Andrew's Podcast on: 50 WAYS TO SUCCEED AT WORK

Andrew discusses the concept of being a high-maintenance employee at work. Being high-maintenance means causing problems, seeking attention, and being super-sensitive, demanding, or temperamental. You recognise such people by their excessive complaining, shirking ownership, being avoided by others, frequently requesting interventions, spending more time on job hunting than actual work, and doing the bare minimum. Andrew provides tips on how to avoid being a high-maintenance employee, such as minimising negativity, taking ownership of a solution, resolving work problems at the lowest level possible, being future-focused, pushing for recognition for the team, accepting constructive criticism, and delivering steady improvements.Andrew also addresses how to deal with a needy work colleague. Setting clear boundaries, encouraging them to find solutions independently, promoting independence, and recommending professional help are some strategies for handling a needy co-worker. He suggests that it is essential to maintain a friendly but not overly involved relationship with colleagues and encourage their self-reliance.The key takeaway from the discussion is to become aware of the characteristics and behaviours that make a person high-maintenance at work and to strive to be easy to work with. By focusing on solutions, being future-oriented, and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, you will avoid being labelled as high-maintenance and improve your effectiveness in the workplace.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In the podcast's opening story, Janet is a dedicated giver at work. She goes above and beyond to help others and rarely asks for anything in return. However, her work starts to suffer due to missed deadlines, communication issues, and a lack of attention to detail. Her supervisor confronts her about the problem, highlighting the difference between weak givers and strong givers. Weak givers prioritise helping others at the expense of their job responsibilities, while strong givers practice reciprocity and expect something in return.Janet learns the concept of reciprocity to become a strong giver and starts seeking mutual benefits in her interactions. She realises that many of the people she previously helped were selfish takers who rarely reciprocated and struggled to advance in their careers. Janet's work improves when she aligns her support with expected returns and finds that others are more willing to reciprocate. Through her newfound understanding of true giving, Janet achieves success at work.Andrew emphasises that when givers succeed, their positive impact spreads and benefits others.In contrast, when takers win, it often comes at the expense of others or leads to attempts to undermine them. Andrew encourages you to reflect on your default approach in work interactions. Do you lean more towards being a giver, taker, or matcher?He suggests that being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests can lead to long-term success.Andrew offers several suggestions about being a genuine giver.  These include recognising others' successes, acting as a cheerleader for colleagues, and finding opportunities for mutually beneficial exchanges. He warns against being a low-performing giver who constantly says "yes" to everything without considering the costs. Additionally, he advises you to avoid being seen as a taker by being mindful of others' needs and creating win-win situations. Takers, he explains, are self-focused, rarely reciprocate, and tend to contact others only when they need help.Andrew emphasises the importance of being a thoughtful giver who expects reciprocity and considers the organisation's best interests. He cautions against being a weak giver who sacrifices their own work for the sake of helping others. By seeking balance and practising reciprocity, you can foster positive relationships and increase your chances of success at work.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this podcast, Andrew discusses how to deal with micromanagement at work and how to ask for more autonomy. Micromanagement, he points out, may create stress and dissatisfaction, causing people to leave their jobs. To deal with micromanagement, it's essential to understand the cause. Schedule regular check-ins with the micromanager to make them feel part of the process. Send regular emails with progress updates, and show how organised you are so that you can be trusted to do your job correctly without supervision. Andrew argues that opening up a conversation with your manager about their management style is essential. Be willing to share with your manager how constant checking on you can reduce your productivity. To ask for more autonomy, determine what autonomy or "doing things my way" means to you and communicate it clearly. To gain autonomy start by taking on new projects that show leadership qualities. Or propose new ideas and show how they can benefit the company. Complete autonomy without any constraints is rare, even for those with mega salaries. Gaining more autonomy happens when senior people trust you to do what's needed without telling you how to achieve the goal.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew discusses the impact of arriving late at work and the importance of arriving on time.  He shares a story about Ethan, who frequently arrives late and expresses his frustration verbally, which affects the team's morale. The supervisor approaches Ethan and asks him to arrive five minutes earlier than expected and donate to charity whenever he arrives late. Ethan becomes an Arrival Artist by putting a charity box into which he must pay a fine unless he arrives on time.  Andrew shares tips for arriving on time and communicating when running late. He emphasises the importance of arriving on time, showcasing professionalism and dependability, reducing stress, building work relationships, and demonstrating time-management skills. Next Andrew advises the importance of communicating proactively when running late, avoiding tedious excuses, and showing an intention to make up for tardiness.