• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Right Attitudes

Ideas for Impact

Career Development

The Likeability Factor: Whose “Do Not Pair” List Includes You?

March 21, 2024 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Southwest Airlines Employs Southwest Airlines employs an “Avoidance Bid System,” similar to the “Do Not Pair” systems found at other airlines. This system allows first officers to select up to three captains they prefer not to fly with when scheduling their monthly rosters. The process is straightforward; it involves entering the captain’s employee number without the need to provide a reason for the preference.

If Southwest’s crew scheduling system pairs a first officer with one of their “avoided” captains, the first officer will be reassigned to a different trip. Notably, captains do not have the same privilege to designate first officers they prefer not to fly with.

The Avoidance Bid System gained significant attention after the Southwest Airlines Flight 345 incident in July 2013. This incident involved a Boeing 737-700 aircraft experiencing a nose gear collapse during a hard landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Despite receiving warnings from the first officer to abort the landing, the captain ignored the alerts. Subsequent investigations uncovered that the captain had received numerous grievances from many first officers she had flown with before; in fact, she was on many first officers’ “Do Not Pair” lists.

In professions such as aviation, which depend heavily on standardization and routine procedures, the impact of workplace likability is intriguing to ponder. When management overlooks individuals who struggle to collaborate and adhere to standard procedures, it poses a considerable risk to safe operations. Errant behavior, particularly from those in positions of power, can disrupt team dynamics, sow tension among colleagues, and weaken the efficacy of established protocols.

Idea for Impact: Ever stop and think if your coworkers would slap your name on their “Do Not Pair” list if our company had a system like that? Maybe your skills, experience, or even just your attitude could land you there. Likability is the glue that fortifies professional relationships and unlocks pathways to opportunities.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. When One Person is More Interested in a Relationship
  2. The High Cost of Winning a Small Argument
  3. How to … Deal with Less Intelligent People
  4. Make Friends Now with the People You’ll Need Later
  5. Let Go of Toxic Friendships

Filed Under: Career Development, Leading Teams, Managing People, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Aviation, Conflict, Conflicts, Getting Along, Leadership Lessons, Likeability, Mindfulness, Negotiation, Personality, Persuasion, Relationships

Lessons from JFK’s Inspiration Moon Landing Speeches

March 4, 2024 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

When John F. Kennedy assumed the presidency in January 1961, the prevailing sentiment among many Americans was that the country was falling behind in the Space Race. This feeling was compounded by the Soviet Union’s successful launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, four years earlier. Just three months into Kennedy’s tenure, Yuri Gagarin made history as the first man in space. Shortly thereafter, the Bay of Pigs debacle dealt another blow to America’s international standing.

Against this backdrop, Kennedy addressed Congress on May 25, 1961, with a bold proposal: America should commit to landing a man on the Moon and safely returning him to Earth before the decade’s end. He framed space exploration as a pivotal American endeavor, one with profound implications for the nation’s future. Kennedy emphasized that reaching the Moon would not be solely the achievement of astronauts but of the entire nation, calling for collective effort.

Lasting Legacy: JFK’s Influence on the Future of Space Exploration

JFK's Moon Mission Speech: Informing Public About Lunar Landing Goal Congress swiftly approved the substantial funding Kennedy requested, leading to a significant expansion of NASA. Within four years, the agency had grown ninefold from its size at the start of Kennedy’s presidency.

Kennedy’s speech marked a turning point in human space exploration, reshaping the dynamics of the Cold War and instilling a newfound sense of American potential. It sparked national pride and served as a catalyst for vast technological and educational advancements, reflecting the boundless aspirations of the era.

Kennedy’s declaration didn’t win over everyone. To drum up more excitement and boost his approval ratings, Kennedy delivered another speech at Rice Stadium on September 12, 1962, on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas. It was actually his brilliant speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, who employed rhetorical techniques to stir the audience’s emotions.

Using powerful imagery, Kennedy posed the question, “But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain?” He emphasized that the pursuit of the moon and other difficult tasks wasn’t because they were easy, but because they were hard.

Drawing parallels to the spirit of exploration, Kennedy likened the moon mission to the legendary ambition of George Mallory, the British explorer who perished on Mount Everest. Mallory, when asked why he wanted to climb the mountain, famously replied, “Because it is there.” Kennedy underscored the vastness of space as the next frontier, brimming with opportunities for knowledge and peace. He invoked divine blessings for what he described as the most perilous, daring, and grand adventure humanity had ever embarked upon.

