One out of 25 bosses ‘could be a psychopath’
Although one out of every 25 bosses is likely to be a psychopath, most people would not be able to tell, new research has revealed. Psychopaths are characterised as lacking in deep emotions, empathy or remorse and are often abusive in their treatment of others. But a recent study undertaken by New York psychologist […]
Sponsoring A level leavers – finders, keepers?
The latest round of A-level results last week highlighted a growing trend. Employers are progressively not only ‘acquiring’ talent among A-level students, but also influencing the content of some degree courses. So what can they do to ensure that they are in the best position to attract – and retain – this talent that has […]
The psychological contract 101
A recent piece of research carried out by Right Management with MDs of SMEs across the UK rather alarmingly revealed that over half (52 percent) thought it was better to motivate staff through incentives rather than career development. This rose to 62 percent in London and the South East. This flags up a major problem […]
Older workers have emotional intelligence to share
Although too many employers discriminate against older workers by focusing on potential decreases in physical and cognitive abilities, they should instead be harnessing their valuable emotional skills to help support younger colleagues. Research from the Manchester Business School reveals that older staff members are generally more effective at coping with emotional stress and burnout than […]
Testing positive: Evidence and debate around positive psychology
I recently saw magician Derren Brown on TV talking about mediums. In the light of what – at best – could be called circumstantial evidence that mediums did indeed talk to the dead, he mused that perhaps scientific proof was less important to the bereaved than the comfort which they took from the idea that […]
Negative body language ends in disappointment for job seekers
When it come to interviews, those who lack self-belief are being let down by their body language, according to global recruitment firm NES Global. Since the recession, competition for employment has meant that job hunters are experiencing continual knock backs, which is consequently shattering their confidence. To help seal the deal in an interview and […]
Engaging for success with Eric Peacock
Eric Peacock is a serial entrepreneur. His first buy was BabyGro which he purchased from its American owners. He currently chairs eight businesses. When asked about employee engagement, Eric says he makes sure it is present in every organisation. He was involved in shaping the engaging for success guidance as a business advocate for the […]
Three ways to enhance the value of psychometrics
UK organisations spend around £100 million a year on psychometric assessments… and then use them in the wrong way. You could get much greater value from your assessments if you focus on three key areas. 1. Focus on cultural fitAs part of their recruitment, many organisations only use verbal and numerical reasoning tests. These tests […]
Success in a recession: Politics
It certainly has a bad name, but politics is a fact of life in the business world and, rather than being ignored or denied, maybe it is time to celebrate politics and learn to play the game, says Blaire Palmer. We live in a time when it is acceptable, if not required, to dismiss politics […]
How to celebrate success when there isn’t any
It’s always easy to celebrate the good times, but what happens when the results aren’t so great? Claire Logan outlines some of the options available to reward and recognise in challenging times. It has been accepted wisdom for many years that the culture of an organisation can affect its performance. Throughout the late 80s […]
Success in a recession: Is talent really that important?
Research shows that it is determination and knowing what to do with the talent you have which really count. So Blaire Palmer asks, should we be placing ‘talent’ further down the list of priorities? Most of us are in the business of developing talent. And yet, how much do we really know about what talent […]
Redundancy: It’s a psychological thing
Redundancy is a deeply difficult and disruptive experience for employees and organisations alike. Rob Bailey and Jenny Kidby explore how psychometric tools can bring clarity, and kindness, to redundancy situations. For decades, psychometrics have given employers a reliable and scientific basis to make difficult people decisions. Objectivity in these can easily become contaminated […]
Success in a recession: What not to do
What are the biggest obstacles to success? Blaire Palmer examines how certain approaches can stand in the way of success for both individuals and organisations, and suggests ways to change those attitudes. So far in this series I have looked at some of the qualities needed to succeed, particularly the qualities needed […]
Messy desk? Have £7 million. By Sarah Fletcher
Writing this article was a real challenge, mostly because it took me all morning to find my keyboard under the horrors littering my desk: piles of paper, mould-filled mugs and a random collection of objects with no apparent use in the workplace – a potato peeler, tapes for a dictaphone lost years before I was […]
Employers must over-staff to survive
The psychological contract between employers and employees is under considerable strain, according to research conducted by Malpas HR Services. The research suggests that employers will have to drastically reverse the downsizing initiatives of the 1980s if they are to be able to function in a social context where staff loyalty is scarce and key managers […]
