Why do people lie at work? The answer is we all lie, be that to others and ourselves, though we don’t (always) mean to lie.
What is happening?
In this video, we unpack workplace discussions and why they often lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction. We are all fallible, but why do we unintentionally lie at work? Why do we convince ourselves that something is true when it just ain’t so? Tune in to discover the world of confabulation and how to mitigate its impact in the workplace.
Progress vs Perfection: why perfectionism is the enemy of progress!
In today’s video, join Ricky as he delves into progress versus perfectionism, why perfectionism might be holding you back and how embracing progress can be a game-changer!
What’s Inside: Understand the pitfalls of perfectionism
Ricky’s personal journey from hesitation to 100K views! The immense power of the progress mindset.
Practical insights on how to shift from perfection to progress. Don’t wait; get started!
Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination.
Fear of failure and burnout.
Progress promotes growth, resilience, and satisfaction.
The journey and the learning process bring more value than the end goal. Join our community, and let’s celebrate our journeys together!
In today’s intricate world, decision-making and learning often occur in ambiguous contexts where clear-cut answers are rare. This article delves into the complexities of navigating these “grey areas,” emphasising the importance of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and adaptability. It highlights how social contexts and cultural influences shape our perceptions and decisions, underscoring the need for continuous learning and cultivating environments that encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives.
Not all lessons are black and white in the vast expanse of learning and development. Much of what we learn, especially in leadership, management and personal growth, lies in grey areas—complex, nuanced and often without clear-cut answers.
How, then, do you train and develop your people to work in the grey zones when a flowchart, manual, process, or, dare I say it, artificial intelligence (AI) can’t cut it? Not yet, at least.
Serendipity piqued my curiosity, leading me into the world of social learning theory.
A Chance Encounter Inspires A Challenge
When a global automotive manufacturer challenged my company to think differently and to look at a learning problem from another perspective, we had to embrace the opportunity.
The challenge was to address a development gap in their frontline people managers; while skilled and competent in the technical and process aspects of the role, they needed to be more effective in their soft skills. The need was to be able to have impactful people conversations that changed behavior. Challenges where the stock answer is “It depends” are not the happy place for managers who would sooner fix a technical issue than talk to their people. Of course, there were operational constraints and budgetary limits, too.
We train, develop and coach people worldwide for some of the biggest brands, but this needed a new solution, something like gamification. At that time, it was not at all in our sweet spot. So we set about doing our research.
We created a dilemma game for them, one that blended four distinct components:
Gamification to motivate and maintain interest;
Psychological safety to enable participants to feel comfortable surfacing issues or exposing perceived weaknesses (the game element also helps this);
Group coaching, where a facilitator runs the game and asks great questions to cause conversation, exploration and curiosity; and finally,
Social learning, encouraging people to share their experiences, good and bad, for the benefit of the group, all under the pretext of “It’s only a game.”
Players shared more than we ever imagined, and managers grew, not just in learning but in recognising that they are not the only ones who struggle. Additionally, they built an internal support network they can talk to when needed.
The Essence Of Social Learning
Social learning is at the heart of understanding how we navigate the grey areas.
Psychologist Albert Bandura, professor emeritus of social science in psychology at Stanford University, popularised the theory. Bandura suggests that people learn from one another via observation, imitation and modelling.
One of Bandura’s most famous experiments, the Bobo doll study, demonstrated how individuals, particularly children, learn and replicate behaviours they observe in others.
This fundamental concept illuminates the significant impact of environmental and social influences on our learning processes and decision-making abilities. Where you work and who you work with significantly impact what you learn.
Learning From The Environment: The Role Of Observational Learning
From early childhood, our learning is deep-rooted in observation. We watch the actions of those around us—our parents, teachers, and peers—and see the consequences of those actions.
This observational learning extends beyond mere replication of behaviours. It involves understanding the outcomes of actions and adjusting our behaviour in response.
When we witness positive results, we are encouraged to mimic those actions. Conversely, adverse outcomes might deter us but can also pique curiosity and imitation under certain circumstances.
