Many people working in large companies speak business-buzzwords as a second language. Business language is full of pretty meaningless words. I Don’t Understand What Anyone Is Saying Anymore article tells that the language of internet business models has made the problem even worse. There are several strains of this epidemic: We have forgotten how to use the real names of real things, acronymitis, and Meaningless Expressions (like “Our goal is to exceed the customer’s expectation”). This would all be funny if it weren’t true. Observe it, deconstruct it, and appreciate just how ridiculous most business conversation has become.
Check out this brilliant Web Economy Bullshit Generator page. It generates random bullshit text based on the often used words in business language. And most of the material it generates look something you would expect from IT executives and their speechwriters (those are randomly generated with Web Economy Bullshit Generator):
“scale viral web services”
“integrate holistic mindshare”
“transform back-end solutions”
“incentivize revolutionary portals”
“synergize out-of-the-box platforms”
“enhance world-class schemas”
“aggregate revolutionary paradigms”
“enable cross-media relationships”
How to talk like a CIO article tries to tell how do CIOs talk, and what do they talk about, and why they do it like they do it. It sometimes makes sense to analyze the speaking and comportment styles of the people who’ve already climbed the corporate ladder if you want to do the same.
The Most Annoying, Pretentious And Useless Business Jargon article tells that the stupid business talk is longer solely the province of consultants, investors and business-school types, this annoying gobbledygook has mesmerized the rank and file around the globe. The next time you feel the need to reach out, touch base, shift a paradigm, leverage a best practice or join a tiger team, by all means do it. Just don’t say you’re doing it. If you have to ask why, chances are you’ve fallen under the poisonous spell of business jargon. Jargon masks real meaning. The Most Annoying, Pretentious And Useless Business Jargon article has a cache of expressions to assiduously avoid (if you look out you will see those used way too many times in business documents and press releases).
Is Innovation the Most Abused Word In Business? article tells that most of what is called innovation today is mere distraction, according to a paper by economist Robert Gordon. Innovation is the most abused word in tech. The iPad is about as innovative as the toaster. You can still read books without an iPad, and you can still toast bread without a toaster. True innovation radically alters the way we interact with the world. But in tech, every little thing is called “innovative.” If you were to believe business grads then “innovation” includes their “ideas” along the lines of “a website like *only better*” or “that thing which everyone is already doing but which I think is my neat new idea” Whether or not the word “innovation” has become the most abused word in the business context, that remains to be seen. “Innovation” itself has already been abused by the patent trolls.
Using stories to catch ‘smart-talk’ article tells that smart-talk is information without understanding, theory without practice – ‘all mouth and no trousers’, as the old aphorism puts it. It’s all too common amongst would-be ‘experts’ – and likewise amongst ‘rising stars’ in management and elsewhere. He looks the part; he knows all the right buzzwords; he can quote chapter-and-verse from all the best-known pundits and practitioners. But is it all just empty ‘smart-talk’? Even if unintentional on their part, people who indulge in smart-talk can be genuinely dangerous. They’ll seem plausible enough at first, but in reality they’ll often know just enough to get everyone into real trouble, but not enough to get out of it again. Smart-talk is the bane of most business – and probably of most communities too. So what can we do to catch it?
2,590 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
Work Culture
Are workplace tools making decision fatigue worse?
https://blog.dropbox.com/topics/work-culture/workplace-tools-making-decision-fatigue-worse?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ts-conversion&utm_content=rtg
When people have to make a sequence of tricky, demanding decisions, they slowly lose their decision-making willpower.
But decision fatigue doesn’t just happen in high-stakes industries like medicine and law. It turns out there’s a sneakier version that’s even more common, just as draining, and increasingly, much harder to avoid.
