in the middle of an epidemic of stress and anxiety. A global pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives. Average life expectancy in the United States is down. At work, less than 16 percent of us are fully engaged. In many high-stress jobs, such as distribution centers, emergency room nursing, and teaching, incidences of PTSD are higher than for soldiers returning from war zones. We’re getting something terribly wrong. We’ve designed the love out of our workplaces, and our schools too, so that they fail utterly to provide for or capitalize on one of our most basic human needs: our need for love. As Marcus Buckingham shows in this eye-opening, uplifting book, love is an energy, and like all forms of energy, it must flow. It demands expression-and that expression is “work.” Whether in our professional accomplishments, our relationships, or our response to all the many slings and arrows of life, we know that none of this work will be our best unless it is made with love. There’s no learning without love, no innovation, no service, no sustainable growth. Love and work are inextricable. Buckingham first starkly highlights the contours of our loveless work lives and explains how we got here. Next, he relates how we all develop best in response to other human beings. What does a great work relationship look like when the other person is cued to your loves? What does a great team look like when each member is primed to be a mirror, an amplifier, of the loves of another? Finally, he shows how you can weave love back into the world of work as a force for good, how you can use your daily life routines to pinpoint your specific loves, and how you can make this a discipline for the rest of your life. Today, too often, love comes last at work, and we are living the painful consequences of this. Love + Work powerfully shows why love must come first-and how we can make this happen”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Career remix / Brown, Damon
“An author, two-time start-up founder and four-time TED speaker offers testimonials, plans of action, and road-tested insight to encourage job seekers to use their existing skills and resources to change careers, manage transitions, and thrive in the current job market.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Coming back : how to win the job you want when you’ve lost the job you need / Germer, Fawn
“A street smart, inspiring, practical and utterly honest book for renewing or resuming your career. Millions of mid- and late-career professionals are wondering why our careers are dying. We’ve been fired, downsized, job-eliminated, or we’ve left work voluntarily to raise children, care for loved ones, or go to school. Our unemployment rate is more than three times the national average. It takes twice as long to get hired, usually for far less money than we were making. Is it age discrimination? Maybe. But it’s not that simple. So many of us have lagged on skills and technology, shrugged off social media, or ignored the rate of change and let younger people become the face of our profession’s future. Our “track record” really doesn’t matter. We want to come back, but we aren’t ready. Coming Back offers clear advice, including: -Make yourself visible and relevant by sharing articles and information on your field with colleagues and on social media. -Use LinkedIn to build your network in your industry and identify decision makers. -Tell interviewers about what you will do-don’t rely on what you have done. -Stop grousing about “those millennials” and start working with them. -Volunteer strategically to build leadership skills and networks. Coming Back shows how you can save a career if still employed or get one back if cast out. Fawn Germer, one of the nation’s most popular leadership experts and global motivational speakers, has personally interviewed more than 300 CEOs, senior executives, professors, lawyers, organizational experts, industry leaders and professionals. The result is a tactical, tough-love call to action: to learn, re-tool, connect, grow, and get ready to work again”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

HBR guide to changing your career
“You’re well into your career and yet you’re not where you want to be. Perhaps you’ve done everything you need to do to be named a partner, but your firm has encountered a crisis that’s put all promotions on hold. Maybe a hobby or sidegig has helped unearth a new passion you’d love to pursue full-time. Perhaps you’ve come to realize that your current role is no longer meaningful. Or maybe you’ve exceeded all of the goals you set for your current career and you’re ready for a new challenge. How do you envision possible new professional selves, explore your options, and embark on a dramatic career makeover when you have a mortgage to pay, kids to support, college and retirement funds to feed–and a full life and full-time job? Can you really set aside the years you’ve invested in your education and current industry? How can you make a radical change when there are so many demands on you? Whether you know what you want your second act to be or you have no clue–only that what you’re doing isn’t a match, this guide will help you chart a course and make the switch. You’ll discover how to: – Break free of what your career is now to consider what it could be – Get an accurate picture of the skills and abilities you bring to the table – Create experiments that won’t sabotage your current job – Assess the financial implications of making a change – Develop a compelling way to tell your story–tying even seemingly unrelated jobs into a cohesive narrative – Build expertise in a new field – Land a new role– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Rethink your career : in your 40s, 50s and 60s / Maxwell, Joanna
“Have you accumulated plenty of wisdom and experience, but others think you’re all washed up? Perhaps you’re bored with your current work but not sure what’s next. Don’t panic! Work reinvention expert Joanna Maxwell shows you how to refresh a current career, pursue a new direction or leverage your experience to start your own business. The practical exercises and inspirational real-life stories in “Rethink Your Career: will help you: – clarify your strengths, talents and skills – find creative new ways to think about your work future – take stock of your finances and deal with your fears – make your best decision and put your new plans into action.” (Catalogue)

