How to create a high-performing team that outperforms the competition

team meeting

Creating a high-performing team is not something that happens overnight.

You need to set the tone, establish trust, and provide the necessary tools and resources. But most importantly, you need to be willing to lead by example.

In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to build a high-performing team that outperforms the competition. We will also provide some tips for maintaining that level of success over time.

Create a team charter

You and your team need to be on the same page if you want to create a high-performing team. 

That’s why it’s necessary to develop a team charter that outlines the team’s purpose, roles, and responsibilities. This document should be collaboratively created and should serve as a guidepost for how the team should operate.

The team charter should also define what success looks like for the team and how it will measure progress. This will help the team stay focused and constantly strive to improve.

Choose the right mix of team members

You’ve probably heard that a high-performing team has the right mix of skills and personality types.

But how do you go about choosing the right people for the team? First, take a look at the skills that are necessary for the job. Make sure you have people on the team who have the skills to do the job. But don’t stop there. You also need team members with complementary personalities.

For example, if you have a team of all analysts, you might be in trouble. They will all be great at analyzing data, but they might not be so great when it comes to getting campaigns launched. On the other hand, if you have a team of all-doers, they might not be so great at strategizing and looking at things from different angles.

The key is to have a mix of people who can bring different skills and perspectives to the table.

Hold regular team meetings and establish clear communication channels
woman presenting using sticky notes

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You need to hold regular team meetings to keep everyone on the same page.

This is a time to share updates, discuss goals, and troubleshoot issues. But meetings can only be effective if everyone can communicate effectively. This means establishing clear communication channels and making sure that everyone is heard.

Encourage team members to give feedback

Constructive criticism is essential for growth, and when team members feel comfortable giving feedback, it can help boost performance significantly.

But be sure to set the ground rules first.

Make sure everyone understands that feedback is given in the spirit of improvement and that there will be no finger-pointing or personal attacks. Then, encourage your team members to speak up when they see someone not pulling their weight or when they think there’s a better way of doing things.

Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable giving and receiving feedback. When team members feel like they’re a part of the process, they’re more likely to put in their best effort and help the team achieve its goals.

Celebrate team successes and failures

When your team knows that you’re there to support them, they will be more likely to take risks and push themselves to their limits.

But it’s also good, to be honest with them. If they fail, don’t be afraid to point out where they went wrong and help them learn from their mistakes. That’s how they will improve and become a top-notch team.

There’s no question that building a high-performing team is essential to success. But it’s not always easy. If you want your team to outperform the competition, you need to put in the effort. As we close, here are four takeaway steps to help you build a high-performing team: set clear goals and expectations, encourage creativity and innovation, promote collaboration and teamwork, and foster a positive and supportive environment. Good luck!

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The “buy now, pay later” system: How it can ruin your finances

BNPL

You may have heard of the “buy now, pay later” system, or maybe you’re even using it right now. 

If that’s the case, then you need to read this post. Because if you’re not careful, this system can ruin your finances.

The “buy now, pay later” system can be a great way to get the things you want without having to wait. But remember that there’s a reason this system is called “pay later”. Because eventually, you’re going to have to pay for those things. And if you’re not prudent, that payment can come in the form of debt.

What is the “buy now, pay later” system?

As mentioned earlier, the “buy now, pay later” system is a type of installment loan that allows you to buy items now and pay for them over time.

The thing is, this type of loan can come with some real risks. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are using this type of loan to buy stuff. And if you’re not mindful, you could end up with a lot of debt that you’re unable to repay.

How does the “buy now, pay later” system work?
Pace BNPL

Image Credits: zdnet.com

When you use the “buy now, pay later” system, you’re essentially borrowing money from the company that’s offering the promotion.

You’re not using a credit card, so there’s no interest to worry about. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any consequences for your actions.

Here’s how it works: you make a purchase using the “buy now, pay later” system, and then you have a certain amount of time to pay it off. If you don’t pay off the purchase within that time frame, the company will charge you a (recurring) late fee.