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew introduces a story that illustrates the importance of being an Action Hero at work, always looking to make things happen.Being an Action Hero means having a mindset geared towards taking action, unlike plodders who don't make things happen. Action Heroes don't wait for the perfect time to act and don't let fear hold them back. Several factors can prevent someone from being action-oriented, such as low motivation, no self-confidence, excessive perfectionism, goal confusion, procrastination, and analysis paralysis. It's essential to address these factors to become more action-oriented.To become an Action Hero, Andrew explains that you need to take practical action, even small actions, that make things happen. Being an Action Hero requires a clear goal, confidence, and the ability to prioritise tasks. People gravitate towards Action Heroes who get things done.Here's how Action Heroes think, says Andrew:  Nothing will ever be perfect, so I won’t wait for perfection to act. Action cures fear, and fear can stop me from taking action. Rather than wait for inspiration, I’ll start acting, and inspiration will come.”He also identifies these factors that can dilute your tendency to act: Low Motivation- If a particular task is tedious or unimportant, there will be no urge to transform it into action. No Self-Confidence-to be action-oriented, you need self-confidence and to believe in yourself. Being a Perfectionist-an excessive demand for perfection can waste opportunities for action and follow through. Goal confusion-becoming distracted at work can happen quickly.  Procrastination-this an action-killer. Leaving tasks until the last moment undermines being action minded.  Analysis Paralysis-- What to do first? Is it the correct path? What if it backfires? How do you deal with the consequences? During the podcast, he suggests various remedies for these.  To  show you're action-orientated and not a plodder:Look around to find things you can act on and focus on them. Finally, you need an internal focus on solutions. Look to something other than external forces to make something happen. Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Going the extra mile can provide several benefits, such as a sense of purpose, feeling good, and improving knowledge, which can help boost one's career prospects.However, working beyond the limits of one's job could lead to emotional exhaustion, cause work-family conflict, and harm mental health. It is essential to consider what "going the extra mile" means regarding frequency and content and assess its possibilities to avoid it becoming a threat. You must communicate your exceptional work to show you are going the extra mile. And as a team player, convey enthusiasm for the job, and use one's personality to bring value to the job.Jane Malyon of The English Cream Tea Company went the extra mile by making a hamper from scratch and driving it 90 minutes each way to ensure her customer's birthday gift arrived. This illustrates how going the extra mile can significantly impact and create a loyal customer base. The better you are at your core job, the more likely you will put yourself at risk by going the extra mile. A pushback on always going the extra mile has created “The Quiet Quitter”. If work becomes too intense, consider remedial action, such as being seen regularly at the office and easing off by doing your job well for the agreed hours, not constantly slacking. In conclusion, going the extra mile can have several benefits, such as improving job satisfaction, boosting career prospects, and setting an excellent benchmark for colleagues to aspire. However, it is necessary to assess the possibilities of going the extra mile and avoid it becoming a threat to mental health.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew introduces a short case study demonstrating how one business person used criticism in a constructive, if demanding way to build one of the world's biggest hedge funds. Around one in three people say they’ve been spoken to at work in an abusive way. While you can report anything extreme, such as racial and sexual harassment, you need to be able to rise above the more ordinary forms of criticism and come up smiling. Treat criticism as a gift. No matter the form of the criticism, the person giving it is interested enough to demand change and help you grow. They could have spotted your errors and said nothing had they wanted to harm you.If you feel diminished or humiliated by what the other person has said, they have crossed a line. Saying that may take bravery, but it’s the right thing to do.  Listening to your critic gives you time to move past what happened. Focus on asking clarifying questions. If possible, take notes so you can recall everything later. Live by the general rule that any criticism is better than no feedback. Be a Criticism Conqueror.Dealing with Criticism, Jul 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oINoO2S7hrE&ab_channel=WISDOMFORLIFEHow To Take Criticism Without Getting Defensive, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16CNY7LV9-A&ab_channel=LiveOnPurposeTV Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this podcast, Andrew describes being a “Silent Sentinel".A female project manager, Jean, expresses frustration to her supervisor about being interrupted during team meetings and cannot keep people’s attention when she speaks. The supervisor suggests that Jean attend an internal one-day learning event called “Persona Impact” to learn about the power of silence. Jean attends the event and discovers that silence can be a powerful way to gain attention and convey disapproval of certain behaviours.Silence can also effectively indicate that you are fully present, taking notes and paying attention to what is being said. Using your voice to speak out against injustice or abuse is also appropriate, but it’s essential to recognise that staying silent is also a choice. If speaking up will cause more harm than staying silent, then remaining silent is the better option.Also, consider the risks of staying silent when discussing something tricky. Overall, silence can be an effective way to communicate, but it’s important to recognise when to use it and when to speak up. Lastly,  be aware of how to use silence in the workplace by experimenting with using silence in painless and thoughtful ways to gain attention.