This dynamic interaction with our environment shapes our understanding of the world, especially in areas where the answers could be more straightforward.
The Grey Areas: Navigating Complexity Through Social Contexts
The grey areas of decision-making and ethics represent a significant challenge for personal development and professional training. These are the domains where right and wrong are not easily discernible, where the ethical, practical and effective course of action might vary depending on context and perspective.
Training individuals to navigate these complexities requires a sophisticated approach beyond traditional didactic methods. How you get an answer becomes a more important skill than knowing the answer.
Creating realistic and contextual situations for discussion and exploration is critical. By simulating real-life scenarios that present ethical dilemmas or complex decision-making situations, learners can engage in critical thinking, explore different outcomes and consider the implications of various actions.
This experiential learning approach encourages individuals to reflect on their values, the influence of their actions on others and the broader societal implications.
The Impact Of Peers And Culture
Our peers and the culture we are a part of play crucial roles in shaping our responses to grey areas. The social norms, values and behaviours are prevalent in our immediate environment influence our perceptions of what is acceptable or desirable.
This social context can either reinforce positive behaviors or perpetuate negative ones. Recognizing the power of social influence is crucial for both learners and educators, as it highlights the importance of fostering positive, supportive and ethical communities.
Moving Toward A Future Of Informed
Decision-Making
Training for the shades of gray requires an emphasis on critical thinking, empathy and ethical reasoning. It involves cultivating an environment where questioning is encouraged and diverse perspectives are valued.
By leveraging social learning principles, educators and leaders can create more nuanced training programs that prepare individuals not just to choose between black and white but to navigate the vast spectrum of grey created by current levels of uncertainty with confidence and integrity.
Our Solution
What Would You Do? helps cross-functional groups surface common issues and performance gaps through social learning, gamification, group coaching and psychological safety. You can learn more here.
Conclusion
In a complex and nuanced world, navigating the grey areas is more crucial than ever. Understanding and applying social learning principles can better prepare us and others to make informed, ethical and impactful decisions.
By observing, discussing and reflecting on the multifaceted outcomes of our actions, we grow as managers and leaders, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow with wisdom and compassion.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com on 15th April 2024
Ricky has been a regular contributor to the Forbes Councils since 2023, where he shares his perspectives on all things leadership, change, culture and productivity, all with Thinking Focus’ unique perspective on metacognition, or as we prefer to say, thinking about thinking.
When it comes to boosting productivity, many people focus on external tools, systems, or processes, hoping these will unlock greater efficiency. However, the real key to sustainable productivity lies within—the “pilot in the box.” This metaphor highlights that it’s not the technology or resources at your disposal but the individual driving them that determines success.
This article explores the critical role of personal mindset, habits, and decision-making in achieving peak performance. It delves into how a growth-oriented mindset, intentional behaviours, and the ability to adapt to challenges are far more powerful than any external solution. By taking ownership of one’s mental focus, creating disciplined routines, and fostering self-awareness, individuals can transform how they work, making every tool and resource exponentially more effective. The message is clear: productivity isn’t about what you have; it’s about how you use it—and the pilot’s role is irreplaceable.
In an age where new productivity tools and apps emerge daily, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the next shiny toy or methodology will magically make us more productive; I know I have. I love a new gadget—who doesn’t?
Over many years, I have wasted so much money searching for that something special to make me more productive. I would use them until the next shiny, “fantastic new tool that solves all your productivity issues” arrived.
While systems, software and processes play a role in organising and streamlining tasks, when you boil it down, “it all comes down to the pilot in the box.” Now I realise that is a Top Gun: Maverick quote, but it sounds so cool I just had to weave it in somewhere. I mean that it’s down to me, you, us, the masters of our destiny, to change our mindset, habits and behaviour.
1. Mindset: The Power Of Perception
Our beliefs and attitudes can either propel us forward or hold us back. As popularized by Carol Dweck, a growth mindset means believing in the potential for development and seeing challenges as opportunities. When faced with a task, someone with a growth mindset doesn’t get bogged down by the fear of failure; they see it as a learning experience.
