The HCL Review Podcast

How to Have a Good Day at Work: Leveraging Positive Psychology and Self-Management to Thrive, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses research-backed strategies from positive psychology that individuals can utilize to increase the likelihood of having more positive and productive workdays. It outlines how adopting an optimistic explanatory style when facing challenges, properly managing energy levels in addition to time, cultivating quality relationships with colleagues, and prioritizing self-care activities are evidence-based techniques that can positively shape one's daily work experiences. Specific examples are provided for how transportation managers, financial analysts, and software engineers can apply these approaches in their roles and industries. The article concludes that while external factors influence workdays, professionals hold significant agency to intentionally apply self-management techniques grounded in research to better navigate demands, enhance well-being, boost job performance, and optimize their daily experiences at work. Proactively utilizing positive psychology strategies empowers individuals and organizations by leading to more engaged and resilient employees committed to excellence.

The Tiny Habits that Strengthen Organizational Relationships, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses how seemingly small, everyday social habits and interactions can significantly impact workplace relationships and organizational effectiveness. It explores research on relationship-building behaviors like making eye contact, smiling, saying thank you, asking questions, providing feedback, listening without judgment, self-disclosure, and celebrating wins together. The article argues that while larger cultural factors are important, minor modifications to interpersonal manners, such as consciously engaging in these positive social behaviors, can quietly foster resilient bonds between colleagues. Case studies from various industries are presented to illustrate how strategically cultivated habits delivering appreciation, empathy and care into daily exchanges strengthen collaborative relationships. The article concludes that true organizational transformation starts from nurturing connections through mindfully modified social exchanges, as these small gestures collectively create the type of supportive work environment where people feel valued and initiatives can succeed.

More than Half Underemployed: Developing Talent for Meaningful Work, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines the problem of underemployment among recent college graduates and proposes strategies for organizations and institutions of higher education to work individually and collaboratively to address this issue. According to recent data, over 55% of 2020 graduates were underemployed within six months due to factors like economic disruption from the pandemic, skills mismatches, unrealistic graduate expectations, and rising education costs. Long-term impacts of underemployment include lower lifetime earnings and wasted talent. The article suggests organizational approaches like internships, clear communication of needs, bridging roles, and mentorship to develop talent and connect graduates to careers. For institutions, recommendations include experiential learning, career education, industry advisory boards, and robust career services. Finally, the article proposes collaborative models such as curriculum partnerships with employers, employer-embedded teaching, shared talent databases, and joint roundtables to fully tackle graduate underemployment through multi-stakeholder cooperation.

When Saying "No" is the Right Choice: Tactfully Declining Managerial Promotions, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses best practices for respectfully declining premature promotions into management roles as a consultant or academic, in order to avoid sabotaging one's career or damaging relationships. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection to understand one's skills and interests before committing, and encourages politely but firmly communicating priorities and boundaries. Specific techniques are presented, such as expressing gratitude for the confidence in one's abilities while reinforcing current focus on individual work. Offering compromises like trial periods can demonstrate continued commitment while avoiding premature transitions. Validating others' perspectives and emphasizing shared goals helps smooth potential hurt feelings. The article notes the importance of providing thoughtful rationale, validating concerns, proposing alternatives, and focusing on mutual benefit over the long run. Earlier missteps are contrasted with refined approaches developed through situations navigated over time. The conclusion stresses how even difficult conversations can strengthen dynamics when both self-interests and the relationship are kept in mind, with a solution-oriented focus on constructive exchange and partnership beyond any individual opportunity. Overall, the article presents concrete methods for declining roles respectfully while preserving professional integrity and valuable working relationships.

When Workplace Relationships Go Wrong: The Effects of Gaslighting and Paths to Well-Being, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines the phenomenon of workplace gaslighting and provides recommendations for coping with or preventing this harmful form of psychological manipulation. Gaslighting is defined as a systematic attempt to undermine and confuse another person to gain power or control over them. It goes beyond normal feedback by intentionally aiming to diminish someone's confidence in their own perceptions, experiences, and abilities. The negative effects of gaslighting discussed include increased mental health issues, lower job satisfaction and performance, and intentions to leave one's job. It also creates a toxic organizational culture. The article recommends self-care strategies for targets, as well as informal options like clear communication and mediated discussions. It suggests escalating to formal reporting if informal approaches fail, which may involve HR, discrimination complaints, or legal action in serious cases. Overall, the article aims to raise awareness of gaslighting's impacts and provide a multi-tiered framework for addressing it in the workplace.

