Andrew’s Podcast: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

In this episode from Series 3 of '50 Ways to Succeed at Work,' I discuss the importance of understanding and adapting to corporate culture as a means of career advancement. Using the example of Boeing's decline due to a compromising shift in culture, I stress the vital role of culture in determining the overall success of an organisation and the individuals within. I explain the term 'culture' as the shared values, beliefs, norms, behaviours, and practices at work or the collective personality of an organisation. Understanding and fitting into this 'personality' can lead to essential personal and professional gains, fostering high employee engagement, job satisfaction, and commitment. Through various company anecdotes, such as Twilio, L.L. Bean, and Walt Disney, I highlight how organisations embrace their unique cultures, promoting feedback, authenticity, flexibility, inclusion, and diversity. I encourage you to absorb these valuable lessons, adapt to your organisation's core values, and actively shape a positive work environment to pave the way for professional growth and success. Discover more insightful episodes at the 50ways.site and enhance your knowledge of various workplace issues that can boost your career. Check out Andrew's book, 'Happiness at Work,' available on Amazon and at myhappinessatwork.com, for more compelling advice and real workplace issue solutions. Catch the next unmissable episode in Series 3 for more ways to succeed at work. Stay tuned!

In the 22nd episode of Series 3 of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work," I delve into the challenging concept of FOTU (Fear of the Unknown) and how it affects our work lives. I explore different situations that may trigger FOTU, such as undertaking unfamiliar projects or facing organizational changes, and provides practical advice on how to overcome this fear. I highlight the importance of reframing and viewing uncertainty as a possibility rather than a threat. I encourage you to remember those moments in your past of uncertainty as potentially transformative. Drawing upon the "Infinite Game" concept developed by New York University professor James Kars, I suggests reframing the work context into an evolving game--one without a fixed rule or boundary. This uncertainty can fuel creativity and success. The podcast moves on to explore different strategies to manage the unknown, like breaking down the uncertainty into manageable pieces, seeking support from colleagues or mentors and celebrating small progress. Journey with me as I uncover the stories of several individuals who faced their FOTU head-on and thrived despite the unknowns they encountered. My end message is that human beings are wired to adapt to new situations, survive uncertainties, and thrive under challenging circumstances. Join me next Monday for the next episode in Series 3, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work. By the way, check out my book based on these podcasts, you'll find it on Amazon and the book's website: www.myhappinessatwork.com    

In this episode of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" series I guide you through an inspiring journey of confronting perceived weaknesses and transforming them into remarkable strengths. What seems to be an impediment might just be your hidden superpower waiting to be unleashed! The episode begins with the tale of Amida, a rock climber paralyzed by her fear of heights, who eventually turns this fear into a source of strength. A similar tale is echoed in Carlos's workplace experience, as he manages to turn his fear of public speaking into a successful career feat. Through various historical anecdotes such as Helen Keller's resilience, Stephen Hawking's extraordinary intellect amidst physical limitations, the unique productivity traits channelled by ADHD-affected people and Malala's bravery, I showcase how reframing our weaknesses opens doors to opportunities and personal evolution. I offer ways to identify and manage these weaknesses by reframing the narrative,. I highlight the importance of owning and acknowledging one's personal imperfections. I suggest that you draw on inspiration from others, setting small actionable goals, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the potential for growth and change as opportunities, rather than setbacks. I  highlight the importance of practice in this challenging but rewarding transformative journey. The episode concludes with a call to own vulnerabilities, to practice resilience, and to turn those perceived weaknesses into unique strengths. Join me on this transformative episode and uncover the hitherto undiscovered superpowers that lie within your perceived weaknesses. Take your first step towards becoming the ‘best version of yourself’. Also, check out my book Happiness at Work, which is packed with similar word related stories and advice. Looking forward to you joining for next Monday's podcast.    