Conversely, constantly seeking the “perfect” system might be symptomatic of a fixed mindset—the belief that productivity is an inherent trait rather than something we can develop.
Thus, cultivating a mindset that embraces challenges, remains curious and is resilient in the face of setbacks can be more crucial than the intricacies of any productivity system.
2. Habit: The Rhythm Of Consistency
Every time we turn to a new system or software, there’s a learning curve. Often, once we’re familiar with a tool, we move on to another, forever chasing the promise of enhanced productivity. This constant shifting is a productivity trap in itself. But what if the secret to productivity isn’t in the tool but in the routine?
Habits, once formed, require less mental energy. They become second nature, allowing us to execute tasks efficiently without the cognitive load of decision-making. For example, regularly reviewing tasks could be more beneficial than any software in which those tasks are stored.
Creating positive habits, such as daily planning or setting specific times for checking emails, can profoundly impact your productivity more than perpetually switching between tools and systems.
3. Behavior: Actions Speak Louder Than Tools
Even with the best software and processes in place, our behaviour ultimately determines productivity. Procrastination, for instance, can’t be solved by any app, no matter how sophisticated. It requires introspection, understanding the root cause and taking corrective actions.
Behaviours like setting boundaries, learning to say “no” and prioritising tasks based on importance rather than urgency can drastically improve productivity. These u, rooted in self-awareness and discipline, can determine how effectively we use any system or tool.
Tools Are Tools: People Drive Productivity
Instead of constantly searching for the next big thing in productivity tools like me, it might be time for us all to look inward and realise that we—the “pilot in the box” of our mind, not the tools—are the primary drivers of our productivity.
The intricate dance between habits, mindsets and behaviours is far more profound than any external tool or system we might employ in our quest for productivity. These elements, deeply rooted in our neural pathways, cognitive structures and past experiences, are critical in determining our daily actions and overall effectiveness.
Mindset: Mindset shapes our perceptions and responses to challenges. A growth mindset encourages resilience and biologically primes the brain for adaptability and problem-solving. By embracing this mindset, you can take a proactive approach to tasks, fostering continuous learning and improvement.
Habits: Habits tap into the brain’s propensity to conserve energy. As they become ingrained, they free up our cognitive resources, allowing us to focus on novel tasks and challenges. By consciously establishing routines that align with our goals, we can harness this neurological efficiency for productivity.
Behaviour: By understanding the psychological impetus behind behaviours like procrastination or distraction, we can develop strategies to mitigate them. This introspection enables a more holistic approach to productivity, where we’re not just ticking boxes but addressing core issues that might hold us back.
In the hustle of the modern world, it can be tempting to reach for tangible, external solutions to enhance productivity. Yet the most potent tools lie within our minds. By delving into our habits, mindsets, and behaviours and tailoring these elements to serve our goals, we can unlock a sustainable, effective, and profoundly fulfilling productivity level.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com on 14th November 2023
Ricky has been a regular contributor to the Forbes Councils since 2023, where he shares his perspectives on all things leadership, change, culture and productivity, all with Thinking Focus’ unique perspective on metacognition, or as we prefer to say, thinking about thinking.
Six reasons why you keep failing and why you’re not achieving your goals, and the good news is you can overcome everyone!
Have you ever set a goal and then found yourself asking, “Why didn’t I achieve it?” We’ve all been there. Dive into this video where I unpack six CRUCIAL reasons most people don’t reach their goals. Plus, I’ll reveal personal insights on pinpointing my failures and transforming them into stepping stones for growth.
Don’t just watch—TAKE ACTION! Utilise the tools I share, and embark on a transformative journey towards your goals.
Resources: Thinking Focus Business Challenge eKit: Unlock a treasure trove of templates, videos, and tools to set you on the right path.
Mastering Teamwork: 7 Essential Tips to Be a Stellar Team Player
In this video, we delve deep into the art of teamwork. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your professional collaborations or uplift your personal interactions, being a top-notch team player is the game-changer.
What’s Inside?
