June 9, 2015 • Volume 6, Issue 12 • ISSN: 2154-3240

In This Issue

♦	Feature Article: Bright Shiny Object Syndrome
♦	Ask Amanda: How do I deal with a trash-talking coworker?
♦	Practical Tips: Late Night Emailing

Bright Shiny Object Syndrome

If you don’t suffer from this, I bet you know someone who does. Bright Shiny Object (BSO) Syndrome is what happens when you start down one path and then get distracted by something else that you end up chasing instead. If you’re a fan of the movie Up, just think about Dug, the dog, who periodically pops up in the middle of something else and says “Squirrel!” That’s exactly what happens when you’re afflicted with BSO Syndrome.

Chasing a BSO creates a distraction as you pursue what looks like an innovative idea, a new way to execute, or a cool new technology. Sometimes it just sends you off on a tangent, other times it could be a real innovation. The key is to distinguish between the two and evaluate whether pursuing the BSO is worth the effort.
read more

	We interpret as we observe.

Practical Tips:
Late Night Emailing

Most of us find it really tempting to shoot off a quick email response when we see a request on our phone outside of business hours. There are several reasons why this approach will backfire. First, you are sending the message (literally) that you are available 24/7. While sometimes you do need to work outside of regular business hours, making it a habit sends the message that you are unable to turn off and could be interpreted as someone who can’t get their job done in a normal time period. Not to mention that it makes it difficult when you do want to turn off.
read more

A coworker, who I always considered a work friend, is talking trash about me and my work. I don't want to escalate this by confronting—or reporting—her. What can I do? E.P., Fort Lee, NJ

This is your problem to solve so the idea of “reporting her” shouldn’t cross your mind, especially in this situation. Think about how your boss would perceive you if you told him/her about this situation…and what are they, hall monitors?
read more

Sign me up for the Our Corporate Life Ezine

Recommended Resources

Do you know when it's time to quit your job? There are 9 telltale signs - read about them here.

Connect with us:

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.