Workplace tools force us to make hundreds of micro-decisions
This new kind of decision fatigue comes from all the tools we use (like email, chat apps, smartphones, and enterprise software) and the content we create (like files, folders, and documents). Thanks to the explosion of mobile gadgets and workplace software, we’re getting more alerts and notifications than ever before. According to Bain & Company, executives received about 4,000 communications per year in the ’80s. In the 2010s, that number is well over 30,000.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Dunning-Kruger Effect Shows Why Some People Think They’re Great Even When Their Work Is Terrible
https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2017/01/24/the-dunning-kruger-effect-shows-why-some-people-think-theyre-great-even-when-their-work-is-terrible/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#181db48b5d7c
If you’ve ever dealt with someone whose performance stinks, and they’re not only clueless that their performance stinks but they’re confident that their performance is good, you likely saw the Dunning-Kruger Effect in action.
Coined in 1999 by then-Cornell psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger, the eponymous Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias whereby people who are incompetent at something are unable to recognize their own incompetence. And not only do they fail to recognize their incompetence, they’re also likely to feel confident that they actually are competent.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90393484/how-to-decide-what-to-share-in-an-exit-interview?partner=rss&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think You Are at Work and in Life
https://www.inc.com/scott-mautz/7-signs-youre-doing-better-than-you-think-you-are-at-work-in-life.html
Sometimes, you just need a little reassurance that you’re on target. Here it is
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://tyopaikat.oikotie.fi/tyontekijalle/artikkelit/tyokyopeli-blogi/motivaatiota-metsastamassa
Tomi Engdahl says:
Luuletko, että arjessa pitää vain jaksaa hampaat irvessä? Olet väärässä – lue 5 täsmävinkkiä uupumuksen itsehoitoon
Jopa puolet työikäisistä ei palaudu riittävästi. Jokainen tarvitsee luppoaikaa vähintään tunnin päivässä.
https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-10963333
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/08/22/the-simple-interview-technique-that-will-get-you-hired/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2016/04/26/9-signs-that-youre-an-ambivert/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Extreme ways CEOs are testing soft skills in job interviews
https://www.fastcompany.com/90399561/extreme-ways-ceos-are-testing-soft-skills-in-job-interviews?partner=rss&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss
From paying candidates not to work for them to asking them to drive the CEO’s car, employers are finding unique ways to put a prospective employee’s soft skills to the test.
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Common Words Powerful People Avoid (That You Should Avoid, Too)
https://www.forbes.com/sites/averyblank/2017/02/07/7-common-words-powerful-people-dont-use-that-you-shouldnt-use-either/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#137cf3c03c7a
Tomi Engdahl says:
I Just Discovered Warren Buffet’s 25/5 Rule and It’s Completely Brilliant
https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/i-just-discovered-warren-buffets-25-5-rule-completely-brilliant.html
The 25/5 rule only takes five minutes to put into practice, but it can maximize your productivity and boost your career.
First, Buffett told Flint to make a list of his top 25 career goals.
Then, Buffett said to circle the top five goals.
Reportedly, Buffett told Flint to:
1. remain focused on accomplishing goals 1 through 5, and
2. stay completely away from working on goals 6 through 25.
What’s the lesson?
“It’s all about focus,” says Towson. “You’re not going to accomplish 25 things in your life. If you really focus long-term you can do three to five big ones, maybe. And the impediment to your not having focus is numbers 6 through 25, because those are the things you’re interested in. Those are your biggest potential distractions.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to become a better software developer: a business perspective
https://leocode.com/blog/how-to-become-a-better-software-developer/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://matter.fi/verkkosivusto-viisi-yleista-sudenkuoppaa/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Five Top Resume Turnoffs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/02/19/five-top-resume-turnoffs/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#487ec1ccebbe
1. There’s not enough “white space.”
2. You didn’t include results-oriented language.
3. Your resume is too long. You have to sell your experience quickly. The standard resume format is one to two pages.
4. You haven’t shown numbers. Hiring managers love numbers. They love when you are invested enough in your job to quantify your growth.
5. You don’t sound confident enough. I’ll never forget the resume on which a job applicant basically said in the first few sentences, “I don’t have much nursing experience, but am willing to learn more.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://matter.fi/markkinoinnin-kevytautomaatio/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.hopkins.fi/artikkelit/antikonversiot/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=antikonversiot-sitoutuminen-rema&utm_content=pagepost
Tomi Engdahl says:
Motivaatiota metsästämässä
https://tyopaikat.oikotie.fi/tyontekijalle/artikkelit/tyokyopeli-blogi/motivaatiota-metsastamassa
Työmotivaatiota voi joskus joutua kaivelemaan syvempääkin, mutta sitä pitäisi luoda myös työnantajan puolelta.