Communication Foundations
Valuing Diverse Perspectives
Harnessing Individual Strengths
The Power of Reliability
The Need for Adaptability
Staying Positive in Team Dynamics
Resolving Conflicts the Right Way
Mastering teamwork isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about fostering relationships, growing personally, and contributing meaningfully to collective efforts. Dive in to explore how you can elevate your team interactions and personal growth journey.
This article, the final instalment of the “Areas Every Leader Must Master For Success” miniseries, emphasises the pivotal role of productivity in achieving business success. Following discussions on purpose and people in the previous parts, this piece delves into the essential elements leaders must focus on to drive productivity: process, accountability, and expertise.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, leaders play a crucial role in balancing speed and precision, ensuring that processes are efficient and adaptable. Their efforts in effective process management can prevent inefficiencies and errors that often arise from hastily implemented workarounds. Leaders can enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainable progress by actively fostering a culture of continuous improvement and standardisation.
Accountability is another cornerstone of productivity. Clear roles and responsibilities within teams ensure that projects are completed on time and without costly oversights. The article highlights the importance of defined accountability in preventing project delays and missed opportunities, emphasising that shared accountability can lead to confusion and risk.
Lastly, the article underscores the critical role of expertise in leadership. Leaders must possess subject matter knowledge and know how to effectively empower their teams. By setting clear standards and fostering a culture of collaboration, leaders can harness their teams’ collective expertise to achieve shared goals.
The article concludes with critical questions to help leaders evaluate and enhance their approach to process management, accountability, and expertise. This practical checklist guides leaders committed to driving productivity and achieving excellence in their organisations. Leaders can position their teams for success in a competitive and dynamic business landscape through a focused approach to these areas.
This final part of the three-part miniseries “Areas Every Leader Must Master For Success” focuses on productivity, following on from purpose in part one and people in part two.
In business, productivity is crucial for success and hinges on three key factors: process, accountability and expertise. As leaders, we ensure efficient processes, clear ownership of tasks and the right expertise within our teams. We create a winning combination that drives our company’s triumph in the competitive landscape by fostering collaboration and effective governance. Prioritising these elements empowers our workforce to excel and secures our position at the forefront of the industry.
Let’s unpack each key area in more detail.
Process
Businesses operate at such a fast pace, determined to win in their chosen field. The volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) landscape means leaders have to seize opportunities. The leader’s challenge, however, is they may travel too quickly for their people, so project implementations and integrations are partially completed, leaving their teams to cope with workarounds. Workarounds are inefficient, prone to error and often create key-person dependencies in high-change environments. I worked on three mergers in quick succession. The next one started before the previous one was complete. It felt like we didn’t get the time to do any of them justice: good enough and compliant, but with apparent gaps.
Complex mergers rarely deliver against the original brief; yes, things change, and what you thought was under the hood is often very different when you open it up. All companies have foibles, quirks and workarounds of their own. Understanding this means the assumptions change the game’s rules, and you must adapt. We all face fast-moving change, so it’s crucial to reprioritise what you feel constantly is essential. It’s no wonder that McKinsey reports that 70% of change projects fail to achieve their intended outcome.
Leaders must strike a delicate balance between conformity and change, fostering a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement. They should champion standardisation to streamline operations while encouraging innovative approaches to drive ongoing progress.
Accountability
Imagine you’ve worked on a project for 18 months; it’s all coming together, and you’re almost ready to go live. You are at the project go/no-go meeting when someone asks, “Have we got local government permission to access the site?” The room is deathly silent; the murmurs signify that someone has screwed up.
What happens when accountabilities aren’t clear can be catastrophic.
What if this was a new product going to market at a specific time to steal a march on the competition?
Google’s research into what makes teams highly effective highlights (among others) three areas: dependability, structure, and clarity, which involves clear roles and responsibilities. When no single person has accountability, you leave your outcome to chance. It’s the same with shared accountability: “We’ll pick that up.” There’s wriggle room, which means massive risk with “I thought they had got it” comments.
The 18-month project I just mentioned was actual. It led to a three-month delay. New people who were trained and ready to go were temporarily relocated. There were costs not budgeted for, lost revenues and missed opportunities. However, this experience also presented a significant learning opportunity in accountability, demonstrating the positive outcomes that can arise from a culture of shared responsibility.