The Power of Persuasion: Analyzing JFK’s Rhetorical Magic

Kennedy’s words resonated with a profound sense of optimism and possibility. He emphasized the imperative of pushing the boundaries of human achievement and exploration, fostering a collective national pride and unity in pursuit of a singular goal. This vision electrified thousands of employees across various roles at NASA, from astronauts to janitors, all rallying around the audacious objective of landing a man on the moon. Even those with seemingly mundane tasks found purpose in the grand mission, as evidenced by one non-scientist at NASA declaring, “I’m not mopping floors, I’m putting a man on the moon.”

Kennedy’s message held sway because he possessed a rare ability to vividly depict the distant future with precision. His speeches served as a clarion call for progress and innovation, positioning the United States as a vanguard in the space race amid the backdrop of the Cold War. By framing the moon landing as a symbol of American ingenuity and technological supremacy, he underscored its significance in the global arena.

JFK's NASA Vision: Advancing Scientific Frontiers Boldly Moreover, Kennedy streamlined NASA’s ambitions to focus on a singular objective: “to develop a new frontier in science.” Prior to Kennedy’s presidency, NASA’s vision had been sprawling and unfocused, aiming to achieve superiority in technology and space exploration. By narrowing the focus to one goal, Kennedy recognized the power of clarity and direction in driving progress.

Kennedy vividly portrayed the magnitude of the challenge, emphasizing its enormity: “No single space project … will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.”

Dreaming Big: How JFK’s Moon Speeches Transformed History

By aligning NASA’s and the nation’s vision to a tangible and ambitious objective, Kennedy galvanized action: “commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” Setting a clear deadline spurred engagement and focus. Kennedy’s speeches marked a pivotal juncture in the space race, laying the groundwork for future exploration of the cosmos.

The key lesson to glean from this is to strive for concreteness in vision statements, avoiding abstraction whenever possible. The objective of landing a man on the moon felt tangible, immediate, and relatable compared to the vaguer aim of “advancing science.”

Indeed, the future remains shrouded in uncertainty. Our mental image of what lies ahead is often hazy, leading us to discuss it in broad, sweeping terms to maintain flexibility.

Idea for Impact: A compelling vision propels us beyond the familiar, guiding us into uncharted territory and expanding the limits of our conventional thinking.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. How to … Make a Memorable Elevator Speech
  2. How to … Streamline Your Speech
  3. Most Writing Is Bad Because It Doesn’t Know Why It Exists
  4. Entitlement and Anger Go Together
  5. How to … Prepare to Be Interviewed by The Media

Filed Under: Career Development, Effective Communication, Great Personalities, Ideas and Insights, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Communication, Conversations, Critical Thinking, Likeability, Listening, Marketing, Mindfulness, Persuasion, Presentations

Unpaid Gigs for ‘Exposure’—Is It Ever Worth It?

February 21, 2024 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

Unpaid Gigs for 'Exposure'---Is It Ever Worth It? As a freelancer, you’ll constantly receive requests to write blogs, help with videos, provide ‘expert’ advice, perform a show, or attend events—all without pay, but with promises of experience, prestige, or that ever-so-alluring “exposure.”

But should you say ‘yes’ to these unpaid gigs?

It’s utterly unfair for people to assume you’re desperate for attention just because you’re starting out. And it’s downright rude if these organizations have the budget to pay only some individuals while leaving you high and dry.

For many new freelancers, doing freebies feels like a rite of passage. But speak to the old-timers, and they’ll likely warn you that unpaid gigs often lead to more unpaid gigs with zero real payoff. Plus, those promising “exposure” might not even have much exposure themselves.

So, is it ever worth it to hustle for “exposure”? Maybe, but only if it’s for a cause, charity, or group you’re genuinely passionate about.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Why Investors Keep Backing Unprofitable Business Models
  2. The Loss Aversion Mental Model: A Case Study on Why People Think Spirit is a Horrible Airline
  3. Flying Cramped Coach: The Economics of Self-Inflicted Misery
  4. What Taco Bell Can Teach You About Staying Relevant
  5. Your Product May Be Excellent, But Is There A Market For It?

Filed Under: Career Development, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Career Planning, Entrepreneurs, Innovation, Marketing, Negotiation, Persuasion

What’s Next When You Get Snubbed for a Promotion

January 29, 2024 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

What's the Plan After Being Overlooked for a Promotion? Feeling passed over for a promotion hits hard, but how you handle it makes all the difference.