Blinded by the Data: When Analytics Overshadows Judgment, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article discusses the potential risks that can emerge when organizations overly on data-driven decision making by focusing excessively on quantitative analysis and metrics to the exclusion of important qualitative human factors. The article explores common pitfalls such as leaders losing sight of broader strategic perspectives and higher-level business drivers when immersed in granular data points, organizational chaos and paralysis resulting from constant A/B testing without clear objectives, over-quantification discounting important but difficult to measure "soft" elements like culture, talent and leadership that profoundly shape performance, and overconfidence in the perceived objectivity of models overlooks inherent biases. The article advocates balancing quantitative and qualitative lenses to gain a more textured understanding of complex dynamics by supplementing metrics with perspectives from ethnography and stakeholder input to provide needed context as numbers alone do not replace prudent application of human judgment and experience, and for data-driven initiatives to achieve tangible impacts, analytics must inform innovation and change management rather than replace continuous improvement processes, such that with moderation and integration of multiple viewpoints, data can empower rather than control strategic decision making.

How Great Storytelling Connects Employees to Their Work, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article examines how research supports the use of storytelling as an impactful organizational leadership tool. Several studies have found that storytelling enhances employee engagement, commitment, and performance when leaders skillfully use narratives to communicate vision, values, and appreciation. On a neurological level, stories stimulate emotional centers in the brain more than facts alone, increasing empathy, memorability, and observational learning. The article provides guidance for crafting compelling stories by identifying a clear purpose, using vivid details, featuring real employees, and relating to shared company values. It explores practical applications of storytelling across industries, such as a homeless shelter sharing client success stories to reignite staff purpose and a manufacturing plant praising international client feedback to boost morale. The article concludes that any leader can begin fostering organizational success through the timeless communication method of purposeful storytelling.

Starting Fresh: How to Take the Reins of Your Onboarding Process, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article provides advice for new employees on how to effectively manage their onboarding process to set themselves up for long-term success. It outlines common pitfalls in haphazard onboarding that can lead over half of employees to leave within six months. However, the article argues employees can take control of their onboarding journey from day one through proactively engaging in relationship building, continuous skill development, and soliciting feedback. Specifically, it recommends Employees create a customized 90-day onboarding plan, prioritize networking, customize ongoing learning goals, and actively seek feedback to address weaknesses. The article maintains these steps will help employees acclimate to their new roles and organizations, build critical support systems, enhance their skills, and identify areas for growth to maximize their potential and impact throughout their onboarding period and beyond.

What Super Productive People Do Differently, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article explores seven habits shown through research to distinguish highly productive individuals from average performers. Each habit is grounded in academic literature and illustrated with real-world industry examples. The habits include planning the next day's schedule in advance to be proactive rather than reactive. Minimizing distractions like notifications to focus deeply on priorities. Batching similar tasks together to maintain cognitive momentum. Automating repetitive tasks to streamline workflow. Enforcing strict boundaries between work and personal time to prevent burnout. Dedicating time to continuous self-improvement through skills development. And scheduling regular "deep work" sessions for uninterrupted focus on complex cognitive work. The article argues that organizational leaders who foster a culture supporting these evidence-based productivity strategies can cultivate high-performing teams consistently delivering quality outcomes despite demanding workloads. adopting some principles could significantly increase organizational output.

Rethinking Culture Fit in Talent Acquisition, with Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This article argues that organizations should move away from primarily hiring for "culture fit" and instead focus on acquiring a diversity of talent. The explores how overemphasizing cultural similarity in hiring can undermine efforts to build inclusive workplaces. Citing research, the article posits that prioritizing culture fit disproportionately excludes women and minorities, and results in a homogenous workforce that lacks the diverse perspectives needed for innovation. Alternatives are presented such as evaluating fit and unique contributions, and changes to embedding inclusion throughout the hiring process like name-blind screening and inclusive leadership training. Practical strategies tailored to industries like tech, non-profit and healthcare are also shared. The article concludes that moving beyond culture fit as the sole criterion in hiring yields benefits but requires sustained leadership and an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.