Our Corporate Life
April 15, 2014   •   Volume 5, Issue 8   •   ISSN: 2154-3240    
In This Issue
♦   Feature Article: Reading for Empathy
Ask Amanda: I’m concerned about an employee who questions constantly
♦   Practical Tips: Oversharing
 
Reading for Empathy

One consequence of our fast-paced, wired world is that few of us have (or make) time to read for pleasure. I know, you barely have time to read this paragraph. I get it. But there is a downside to not reading.

We navigate the world with words, and as more of the world moves onto the web, we need to follow it. Reading forces you to learn new words, to think new thoughts, and to make sense out of written words. You’re probably thinking, “Duh.” Well, here’s another thing: Reading fiction builds empathy.
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Thought to Ponder

Don’t tell your troubles unless you want advice.

  
Practical Tips: Oversharing

Most of us spend so much time at work that it’s easy to let our boundaries slip. But gossiping or oversharing is a quick way to lose your credibility. Remember, no matter how much time you spend with them, your colleagues are not your best friends.

Once you decide to cut back on sharing at work, be prepared for pushback.
read more

    
 ask Amanda
Question:

I have a staffer who transferred from our London office. She is well regarded in the company but after 3 months I’m concerned. She asks a lot of questions, which in itself isn’t a problem. But it’s becoming a big drain on the team. What should I do? – D.S., Ann Arbor, MI 

Amanda Mitchell
Answer:

You didn’t mention what type of questions she’s asking…and not all questions are equal. If you’re hearing a lot of “how” questions, I’m not surprised that you’re feeling that the team is being drained. “How” questions indicate someone that isn’t used to figuring things out on her own. This is a real red flag and something you need to address quickly.
read more

    
     
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Recommended Resources

If you're looking for a good book visit Goodreads.com, a site dedicated to help people find and share books they love.

Speaking of good books, we liked "Contagious: Why Things Catch On" by Jonah Berger. Click here for the review.

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About: Our Corporate Life LLC (OCL) is a company that offers a new system for reducing unnecessary workplace suffering caused by the organizational, interpersonal, and ethical issues of our time. It is founded on the belief that acting humanely and achieving business success are always compatible. Working with both companies and individuals, OCL helps create solutions that enable corporate employees at every level to optimize profits while thriving in the workplace.

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