Zach Mercurio is a researcher who specializes in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology. He works with hundreds of organizations worldwide, and some of his clients include the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling…
The elders in my family were big on safe investments. Growing up in the 1980s, I can recall receiving savings bonds as birthday gifts from far-flung aunts and grandmothers. Though these bonds were disappointing presents for any 8-year-old hoping for t…
In today’s marketplace, “authenticity” has become a buzzword that brands strive to embody. Consumers will tell you they are drawn to companies that appear genuine, transparent, and aligned with their personal values, and brands are c…
Ever find yourself mentally drained before lunch—even when the day’s barely begun? That’s not laziness. It’s decision fatigue, and it’s very real.
From the moment you wake up, your brain starts spending mental energy to make choices: what to wear, …
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
There’s a new orthodoxy quietly sweeping through executive leadership circles. It goes by many names—e…
If you’ve been in the workplace for a while, you’ve probably had your share of bad bosses. Maybe you’ve worked for someone who frequently went MIA, ignoring your emails or requests for information. Or perhaps you’ve had to report to someone who change…
Picture this: On your way out of the office, you notice a manager berating an employee. You assume the worker made some sort of mistake, but the manager’s behavior seems unprofessional. Later, as you’re preparing dinner, is the scene still weighing on…
Every year, I tell my students in my business analytics class the same thing: “Don’t just apply for a job. Audition for it.”
This advice seems particularly relevant this year. In today’s turbulent economy, companies are still hiring, but they’re do…
Difficult conversations are something we tend to avoid at all costs. Whether it’s about underperformance, conflict, a personal issue, or an unsuccessful job application, entering any difficult conversation triggers fear within ourselves and the person…
Ever dream about work? Have nightmares? According to a survey by the mattress review site EachNight.com, nearly two-thirds of us have job-related dreams that cause us to wake up stressed out and worried. Instead of shrugging them off, you might want t…
