Search Results for: trust

Working with (or under) a boss who micro-manages is tough. The lack of trust they are displaying, or rather, you are feeling, can be completely demoralising - at best! And this is far more common than you may realise. Most people in these situations seem to think they are being picked on, singled out for this "special" treatment, but that is rarely the case. Indeed, for most micro-managers, it a personality trait, they cannot help themselves, they are working on auto-pilot. That doesn't excuse it, and it definitely doesn't mean you have to put up with it. In the video below (one of my most popular on YouTube), I will help you understand your boss a little better, begin to get to grips with the actual problem, and then start to point you in the direction of practical things you can to do alleviate the problem - so you can get on and do your job! Read More

A critical aspect of influence that you have to pay heed to is that power shapes the decisions in a given group, at a personal and group level. This means that it will shape the decisions you make and, the behaviours you choose to use. For example, if the group you are working in responds to credibility in the form of technical know-how, a group will spend a good deal of time considering the technical aspects of any proposal before making a decision. It will want to understand the technology, processes and evidence that support the idea. In that group, one would also expect that those with the greatest (relevant) technical capability will be the most influential (powerful) in that group. Their opinion will count, people will turn to them for guidance, and will defer to their views. Now, if that source of power is very strong, Read More

For years, the division between personal and professional life has been questioned. For years, the dominant view is that it is useful/necessary to maintain that split. Now, things could be changing – fast! Several discussions recently have highlighted the problem of trust. There is growing cynicism of national political leaders' facade of probity. Private lives Read More

Harry is just leaving his job, without another one to go to. This is the second senior position in a row that he has left because he was unable to influence his seniors. Despite being exceptionally good at his job, perfectionist, avid learner, he still has not been able to get the success he believes he should. Hearing Harry's story led to some interesting thoughts about what can/does go wrong in relationships that I thought would be worth sharing with you today. Read More

When you discover somebody's been talking behind your back, providing negative feedback to maybe the senior management or another group of people that is putting you at a disadvantage, it's very understandable that you're going to be upset. You might be angry, frustrated, really annoyed with that individual, particularly if they deny that they've done it and you know for sure that they have. Having those emotions, experiencing those emotions is not necessarily going to help you at this stage. A number of things to consider. Read More

Most people prioritise improving the quality of a relationship when a problem hits them in the face. This is the most difficult time of all to build trust and openness, because the guard is up, and perhaps, so are the heckles. On the other hand, hard as it may be, this could be exactly what the two of you needed, a big wake up call! And, if you're diligent, tenacious and careful, the prospects are good that the relationship after things have been resolved will be much better than it was before. Read More