Leaders must find the delicate balance between effectively organising the group and not micromanaging. They should facilitate consensus on decision-making processes and hold team members accountable for their commitments. This culture of collective responsibility ensures efficient progress toward the higher purpose.
Expertise
The challenge for many leaders is that their leadership journey involves them ascending the ranks and being promoted for their technical prowess and subject matter expertise. As a leader, there are different expectations; you now have subject matter experts reporting to you. The tendency for new leaders especially is to overplay their knowledge to the detriment of their team.
I remember my early career as a new leader in a contact centre. My expertise was in people and processes, not technology. I had a steep learning curve. It was humbling to defer to subject matter experts, yet I still had to fight my tendency to dive in and “fix” stuff that was in my comfort zone.
Leadership is about combining subject matter expertise and leadership skills. Leaders should set standards and ensure proper governance, leveraging their expertise to bring diverse talents and viewpoints together and driving progress toward the shared objective.
Questions to Ask
This next section lays out a set of questions to help leaders ensure they have considered the key areas under productivity. They provide a checklist for leaders to define, check, and balance: how to strive for the right people doing the right things at the right time and in the right way.
Process
How do we decide on the what and the how?
How do process and structure work in this setting?
How do we know our communication flow is fit for purpose?
How do we iterate and continually improve?
What is our process for challenge and testing?
How do we track and adjust our key performance indicators (KPIs) and progress?
Accountability
How could we optimise the way we organise?
How do we provide clarity on who does what?
How do we ensure decisions are consistent with our standards and align with our purpose?
How do we hold each other to account?
How should we govern the expertise in each function?
What are our leadership standards?
What is our tolerance for performance?
How do we standardise expectations?
How do we measure results?
How could we drive continuous professional development?
Effective leadership goes beyond theories and styles; it focuses on action and practice in critical areas of purpose, people and productivity.
Within this entire series, leaders will find a comprehensive checklist that will enable them to steer their teams toward success and make a lasting impact. A strong sense of purpose, a thriving team culture and a commitment to productivity set the stage for outstanding leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com on 26th September 2023
Ricky has been a regular contributor to the Forbes Councils since 2023, where he shares his perspectives on all things leadership, change, culture and productivity, all with Thinking Focus’ unique perspective on metacognition, or as we prefer to say, thinking about thinking.
Boosting productivity doesn’t always demand expensive tools or cutting-edge technology; often, the most impactful changes come from simple, intentional shifts in mindset and daily habits.
This article provides actionable strategies to help individuals maximize their efficiency and effectiveness, focusing on time-tested principles and easy-to-implement behaviours. By addressing common productivity pitfalls—such as poor prioritization, distractions, and burnout—these steps empower readers to take control of their time and energy. Whether you’re a professional juggling competing demands or an entrepreneur looking to optimize performance, this guide offers practical advice for achieving more with less effort, unlocking sustained success in both work and life.
In my article “Productivity: It All Comes Down To The Pilot In The Box!” I unpacked the trinity of mindset, habits and behaviours versus the plethora of productivity tools and apps available on the market. I am not saying that tools can’t be helpful, but without the right mindset, habits and behaviour, any app or tool is just another tool.
In this follow-up article, I share practical advice for boosting your productivity, and unlike newfangled apps and tools, they won’t cost you a penny. Better still, you can implement them immediately.
Set clear objectives and priorities.
Why: Clarity is the bedrock of productivity, be it personal development or business management. Ambiguity is the enemy of productivity. Busyness does not achieve your objectives; it’s a meaningless waste of time.
How: A clear goal or vision of success helps focus your energies on what truly matters and prevents wasting time on less important tasks.
The SMART goal technique (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) is powerful. Focus first on the “SMT”; resolving the SMT gives you a specific goal, precise measures and a timeline by which you will deliver. This is clarity.
The “A” tests confidence. Confidence is a two-sided coin. On the one side, it tests your belief that you can achieve your goal. The other side tests whether you believe what you’re aiming to achieve is possible. You do not need supreme confidence; you just need more belief than doubt.