Kun motivaatio liittyy henkiseen palkintoon, hyvään oloon, onnistumiseen, oppimiseen, intoon tai iloon, se on voimakasta ja sen avulla jaksaa paljon.
Jos kukaan ei saa kiksejä saavutuksistaan ja kaikki vain puurtavat kasvot kireinä, ei ole ihmekään, ettei ketään kiinnosta.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Getting Interviews, But No Offers? This Could Be Why
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/03/22/getting-interviews-but-no-offers-this-could-be-why/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#4702b6724c59
Her feedback after our mock interview was “In the mock interview, you were very distant and reserved. You can speak up and share your opinions.”
Most people can relate to your frustration! This is a very common interview problem.
A job interview is a formal and scripted social situation. Once we’ve learned the standard script it can be hard to break away from it.
Your job is not to answer the interviewer’s questions “correctly.” There is no correct answer to most interview questions!
The less your interviewer has to think during your conversation, the more likely they’ll forget having met you 10 minutes after you’re out the door!
Your goal is to stand out, not blend into the wallpaper.
The good news is that you are aware you’re hiding your brilliance and sparkling personality under a bushel right now.
Keep in mind that not everyone will like your brand of jazz. That’s okay, because not every organization or every manager deserves your talents anyway. Only the people who get you, deserve you!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Even if you hate your job, you can use it to build a career you love
https://www.fastcompany.com/90396641/even-if-you-hate-your-job-you-can-use-it-to-build-a-career-you-love?partner=rss&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss
Building three companies where I struggled to find meaning taught me that even the most vacuous undertakings can help you build a career you care about.
The first problem is figuring out what you love in the first place. The second is that the economy isn’t built on hopes and dreams. The supply/demand equation is about the desires of others, not our own, so we can’t all simply follow the path that our heart has set out for us.
PAY ATTENTION TO MOMENTS OF PASSION
If you’re feeling frustrated by the sort of work you’re doing, pay attention to those moments when you feel excited and time passes effortlessly. Make a mental note so that you can build more of whatever that is into your career in the future. At the same time, don’t discount the parts of your work life that seem boring and monotonous, so long as you’re still learning. They’re likely providing you with the knowledge and experience you’ll need in the future.
LEARN HOW TO BUILD A TEAM
When the subject matter of your work doesn’t drive you, building the right team can. If you make your team your North Star, you’ll be able to carry out high-impact ideas on a greater scale.
LEARN TO TAKE RISKS
If you aren’t doing what you love, embrace any role that will push you beyond your limits. Doing impactful work in any context depends on your ability to think creatively and be nimble.
Every time you emerge on the other side of a great challenge in your career, you build resilience and gain perspective. You come back better equipped to anticipate a problem and tackle the next one.
Tomi Engdahl says:
What Not To Ask In An Initial Job Interview
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2017/08/17/what-not-to-ask-in-an-initial-job-interview/
Ideally, your discussions should be shaped so that you can determine as well as possible if you’re a good fit for the role
Tomi Engdahl says:
9 TED Talks That Will Inspire You To Quit Your Job And Travel For A Career
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2016/08/24/9-ted-talks-that-will-inspire-you-to-quit-your-job-and-travel-for-a-career/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#6cdd98c86013
Tomi Engdahl says:
20 Reasons Not To Give Up
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2016/11/10/20-reasons-not-to-give-up/
Tomi Engdahl says:
The Most Powerful Leadership Tool You Have: Your Own Example
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2017/03/05/the-most-powerful-leadership-tool-you-have-your-own-example/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://blog.netprofile.fi/markkinointi-tarvitsee-generalisteja
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.funnelbud.com/en/blog/how-do-you-build-your-marketing-funnel/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/13/how-to-work-with-top-influencers-and-avoid-ad-blockers/
Tomi Engdahl says:
34 Words And Phrases That Scream ‘I’m a Leader’ On Resumes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2017/11/27/34-words-phrases-that-scream-im-a-leader-on-resumes/
It’s one thing to be good at tasks, projects and areas of specialization, but if you’re aspiring to manage teams, you simply can’t stop there. You also have to position yourself as an inspiring, effective leader.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The real reason you’re not allowed to work from home is that managers at all levels are fearful of change and especially fearful of change that requires them to step out of their comfort zone.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/03/15/the-real-reason-youre-not-allowed-to-work-from-home/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#46345d007084
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.inc.com/matthew-jones/20-brutal-truths-about-life-no-one-wants-to-admit.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Self-made millionaire: The simple strategy that helped increase my odds of success by 42%
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/13/self-made-millionaire-how-to-increase-your-odds-of-success-by-42-percent-marie-forleo.html
An often-cited study done by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University of California, shows the true power of writing down your goals.