    In this episode I explore the intricacies of giving advice at work. I draw attention to the unhelpful Gratuitous Advice Syndrome and damage it can cause.  The approach to advice-giving rests on individual experience and aims to be compassionate, considerate, and kind. The episode begins by discussing how giving advice at work requires artful mastery, empathy, and finesse. I delve deeper by sharing a case study of Aaron, who struggles with time management, and showcases how effective advice can be rendered without falling prey to instant solutions. I stress the importance of active and attentive listening, asking clarifying questions, avoiding judgmental attitudes, and offering personalized guidance. I highlight the potential benefits of offering high-quality professional advice, as it enhances influence in the workplace, bolsters co-worker's confidence, and bestows unique insights. However, I warn how the Syndrome monster' can undermine one's impact if it oversteps boundaries, ignores context, or adopts a dictatorial approach. This episode invites you to master the ability to offer constructive advice, empowering others to find solutions independently. It emphasises the critical role of self-reflection and collaborative problem-solving in creating an encouraging work environment. For more work wisdom join me Andrew next Monday for another episode! Also, have a look at my book 'Happiness at Work' available on myhappinessatwork.com and Amazon. Stay tuned at 50ways.site for more podcasts in this intriguing series.

In this episode of the third series of the "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" podcast, I explore the problem of feeling invisible at work and how to overcome this.  This episode, introduces different personas with which most people can identify. Whether you are a diligent contributor, an overlooked innovator, a silent team player, a quiet leader, or even an invisible remote worker, I present strategies that can help transform your career. Meet Matteo, Lucia, Malik, Sophia, and Rowan, whose stories reflect the common experiences of several professionals who constantly put in the work but do not draw the needed attention. Through cases I explore how all those involved  manage to change their situations, raise their visibility, and gain recognition. He highlights actions like following up after meetings, delivering quality work, understanding your stakeholders, and showing kindness at work. This episode illustrates how workplace visibility is a prerequisite for career advancement and underscores the importance of communication, self-promotion, and confidence in overcoming invisibility in the workplace. It provides practical tips on how to actively participate, seek feedback, and advocate for yourself, thereby giving you the tools to climb the career ladder.  You can access other episodes on the podcast's website and delve deeper into a wealth of career-transforming content. Also, don’t forget to check out my book 'Happiness at Work' available at Amazon and the book's website. Join me next Monday for another inspiring episode in Series £ %0  Ways to Succeed at Work. week.

In Episode 18 of '50 Ways to Succeed at Work', Series 3, Andrew discusses empathy and compassion at work. These Empathy and Compassion are powerful ways to transform lives around you. In this Episode I stress the significance of these emotions, especially in a world that often feels divided and disconnected. I present real-life scenarios to help you understand how harnessing these hidden powers can build relationships at the heart of a successful career. I explain that empathy is about understanding emotions and perspectives, while compassion is harnessing your empathy to actively alleviate suffering. I also reveal how both feelings create a positive work environment, fostering cooperation among co-workers. The podcast then moves deeper into the topic, sharing insights and practical steps on developing these vital characteristics, including active listening and practising loving-kindness. I stress the essence of setting boundaries and understanding the potential challenges of empathy, reinforcing a balance in its application. In concluding the episode, I encourages you to harness and apply empathy and compassion in you work situation to improve professional relationships and boost personal well-being. This podcast is insightful for those aiming for success and happiness at work. It explores empathy and compassion as not merely abstract concepts but as significant contributors to a thriving career and a less stressed, happier life. Check out my book Happiness at Work which takes these ideas further.  Looking forward to you joining me for next Monday's podcast.

  Welcome to Episode 17 of the podcast series, '50 Ways to Succeed at Work'. This episode explores the concept of becoming a 'Struggle Champion'—it's a short guide on how to spot colleagues struggling with issues at work and how to offer them the support they need. Real-life examples depict scenarios where colleagues may be suffering from work-related problems, from missed deadlines to frequent absences—signs that hint at underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, and personal life disruptions. I discuss the importance of paying attention to these signs and learning how to approach colleagues at the right time and in a proper manner, offering specific solutions to their unique situations. Being a struggle champion does not require grand gestures. Small acts of kindness and empathy can go a long way toward improving someone's work life. However, beware the pitfalls of becoming a struggle champion. Some colleagues might perceive any offers of help as an invasion of their personal space or a challenge to their professional image. Thus, tact and discernment are needed while lending support. I end the episode by reinforcing the importance of a balanced approach that respects individual desires for autonomy. He stresses the value of empathetic listening and ensuring assistance is offered from a place of understanding and care without exhibiting any form of superiority or judgment. Be sure to check out my book, Happiness at Work, and on Amazon, for more tips and advice on navigating the professional realm. Join me next week for another insightful episode of' 50 Ways to Succeed at Work'.

