Watercooler Wisdom

by Bailey, Keith

• ISBN13: 9781572244368
• ISBN10: 1572244364
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-06
• Publisher: New Harbinger Pubns Inc

Summary

What do happy people in the office have in common? Based on a landmark study that surveyed more than 20,000 individuals at all levels of corporate North America, Watercooler Wisdom reveals the secrets of the happiest and most successful people working in the business world today. The result will empower readers to improve their experience at work by changing their thinking, attitudes and behaviours in the office. Goal-setting for success, better communication and sharpened problem-solving skills will take their work satisfaction from so-so to spectacular in no time at all.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(6)
The Sterling Study: 20,000 People Can't Be Wrong
Who Are These Smart People?
How To Use This Book
START SMART	7	(202)
The Anatomy of Stress at Work: Conflict, Pressure, and Change
Stress Isn't One Thing, It's Three
The Prosperity at Work Index
PART I CHANGE: SMART PEOPLE ARE CENTRAL PLAYERS
Facing the Challenge: From Predicament to Prosperity	25	(10)
Unexpected and Disruptive Events
Initial Impact
Case Study: Ken and the Restaurant
Reality Hits Home Cheat Sheet
Integration
Self-Initiated Significant Events
Case Study: Alice and the Presentation
Find a Motivating Factor
From Horizontal Thinking to Vertical Feeling	35	(14)
Beware the Commentator
Five Steps to Going Vertical
Name That Feeling!
Case Study: Craig and the Monthly Bills
Taking Time to Reflect	49	(10)
Reflection Is a Skill That Takes Practice
Case Study: Stephanie and the Late Coworker
Reflection Equals Results
Attitudes for Reflection
Six Rules for the Road	59	(16)
Rule 1: Enjoy the Journey
Rule 2: Invent Meaningful Contexts
Case Study: Gillian and Interruptions
Rule 3: Choose Choice
Rule 4: Don't Believe Everything You Think
Rule 5: Find Success in Failure
Rule 6: Cultivate Optimism
Case Study: Jack and the Longshoremen
PART 2 PRESSURE: SMART PEOPLE CREATE TOMORROW TODAY
The Power of Closure	75	(10)
The Principle of Diminished Energy
Closure Generates Energy
What Finished Feels Like
Closure with the 4-D Plan
Bring Some Closure to Your Computer
Work Happier, Not Harder	85	(16)
Aim for the Future
Case Study: Steve and the Black T-Shirt
From Your Goals, Values Come
Your Personal Values
Work Values
Connecting Your Values and Goals
Finding Your Gifts
Idea to Accomplishment	101	(10)
The 80/20 Relationship and You
ABC with a Twist
Learn to Say No
The Terrific Three
The Habits of Action	111	(12)
Chunking Down: Focus on the Trees Not the Forest
Case Study: Jack, Sharon, and Micro-Milestones
Case Study: Steve and Mini-Tasks
Take Energetic Credit for Completion
Time-Planning: Put a Stop to Putting It Off
The 2 Step Time-Plan
PART 3 CONFLICT: SMART PEOPLE DANCE WITH FIRE
Building Rapport with Almost Anyone	123	(12)
Social Rapport
Case Study: Ursula and the Job Interview
Getting in Step with Working Styles
Pacing and Leading
Natural Rapport
Changing Interests
Facing Tense Times	135	(14)
Choose Your Interpretation
Case Study: Greg and the Message from His Boss
Reframing Practice
Stop the Spiral!
Case Study: Val and Veronica
Clean Up the Put-Down
Case Study: Katrina and Jonathan
Dig Into Smoothing
Case Study: Jose and Rob
Appreciate Opinions for What They Are: Opinions
Say I, Not You
Getting to Know Your Negative Filters	149	(12)
A Fleeting Negative Thought
A Persistent Negative Point of View
Case Study: Negative Filter on Flight 22
Negative Filters Are Contagious
Case Study: Yvonne and the Skeptical Patient
Switch Filters
Stress and Negative Filters
The Ins and Outs of Anger	161	(16)
Anger Hurts
Desk Rage on the Rise
The Anatomy of Anger
From Hot to Cold: Strategies for Letting Go
Case Study: Trina and the Inconsiderate Actor
The Prevailing Wisdom: Five Practices
Five Minutes to a Calmer You
Speak Up and Be Heard	177	(16)
The Cost of Remaining Silent
The Sound of Silence
Case Study: Gail and Her Supervisor
Separate Fact From Fiction
Speak Honestly, Responsibly and With Good Intent
Plan Your Conversation
Use Your Pause and Resume Buttons
Be Smart About Time and Place
Stages of Conversation
PART 4 THE MINI-MAKEOVERS
Endings and Beginnings	193	(16)
Mini-Makeover 1: The Energy Booster
Mini-Makeover 2: The Propeller
Mini-Makeover 3: The Eye Opener
Mini-Makeover 4: The Filter Fixer
Mini-Makeover 5: The Relationship Builder
References	209	(4)
About Sterling Consulting Group	213	(2)
About the Authors	215