Sure, you might want to unleash some frustration on your boss or resort to sticking pins in a voodoo doll resembling them.

Set a Clear Path to Reach Your Career Goals

Take a breather and allow yourself to recover from the setback, but don’t let self-pity take control. It’s normal to experience moments of low spirits, but ensure it doesn’t evolve into an ongoing cycle of self-pity.

Circle back to your boss and ask straight up, “What do I need to do for that next promotion?” Keep it simple. Collaborate on a plan. If you’re lucky, you’ll both be on the same page, paving the way for future success.

Your boss might promise to make things right, but don’t get your hopes up. Companies, especially HR, have a reputation for dropping the ball.

Get Advice from a Supportive Mentor

A supportive mentor brings valuable perspective, insight, and guidance to help navigate the situation constructively. They might suggest that perhaps you weren’t quite ready for that promotion, or maybe you pushed too hard or inadvertently rubbed someone the wrong way.

Alternatively, it could be that the right people simply haven’t noticed you yet. Building key relationships is crucial for climbing the career ladder, so investing time in nurturing those connections is essential advice your mentor might offer.

If you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to explore other options, especially if your current job isn’t aligning with your long-term career goals. But remember, jumping ship isn’t always the quick fix. Dealing with promotion issues or performance setbacks in a familiar environment can be easier than starting anew, where you have to prove yourself from scratch and navigate new dynamics.

Idea for Impact: Own Your Path to Promotion

There’s a big difference between not getting what you want and not getting what you’ve earned. When you’re aiming for something but haven’t secured it yet, it’s up to you to figure out the steps needed to make it happen.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Don’t Use Personality Assessments to Sort the Talented from the Less Talented
  2. Before Jumping Ship, Consider This
  3. What Every Manager Should Know Why Generation Y Quits
  4. Five Questions to Spark Your Career Move
  5. Job-Hunting While Still Employed

Filed Under: Career Development, Managing People Tagged With: Career Planning, Human Resources, Job Transitions, Managing the Boss, Personal Growth, Winning on the Job

The Problem with Hiring Ex-Entrepreneurs

January 25, 2024 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

The Problem with Hiring Ex-Entrepreneurs Former entrepreneurs often switch to corporate gigs, aiming for a better work-life balance and a touch of structure. While their creative mojo can jazz up your team, there’s a flip side: culture clashes. Entrepreneurs are used to doing things their way; so the corporate world, with its hierarchy and risk aversion, might feel like a straightjacket to them.

Expecting them to play by the ‘rules’? That’s where they’ll hit a snag. Their knack for juggling multiple roles clashes with the corporate call for slowing down and delegating—it’s a bit like expecting a cat to bark. Navigating the corporate landscape, with its politics, large teams, and strategy alignment, can be a real puzzle.

Moreover, there’s the risk that these ex-entrepreneurs might decide to pack their bags and return to startups or solo ventures if the corporate environment cramps their style too much.

Idea for Impact: If you’re considering hiring an ex-entrepreneur, watch for clashes. Set expectations and use their strengths without stepping on corporate toes.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. The Likeability Factor: Whose “Do Not Pair” List Includes You?
  2. Fire Fast—It’s Heartless to Hang on to Bad Employees
  3. Leaders Need to Be Strong and Avoid Instilling Fear
  4. Not Every Customer is a Right Fit for You—and That’s Okay
  5. How to Manage Smart, Powerful Leaders // Book Summary of Jeswald Salacuse’s ‘Leading Leaders’

Filed Under: Career Development, Managing People Tagged With: Coaching, Conflict, Entrepreneurs, Personality

From Passion to Pragmatism: An Acceptable, Good Career

December 19, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

From Passion to Pragmatism: An Acceptable, Good Career Career contentment doesn’t always require turning passion into a full-time job. (Dream careers often bring fierce competition and potential low pay or high stress.)

Many fulfilled professionals find contentment in roles they may not love entirely, but they value meaningful work, recognition, fair compensation, and a pleasant environment. Some discover situational passion within their work by aligning job tasks with their interests and strengths. For example, a passion for graphic design when in a manufacturing role can lead to creating visually appealing digital metrics.

