Selfdev: 4 ways to say "no" more effectively - from Smartbrief on Leadership

You must learn how to say no graciously. Being truthful is also an important trait.

The links here also covers corruption in Russia, dealing with workers who steal, and slackers. An important guide for leadership and self development

From: SmartBrief on Leadership
Date: Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Subject: 4 ways to say "no" more effectively

10 of the worst auto-industry execs of all time | Retailers get database help to weed out workers who steal | How to clamp down on happy clams

April 4, 2013

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Retailers get database help to weed out workers who steal
U.S. retailers are using national databases such as First Advantage Corporation's Esteem to weed out workers and applicants who have been accused of stealing. Critics say the databases are often short on details and often don't involve criminal charges, while retailers say the information is a useful tool in combating employee theft, which cost merchants an estimated $15 billion in 2011, according to NRF. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (4/2)

How to clamp down on happy clams
Many of your worst workers are probably as happy as clams -- in part because, like clams, they're doing little other than keeping their heads down and hoping nobody notices them. Collecting and disposing of such slackers is essential, writes Roberta Matuson, in part because eliminating the slackers allows you to ensure harder workers get the attention, resources and support they need. Fast Company online (4/2)

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Innovation and Creativity

How to make the most of your creative employees
Creative types aren't always the easiest people to work with, but they are essential for building a successful company, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic writes. You can help your creative employees reach their potential by allowing them to experiment, giving them meaningful assignments and providing the flexibility they crave. "[W]e are all more likely to perform more creatively in spontaneous, unpredictable circumstances -- because we cannot rely on our habits," he writes. Harvard Business Review online/HBR Blog Network (4/2)

When do people have their best ideas? When they least expect to
Recent studies suggest that the best way to have a breakthrough is to step back and allow your mind to wander a little. Innovators suggest thinking about your problem at a time you'd normally be doing other things and making time to think about anything but work. "You have to be able to float through your environment with your antennae up, like a butterfly, and just let things ping your antennae," says entrepreneur Sterling Lanier. The Wall Street Journal (4/2)

The Global Perspective

German firms struggle with Russian corruption
German companies are eager to invest in Russia, but they're finding its political and corporate corruption hard to take. Getting projects up and running often means requests for "a small contribution" to local officials, their wives and even neighborhood fire departments. "You just have to be firm and stand your ground, and such requests will decline," says Hans-Jörg Grundmann, Siemens' anti-corruption officer. Spiegel Online (Germany) (4/3)

Engage. Innovate. Discuss.

4 ways to say "no" more effectively
Leaders shouldn't try to solve every problem themselves, writes Mary Jo Asmus, and taking a step back and refusing to take on extra responsibilities is sometimes the only way to do your job effectively. "Saying 'no' is an option you need to exercise regularly in order to focus on what's most important. The feeling of freedom you get from it can be powerful," Asmus writes. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership (4/3)

Daily Diversion

Swap your golf cart for a personal hovercraft

YouTube/BubbaHover

Golfer Bubba Watson wants players to trade their golf carts for hovercraft, and he's built a working prototype to explain why. The hovercraft allows people to zip over fairways, greens and water without raising so much as a divot or creating a ripple. FastCoDesign (4/3)