Ultimate job search : master the art of finding your ideal job, getting an interview and networking / Williams, Lynn
“A one-stop shop for all job hunters, this fifth edition of Ultimate Job Search takes the stress out of job hunting and provides advice on every stage of the process including: preparing a poweful CV that will get you noticed ; sample cover letters and emails that are really persuasive ; making a great impression at interviews ; dealing with offers and rejections in a positive manner.”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

How to write an impressive CV & cover letter : a comprehensive guide for jobseekers / Whitmore, Tracey
“Your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile are your first communication with a prospective employer. As the job market is more competitive than ever, grabbing an employer’s attention and making the right first impression has never been more important. If you compromise on the quality of your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, you reduce your chances of winning an interview. This book, which will appeal to anyone from entry level to board level, is a step-by-step guide on how to approach job hunting and achieve a killer competitive advantage by producing an impressive CV, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Invaluable views and advice from senior HR and industry professionals, who are often the first point of entry, are provided throughout the book. How to Write an Impressive CV and Cover Letter will support jobseekers through the entire job-hunting process. It offers access to practical, real-life examples of CVs and cover letters that have secured interviews and helped individuals win their dream job. Readers will gain access to these documents, together with valuable templates, as part of the book.” (Catalogue)

Get that job : interviews : how to keep your head and land your ideal job
“The ultimate guide to preparing for the interview process, maintaining focus, handling difficult questions, and maximizing your chances of landing that dream job.”Whether you’re a school leaver, a recent graduate, an established professional on the move, or someone looking to return to the job market, any research and preparation will be critical in improving your performance in an interview setting – from being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, through to knowing the questions to ask that will ensure you are remembered after the interview is over. Whether it is in person, on the telephone or via a video conference, Get That Job: Interviews will prepare you for even the toughest interview – including tips on preparation and pre-interview research, strategies for different types of interview, advice on staying calm under pressure, and ways to cope with the questions from hell.” — Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Planning, goal setting and forming new habits

Linda

The beginning of a new year is a time for many of us to start mapping out our short and long term personal and professional goals.

What do you want to achieve this year?  It might be gaining new customers, aiming for and achieving a new role or maybe working towards more work-life balance.  
So how are you going to get there?

This short article shares some weekly planning tips from entrepreneurs.

A recent study suggests that by using paper, rather than a digital tool makes your planning more effective.  Paper users “developed higher quality plans and fulfilled them at a higher success rate than their counterparts who used mobile phones.”

But should you make a plan or set goals?  This article looks at the difference between plans, goals and resolutions and the pros and cons of each.

Current thinking is focusing on changing behaviour patterns and developing new (and breaking old) habits.


In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear explains why bad habits are so difficult to break. 

(Clear’s book is in high demand from the Wellington City Libraries collection but it is available in a number of formats).  

A recent NZ Listener article Up and Atom is based on Clear’s work and includes input from Sir John Kirwan.  The advice is that to achieve big results you must first make little changes to your work/life patterns and embed these in your day to day thinking.

Whatever route you chose we have resources to help you set those goals, develop your planning and adopt some new habits to get you on your way.

Atomic habits : tiny changes, remarkable results : an easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones / Clear, James
“Atomic habit, noun. Definition: A small habit with big results. People say when you want to change your life, you need to think big: swap job, move house, change partner. But they’re wrong. World-renowned life coach James Clear has discovered a completely different way to revolutionise your behaviour. He knows that lasting change comes from hundreds of tiny decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls these atomic habits. Clear delves deep into cutting-edge psychology to explain why your brain is able to amplify such small changes into such big outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, or the unexpected power of the Two-Minute Rule), to show how you too can grow tiny shifts into life-transforming changes in behaviour. And he reveals a simple four-stage method that will let you build atomic habits into your day-to-day life, starting now. These nuclear changes will have an explosive effect on your career, your relationships and your life.”–Publisher.” (Catalogue)  Also available in Hindi and on EBook Borrowbox , EBook Overdrive , EAudiobook Overdrive