How can the “buy now, pay later” system ruin your finances?

The “buy now, pay later” system can be a really dangerous way to shop. Here’s how it can ruin your finances:

  • Unable to control your spending

When you’re buying things on credit, it’s easy to get carried away. You might not be able to resist the temptation to buy more and more things, especially if you know that you don’t have to worry about the cost until later.

  • You could get stuck in a cycle of debt

If you’re not cautious, the “buy now, pay later” system could get you into a lot of debt. And once you’re in debt, it can be really hard to get out. You might find yourself stuck in a cycle of borrowing more and more money, which can be tough to break free from.

You’ve seen the commercials, and you may have even tried it out. But the “buy now pay later” scheme can quickly ruin your finances if you’re not wary. It can be very costly in the long run since you can quickly get wrapped up in debt. And we all know it’s hard to break the retail therapy cycle. If you’re struggling with debt, or if you just want to be more financially responsible, consider quitting the “buy now pay later” scheme. It may be hard to break the habit, but it’s worth it considering the future.

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Don’t let them drive you crazy: Dealing with gaslighting in the workplace

woman terrified by her boss

You suspect that your boss has been gaslighting you.

He’s been making little comments that seem off, but you’re not sure if you’re just being paranoid.

You don’t want to make a big deal of it if it’s just in your head, but you can’t help but feel like he’s been messing with your mind.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people have faced gaslighting in the workplace, and it can be a challenging thing to deal with. But remember that you have power in this situation. You can choose how to react, and you don’t have to let someone else control how you feel.

What is gaslighting?

You might not have heard of the term gaslighting before, but there’s a good chance you’ve experienced it. Gaslighting is a form of manipulation used to control and confuse victims. The goal of gaslighting is to make you doubt your reality.

Are you being gaslit at work?

So you think you’re being gaslit at work? Believe it or not, it’s more common than you might think. But how can you be sure?

Here are a few signs that you’re being gaslit:

  • You’re constantly second-guessing yourself.
  • Your boss or colleague is constantly undermining your work.
  • They’re always turning things around on you so that it seems like you’re at fault.
The impact of gaslighting in the workplace
stressed man at work

Image Credits: assets.entrepreneur.com

Here’s what it feels like:

You’re not sure what’s going on. One minute, you think you’re doing a great job and the next, you’re being told that you’re screwing up. Everything you do is questioned and no matter what you say, it’s never good enough.

You start to feel like you’re going crazy.

You’re not sure who to trust or where to turn to. You isolate yourself from your coworkers because you’re embarrassed about what’s happening at work. And you start to doubt yourself more and more with every passing day.

This is gaslighting in the workplace.

It’s a form of manipulation where a person lies or uses false promises to make you question your sanity. And it can happen due to a superior or colleague. If this is happening to you, know that there are steps you can take to deal with gaslighting in the workplace and reclaim your sanity and dignity.

How to protect yourself from gaslighting in the workplace

When you think about it, it’s pretty scary.

Workplace bullies are deliberately trying to make you doubt your mind, and they’re succeeding. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Here are a few tips:

  • Seek support. Talk to your friends and family about what’s going on. They can offer emotional support and an outsider perspective.
  • Don’t hesitate to speak up. If something doesn’t seem right, say something. The more you stay silent, the more power the gaslighter has over you.
  • Document everything. Keep a journal of the events that occur, as well as any conversations that take place. This will help to back up your story with your HR manager if things get ugly.

When someone gaslights you at work, it can feel like they’re driving you insane. But you’re not alone. There are things you can do to deal with gaslighting in the workplace. First, understand what gaslighting is and how it works. Then, establish some boundaries. And finally, learn how to recognize the red flags of being gaslit. Fighting against gaslighting in the workplace can be hard, but it’s not impossible. With some courage and determination, you can get through it and come out stronger on the other side.

