The foundation stone of staying sane, and therefore a useful place for us to start, is with some exploration of who you are.
Recommend material for Self KnowledgeThis web page has some useful narrative around the change curve and what to do at each stage.
Visit The SiteThe VIA Institute on Character is a non-profit organization, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, dedicated to bringing the science of character strengths to the world through supporting research, creating and validating surveys of character, and developing practical tools for individuals and practitioners. We use their free tools in our stress management and resilience training courses to help people connect with their meaning and purpose. Lots of free resources on this website.
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Griffin, T. et al
We like Human Givens! This is a school of therapy that’s really accessible and makes some fundamental points about how the stressed mind works (or rather, doesn’t). Recognise that you have some essential human needs and that a lot of unhappiness and stress arises from them simply not being met. Also, recognise that clear thinking requires a calm state of mind.
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Gallwey, T.
A 1970s classic – as fresh as ever. A great description of how we can hold ourselves back and what to do about it. A good one to read alongside Coaching for Performance by Whitmore.
Available From AmazonA great summary of research on growth and fixed mindsets and advice how to develop a growth mindset.
Visit The SiteThe answer is here, in 4 steps.
Visit The SiteRead and seen all about Carol Dweck’s ‘Growth mindset’? Here are 25 practical tips to help you develop one.
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Stanford University’s Professor Dr. Carol S. Dweck talks about how phrases like “You are so talented” might shape us more than we think (and not just positively!). Based on her fascinating research into different self-conceptions she explains how our mindsets can govern our lives at home, at school and in our career.
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In this delightful video Carol Dweck explains why it is so important to have a so-called ‘Growth Mindset’ and how to develop one (hint: embracing failure is a good first step).
Watch VideoIn this interesting postcast by the BPS, psychology researchers in the field of habit change are interviewed for findings that can provide real-life tips for people hoping to break bad habits or form new healthy ones. They do not promise you a life of health and success as some self-help authors do, but you might be able to help you eat less chocolate!
Visit The SiteWhether you have an optimistic, pessimistic or realistic mindset shapes the way in which you perceive the world. Take this test to find out which of three is your most natural thinking style.
Visit The SitePsychologist Mark Griffiths examines workaholism and what it has in common with other behavioural addictions.
Visit The SiteA psychometric questionnaire that aims to explore your personality type, based on the model of the Big Five personality traits, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
Visit The SiteWhen it comes to negative experiences, we have habitual ways of responding to what triggers us. But we can learn to step out of and stay out of negative thought cycles – this article tells you how.
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This nicely animated video explains the science behind productivity, why we might run out of willpower and interesting techniques to overcome periods of low motivation.
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Happiness might be the key to productivity. In this very funny TED talk psychologist Shawn Achor explains why.
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Tim Urban’s funny talk on procrastination explains the mind of a procrastinator and makes insightful observations on why the consequences could be worse than just missing a deadline.
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This interesting 8 minute short film documents the science of character and the benefits of building on character strengths.
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Behavioural economist Dan Ariely presents two eye-opening experiments that reveal what motivates us at work. (Hint: it is not just money!)
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Richard Nisbett
An enlightening and practical guide to the most powerful tools of reasoning ever developed, by one of the world’s most renowned psychologists.
Many scientific and philosophical ideas are so powerful that they can be applied to our lives to help us think smarter and more effectively about our behaviour and the world around us. Surprisingly, many of these ideas remain unknown to most of us. Drawing on his own groundbreaking research, Richard Nisbett presents these ideas in clear and accessible detail to offer a tool kit for better thinking and wiser decisions. Mindware shows how to reframe common problems – whether professional, business, or personal – in such a way that these powerful scientific and statistical concepts can be applied to them.
We thought this was a great read. Just knowing a few of the principles could really help you make better work and life decisions.
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We love this – not least for the wonderful cartoon graphics! For us, there is also something in here about unconscious processing. Why not consider the messages alongside Richard Nisbett’s book – Mindware?