Gearing up : leading your Kiwi business into the future / Kolb, Darl
“Published a decade ago and reprinted multiple times, the authors’ Changing Gears: How to Take Your Kiwi Business from the Kitchen Table to the Board Room was the first book that enabled Kiwi-sized firms to integrate business-school wisdom into their thinking. Gearing Up: Leading Your Kiwi Business into the Future is a completely revised and updated primer for owner-manager New Zealand businesses. The book introduces the business basics that haven’t changed (business models and financial drivers, leadership, team building, strategy and planning), while exploring how globalisation and digital transformations are challenging what we know about doing business. Throughout, the authors focus – through real examples – on the opportunities and challenges faced by the Kiwi men and women running our owner-operated businesses.” (Catalogue)

Also available as an ebook

Planning to win : a guide to business planning & financial modelling / Pender, Gordon
“There are many books on business planning, and many more on management and entrepreneurship. They tell you what their authors think should be included in a plan. Planning to Win is different: it explains exactly how to prepare a business plan it illustrates the elements of a good plan and how they fit together to produce a professional and compelling document. It also includes practical examples: stories from the authors clients that show what happens in the real world. You may need to raise equity capital and/or a bank loan. You may be planning a new venture (if you are very brave). You may want to win a competitive government grant (if you are very patient). You may be planning a joint venture or a new export business. Perhaps you need to show your parents you can take over the family empire and succeed. Or you may want to write the best business plan in your management course or business planning competition. Whatever your situation, one thing is certain: you will understand your business much better if you plan it well. Ultimately, your prosperity is at stake. You are risking your valuable time, your job, perhaps your whole business. Professional business planning will help safeguard your own interests first. If you want to prepare the best business plan and succeed, Planning to Win is for you.” (Catalogue)

Rethinking strategy : how to anticipate the future, slow down change and improve decision making / Tighe, Steve
“Business leaders are desperate for help to position their companies for future success in a climate where business has never been more competitive, volatile or uncertain. Corporate techniques for navigating this complexity have not adjusted to this new dynamic and organisations have suffered an upsurge in strategic surprises proving disruptive to previously successful business models. This book provides an innovative end-to-end process designed to reframe strategy as a resource, and strategic development as the organisation’s principal creative and learning activity, while recognising that strategic creativity is fundamental to successful business transformation.” (Catalogue)

Burn the business plan : what great entrepreneurs really do / Schramm, Carl J
“Carl Schramm, the man described by The Economist as ‘the evangelist of Entrepreneurship’, has written a myth-busting guide packed with tools and techniques to help you get your big idea off the ground. Carl believes that entrepreneurship has been completely misrepresented by the media, business books, University programmes and MBA courses. He believes that the perception of what it takes to start a business no longer matches the reality – which is bad news for everyone because it stops great ideas coming to life. Burn the Business Plan punctures the myth of the cool, tech-savvy 20-something entrepreneur with nothing to lose and venture capital to burn, showing that most people who start businesses are juggling careers and mortgages just like you. Burn the Business Plan is written to encourage you to get started. It demystifies the entrepreneurial process portrayed on television shows like Dragon’s Den. It doesn’t rely on largely irrelevant stories of overvalued tech startups, nor does it build on the largely mistaken narrative of a linear path from cold start to great success that is the essence of business planning, as taught in universities. This is the guide to starting and running a business that will actually work for the rest of us. Burn the Business Plan is for regular people who just want practical, real-world advice on how to start and run a successful business. It shows you how to avoid the common mistakes and what you need to do to put your enterprise on track for success.”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Do it for a day : how to make or break any habit in 30 days / Batterson, Mark
“The New York Times bestselling author of Win the Day challenges you to adopt seven powerful habits for thirty days and start your journey toward reaching your God-sized dreams”– Provided by publisher.Destiny is daily habits: our lives our built on our patterns of behavior, both constructive and counterproductive. Batterson believe you are only one habit away from a totally different life! Here he helps you identify changes that are “3M”: measurable, meaningful, and maintainable, and coaches readers step-by-step to change their lives. — adapted from back cover” (Catalogue)

The power of habit : why we do what we do and how to change / Duhigg, Charles
“Charles Duhigg takes us to the edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, he brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation.” (Catalogue)

 

Good habits, bad habits : the science of making positive changes that stick / Wood, Wendy
“Wood draws on three decades of original research to explain the fascinating science of how we form habits, and offers the key to unlocking our habitual mind in order to make the changes we seek.” (Catalogue)  Also available on EBook Overdrive and EAudiobook Borrowbox

 

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Let’s talk about trust – by guest author Brenda James

Linda

The blog piece below has been republished with kind permission of  author Brenda James.  Brenda is a Leadership and Career Development Specialist with 20 years’ experience in recruitment, coaching and HR.