Tomi Engdahl says:
4 Abundantly Clear Signs You’re Ready To Leave Your Job
https://www.inc.com/laura-garnett/4-abundantly-clear-signs-youre-ready-to-leave-your-job-that-youve-never-heard-before.html?cid=sf01002
Tomi Engdahl says:
5 of the most important resume tips according to Google recruiters.
Formula’ on Your Resume Will Improve Your Odds of Getting Hired at Google
https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/google-recruiters-say-these-5-resume-tips-including-x-y-z-formula-will-improve-your-odds-of-getting-hired-at-google.html?cid=sf01002
Alternative: Reverse engineer their advice and improve recruitment at your business
1. Basic formatting
key rule is to keep things simple when it comes to format
2. Customization
You should write a new, tailored resume for every position you apply for. Also, the Google recruiters advise keeping it under a single page.
3. Use the X by Y by Z formula
Google describes this as: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z].” But just to make it easier to remember, let’s shorten it to X-Y-Z.
4. Advanced formatting
5. For technical applicants
The first is to include your Github link, or equivalent, at the top with your contact information.
as you list projects and experience — either in a separate section or as part of your employment history — include programming languages you used for each project.
Tomi Engdahl says:
5 Components Of Succeeding At Anything
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellevate/2017/07/31/5-components-to-succeeding-at-anything/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#798d950d202a
Tomi Engdahl says:
real life black mirror “hack”: sell decades of your future! =D
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mIl5Lz0iMUw
Tomi Engdahl says:
Want To Be Successful? Quit Working So Hard
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/03/16/want-to-be-successful-quit-working-so-hard/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#72a7e0111bb8
The old adage “Hard work brings success” is no longer true, if it ever was.
We are too goal-oriented.
We don’t ask the question “I’m goal-oriented — but what does that get me? Why is the goal I’m working toward the best goal for me?
When you are working your hardest, are you working toward your own goals or somebody else’s goals? Many of us go to work and plod forward on a path we didn’t choose.
Your To-Do list will always be there, and it will never get any shorter
Obviously working hard on your To-Do list is not the path to success — so what is?
The path to success leads in a different direction.
Yes, it will require hard work to realize your vision
The first step on your path to success is to stop working, stop stressing, and let your mind wander.
Some people do it on a bicycle or in the tub. They take off their mental shackles and ask “If it were totally up to me, what would I do with my life?”
It is totally up to you. For many people, that’s the scary part!
It takes courage to dream expansively, because your conscious mind wants to break into your dream to say “Forget your dream — it’s not practical!”
Your job is to envision your future first.
Later, you can refine the vision and start to see how it can become reality.
Quit working so hard, and give yourself the gift of imagining your future in brighter colors than you do now.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The 80/20 Rule And How It Can Change Your Life
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/03/07/80-20-rule/?utm_source=FACEBOOK&utm_medium=social&utm_term=Malorie/#2c5c42ec3814
He investigated different industries and found that 80% of production typically came from just 20% of the companies. The generalization became:
80% of results will come from just 20% of the action.