        In this episode of '50 Ways to Succeed at Work I stress the importance of building satisfactory professional working relationships across different generations. This episode, derived from my book Happiness at Work, delves into the complexities and challenges faced by individuals striving to embrace the ethos of an intergenerational workforce and suggests viable career benefits that underpin such diversity. The session illuminates how intergenerational relationships, while immensely meaningful, do not naturally occur due to human tendencies towards familiarity and similarity. I present a detailed analysis of why the young and the old would typically prefer to work within their age group instead of embracing age-diversity at the workplace. I discuss a four-tiered approach for professionals to tap into the benefits of intergenerational working- challenging stereotypes, suspending judgement, highlighting mutual benefits and work challenges with colleagues of different age groups. I further outline additional steps that can be taken to foster intergenerational cooperation. Such as embracing diversity, seeking mentorship, adapting communication, challenging stereotypes, socializing with colleagues from diverse age groups, and innovating together. With a distinct focus on authenticity and respect, I advise you to be a 'bridge' that unite diverse age-groups at the workplace, thereby fostering a dynamic, supportive, and thriving work environment. Discover more of such enlightening topics on '50 Ways to Succeed at Work.' Keep an eye out for my book 'Happiness at Work,' available on Amazon and the book's website.

  Alex, an HR manager who turns ordinary moments into fascinating exchanges, is an epitome of this role. Instead of merely engaging in small talk, Alex masterfully designs and enhances fruitful conversations, a skill that adds depth to relationships, increases efficiency, and fosters a vibrant workplace culture. Being a conversation creator, like Alex, promotes valuable connections amongst colleagues and even links separate departments or remote teams. Moreover, it helps boost efficiency by addressing topics that require attention, thereby saving not just your time but your teammates’ as well. It offers you the power to clarify situations, reduce confusion, and ensure everyone is on the same page. To illustrate further, I introduce Maria, a project leader who, despite not realising it, is another example of a conversation creator. Maria ensures her team is well-prepared by shaping robust agendas, clarifying expectations, and fostering active engagement. Consequently, the usually mundane office meetings transform into focused and productive sessions. By utilizing quick chats over lengthy email threads, Maria and Chris another colleague, reduce email overload, contributing to a more efficient work environment. In this podcast I argue that being an effective conversation creator enhances one's career significantly. Being able to initiate and navigate meaningful discussions can be a career asset that sets you apart. I also provide five effective techniques to empower conversations at work; firstly, recognizing the need for a conversation, and secondly, understanding the benefits. The next step is preparation and planning which involves good communication techniques and managing emotions during the conversation. However, being a conversation creator might come with downsides such as the risk of burnout owing to constant availability, blurring boundaries between personal and professional life, and the possibility of inadvertent sharing of sensitive information. I encourage mindfulness as a way to fully reap the benefits creating good conversations. I end by suggesting that honing conversational skills is a secret weapon for success at work. Don't forget to check out my new book Happiness at work is available at Amazon and there is an audio version available.  Join me next Monday for the next podcast in this series 3. Thanks for listening.  

                  Today's episode discusses a seemingly contrastive, yet powerful, pair in the workplace: ambition and humility. We look into the outstanding career growth of prominent figures like Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, General Motors' CEO, Mary Barra, and former PepsiCo CEO, Indra Nooyi, attributable to their humble leadership styles. I also explore how humility plays out on a smaller scale, through Maria, a dedicated nurse, and Alex, a software developer, who demonstrate how humility enhances team cooperation and productivity for better patient outcomes and project results respectively. I delve into the concept of humility as sound ethical practice, examining the wisdom of Investor tycoon, Warren Buffet in this context. I examine the power of humility in collaboration, trust-building, promoting social harmony and fostering well-being I challenge the negative view of humility as diminishing self-worth and leading to invisibility. Instead, I suggest humility, combined with ambition, enhances the human experience at work. A humble individual is one that readily accepts feedback, engages in self-reflection, and acknowledges others, while also celebrating collective achievements. But I warn against the pitfall of excessive humility, which can cause you to undervalue your contributions and fail to acknowledge your successes. Humility should not be a cover for accepting everything, but should inspire acceptance of praise and recognition of our accomplishments. Concluding, I reaffirm humility as a strength and an indispensable ingredient for success, especially when blended with ambition. Discover more valuable insights in my other episodes of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work" every Monday, along with my book "Happiness at Work" book, available at Amazon or the book's website . 

