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Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Get the information you need

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Get the information you need

Over the years I have come across many decisions that have proven after the event to have been unwise of misguided. There is no single reason for this, but a common theme has been people making decisions without having the information they need. Often what happens is that there is pressure to make a decision quickly and this can lead people into moving forward with their plans too soon because key elements of information were not available at the time the decision was made. So, in making any decision we have to be clear about which is wiser: deciding now without that information and risking getting it wrong, or take the time to find out – thereby making a much…
Dr Neil Thompson
February 10, 2022
To avoid procrastination, avoid deadlines – unless they’re short

To avoid procrastination, avoid deadlines – unless they’re short

Procrastination can get to the best of us. Whether we’re avoiding going to bed, failing to study, or trying to avoid a hated task at work, sometimes it just feels easier to put something off than get it out of the way. For those waiting for chronic procrastinators to deliver, the dilemma is how best to encourage them to do so on time. A new study, published in Economic Inquiry, provides some suggestions. While shorter deadlines were, perhaps unsurprisingly, more likely to see results than longer deadlines, the most responses were delivered when there was no deadline at all. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
February 10, 2022
How to say “no” at work politely

How to say “no” at work politely

You have just resumed at a new place of work, and you feel that saying "yes" to every request made to you will make your coworkers like you. You are scared that saying "no" will put you in their bad books. A few weeks down the line, you are questioning your decision. Everyone wants you to do things for them. As you try to please them, you are underperforming in your duties. Being that person who always says "yes" at work doesn't end well. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
February 10, 2022
Spotlight – The Problem Solver’s Practice Manual

Spotlight – The Problem Solver’s Practice Manual

“Where there are people, there will be problems, but there will also be potential” is a key part of Neil’s work. And that is precisely what this manual is all about – equipping practitioners from various professional disciplines to help people address their problems and realise their potential. Part One provides an extended essay on the nature and significance of problem solving to lay solid foundations of understanding. Part Two then offers guidance on using 101 problem-solving tools that can be used in a wide variety of circumstances. Available from here or Amazon
Dr Neil Thompson
January 12, 2022
Boundaries of responsibility

Boundaries of responsibility

There are some things that each one of us is responsible for – that is, they are individual responsibilities.  I have to do what I have to do and you have to do what you have to do. Some things are shared responsibilities – that is, we have to do them together. Teamwork is a good example of this. Developing effective teamwork is the responsibility of every team member, not just the leader. Then there are also responsibilities that belong to other people – they are not mine, they are not yours, they are not ours. It is important to be aware of these boundaries as it can be quite problematic and potentially stressful if: (i) we do not fulfil…
Dr Neil Thompson
January 12, 2022
What is person-centred care and why is it important?

What is person-centred care and why is it important?

Person-centred care is a way of thinking and doing things that sees the people using health and social services as equal partners in planning, developing and monitoring care to make sure it meets their needs. This means putting people and their families at the centre of decisions and seeing them as experts, working alongside professionals to get the best outcome. Person-centred care is not just about giving people whatever they want or providing information. It is about considering people’s desires, values, family situations, social circumstances and lifestyles; seeing the person as an individual, and working together to develop appropriate solutions. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
January 12, 2022