What causes it, why it matters, and how leaders can address it without undermining motivation. Imagine a highly capable employee who believes their results excuse the way they speak to colleagues. A manager who insists on accountability from everyone except themselves. Or a team member who expects first consideration for every opportunity but sees little [...]
By Peter James Why understanding personality, perception and behavioural triggers is essential to building better workplace relationships. Have you ever noticed how two people can work with the same colleague and come away with completely different opinions about their personality? One describes the person as confident and decisive, while the other sees them as arrogant [...]
Why all behaviour, good or bad, might be more self-serving than we'd like to admit.By Peter JamesHere's a thought that might make you a little uncomfortable. All human behaviour is self-serving. Yes, all of it. The good, the bad, the ugly, the generous, the selfish and even the downright nasty. Before you decide that's a [...]
There is a question that sounds simple, but for many people it is surprisingly difficult to answer. Who are you when you are not working? For some, the answer comes easily. They are a parent, a partner, a gardener, a musician, a walker, a volunteer, a traveller, a cook, a friend, a grandparent, a reader, [...]
There is a common pattern that shows up in resumes, regardless of industry, experience level, or seniority. It is subtle, but it is one of the main reasons strong candidates fail to stand out. They write their resume like a history lesson. It reads as a chronological account of roles held, responsibilities performed, and tasks [...]
Most people prepare for interviews by rehearsing behavioural stories. These “Tell me about a time when…” questions still matter, but they’re only one part of the picture. In reality, strong interviewers use three broad types of questions, each designed to uncover a different dimension of capability: behaviour, approach, and insight. Understanding these three categories helps [...]
Most leaders spend a lot of time thinking about capability: skills, systems, structures, KPIs. But one of the most powerful forces shaping performance isn’t a process at all — it’s the leader’s expectations. This is the Rosenthal Effect, also known as the Pygmalion Effect: the idea that people tend to rise (or fall) to the [...]
Ask someone what their personal brand is and the answer is often a job title. “I’m a project manager.” “I’m a lawyer.” “I’m a consultant.” That’s understandable—but it misses the point. What you do is not your brand. Your brand is the outcomes you consistently create, regardless of role, industry, or context. Jobs change. Titles [...]
Let’s call it like it is: losing your job sucks. Redundancy often feels personal, even when you’re told it isn’t. The rug gets pulled out, the security disappears, and your brain starts doing loops. Why me? What did I do wrong? Who made the call? Some people get angry. Others go quiet. But a common [...]
Dear Job Seeker, The hiring process is a strategic game, and understanding how recruiters think can give you the winning edge. Every time a recruiter looks to fill a role—whether internally or externally—they go through three distinct phases before making a final decision. Knowing how to navigate each phase effectively can significantly increase your chances [...]
Dr Susan Roberts says: