Have you ever gotten an unsolicited key-chain in the mail, and donated money to the charity that sent it? At Christmas time, have you wondered why it’s suddenly impossible to find that special toy your child wants? At some point in your life, have you found yourself wanting to keep up with “the Jones’s”? Or against your better judgment, have agreed to accept less-than favourable conditions in a negotiation?
Author: Common Outlook Consulting Inc.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B Cialdini
Have you ever gotten an unsolicited key-chain in the mail, and donated money to the charity that sent it? At Christmas time, have you wondered why it’s suddenly impossible to find that special toy your child wants? At some point in your life, have you found yourself wanting to keep up with “the Jones’s”? Or against your better judgment, have agreed to accept less-than favourable conditions in a negotiation?
In Praise of Slowness
The title of this article is also the title of a tremendous book I have just read, given to me by a dear friend and colleague. You know when you come across something that really hits home, and awakens a foundational voice you had inside of that was just looking for a way to express itself? This book was one of those events for me.
Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook – A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, And Betrayal by Ben Mezrich
With Peter Hiddema’s launch into Facebook, it seems only fitting we talk about Ben Mezrich’s account of how Facebook itself came into existence. His book is entitled Accidental Billionaires, and tells the story of a genius of an idea, and two best friends: Mark Zukerberg, a computer whiz; and Eduardo Saverin, a young monied scion, both of whom were socially-awkward Harvard undergrads back in 2004.
Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook – A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, And Betrayal by Ben Mezrich
Buy Now With Peter Hiddema’s launch into Facebook, it seems only fitting we talk about Ben Mezrich’s account of how Facebook itself came into existence. His book is entitled Accidental Billionaires, and tells the story of a genius of an…
The Quiet Agreement (Negotiating With Ourselves)
When we think about negotiating, what usually springs to mind is two people sitting down together to discuss a contract or a settlement or a term sheet. Sometimes if we are far-seeing, or if we’ve taken negotiation training, we realize that the ability to collaborate also serves us well at home. So while we will say we negotiate in business, and sometimes recognize that we also do so at home,
Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller by Jeff Rubin
Transit fares in Canada's largest city recently increased by $.25 per ride. As an infrequent user of public transit (short distances in off-peak hours), I already do a calculation to compare the cost of parking with the cost of my TTC fare. I don't factor in the cost of the gasoline my car uses, I figure I'm not going too far, it can't be that much. If Jeff Rubin is correct, those days are almost over.
Why Your World is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller by Jeff Rubin
Transit fares in Canada's largest city recently increased by $.25 per ride. As an infrequent user of public transit (short distances in off-peak hours), I already do a calculation to compare the cost of parking with the cost of my TTC fare. I don't factor in the cost of the gasoline my car uses, I figure I'm not going too far, it can't be that much. If Jeff Rubin is correct, those days are almost over.
Changing of the Guard
It’s both a sad and happy time for the team at Common Outlook. Helen Latimer, a dynamic member of the team, is leaving to focus on her writing career. During her years with us, she has established terrific relationships with our clients. For the past few weeks, she has been working closely with Penny Steen who is taking up her role. Ms Steen comes with excellent Human Resource experience, and is known for her unique ability to guide executives, middle managers, and professionals through their career, business, and life challenges. We wish them both the very best in their new ventures.
Forgiveness
One of the most difficult things we all have to do is to forgive someone who has done us harm. Whether it’s an investor who has swindled us; a boss who has taken credit for our work; a neighbour who has labeled our child “a bully”; a family member who has cut us out of the will, or a friend who has made a slighting remark, we all face the challenge of forgiving those who have trespassed against us.