'...a large and growing body of research on positive organizational psychology demonstrates that not only is a cut-throat environment harmful to productivity over time, but that a positive environment will lead to dramatic benefits for employers, employees, and the bottom line.'
Openness is the mantra of some very prestigious organisations - Facebook, for one - but what does it mean when it comes to relating to other people?
To what extent are we judged by our nonverbal communication? Or, put another way, do we judge other people by their facial expressions, appearance or body language?
Manners are all about how we treat other people - the essence of interpersonal skills - the basis of good relationships. Treating other people the way we would like to be treated will always be in style.
If you're anything like me, you've had those conversations with someone where you've walked away and then realised that you haven't listened to, or picked up on, what that person was really trying to convey.
We're hearing more about the importance of 'well-being' and the prevalence of poor mental health in our society. The fast-paced, always available world we live in can leave us susceptible to stress and feeling out of control of our lives.
Do you think of yourself as a good judge of character? Research tells us that we make decisions about people within seconds of meeting them and that it's hard to go back on our first impressions. That's pretty scary. Especially if we're on the receiving end!
Have you ever heard the old saying, 'knowledge is power'? According to Wikipedia, it is commonly attributed to Sir Francis Bacon. The expression "ipsa scientia potestas est" ('knowledge itself is power') occurs in Bacon's Meditationes Sacrae (1597)."
I've recently been trying to keep a sense of humour while my internet connection has let me down several times a day over the past few weeks. Our provider is trying a number of solutions, but so far has not come up with a permanent one. It's funny, in a humourless way, how dependent I've become on being able to send e-mails and work online.
I'm writing this as Christmas approaches at breakneck speed and we are bombarded with suggestions for spending our money faster than it comes into our bank accounts. Most of us want to be generous to our friends and family at this time of year and are very conscious that it is the season of giving.