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Abdul, a new employee, receives advice to keep a daily to-do list to manage his tasks. As he starts compiling his list, it grows larger and larger, becoming overwhelming. A colleague suggests that rather than listing everything he needs to do, Abdul should focus on what is most important to get done today and how much time he should spend on it. To stop being overwhelmed, Abdul should resist the temptation to demand that his list tracks everything he should be doing and instead prune it to within an inch of its life. He should prioritise his list by asking if the task needs to be done today, by him, or at all. Keeping a modest, well-kept list can make life at work more manageable.There are different ways to keep a to-do list, such as computer-driven ones or scribbles on a whiteboard. However, your list will inevitably keep growing.  So it's vital to focus on what's most important. Break big projects into smaller tasks but without necessarily always adding these to your daily list. Make sure you prioritise your lists and keep refining them so you can plan. If your to-do list is at more than five or six items for the day, you should rethink it. To avoid failure, your list should not be stuffed with goals, minor tasks, and many jobs that need doing. Instead, you can just list what you will do next and when there are unfinished ones at the end of the day, think hard about whether to add them to tomorrow's list.Finally, ask yourself if you spent the intended amount of time on each task, if you got distracted and why?Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this podcast Andrew discusses the importance of tackling trivial tasks at work. The story follows Edd, who is frustrated when his college education is not being used, and he is given trivial work to do. However, Edd learns that even small, seemingly unimportant tasks can be valuable and help develop skills such as attention to detail. Trivial work may be unavoidable, but it can provide an opportunity to shine, as Edd discovered.  The episode also answers three frequently asked questions about dealing with trivial work, including how to ask for help, how to make the work less tedious, and whether to stay in a job that mainly involves trivial tasks.Andrew suggests that accepting trivial work is essential because many mundane but critical tasks are necessary for individuals and organisations. Rather than trying to avoid or make these tasks less tedious, try to improve at doing them to build a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking and persistence.It is important to remember that even small tasks can be valuable and that avoiding trivial work may lead to being labelled as unwilling to do tedious work.If you face a lengthy, trivial task, consider sharing the workload with others. Options include hiring part-timers, temporarily borrowing colleagues from other departments, or suggesting automation. When it comes to making boring tasks less tedious, try pairing them with another activity that demands more attention, Such as listening to music while working out can be helpful. Finally, Andrew suggests that people should be aware of the value of trivial work in developing attention to detail. It may be simple and easy to tackle, but it requires a high level of detail orientation. You can learn to be more detailed-orientated yet still hold the bigger picture. Finally, Andrew argues that while trivial work may be frustrating, it can provide opportunities for you to grow and develop skills.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew talks about the issue of lateness at work, highlighting its negative impact on career prospects and the resentment it can breed among colleagues.He says if you are running late, to let colleagues know immediately.  Apologise, tell the truth, offer solutions, and thank their boss for understanding.To avoid lateness, Andrew recommends adopting a better approach to time management, writing down a list of those affected by your lateness and how, and adopting new strategies to counter the lateness tendency. Andrew suggests laying out clothes and shoes ready for the next day before bed and seeking help from a partner or a friend who can prompt you to leave for work on time.Andrew stresses that lateness is a form of abuse that can harm how others regard you and hurt your career prospects. It is disrespectful and tells others your time is more valuable than theirs. Arriving too early every day can also create a sense of resentment among colleagues.In conclusion, Andrew urges people to recognise the importance of arriving on time and impacting their career prospects, colleagues, and overall work environment. Being on time shows respect builds trust, and enhances productivity.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Clutter is a common problem for many people, but as Andrew explains, it is not always bad. Some of history's most brilliant minds, such as Francis Bacon, Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg, have thrived in disorder. However, clutter can also adversely affect mental health and productivity, especially in the workplace. To address this, it's essential to understand why we keep clutter and how to declutter effectively.According to studies, clutter can significantly affect our cognition, thinking, emotions, behaviour, decision-making, and relationships. People tend to keep clutter for various reasons, such as feeling overwhelmed or keeping things as reminders. However, clutter can harm our chances of success at work and reduce overall life satisfaction, especially among older adults. To tackle clutter, it's essential to create a simple plan and avoid leaving it all to chance.One helpful framework for decluttering is Time, Reduce, Organize, and Maintain.First, break your total time into manageable blocks and dedicate a specific time each day to decluttering. Take it slowly and set a goal for each session. Next, reduce your material by making three piles of things: keep, reconsider, and chuck. Be honest with yourself and ask if you genuinely need the things you're keeping. Finally, Andrew says to organise what you've kept and maintain it regularly. Finding a system that works for you and avoids clutter in the future is essential.In summary, he reminds you that clutter is not always bad but can adversely affect mental health and productivity. Understanding why we keep clutter and how to declutter effectively can create a more organised and fulfilling life. Using the Time, Reduce, Organize, and Maintain framework can help you to create a simple plan for decluttering and avoiding the harmful effects of clutter in the workplace and at home.