387 169 views|Mar 7, 2016,8:23 pm
The 80/20 Rule And How It Can Change Your Life
Kevin KruseContributor
Careers
This article is more than 2 years old.
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80% of results will come from just 20% of the action.
Are you trying to grow your current business? Would an 80/20 mindset help you to stay focused on your strategic plan and spend less time chasing endless new opportunities?
What is the 80/20 Rule and could it actually make 80% of your work disappear?
If you’ve studied business or economics, you’re well familiar with the power of the Pareto Principle.
The Man Behind The Concept
Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto was born in Italy in 1848. He would go on to become an important philosopher and economist. Legend has it that one day he noticed that 20% of the pea plants in his garden generated 80% of the healthy pea pods. This observation caused him to think about uneven distribution. He thought about wealth and discovered that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by just 20% of the population. He investigated different industries and found that 80% of production typically came from just 20% of the companies. The generalization became:
80% of results will come from just 20% of the action.
Photo: Pixabay/Kaboompics
Photo: Pixabay/Kaboompics
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Pareto’s 80/20 Rule
This “universal truth” about the imbalance of inputs and outputs is what became known as the Pareto principle, or the 80/20 rule. While it doesn’t always come to be an exact 80/20 ratio, this imbalance is often seen in various business cases:
• 20% of the sales reps generate 80% of total sales.
• 20% of customers account for 80% of total profits.
• 20% of the most reported software bugs cause 80% of software crashes.
• 20% of patients account for 80% of healthcare spending (and 5% of patients account for a full 50% of all expenditures!)
On a more personal note, you might be able to relate to my unintentional 80/20 habits.
handling every task that gets thrown their way—or even every task that they would like to handle—is impossible. They use Pareto to help them determine what is of vital importance. Then, they delegate the rest, or simply let it go.
Are you an executive? You’re surely faced with the constant challenge of limited resources. It’s not just your time you need to maximize, but your entire team’s.
Are you a freelancer? It’s important to identify your best (and highest-paying) clients.
Are you an entrepreneur? The temptation always exists to try the new and exciting. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but it boils down to your goals. Are you trying to grow your current business? Would an 80/20 mindset help you to stay focused on your strategic plan and spend less time chasing endless new opportunities?
So, what 20% of your work drives 80% of your outcomes?
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Can You Spot Really Good Leaders? They Do Any of These 7 Things Daily
With some things in life, like exceptional leadership traits, you can’t just “fake it till you make it.”
https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/7-ways-to-tell-someone-is-a-really-good-leader-and-not-just-faking-it.html?cid=sf01002&sr_share=facebook
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2017/02/28/8-science-based-tricks-for-quieting-the-monkey-mind/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://talented.fi/blog/tarvitseeko-tietotyon-freelancer-huolenpitoa/
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://rakettitiede.com/blogi/ohjelmistoprojektin-7-kuolemansyntia-5-osa-kaikki-muu-paitsi-valiton-bisneshyoty-on-turhaa?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=Julkaisu%3A+%22Ohjelmistoprojektin+5.+kuolemansynti%3A+vain…%22&utm_medium=paid&hsa_cam=6140887268887&hsa_grp=6140887270087&hsa_ad=6140887271887&hsa_acc=50124020&hsa_src=fb&hsa_net=facebook&hsa_ver=3
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Warning Signs Your Boss Disrespects You
When managers treat you this way, you haven’t earned their respect.
https://www.inc.com/jt-odonnell/7-warning-signs-your-boss-disrespects-you.html?cid=sf01002&sr_share=facebook
Right now, employee frustration is at an all-time high. Workers are feeling fed up with their employers and wondering if the grass could be greener elsewhere.
While pay and opportunity for growth are the top two reasons people claim they want to find a new job, our research shows that what ultimately pushes a person to seek a new job is feeling disrespected by their boss.
you have to recognize the signs that your manager doesn’t respect you. Here are seven to consider:
They call you in a panic about an ASAP task — only to go silent on you.
They change their mind daily about what they want you to work on.
They ask to review every task you complete.
They tell you to do unnecessary, tedious work.
