Better Ways
of Working
Dare to challenge yourself, embrace change, and seize every opportunity to make work better for you and others? Look no further than here. A new nudge will be added here, sent out via email and put on social networks each week.
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Problem-Solving
Don't jump into solution mode
Get a better understanding of the problem before rushing to find solutions. Try using the ‘Abstraction Laddering’ technique to explore problems further.
Problem-Solving
Less is more
Humans are biased towards adding rather than removing when solving problems. When facing a problem, ask yourself ‘Is there anything I need to remove?’
Leading Change
If in doubt, go first
When unsure, take the initiative and act first, rather than hesitating or waiting for further information.
Productivity
Avoid pre-castination
Pre-crastination is the tendency to complete tasks before they must be done, often at the cost of quality or extra effort. Before you start a task, ask yourself 'Is this the right thing to be doing now?' then adjust your actions accordingly.
Mindfulness
Switch between ‘clock time’ and ‘event time’
If you stick to a set schedule you’re most likely a ‘clock-timer’ whilst if you have a looser relationship to the clock you’re most likely an ‘event-timer’. Try experimenting with the alternative style to see what you achieve/learn.
Problem-Solving
Use ‘Vuja De’ to see the world anew
“Vuja de" means seeing something familiar with fresh eyes—the opposite of déjà vu. When faced with a familiar problem, look at it as if it is the first time you encountered it giving yourself a fresh perspective to ideate.
Super Communicator
Define what you are talking about
Human conversations typically fall into three categories:
- Practical (what are we trying to achieve)
- Emotional (how are we feeling)
- Social (how can we build connection)
Recognise the type of conversation early on to respond more effectively
Problem-Solving
Don’t settle for the first answer
When asking 'why' don't settle for the first answer, think bigger, dig deeper, and explore other options. It’s all about being curious and finding the best answer, not just the easiest one.
Problem-Solving
What would your replacement do?
When a comfortable groove starts to feel like stagnation, ask yourself, ‘What would your replacement do?’ Then, shake things up by acting on those fresh, bold ideas.
Creativity
Doodle More
While your attention is elsewhere, engage in the art of doodling by drawing simple, random sketches or patterns without a specific purpose or direction.
Innovation
Let your mind wander
Whilst engaged in easy, repetitive activities (e.g. walking, taking a shower), allow your thoughts to drift freely, moving from one idea to another without focusing on a specific task or goal.
Innovation
Innovate over invent
Focus on improving existing creations or finding new applications for them, rather than just creating something entirely new.