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this episode, Andrew discusses the importance of culture in the workplace and how employees can incorporate values into their approach. Kellogg's is an example of a company that relies on six core values to drive its culture, including integrity, accountability, passion, humility, simplicity, and results. The company aligns everyone around its vision by reinforcing behaviours and success through a global recognition platform. As an individual employee, understanding the organisation's core values and practising them can increase your chances of success at work.To understand the culture at your workplace, you can ask questions such as "What are our strengths and weaknesses?", "How do we prioritise things around here?" and "What is our duty towards our customers or clients?" You can take pride in your organisation through giving back to the community, optimism, quality products and services, decision-making authority, employee development, cost control, and a sense of accomplishment, benefits, and transparency. An organisation's response to failure can reveal much about its culture. A culture intolerant of failure and managing through fear will not encourage risk-taking, A better response to failure is to use it as a learning experience. When an organisation promotes a culture that embraces risk-taking and uses failures to improve, employees can take risks and learn from their failures Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew shares insights about the importance of sharing information in the workplace. In a story of two teams working for the same company, Andrew explains how hoarding information negatively impacted their performance. A new manager commissions research and presents data to both teams. He introduces a solution to the inter-team rivalry problem, which involves regular rotation of team members. As a result, both teams start to work together and share knowledge, leading to exceeding their sales quota.Andrew answers some of the most common questions about sharing information in the workplace. Before sharing information, he suggests asking, "Is this helpful and motivating for the team? Also, "Do we have the authority to share it, and could doing so potentially breach any regulations?" Andrew explains the benefits of sharing knowledge in the workplace, such as encouraging fresh thinking, creating a learning culture, and providing a better customer experience.Andrew acknowledges the risk of losing one's job or career prospects from irresponsible information sharing. He recommends checking the organisation's information-sharing expectations to protect its reputation. However, responsible sharing has personal benefits such as gaining respect from colleagues, becoming more visible, and supporting better decision-making. Andrew encourages rejecting the approach of "my knowledge is power, and so I must hold on to it" and instead encourages being generous with information.Andrew emphasizes that sharing knowledge is power, and work is all about collaboration. Regular rotation of team members and information sharing helps retain collective knowledge and improve performance. Responsible sharing of information has personal benefits and supports better decision-making.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew explains the power of using “Yes, And” in communication to build on ideas and to promote active listening. The story illustrates how the team leader uses “Yes, And” to generate more ideas during the meeting. Saying “Yes, And” is not simply agreeing with others but accepting and expanding their ideas. Andrew highlights that saying “Yes” instead of “No” creates an environment for positive thinking and progress. The “Yes, And” attitude allows people to find common ground, accept and expand on ideas, and offer new thoughts that support the idea. Andrew suggests using “Yes, And” at work to promote innovation and inspire people. It could make a big difference and can be a recipe for personal success.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

We hear Gerald S complain about work. He thinks deadlines are unfair and that Nolan, the team leader, has it out for him.  His colleague asks questions and tries to understand but suggests that it might be time for Gerald to find a new job if he hates it so much.Whiners like Gerald can be harmful to the workplace. They have a negative focus and are always looking for sympathy. Taking responsibility for your needs and wants is essential to avoid sounding like a victim. Focus on positive thoughts, help others, and avoid blaming others for your problems. If you need to talk to a whiny co-worker, use "I-statements." For example, "I feel like I can't help with that right now" or "I wish I had more time to talk, but I have a deadline." If that doesn't work, could you talk to your boss about the problem as an organisational issue, not a personal complaint? Remember not to get trapped in a whiner mentality yourself. Stay positive and avoid making everything seem like a disaster. Instead, focus on solutions and things that are going well.