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You may have heard that the model of “left brain” and “right brain” is a bit of a simplification, but don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater as there is some some truth in the idea of lateralisation of brain function. This wonderful, animated film tells you more ….
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Daniel Goleman
In some ways this was the book that kicked off the whole EI debate: the groundbreaking bestseller that redefined intelligence and success. Does IQ define our destiny? Daniel Goleman argues that our view of human intelligence is far too narrow, and that our emotions play a major role in thought, decision making and individual success. Self-awareness, impulse control, persistence, motivation, empathy and social deftness are all qualities that mark people who excel: whose relationships flourish, who are stars in the workplace. With new insights into the brain architecture underlying emotion and rationality, Goleman shows precisely how emotional intelligence can be nurtured and strengthened in all of us.
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Robert Williams
If you’re preparing for interviews with a prospective or current employer, it’s now highly likely that you’ll be required to complete a selection test. To achieve your best, it’s essential that you understand what selection tests involve, how you can prepare for them and how they influence a recruiters final decision. Prepare for Tests at Interview guides you through the entire testing process and tackles many of the concerns you may have when faced with the prospect of a selection test. Of course what this book also does is give you some advice on how you can increase your self knowledge.
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Steven J. Stein
Authors Steven J. Stein and Howard E. Book show you how the dynamic of emotional intelligence works. By understanding EQ, you can build more meaningful relationships, boost your confidence and optimism, and respond to challenges with enthusiasm–all of which are essential ingredients of success.
The EQ Edge offers fascinating–and sometimes surprising–insights into what it takes to be a top law–enforcement officer, lawyer, school principal, student, doctor, dentist or CEO. You will learn what the top EQ factors are across many different kinds of jobs, from business managers and customer service representatives to HR professionals and public servants.
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Short, pithy 5 minute talk that teaches a couple of easy ways in which to give yourself permission to embrace and unleash your own brilliance!
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In a poignant, funny talk, Brené Brown shares insights from her research on human connection – our ability to empathise, belong and love – that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity.
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Inspiring talk by Marcus Buckingham on the importance of honouring, owning and playing to your strengths, rather than trying to fix your weaknesses.
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Gay Hendricks
In The Big Leap, Gay Hendricks, the New York Times bestselling author of Five Wishes, demonstrates how to eliminate the barriers to success by overcoming false fears and beliefs. Fans of Wayne Dyer, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, and The Secret will find useful, effective tips for breaking down the walls to a better life in The Big Leap.
Available From AmazoniPersonic is a straightforward personality system available in 26 languages and used by millions of people in more than 130 countries. It’s incredibly simple to do and is a fair starting point for the exploration of who you are. This way of looking at personality leads to a description of “type”. In that way, it’s a bit like the well known MBTI.
The Process Communication Model® (PCM) is an innovative tool which enables you to understand, motivate, and communicate effectively with others. People who use the Process Communication Model benefit from a whole range of practical tools specifically designed for successful everyday management of communication. This is the work of Dr. Taibi Kahler, who has done a great deal to help us understand what happens to personality under pressure.
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David Smith
A readable and in places quite provocative look at what it takes to build a winning culture. Useful to think about alongside leadership style and personality.
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Bill George
A readable treatise on what it is to be an authentic leader. Authenticity is a much used term and it can be hard to define.
Available From AmazonThis workbook gives managers a chance to understand their own managerial style, reflect on whether it suits the situations they face, and make appropriate changes. It’s not a full psychometrics but it’s a great place to start.
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Oliver James
An interesting spin from Oliver James: just what is it that makes otherwise successful people so unhappy? Is there a malevolent side to having a lot of personal drive? When is enough, enough?
Available From AmazonLink to US site, which has quite a few useful articles and questionnaires on it.
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David Kantor
In this innovative book, renowned psychologist David Kantor applies his research and theory of structural dynamics to the workplace to show how individual leaders and coaches can develop their own skills in understanding group dynamics and apply this understanding to improve organisational communication and performance.
