As early as in 1920, Edward Thorndike demonstrated that we tend to attribute characteristics to a person based on just one character trait. And because we want to prove we’ve made the right judgement, in all our interactions with this person we are constantly looking for ‘evidence’ that shows that we are … Read full story
For years now, organisations have been under increasing pressure to improve performance while making use of fewer resources. Measures to cut costs and streamline processes have been implemented and methods of collaboration have become more effective and efficient. And so now we have organisations with flatter structures, which are being run increasingly … Read full story
What do you do when the long-standing collaboration with your business partner suddenly takes a turn for the worst? When you find your trust is being abused and you are forced into the role of an ‘outsider’. How do you respond in such a situation? Is there any future in such a … Read full story
We humans love to structure our organisations in such a way that they fulfil the requirements to function as a well-oiled machine: everyone is aware of the goals that have been set, and they know what’s expected of them; processes and procedures have been defined, and the products delivered. And then… the … Read full story
Don’t you just love sitting at a table on a café terrace outside and watching people go by? And is there anything more satisfying than being able to comment on someone based on their facial expression, the way they walk, the clothes and perfume they’re wearing, how they use their hands, etc? … Read full story
‘Why doesn’t he just do what I tell him?’ Have you ever asked yourself that question? And do you then immediately blame the other person? Well I’ve got good and bad news for you. The good news is: it might well be that the other person is to blame. The bad news … Read full story
Many companies spend huge amounts of money on ‘branding’. In an attempt to create an image that will be acknowledged by their target group as well as to proclaim a brand promise. Based of course on the assumption that when people can identify with what the company stands for, this will generate … Read full story
Today’s working environment consists increasingly of a complex network of virtual teams, project teams and self-managing teams. All these teams are under pressure to organise efficiently, perform effectively, and continually adapt to changing circumstances – all at breakneck speed. And it is assumed that the team members already know how to achieve … Read full story
‘The Spiral of Creation: the natural path from wish to reality’ is an exceptionally practical book written by Marinus Knoope. In it, he describes the twelve steps to follow if you want to turn your wishes into reality. It’s a simple, compact model and it never ceases to amaze me how relatively … Read full story
Imagine a cage full of monkeys. A banana is suspended from the ceiling, and a ladder placed directly underneath it. It isn’t very long before a monkey sees the banana and starts climbing the ladder. But as soon as it does so, all the monkeys in the cage get sprayed with ice-cold … Read full story