Discover the secret behind achieving overall success at work with this particular episode from the third series of MY weekly podcast, "50 Ways to Succeed at Work." This episode dives into the intriguing and often overlooked aspect of feeling disconnected at work and the profound impact it can have on your overall professional growth. I share insights from renowned professionals like Tim Cook, Sudha Pichai, Oprah Winfrey, Elon Musk, Sheryl Sandberg, and Mark Zuckerberg about the essential role connections play in the corporate world. This podcast episode highlights the importance of interconnectedness at work and provides real-life strategies to ensure you're not functioning in isolation. I illustrate the importance of quality over quantity in building meaningful relationships at your workplace, leading to increased job satisfaction, stronger teamwork, and improved mental health. I also introduce various accelerants  to help you create beneficial relationships and connectedness in your work environment, irrespective of your role. These include investing in reciprocity, unity, and being part of a supportive network. I offer a practical approach to enhancing your sense of connectedness at work. I propose a list of ten actionable steps, ranging from personal meetings, leveraging social media, joining professional organizations, attending workshops, to being genuinely helpful and authentic. I also underscore the value of mentorship and the necessity of maintaining relationships, especially for those working remotely. This podcast episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to establish stronger and more effective networks at work, ensuring increased opportunities for career growth and development. Check out my book Happiness at Work for more about this essential aspect of workplace success and discover how you too can thrive by harnessing the power of interconnectedness.  Join me next Monday for another episode on how to become successful at work  

  In this episode, I present effective strategies you can apply to manage toxic behaviour by your colleagues. I share three real-life vignettes and recommend that empathy, setting boundaries, and fostering team positivity can change a corrosive office environment to a nurturing one. I dig into various traits a toxic colleague might portray and how best you, as an employee, can handle such negativity. Some of these tactics include developing your personal strategy, setting expectations, documenting the toxic behaviour, and seeking support when needed.  While emphasising the role of HR or management in tackling toxic behaviour, this should be your last resort when all strategies prove futile. However, you need to provide substantial documentation to support your case. There are several possible reactions to toxic behaviour, ranging from forgiveness to distancing feelings from actions. There’s also an in-depth discussion about the importance of empathy, building allies at the workplace, and setting boundaries to maintain a healthier work environment. For more detailed advice and strategies to attain a satisfying work life check out my book Happiness at Work, available on Amazon or at book' website www.myhappinessatwork.site.

Welcome to the latest edition of the weekly podcast, ' 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.' Episode 11 explores the often misunderstood concept of feedback and how it impacts professional success. I explain the true nature of feedback and how it can both help and hinder us in our professional journey. Contrary to common beliefs, feedback is not always an accurate measure of weakness. I outline the fallacies of feedback and addresses why 'one size doesn't fit all' regarding personal development and career growth. The podcast explores how being open to constructive and empathetic feedback, actively seeking career-focused conversations, and setting clear goals can set you on the right path to professional success. I offer actionable advice on what to do when you're doing well but failing to get promoted, noting the importance of seeking clarity from your manager and creating a comprehensive career growth plan. I emphasise the value of building strategic alliances for visibility and exploring advancement opportunities. Ultimately, '50 Ways to Succeed at Work' encourages you to view feedback as a valuable tool towards developing your career path and in achieving more job satisfaction. Join me next week for another insightful episode in Series 3. Remember to check out my book, 'Happiness at Work,' and previous podcast episodes on 50ways.site.