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew discusses two stories in this episode, highlighting the consequences of covering up mistakes and how to handle mistakes at work. The first story recounts the Ford Pinto case where the company launched the Pinto car despite knowing it had a design flaw, and how settling burn victim lawsuits would save the company more than remedying the fault. The second story features Sheila Marcelo, founder and CEO of Care.com, who fired an employee, regretted it immediately, and later rehired the person. Marcelo learned that wrong decisions could be reversed, apologising does not indicate weakness, and taking responsibility for mistakes is essential.Andrew advises handling mistakes at work, including the need to admit mistakes, accept the consequences, and avoid making excuses or inventing stories to explain the mistake. He emphasises that apologising is essential and can save one's job, showing maturity and professionalism. Andrew suggests spending time repairing relationships and identifying specific learning from the mistake. It's also essential to avoid blaming others and owning up to the error to demonstrate confidence and take cues from your behaviour.Andrew also shares advice on forgiving oneself after making mistakes. He suggests being honest about what happened, apologising to those affected, and asking for forgiveness.Excessive guilt can be counterproductive, and moving on from the mistake and identifying specific lessons learned is essential. Finally, he notes that it's easier to come clean and take responsibility for mistakes than to cover them up, and hiding mistakes can have severe consequences.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In the audio text, Andrew discusses the benefits of personal development and training opportunities. He tells the story of Brett, who was feeling unmotivated at work until HR offered him a tailored package that paid him to go to the gym twice a week during office hours.Andrew explains that a personal development plan (PDP) is a roadmap to success that can help people clarify their goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, improve their employability, track their progress, and boost their mental well-being.Andrew answers three common questions about personal development and advises people to create a PDP to clarify their goals, gain practice to grow their confidence, and take the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.Andrew suggests two actions that people should take: investing time to create their PDP as a long-term investment in their success and getting clear on their personal development goals, gaining practice to grow their confidence, and taking the initiative to request advice and make friends quickly with their teammates.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

Andrew discusses the importance of company handbooks for new employees. He talks about Boris, an employee who is tasked with creating a handbook without any guidance, budget or deadline. Boris reviews examples of successful handbooks from other organisations and decides to base his handbook on the employees' fears, worries, and queries. He contacts the recruits and creates an online app for the culture guide.Andrew explains that company handbooks can be helpful for new employees, as they provide information about the organisation's culture, values, and expectations regarding workplace behaviour and performance. He suggests that employees should read the handbook carefully and consider what it tells them about the organisation's culture and rules that are essential to pay attention to. Andrew also notes that some information in the handbook may protect the organisation from possible litigation or help managers impose uniformity across the organisation, which aids with control.Furthermore, Andrew shares examples of unique handbooks, such as the US retailer Nordstrom's famous rule book, which claims to have only one rule, "Use good judgment in all situations." He also mentions the Zappos Employee Handbook/Comic book and Netflix's culture guide, which explains the company's culture, values and expectations without a handbook. Andrew advises that while reading the handbook or watching a video makes sense, employees should ask themselves questions such as "What does this tell me about the company's culture" and "Is there anything I need help understanding that matters?"Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY

In this podcast episode, Andrew discusses the story of Katharine Viner, the first female editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who turned around the struggling newspaper by finding new ways to fund the company and involving its readers. She demonstrated the needed characteristics of successful changemakers, such as asking more questions, offering more solutions, and building relationships to help cultivate change.Andrew then relates Viner's story to the listener's situation at work, emphasising the importance of being a changemaker rather than a change loser. He suggests that success depends on supporting change rather than becoming its victim in a world of ongoing change. He addresses three main questions people tend to have about being a changemaker at work: how to be one, how to persuade those who disagree, and what to do if rejected.To be a changemaker at work, Andrew advises accepting that change is inevitable and preparing for it by pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, focusing on the positives of change, and learning to voice concerns. He also emphasises collaboration's importance and draws in everyone who can help make the change happen.To persuade those who disagree with the proposed change, Andrew advises seeking common ground and interacting with them instead of bombarding them with reports or arguments. He emphasises the power of engagement and the human voice to persuade.Finally, for those who fear rejection when suggesting change, Andrew advises being willing to risk failure and presenting a robust case for change, starting from a position of humility and being open to alternative views.Overall, Andrew encourages you to commit to supporting change, taking on more responsibility, and adopting a positive and supportive attitude towards change. Responding in this way can contribute to their success at work.Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow through material which you can find for each episode at50Ways.site/reading; and 50Ways.site/watch.BOOK:The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts. It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years. Dip in and out and take what seems helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BRM569KY