The “R” tests importance. I call it your “bothered-o-meter.” A goal you’re bothered about will register highly and sustain you when things become challenging. However, choose something you’re less bothered about; if it doesn’t inspire you or becomes challenging, you will likely switch to something more interesting.
Clarity is essential for prioritisation. Critical thinking tools help you remove bias and preference from decisions. We all prefer to do things we enjoy or are easy, but often, it’s the complex tasks or the things we least enjoy that will move us forward toward our goal.
Knowing what you want, why you want it and when you need it enables you to prioritise. The Eisenhower Matrix, which separates tasks based on urgency and importance, can be invaluable. Another method is the ABCD prioritisation technique, where tasks are categorised from most to least critical.
Establish routine and structure.
Why: Our brains respond well to habits and patterns; it’s how we’re wired. Routines reduce the number of decisions you make every day, which conserves mental energy for more critical tasks. Without this cognitive energy saving, we suffer “decision fatigue,” where the quality of decisions deteriorates after lengthy decision-making sessions.
How: Building a routine involves setting specific times for various activities, such as work, exercise, meals, and relaxation. Time-blocking is a practical method where you allocate blocks of time for different tasks, creating a visual structure for your day. This approach can help maintain focus on the task at hand and reduce the tendency to multitask, which is often less effective. Don’t forget to include breaks and leisure activities in your schedule to prevent burnout.
Eliminate distractions.
Why: In a world where information is constantly at our fingertips, distractions are a significant barrier to productivity. Take social media; these platforms are notorious distractors engineered to keep us on the channel by triggering our biochemistry.
Receive a like, comment or any form of positive interaction, and it stimulates dopamine release. This release promotes pleasure and satisfaction, like the gratification you might get from eating food you enjoy or winning a prize. The intermittent and unpredictable nature of these social rewards creates a pattern like gambling, where the anticipation of a reward keeps users coming back.
Email, Teams, Slack and other systems can also release dopamine, but they can also trigger cortisol. Cortisol is released when we feel stressed. High volumes of email and system notifications can cause anxiety, which can, ironically, drive us to check more.
Distractors’ fracture concentration significantly decreases the quality and quantity of work produced. Switching between tasks inevitably means some of our attention remains with the previous task, reducing our ability to entirely focus on the new task.
How: Identifying and mitigating distractions is critical. Tools like Focus@Will, which offers music designed to aid concentration, or apps like Freedom and Forest, which block distracting websites, can be helpful.
Setting specific times for checking emails and social media, rather than constantly responding to notifications, can help maintain focus. Creating a dedicated workspace free from clutter and potential interruptions can also enhance concentration.
Cultivate a growth mindset.
Why: A growth mindset, a concept popularised by psychologist Carol Dweck in her book Mindset, centres on the belief that we can all develop our abilities and intelligence.
This perspective encourages resilience, a passion for learning and a willingness to confront challenges, all essential for personal and professional growth. Viewing failures not as insurmountable setbacks but as opportunities for learning and development fosters a positive attitude toward challenges.
How: Cultivating a growth mindset involves several practices. Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and tracking progress. Embrace criticism, and choose to see it as valuable feedback that will help you grow.
Adopting a mindset that sees challenges as the vehicle to stretch and grow will boost resilience. Celebrate small wins to help maintain motivation. View setbacks as steps on the journey; ask what can be learned from the experience rather than viewing it as a failure.
Conclusion
The secret is harnessing proven tools to help our “pilot” make better choices, from what we focus on and deciding what tasks are important to creating the space to get stuff done. Our mindset will determine whether we challenge ourselves, repeat the same mistakes, learn, and grow on our journey to becoming highly productive.
Productivity is more than choosing the right tools. With clear objectives and priorities, productive routines and structures, eliminating distractions and cultivating a growth mindset, you can unlock the pilot in the box.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com on 13th December 2023
Ricky has been a regular contributor to the Forbes Councils since 2023, where he shares his perspectives on all things leadership, change, culture and productivity, all with Thinking Focus’ unique perspective on metacognition, or as we prefer to say, thinking about thinking.