In this episode of the podcast series "50 Ways to Succeed at Work," I discuss the concept of authenticity and its significant impact on the workplace. I explain three different archetypes—the Chameleon, the Mask Wearer, and the Fearful Whisperer—who struggle with showing their authentic selves and how their lack of genuineness affects their careers and work relationships. Authenticity is about staying true to oneself and building trust, showing openness, and fostering real connections. I highlight the negative implications of hiding one's true self, such as causing cognitive strain, distress, and lack of balance, or even stunting one's full potential. I stress the importance of being vulnerable, open, and genuine at work and how it can lead to professional and personal growth. This episode also shares practical ways to nurture authenticity, like being open-minded, respecting others' opinions, making authentic choices, and using self-awareness as a tool for growth. While acknowledging the potential downsides of authenticity, such as feeling exposed or encountering disagreements, I affirm that the benefits greatly outweigh these, such as increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and more fulfilling relationships at work. As with every episode of "50 Ways to Succeed at Work", it provides valuable insights and the necessary motivation to tackle real issues and challenges in the professional world. Check  out my book on Amazon: Happiness at Work which provides a host of ideas and ways of tackling both authenticity and other work related issues.   I look forward to you joining me next Monday for the next episode in this series.

Welcome to Episode 9 of Series 3 in the weekly podcast, 50 Ways to Succeed at Work. In this episode I aim to help you deal with the mistakes and screw-ups you may face in your workplace. Famous celebrities, like Miley Cyrus and Sophie Turner, are examples to illustrate regrets and mistakes. While failures are part of life, screw-ups often showcase negligence, poor judgment, or systemic issues causing severe circumstances. Drawing from the film Rashomon, I delve into how multiple perspectives can cloud an understanding of a situation, notably in terms of workplace mistakes. I introduce the spectrum of mistakes. This ranges from minor slip-ups to severe blunders. I share the critical importance of prioritising to maintain job security as well as self-respect. The episode underscores the essential step of immediate action, including assessing damage, speaking to relevant people, and devising an action plan. I touch on common screw-you may encounter in the office, from missed deadlines to giving poor presentations. I offer a variety of strategies to deal with these issues. Recounting terrifying situations of monumental production failures, I emphasise the need for preventive measures to avoid similar hitches in the future. I end by urging you to treat screw-ups as shared experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Staying focused, resilient, and learning from one's mistakes can turn anyone into a true mistake master. Listen to more insights and strategies each Monday on 50 Ways to Succeed at Work.

In this week's podcast I reveal insights into this critical aspect of professional life--the need for approval, or validation. I discusses the significance of validation in one's career, taking you on a journey of workplace stories, celebrity narratives and practical tactics to foster self-validation. The episode unfolds with a relatable example of Selena, a marketing executive thriving on external validation, highlighting the potential issues such a necessity can cause. Drawing perspectives from renowned personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Nas, and Steve Jobs, I emphasize that the desire for validation is universal. However, when it becomes a dependency, it can lead to problems, particularly in the workplace. Drawing on his experience, I share measures to maintain a healthy balance between self-belief and the dependency on other's approval. I recommend methods such as self-reflection, playing one’s devil’s advocate, and allowing opinions to mature before sharing or acting on them. An important suggestion I share is to have a cooling-off period before responding to contentious matters, helping to prevent knee-jerk reactions governed by the need for instant approval. This enlightening podcast closes by emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s value and seeking validation from within. Learn how to let go of your excessive need for approval, allowing for a more self-assured and less conflicted professional life. Explore more valuable sessions on job success from my weekly Monday podcast. Also check out my book, 'Happiness at Work'. Tune in next week for another more insight on achieving happiness and prosperity in your career.

  This episode focuses on navigating tricky issues with more senior colleagues. It begins by reviewing the complexity of understanding seniors' perspectives and their experience-based approach to work. The goal is not to isolate or stereotype older colleagues but to foster an empathetic understanding that aids meaningful communication, especially when raising complicated matters at work. From the disappearance of office supplies to the accidental mass circulation of a sensitive email, the session identifies various awkward situations that one might encounter in your professional journey. The podcast offers prudently, humorous, and empathetic strategies to approach such dilemmas. Furthermore, the focus is on seeing older colleagues as peers rather than superiors and on showing interest in their experiences. The session highlights the importance of attending team events, seeking mentors, and engaging in cross-generational conversations. The podcast suggests survival tactics, including active listening, choosing the right time for discussions, and seeking mediation whenever necessary. Ultimately, the goal is to empower you to tackle difficult conversations with seniors at work, with empathy and understanding. You can find other episodes on the podcast website,  Also, Andrew's book "Happiness at Work" is packed with compelling advice and riveting stories; available now on Amazon. Looking forward to being with for next Monday's podcast. Listen to it on all the main platforms and for free at the podcast website,  

