In the Media - Organisational Psychologist Melbourne, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development

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Worker feels ‘micromanaged’ over office return

Eight months ago, Ellie* believed she’d landed her dream job when she began working at a successful NSW performance space.“I thought the culture was going to be great, I thought I’d be getting my life back a little bit,” she says. Having spent years establishing her career within the industry, Ellie knew her job would offer long-term career opportunities and a chance to build on existing skills. But problems arose when a team member began to underperform while working remotely.
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How to write persuasive emails that trigger climate action

Sometimes, it can take months and months of meetings, debates, research and persuasion to make change happen. Other times, it can be as simple as sending a single email to the right person at the right time.
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How do I switch off my work brain at the end of the day?

Even though it already takes up most of our daylight hours, work always seems to find a way to embed itself in our brains long after we’ve clocked off. I can’t be the only one who’s been ready to fall asleep at the end of a long day, only to find I’m agonising over a mistake I made earlier that day, or thinking of ideas for projects. The audacity.
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Boundaries at work: It’s a two-way street

The retired managing partner of (now) Allens, Tom Poulton, famously said “the client is God”. That was in 2005. It seems not much has changed. In June 2021, the Thomson Reuters Stellar Performance survey of almost 2500 lawyers across 61 countries, including Australia, found that when it comes to being available for clients, 49 percent of senior lawyers don’t think they should set any boundaries at all.
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Understanding job rejection and how to bounce back from it

Rejection comes in all shapes and sizes. As bleak as it sounds, it’s inevitable. Social, romantic, and familial rejection are all commonly discussed rejections that leave us feeling hopeless. But professional rejection often goes unnoticed.
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Back to work? How to make it positive

Many of us have been working from home, or not working at all due to the pandemic. It’s only natural that going back to the workplace may feel like a challenge. [Read more…]

Pining for home: Resistance to the office return is completely natural.

If you have discreetly removed your sensible shoes while sat at your office desk, you are not alone. If you pine for track pants and an indifference to make-up and hair, you are not alone.[Read more…]

Interview with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft on 3AW Breakfast on the resistance to returning to our places of work being completely normal.

March 7, 2021

Interview with Tom Elliott on 3AW’s Drive program on returning to the office in 2021.

Many experts say the COVID-19 pandemic will kill off the ‘office era’ of work. But others aren’t so sure. [Listen here…]

Flexibility and six types of milk: how to make returning office workers feel welcome

There were six types of milk to order, as well as supplies for Friday night drinks. After almost a year working from home, employees of digital marketing agency TAG Direct returned to a fully stocked pantry and new, more flexible office hours. [Read more…]

What’s the key to a harmonious and productive workplace?

Many of us will spend a third of our lives at work, so it makes sense that we enjoy it. But what is the key to a harmonious workplace? Do we need to be best friends with our colleagues? Is a good manager the key? Or does it come down to a certain mix of personality types and knowing how to navigate them? [Read more…]

Do we need frolleagues to thrive at work?

Being on good terms with your colleagues is important for any office worker. But becoming genuine friends with your colleagues – or ‘frolleagues’ – is widely recognised as a factor of positive workplace culture. Where do we draw the line to remain professional? [Read more…]

Reverse mentoring teaches an ageing workforce new skills

Starting a new job can be stressful but less so when a colleague shows you the ropes.
While many employers have mentoring programs in place for younger staff to learn from experienced older workers, there might be a need to reverse those roles.I’m at about the 13-minute and 16-minute marks if you don’t want to listen to the whole thing.[Click here to listen]

Preserving staffers’ dignity vital

Everyone wants the opportunity to grow and to contribute.When leaders allow it, they contribute to one of the most important workplace elements – dignity.
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5 things you should look for in a resume

Sorting through resumes can be a tricky task, particularly when you’re overwhelmed with applicants.

After all, it’s not just about reducing the pile of applications to a manageable shortlist to interview.
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TRY THIS: Executive Coaching

The Promise

Executive Coaching doesn’t have to be the province of elite athletes, politician, and CEOs – anyone looking to improve their leadership skills and confidence can benefit.
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Australia could face a leadership crisis if executives don’t adapt to modern business

Australia could be facing a leadership crisis.

The last decade has seen many industries enter a period of increasingly rapid change.
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How important is the Christmas party in your office?

With the silly season in full swing, staff at workplaces around the country are getting ready to enjoy – or endure – the annual office Christmas party. [Read more…]

Interview with Karl Langdon on 6PR’s Afternoons show on avoiding nightmare employees (and employers)

September 06, 2016

Hiring secrets and sins – how to avoid nightmare employees

Small business owners play the role of multiple department managers – including human resources. They also handle complaints if their new recruit (who seemed so charming at the interview) unveils an alternate persona. Experts reveal red flags and recruitment tricks [Read more…]

The benefits of having friends at work

Are you a ‘get the job done and go home’ type who thinks business and pleasure are best not mixed, or comfortable with the notion colleagues can also become good friends? [Read more…]

Work harder on yourself than on your job, author says

Just think about technology, and how it’s changed how we do things and even what we do. [Read more…]

Calm the chaos — don’t say yes to everything

Many leaders have “to-do lists” that can seem never-ending – sometimes overwhelming, maybe. [Read more…]

Some failures might help map road to success, author says

You might say Lennox Cornwall has a comfort with what most people desperately want to avoid — failure. [Read more…]

Podcasts give useful tips on leadership

Great leaders aren’t born, they’re bred. Those are Cameron Morrissey’s words. Good ones.Sure, some people seem to have natural leadership skills. But workplace and organizational dynamics change, as do the people leaders have to engage with to accomplish most anything. [Read more…]

Would you hire Malcolm Turnbull? How to select the best candidate for a job

Even though he’s still to be tested, what stands out about Malcolm Turnbull is that not only is he one of the smartest guys in the room, more importantly, he learns from experience. [Read more…]

Does anti-stress adult colouring really work?

Looking for a quick calm-me-down to punctuate a day packed with meetings and a To Do list that keeps getting longer? [Read more…]

What to do when bosses behave badly

Australian mining company Orica was transformed under ex-CEO Ian Smith’s strategy and stewardship. It’s reportedly stronger, more resilient and more sustainable. The same can’t be said for Smith. [Read more…]

Sometimes it’s lonely at the top

There’s your boss at the top of the heap, master or mistress of all they survey – but are they feeling as relaxed and comfortable as they’d like you to think? [Read more…]

How to tell when an employee is about to quit

Excessive personal web browsing is one of the many signs that an employee is unhappy at work. So is petty theft and serious sabotage. It’s a difficult balancing act trying to keep staff content without being walked over. You might be glad someone is on their way out, but that period beforehand is costly for everyone. [Read more…]