Idea for Impact: Opting for a acceptable, tolerable even, content-filled career allows you to pursue passions as hobbies while ensuring financial security and professional contentment.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. It’s Not Just a Job … It’s a Career
  2. The Career-Altering Question: Generalist or Specialist?
  3. Risk More, Risk Earlier
  4. “Follow Your Passion” Is Terrible Career Advice
  5. Before Jumping Ship, Consider This

Filed Under: Career Development Tagged With: Career Planning, Job Transitions, Personal Growth, Pursuits, Winning on the Job

The Never-Ending Office vs. Remote Work Debate

November 22, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

The Never-Ending Office vs. Remote Work Debate Don’t we love talking about it endlessly! The debate on the balance between office and remote work days continues, with a possible shift from the current two or three office days to four days in the office and one day working from home.

Remote work was vital for business continuity during the pandemic, but it has limitations. In-office work fosters collaboration, innovation, and spontaneous interactions that nurture a unified company culture. It also delineates work-life boundaries, improving well-being, focus, and discipline.

The question of whether more office time boosts productivity lingers. In a cohesive company culture, flexibility in office days is crucial, tailored to the unique needs of employees, culture, and clients. Rather than strict rules, workplaces need to focus on building team chemistry and accommodating diverse work styles, enhancing collaboration and talent optimization for productivity.

Idea for Impact: The office itself doesn’t possess magical productivity powers; it’s the quality of focused, distraction-free time that drives productivity.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. How to Start a Hybrid-Remote Work Model
  2. Great Jobs are Overwhelming, and Not Everybody Wants Them
  3. Five Questions to Spark Your Career Move
  4. Should Staff Be Allowed to Do ‘Life Admin’ at Work?
  5. Does Money Always Motivate?

Filed Under: Career Development, Health and Well-being, Managing People Tagged With: Assertiveness, Balance, Human Resources, Performance Management, Teams, Time Management, Work-Life, Workplace

Your time is far from being wasted!

August 26, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

You’re not just idly passing the hours. Absolutely not!

Every single moment that has brought you to this point has been a skilled artist, shaping and refining you into the extraordinary individual you are today.

Think of it as a magnificent preparation, a strong base upon which the most incredible experiences will soon unfold.

These moments are like booming speakers turned up to the max, magnifying the brilliance that awaits you.

Don’t worry, because all time spent, even in moments of rest and recovery, is not a futile pursuit. On the contrary, it is an absolute necessity, a secret ingredient that adds flavor to the delightful feast that lies ahead. Embrace the journey.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future // Books in Brief
  2. This is Yoga for the Brain: Multidisciplinary Learning
  3. Four Ideas for Business Improvement Ideas
  4. Wide Minds, Bright Ideas: Book Summary of ‘Range: Why Generalists Triumph’ by David Epstein
  5. Good Questions Encourage Creative Thinking

Filed Under: Career Development, Mental Models, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Creativity, Fear, Mental Models, Personal Growth, Skills for Success, Thinking Tools, Winning on the Job

Emotional Intelligence Is Overrated: The Problem With Measuring Concepts Such as Emotion and Intelligence

August 10, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

In the contemporary landscape, relying solely on cognitive intelligence tests to evaluate the managerial potential of MBA students is increasingly considered inadequate. It has become fashionable for successful managers to need emotional intelligence to thrive in their roles.

Within human resources, there is a growing trend to define an individual’s ability to understand emotional expressions as a form of “intelligence,” measuring it through an emotional quotient (EQ) and considering it a personality trait. However, it is worth noting that people often find it refreshing to shed the façade they present in public and freely express their genuine thoughts, emotions, and actions in informal “off-the-record” situations rather than conforming to formalities during official meetings.

While some proponents argue that EQ encompasses all dimensions of managerial success that IQ fails to measure, this widely accepted viewpoint lacks credible scientific evidence. Unlike IQ, a clearly defined measure of cognitive abilities, there is no agreed-upon definition of emotional intelligence, and various EQ tests produce vastly different results. Moreover, societal biases and cultural upbringing can significantly influence EQ scores. Indeed, the claim that EQ is twice as vital as IQ is an entirely baseless and unproven assertion.

Emotional intelligence is an intricate and dynamic concept encompassing a broad spectrum of emotional competencies, social skills, and self-awareness. Attempting to simplify it into a single score may not adequately capture its subtleties and complexities.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. People Give Others What They Themselves Want // Summary of Greg Chapman’s The Five Love Languages
  2. Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm on the Art of Love and Unselfish Understanding
  3. Embracing Cultural Sensitivity: A Case Study of Akira Kurosawa’s Oscar Speech
  4. Some Lessons Can Only Be Learned in the School of Life
  5. A Prayer to Help You Deal with Annoying People: What the Stoics Taught

Filed Under: Career Development, Leading Teams, Managing People Tagged With: Attitudes, Career Planning, Communication, Employee Development, Getting Along, Interviewing, Philosophy

Wide Minds, Bright Ideas: Book Summary of ‘Range: Why Generalists Triumph’ by David Epstein

June 22, 2023 By Nagesh Belludi Leave a Comment

'Range' by David Epstein (ISBN 0735214506) Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019) by science journalist David Epstein challenges the notion that specializing in a narrow field from a young age is the best way to achieve success.

