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Free online course on collaborating across time and space
In this course with expert Professor Smaranda Boros you’ll learn how to collaborate successfully on projects. And you’ll get tips on how to assess and improve your virtual working practices – for both current and future teams. Register here for free »
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10 self-reflecting questions in getting your organisation from chaos to control in post-COVID-19 reboot times
We all know change cannot be mandated or forced. It has many aspects and these aspects count. As a change manager, you need to ask yourself some difficult questions before you set out to ‘shake things up’. And you must listen to the answers. In this ‘Business Watcher’ video, Professor of Change Management Peter De Prins raises 10 questions to consider, before you set out to make things better. Watch the video »
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How can organisations optimise their interactions with gig workers?
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced many organisations to re-evaluate their business models and re-examine their staffing practises to stay operational within an atmosphere of financial uncertainty. Many organisations are turning to gig workers to supplement the work of their employees. As such, many managers have found themselves dealing with a different form of work arrangement. In this ‘Business Watcher’ video, PhD researcher Neveen Saied shares 3 tips to optimise your interactions with gig workers during this ongoing crisis. Watch the video »
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How to negotiate in a digital way
How do you negotiate if you cannot touch and see each other? For years, the answer would have been: ‘don't’. However, these days, many of us do not have a choice. Research on negotiations via e-mail shows a negative impact both on the negotiation relationships as well as on the negotiation results. But what about negotiations via a screen, by means of Zoom or Teams? In this ‘Business Watcher’ video, Professor Katia Tieleman shares insights and tips. Watch the video »
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Self-management as a way to handle the isolation when working from home
Working remotely one or two days a week can actually increase our productivity. But doing it every day can wear us out and slowly alienate us from our familiar office and colleagues. Some of us even experience a sort of grieving process we need to go through. According to Professor Karlien Vanderheyden, there are several things we can do to make the most of this ‘new normal’. Read more »
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3 tips for gig workers to face the COVID-19 challenges
The gig economy is very diverse, and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected some workers more than others. Food couriers are seeing more demand, whereas graphic designers, writers and photographers may have seen potential work opportunities dry up. Although some expect that once the pandemic is under control, the need for gig workers might skyrocket as delayed projects gear up into implementation, several workers have been saying that many of their near-future projects are cancelled. In this ‘Business Watcher’ video PhD researcher Neveen Saied shares 3 tips for gig workers in the Corona era. Watch the video »
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The extraordinary importance of fairness when times are tough
Employees care about fairness in outcomes, in procedures, and in interpersonal treatment. It is when the environment is uncertain and outcomes are less positive, that our evaluations of fairness become most important. Fairness shows that we can expect better outcomes in the future, that we are a valued member of the team, and that our managers have integrity. Fairness provides us with assurances regarding our future in the organisation, and makes it feel safe to invest and “go beyond the call of duty”. Read more »
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Why strong leaders who communicate effectively will save lives
The UK and the US appear set to be one of the worst hit countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from various other failings, both have a very clear problem with the way in which their leaders communicate. “In a time of crisis and information overload, people experience anxiety and uncertainty. Clear and enough communication does have an impact. The more simple and short your language is, the more convincing it is”, says Professor Karlien Vanderheyden in this article by Medium Magazine. Read more »
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Balcony Sessions on leadership in crisis #2: stop being heroic and follow the follower
In this second part of a video series by Leadership Professor Ralf Wetzel, he advises leaders to stop downloading the idea of the heroic leader. Opposite to what you might think, nobody is expecting you to be the lighthouse, having more knowledge and being able to make decisions on the spot. Instead, you should keep in touch with the people around you, and try to spot new and especially weird ideas. Watch Part #2 of the Balcony Sessions »
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A continuing crisis calls for network leadership and a collaborative approach
In uncertain times, we may tend to criticise our political and business leaders for not being prepared or for not having a plan. Of course, preparation is important, but it’s not sufficient. In this Business Watcher video, Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir says that organisations that embrace a network leadership structure are much better equipped to continuously adapt to an evolving context. Watch the video »
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What is the organisational cost of suppressing our emotions?
These are emotionally intense times for everyone. How we – both individually as well as in organisations – work with our emotions is now more relevant than ever, and has a visible impact on our interactions, resilience and performance. Especially in the virtual world, we find it difficult to do this emotional work. That is why we very often simply choose to suppress emotions – bottle them up and pretend all is under control. But what is the cost of suppressing our emotions? And how can we work better with our emotions in organisations in this period? Watch the video »
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Group emotional awareness or how to prevent controversy turning into conflict
Just because you are not physically together with your team, does not meant that emotions are experienced merely individually. They are transmitted as easily in the virtual world, and need to be managed now more than ever. It’s all about working with emotions in the workplace, rather than suppressing them. Based on her research, Professor Smaranda Boros gives you tips on how to better manage the emotional dynamics of your teams from a distance, and in times when anxiety runs rampant all around us. Read more »
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Job insecurity is contagious: how can you ensure that the work climate is not affected?
The COVID-19 outbreak is threatening the jobs of many across the globe. Regardless of the exact numbers, it is clear that many employees will at least subjectively worry about the continuity of their jobs. Research shows that such job insecurity is very contagious and may affect the overall work climate in your organisation. To maintain a positive work climate, leaders should focus on three elements, says Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir. Read more »
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Balcony sessions on leadership in crisis: PLAY to let your soul survive
In this first part of a video series by Leadership Professor Ralf Wetzel, he talks about an aspect that he painfully misses in the advice issued by gurus all around the world. They talk about how managers and leaders are supposed to manage this crisis by structuring their days, by keeping in touch with co-workers, etc. Most of this is referring to how you – as a leader - satisfy external expectations. But how do you nurture yourself during this time of physical and social restriction? The answer is immersing yourself into an activity that you love to do and… get lost in it. Watch Part #1 of the Balcony Sessions »
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Maintaining organisational stability in irrational times
Even if in due time we manage to tame the Corona outbreak, other new, unprecedented and unpredictable events will arise. There is one thing you can always focus on more: keeping stability during times of change. Surely, we cannot change what happens to us today, but instead of panicking, we can work on creating a feeling of mental and emotional safety and solidity. Professor Peter De Prins offers organisational leaders in crisis mode 6 recommendations to keep in mind. Read more »
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How can leaders effectively manage remote teams?
As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, leaders are suddenly faced with managing and motivating remote teams. The team members as well feel stressed and anxious about this new way of working. In this Forbes article, Vlerick Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir – together with other European experts – shares 5 insights on managing remote teams. Read more »
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Business Today: A Red Queen’s Race
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is set in a land where nothing is as it seems and where the rules change constantly. Only the Red Queen has the power to change the rules of the game. But what does a land that was invented have to do with business today? Quite a lot, actually! The unpredictable rules of Wonderland are often used as a metaphor for today’s turbulent business environment. In this white paper, Professor Katleen De Stobbeleir links a leader’s roles to the Red Queen’s Race. Download the white paper »
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