They constantly cancel and reschedule meetings with you.
You have to chase them down for answers and approval.
They dismiss your questions and concerns.
I could list more, but if you can say “yes” to more than two of the above, it’s safe to say your boss has concluded that you aren’t a trusted resource. Which means, it’s time to work on a communication strategy to turn things around.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Should I Fire This Employee? 9 Sure Signs the Answer Is Yes
http://on.inc.com/Ov4PXPF
Tomi Engdahl says:
Greta Thunberg And 15 Young People Target These 5 Countries To Fight Climate Change
http://on.forbes.com/61821BHpQ
Thunberg and her fellow activists are not seeking monetary compensation, but want the countries to immediately work on meeting stricter climate goals.
Topline: During a Monday appearance at the United Nations, 16-year—old climate activist Greta Thunberg said she—plus 15 other young people—filed a legal complaint with the United Nations against five countries (Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and Turkey) that are not on track to meet the emissions goals they agreed to in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Could Airships Rise Again?
https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/aerospace/aviation/could-airships-rise-again
Transportation produces about one-fourth of global anthropogenic carbon emissions. Of this, maritime shipping accounts for 3 percent, and this figure is expected to increase for the next three decades even though the shipping industry is actively seeking greener alternatives, and developing near-zero-emission vessels.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Is Building A Personal Brand Actually Worth It?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephanieburns/2019/06/06/is-building-a-personal-brand-actually-worth-it/
Consumers’ buying habits have changed, and the truth is that they’re choosing to buy from personal brands now more than ever before. One study revealed that compared to 20 years ago, nearly half of consumers said they trust big brands less.
Your customers want to buy from an authentic person they can relate to, instead of an unapproachable, unrelatable business person or logo.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Why Great Employees Quit — Instead Of Admitting They’re Unhappy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/05/14/why-great-employees-quit-instead-of-admitting-theyre-unhappy/
I know that as a manager you’re not supposed to have a favorite employee but let’s be honest, most managers do.
“Nothing went wrong. It’s just time for me to do something new.” I don’t think he’s telling me the whole story. Don’t I deserve to know if I did something wrong?
Since you and Josh work in the U.S., you held all the cards. You had the power to fire Josh at any moment for any reason, or no reason at all. You had the upper hand. Josh had to job hunt in stealth mode, a very stressful undertaking. You created the environment in which you and Josh worked together. Don’t blame Josh for responding to the fear that was baked into that environment!
Josh didn’t feel comfortable telling you what was wrong, if anything was wrong. Maybe Josh was simply bored. Maybe he wants to work closer to his home. Maybe his new employer has better benefits or pays higher salaries than your company does.
It is none of your business why Josh is leaving.
Being a manager can lull you into a state of complacency. In that state you think that employees are subject to your will. We forget that an employee can decide to leave us at any time. The reason most people will not tell you they are unhappy but will simply start job hunting instead is that it is too dangerous to tell the boss when you’re unhappy.
Tomi Engdahl says:
7 Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Leadership Skills Overnight
This is taking your leadership to a whole new level, again.
https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/7-brutal-truths-every-smart-leader-needs-to-constantly-revisit.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
Smart Leaders Prevent Burnout With 3 Golden Rules
Target three key areas to protect your team from burnout.
https://www.inc.com/mithu-storoni/3-golden-rules-that-make-a-team-exceptionally-resilient.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
3 Effective (If Slightly Evil) Persuasion Tricks You Can Learn From Steve Jobs
The guy was a jerk but he accomplished amazing things. Those two facts aren’t unrelated.
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/3-effective-if-slightly-evil-persuasion-tricks-you-can-learn-from-steve-jobs.html
1. Be brutally honest.
2. Change your mind… but pretend you didn’t.
3. Be strategic with flattery.
Tomi Engdahl says:
10 Signs You’re More Persuasive and Influential Than You Think
Which means you’re a better leader than you think
https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/10-signs-youre-more-persuasive-influential-than-you-think.html
every great leader is a great persuader — not through manipulation or pressure, but by using logic and emotion to present ideas and frame arguments in ways that convince others