Just like the formidable character of Goliath in biblical myths, this episode explores the illusion and reality of becoming indispensable at work and questions whether it's a surefire path to career success. I share with you stories from the world of business, cinema, and tech that challenge the narrative of indispensability. I offer real-life stories of people and companies once seen as indispensable who found themselves struggling later on. From freelancers displaced by artificial intelligence to household names like Kodak and Disney facing crises in the absence of their key leaders, the episode brings to light the pitfalls of overreliance on one aspect, person, or technology. I discuss the importance of balance and teamwork over individual indispensability. I share how those on the path to becoming indispensable can often end up overburdened and stressed, thus causing more potential harm than benefit to both the individual and the organization. I particularly stress the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and not overshadowing the contributions of others. This episode is not just an eye-opener for those striving to make themselves indispensable. It also offers practical advice on how to prevent over-dependence on a few people or resources. Tune into this episode to understand why becoming indispensable is not necessarily the key to success at work. Don't forget to check out my other regular Monday podcasts on the website, and get your hands-on my book "Happiness at Work" at Amazon for more such compelling advice and narratives. Tune in next Monday for another unmissable episode in Series 3 50 Ways to Succeed at Work

  In this episode I examine the potential career-enhancing impact of challenging the status quo at work. Most notably, this episode explores how individuals who demonstrate a healthy dissatisfaction for the status quo like Grant Reid, the former CEO of the powerful Mars company, can significantly boost their careers. By examining case studies like Wendy Kopp and Jason Killar, this podcast establishes how successfully managed disruption can lead to tremendous success. It addresses the inevitable labelling someone a disruptor or a challenging employee and discusses the potential resistance a change advocate might encounter from their colleagues or superiors. Remarkable influencers like Grace Hopper, and a former Starbucks chief officer, and John Kotter- a leadership expert, and others have defied the status quo. They made a positive difference in their respective fields and society at large. Their extraordinary narratives provide inspiration and guidance for those willing to introduce substantial changes at work. However, challenging the status quo requires careful planning and strategic allies. Andrew's podcast offers three essential actions that can potentially help you to challenge the status quo in a safe manner. They include careful preparation, understanding how to present the proposal convincingly, and gathering collaborative allies to support the change. The episode concludes with a note on the potential impact of questioning traditional norms on your career and in the organization. It suggests that altering processes and introducing new ideas can increase organizational efficiency and productivity, leading to career advancement. This engaging episode helps to discover why and how to challenge the status quo to boost your career. Find the complete Series 3 episodes and more at 50ways.site. Don't forget to check out my book, "Happiness At Work", available at Amazon and myhappinessatwork.com. See you next week!

This episode dives into the art of selling your ideas effectively to your superiors in the workspace. Aptly titled 'Selling Your Vision Up the Line' I suggest you need to command attention, communicate effectively and champion your ideas efficiently, using proven strategies. I explain the importance of speaking up, ensuring clarity of ideas, highlighting the organisation's benefits, using storytelling as a persuasion tool, and leveraging trusted allies. I present revealing studies that uncover employees' fears when raising issues or presenting ideas, and provides practical advice to overcome these. The episode brings to light the tactful approach of seeding ideas during casual conversations, emphasizing timing, understanding managerial psychology and using the power of flattery. It explains about convincing superiors effectively on the gains and opportunities attached to your ideas, and the ways to avoid common pitfalls. Drawing parallels to the dangerous terrains of mountaineering, Andrew encourages you to navigate the complex world of decision-making with insightful guidance and tips. I also share an engaging narrative about dealing with insecure managers, providing effective strategies to win them over. Listen, learn and leverage the insightful lessons from this episode, and transform your approach to selling your ideas 'up the line'. Be sure to check out my book 'Happiness At Work' available at Amazon and the book's website 'myhappinessatwork.com' for more insights. Listen to the rest of my podcasts every Monday on Spotify, Apple, and all the main podcast platforms and tap into important ways to develop your career.