Epstein argues that groundbreaking ideas don’t typically originate from a single individual or function but rather at the point where different skills (or people) intersect. He suggests that individuals with a broad range of interests and skills, or what he refers to as “generalists,” are better suited to tackle complex, poorly defined problems than those who specialize early and narrowly. These generalists not only possess the skills to solve complex problems but are also more comfortable with volatility and unpredictability and can construct compelling narratives of the future.

Epstein presents subjective evidence from various fields, including sports, music, and science, to illustrate how people with diverse interests and experiences tend to have more creativity, flexibility, and adaptability in problem-solving.

Generalists vs. Specialists: The Battle for Expertise Recommendation: Quick read Range. Epstein’s anecdotes often present a universal view in favor of generalists. Without adequate empirical evidence to support his claims, his hypothesis favors, at a minimum, sampling a variety of interesting fields before committing to a particular specialization.

The most coveted jobs today are in complex and unpredictable fields, requiring employees to have broad and flexible knowledge. Moreover, in a world where people are inundated with information but crave wisdom, there’s a pressing need for synthesizers who can gather the right information, think critically, and make informed decisions.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future // Books in Brief
  2. This is Yoga for the Brain: Multidisciplinary Learning
  3. Four Ideas for Business Improvement Ideas
  4. Finding Potential Problems & Risk Analysis: A Case Study on ‘The Three Faces of Eve’
  5. Creativity by Imitation: How to Steal Others’ Ideas and Innovate

Filed Under: Career Development, Mental Models, Sharpening Your Skills Tagged With: Critical Thinking, Mental Models, Skills for Success, Thinking Tools, Thought Process, Winning on the Job

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Popular Now

Anxiety Assertiveness Attitudes Balance Biases Coaching Conflict Conversations Creativity Critical Thinking Decision-Making Discipline Emotions Entrepreneurs Etiquette Feedback Getting Along Getting Things Done Goals Great Manager Leadership Leadership Lessons Likeability Mental Models Mentoring Mindfulness Motivation Networking Parables Performance Management Persuasion Philosophy Problem Solving Procrastination Relationships Simple Living Social Life Social Skills Stress Suffering Thinking Tools Thought Process Time Management Winning on the Job Wisdom

About: Nagesh Belludi [hire] is a St. Petersburg, Florida-based freethinker, investor, and leadership coach. He specializes in helping executives and companies ensure that the overall quality of their decision-making benefits isn’t compromised by a lack of a big-picture understanding.

Get Updates

Signup for emails

Subscribe via RSS

Contact Nagesh Belludi

RECOMMENDED BOOK:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: Marie Kondo

Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo's bestseller has elevated the domestic chore of cleaning up into a process of emancipation and self-discovery.

Explore

  • Announcements
  • Belief and Spirituality
  • Business Stories
  • Career Development
  • Effective Communication
  • Great Personalities
  • Health and Well-being
  • Ideas and Insights
  • Inspirational Quotations
  • Leadership
  • Leadership Reading
  • Leading Teams
  • Living the Good Life
  • Managing Business Functions
  • Managing People
  • MBA in a Nutshell
  • Mental Models
  • News Analysis
  • Personal Finance
  • Podcasts
  • Project Management
  • Proverbs & Maxims
  • Sharpening Your Skills
  • The Great Innovators

Recently,

  • Most Writing Is Bad Because It Doesn’t Know Why It Exists
  • Penang’s Clan Jetties: Collective Identity as Economic Infrastructure
  • Inspirational Quotations #1109
  • Flying Cramped Coach: The Economics of Self-Inflicted Misery
  • Affection Is No Defense: Good Intentions Make Excellent Alibis
  • Inspirational Quotations #1108
  • Disrupt Yourself, Expand Your Reach.

Unless otherwise stated in the individual document, the works above are © Nagesh Belludi under a Creative Commons BY-NC-ND license. You may quote, copy and share them freely, as long as you link back to RightAttitudes.com, don't make money with them, and don't modify the content. Enjoy!