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Diana McLain Smith
A systematic look at how relationships determine the success of leaders and their enterprises, along with tools to help strengthen and change them.
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When you consider your skills, or those of others, consider that some talents might not be immediately apparent.
Watch VideoLots of stimulating material from Philippa, presented in her own fresh and amusing style.
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The entertaining views of Daniel Pink.
Watch VideoA range of psychometric instruments (you’ll need to part with some money), that could help you explore aspects of your style and skills.
Visit The SiteGreat blog site on personality, happiness, careers and the links between all three.
Visit The SiteA psychometric questionnaire that provides valuable insights into how you manage relationships in the workplace.
Visit The SiteQuick, easy and entertaining tool for reflecting on your own personality, or to use with your team.
Visit The SiteSusan Cain’s website, highlighting the value and power of introverts.
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Stephen Shapiro, the creator of the Personality Poker cards, talks to a conference of NASA rocket scientists about the power of lateral thinking to open us up to new creative possibilities.
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Carol Dweck’s short but thought-provoking TED talk, based on extensive scientific research, demonstrating the ability of the brain to improve its performance when we focus on process rather than outcome.
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Indian speaker, Anand Pillai, talks entertainingly about creating your own personal brand, the importance of self-development and being prepared to move from your comfort zone to your courage zone.
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The refreshingly upfront and succinct Australian business woman, Amanda Rose gives 5 easy steps to help you identify your own personal brand, and be empowered to change it.
Watch VideoGood, basic information about the ‘four preferences’ aspect of Jung’s theory on personality. Relates to information below.
Visit The SiteInformation about Kolb’s learning cycle and learning styles. Good for considering the process of learning and how our experiences and learning styles affect how we each learn most effectively
Visit The SiteInformation about the zone of proximal development; a well-established theory in the learning and development literature.
Visit The SiteInformation from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
Visit The SiteA list of questions that can assist you in discovering your purpose. They are meant as a guide to help you get into a frame of mind that will be conducive to defining your personal mission
Visit The SiteHappiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue. One must have a reason to ‘be happy – Frankl
Visit The SiteHappiness is not the same as a sense of meaning. How do we go about finding a meaningful life, not just a happy one?
Visit The SiteThe Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) is a 10-item measure of the Presence of Meaning in Life, and the Search for Meaning in Life. It is free to use for educational, therapeutic, and research purposes. We don’t charge for sane.works so we are just signposting you there!
Visit The SiteAt the heart of Persona Bubble is our free personality test. This is an officially approved version of a questionnaire used by psychologists (for purposes such as hiring for jobs, career advice, research and counselling).
Visit The SiteNic describes his work as “Short, Black & White Human Portraits in Film. Extremely close up. And extremely revealing of our common human experience.” Take 5 minutes and watch one ….
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A simple and neat model that talks about core qualities and overdone strengths.
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A good introduction to why we aren’t all that we seem to be on the surface!
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A simple intro to reflective learning, written from a teaching perspective.
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Jennifer Holloway
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David Pendleton
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Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
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Susan Cain
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Viktor E. Frankl
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Joseph O'Connor
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Stephen Gilligan
Read more about logical levels and a host of other important things from a big noise in NLP.
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Alan Carr
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Christopher Booker
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Sonja V. Batten
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Claude Steiner
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Scripts People Live
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Susan Greenfield
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Sue Gerhardt
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In an organisational world that is dominated by a preference for extroverted styles, it’s good to see a balancing argument!
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Daniel Kahneman
Another metaphor for thinking: one system that does the quick and dirty and the slower, more analytical system.
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Cialdini, Robert B., PhD
There are some key psychological principles are underpin persuasion. Read this exclusive text, recommended by those who know … whilst stocks last (yes – those were are few of the principles!)
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A modern take on personality theory from a major publisher.
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