Chapter on Trust in Brenda James’ book Believe.

With all of us facing a tidal wave of change right now and the requirement to be more agile than ever, trust is high on the list of competencies needed in our leaders. It is the one thing that changes everything. Trust is like a rising tide; it lifts every boat. It makes every other thing we are trying to do better.

It doesn’t matter how capable or talented your people are, they may never reach their full potential if trust isn’t present. But with trust, teams can accomplish everything they set out to do… and more.

DISTRUST IS CONTAGIOUS, BUT THANKFULLY, SO IS TRUST

In its 2016 global CEO survey, PwC reported that 55% of CEOs think that a lack of trust is a threat to their organisation’s growth. But many have done little to increase trust, mainly because they aren’t sure where to start.

Stephen Covey, author of The Speed of Trust says, “trust is the new currency”. He is talking about trust in teams and being trusted as a leader. We are often reminding leaders that to be trusted, one must be trustworthy.

As Harold Macmillan said, “A man who trusts nobody is apt to be the kind of man nobody trusts.”

TRUST LEADS TO HEALTHY CONFLICT

The absence of trust occurs when team members are reluctant to be vulnerable with one another, and are often unwilling to admit their mistakes, acknowledge their weaknesses or ask for help. Trust is critical because without it, teams are unlikely to engage in unfiltered, passionate debate about key issues.

In our work with leaders in the architectural industry, we see avoidance of healthy conflict within teams frequently, yet it’s been proven that innovation and creativity flourishes when there is a collision of differences in an environment of trust. We won’t innovate when we are not willing to take a risk. Where there is high trust, it encourages high risk taking and trust is the agent that makes synergy happen.

So, how can you be the catalyst to bring an upward spiral of trust in your team?

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If you want to build trust within your team, then lead by example and show your people that you trust others. This means trusting your team, your colleagues, and your boss. Never forget that your team members are always watching and taking cues from you – take the opportunity to show them what trust in others really looks like.

DON’T PLACE BLAME

When people work together, honest mistakes and disappointments happen, and it’s easy to outwardly place blame. However, when everyone starts pointing fingers, an unpleasant atmosphere can quickly develop. This lowers morale, undermines trust, and is ultimately unproductive.

Instead, encourage everyone in your team to think about the mistake in a constructive way. What can you all do to fix what happened, and move forward together? And how can you make sure that this mistake doesn’t happen again? Focus on lessons learned, not who to blame.

KNOW EACH OTHER PERSONALLY

One fast way to build trust is to encourage your team members to see their colleagues as people. Think about creating situations that help them to share personal stories and to bond. It is amazing how little some team members know about one another, and how just a small amount of information begins to break down barriers.

Here is an exercise we have teams do, found in Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Advantage. Note: Use your own best judgment when asking team members or colleagues personal questions – don’t invade their privacy.

Personal History Exercise

This low-risk exercise requires nothing more than going around the table during a meeting and having team members answer a short list of questions about themselves.

Questions

Where were you born?

How many siblings do you have?

What is one challenging event from your childhood?

Alternatively, you could ask about

Favourite hobbies

First job

Worst job

By describing these relatively innocent attributes or experiences, team members begin to relate to one another on a more personal basis and see one another as human beings with life stories and interesting backgrounds.

This encourages greater empathy and understanding and discourages unfair and inaccurate behavioural attributions.

FINAL WORD

Trust changes everything, not in small incremental ways, but in profound ways, so it is worth every piece of energy you invest into developing trust within your team.

As a leader, it’s important that you set an example. Show your team members how critical trust is to you by demonstrating your trust in them, as well as in your colleagues.

It is well worth your time investment to pause, check-in, and think about what you are doing to build trust within your own team. It is the one thing that changes everything.

Believe : how new leaders step up and into their full potential / James, Brenda
“Why should others believe in your leadership if you don’t believe in yourself? No matter where or when you start to experience a dent in your self-belief, once it is triggered and activated, your outlook changes. You see everything through blurred lenses. You constantly look for evidence that you are not quick enough, deserving enough or smart enough. And, of course, you always find it. But what happens if your uncertainty is so high that it’s impacting your performance? Or your team’s culture and output? Or worse, your relationship with yourself? Believing in yourself is the remedy. But how do you tangibly develop this? Ask yourself: Is now your time to move from a place of insignificance and struggle? Is now your time to thrive and fulfil your potential? Is now your time to make an impact? In Believe, author Brenda James guides you to take a deep but safe dive inward. Chapter by chapter, through a method of introspection, you are encouraged to take simple action steps and embrace tools to help illuminate all the reasons why you should believe in yourself as a leader. Embrace the process and let its wisdom equip you with one of the key fundamentals of leadership – self-belief. Come on an inspiring journey that will fill your heart with possibility. Immediately – and forever.” – back cover” (Catalogue)

Other resources on the subject of Trust and leadership within the Wellington City Libraries collection include :

The trusted leader : bringing out the best in your people and your company / Galford, Robert M.
“Based on highly specific research and experience that covers a wide spectrum of managers and organizations, The Trusted Leader identifies the three critical types of trust that leaders need to master: strategic trust, organizational trust, and personal trust. It introduces a practical and effective formula for building organizational confidence, and provides a unique analysis of the obstacles to trust and the sources of resistance to the building of trust inside organizations. Through a series of interactive exercises, executives will learn how to determine where trust is missing and how it can be supplemented in people, departments, and even whole companies. Perhaps most timely are the book’s series of diagnostic tools and skills that help executives rebuild trust that has been broken or betrayed.”–BOOK JACKET.” (Catalogue)

The agile culture : leading through trust and ownership / Pixton, Pollyanna
“Many books talk about the importance of culture to agile success. The Agile Culture shows the reader how to make the specific culture changes needed for agile success. The authors provide proven tools and models for moving from “date-driven, internally-focused” cultures to “value-driven, customer-focused” cultures where agile can thrive and flourish. They offer clear rationales for using each tool, demonstrate it at work, present relevant case studies and examples, define expected outcomes, and show how to measure success. Using these techniques, students will learn to achieve the results promised by agile: a culture of continuous innovation, transparency, and trust.” (Catalogue)

Breaking the trust barrier : how leaders close the gaps for high performance / Venable, JV
“For former US Airforce Thunderbirds’ commander and demonstration leader JV Venable, inspiring teamwork was literally a matter of life and death. On maneuvers the distance between jets was just 18 inches. Closing the gaps to sustain that kind of separation requires the highest levels of trust. On the ground or in the air, from line supervisor to CEO, we all face the same challenge. Our job is to entice those we lead to close the gaps that slow the whole team down – gaps in commitment, loyalty, and trust. Every bit of closure requires your people to let go of biases and mental safeguards that hold them back. The process the Thunderbirds use to break that barrier and craft the highest levels of trust on a team with an annual turnover of 50% is nothing short of phenomenal. That process is packaged in this book with tips and compelling stories that will help you build the team of a lifetime.” (Catalogue)

Simple truths of leadership : 52 ways to be a servant leader and build trust / Blanchard, Kenneth H
“Leadership legend Ken Blanchard teams up with Randy Conley to share the most essential lessons on servant leadership and building trust from the heart of his leadership model. Effective leadership comes down to implementing everyday, commonsense practices to help organizations thrive-and yet so many leaders are still missing these fundamental principles from their personal and professional lives. Renowned business experts Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley disclose the simple truths about leadership they have gathered over their long and distinguished careers to help bring common sense into common practice. Featuring two sections -servant leadership and building trust -this book is a collection of Blanchard’s greatest hits. It is chock-full of profound and memorable (and in some cases counterintuitive) leadership wisdom, such as: Create autonomy through boundaries; People who plan the battle rarely battle the plan; A relationship with no trust is like a cell phone with no internet;. All you can do is play games; The most important part of leadership is what happens when you’re not there. This book will help readers incorporate these integral practices into their leadership style, build trust through servant leadership, and make a difference in their own life and the lives of those they influence”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.