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Under S$30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas That Don’t Look Cheap

Secret Santa is a Yuletide tradition that many offices and families honor every year. What is meant to be a fun gift-exchange activity can be stressful because of the tiresome shopping involved. Whether you have to purchase presents for co-workers you do not know very well or you struggle with finding gender-neutral gifts within your budget, this list can give you Secret Santa gift ideas.

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts and how much budget you would need to allocate for them. Grab a chair as we have put together a list of gifts with a S$2 to S$28 budget.

#1: SUSTAINABLE WOODEN KITCHENWARE

Working alongside artisans that use sustainable materials, Monkey Loot is a Singapore store supporting the development and continuation of cultural legacy in Southeast Asian countries. Their items are handcrafted by artisans using zero chemicals and 100% natural ingredients. Moreover, these items are polished with Beeswax.

Image Credits: monkeyloot.com

Due to its authenticity, items will not be exactly the same. Who does not want to be gifted with a unique piece? You can choose to buy the Sapa Teakwood Cutting Board / Platter / Tray for S$28 or the Seda Sapodilla Wood Coaster Set for S$16.50.

#2: CALMING TEA SET

Give the gift of tranquility amidst the busy holiday season with a DIY tea set. Your loved ones or co-workers will appreciate the organic range of Pukka teas which offer soothing flavors like Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka Honey, or Turmeric Gold. These teas retail for about S$9.20 at FairPrice.

Complete your tea set by purchasing teacups for a little over S$2 at Daiso. There are a lot of assorted patterned teacups to choose from at Daiso.

#3: FIVE-PIECE COOKWARE SET

If you are looking for a gift that is perfectly suited for foodies and cooking enthusiasts, you can never go wrong with a cookware set. IKEA’s ANNONS five-piece cookware set (S$18.90) includes three different sized pots and two glass lids. It is made from stainless steel, which makes it durable and easy to clean.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

#4: HOLIDAY SKINCARE GIFT SET

Looking good on the outside radiates on the inside. If you are looking for a skincare gift set that can complete your recipient’s skincare routine, search no further than Sephora’s Holiday Vibes Mini Mania Skincare Gift Set (S$22.40). This set includes six essentials for a complete skincare routine. This set completes your routine from cleansing, makeup removal, moisturizing, and radiance.

The set includes the triple action cleansing water, all day hydrator, overnight glow mask, ultra-glow serum, brightening eye cream, and clean skin gel. What’s more? It comes with a pouch made with 30% recycled plastic.

#5: SOOTHING SLEEP ESSENTIAL PACKSET

Thanks to the Cath Kidston Magical Woodland Sleep Essential Packset, you can give others the gift of a good night’s sleep. Featuring its two products – the lavender-infused sleep spray and calming lavender rollerball gel. These products help create the perfect aroma for a peaceful slumber. This gift set retails for S$23.90 at Watsons.

#6: JEWELERY DISH

Bored of normal-looking jewelry dishes? Artists from eatandsip.co created jewelry and dishes that feature one-of-a-kind designs. Its ring dish (S$24) is made from speckled clay and fired to 1250 degree Celsius. Expect curvy forms, bright eye-catching colors, and good artisanship.

Image Credits: eatandsip.co

The watercolor jewelry dish (S$24), on the other hand, is slip-casted by Louise Martiensen in Sydney. This plate is made from white porcelain with a wash of ceramic paint applied to its surface. It mimics a water-color paint effect, with a clear glaze on the surface.

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Why every child should be exposed to martial arts

kids in a taekwondo class

You may be wondering if martial arts is a good fit for your child.

The short answer is: absolutely! Martial arts can provide a huge range of benefits for kids, ranging from physical fitness and discipline to self-defense skills and focus.

Kids who practice martial arts learn how to set and achieve goals, work through frustration, and handle disappointment. They also learn how to behave respectfully and responsibly both in and out of the dojo.

If you’re still on the fence, take a look at some of the incredible benefits that martial arts can offer your child. We guarantee that after reading this article, you will be ready to sign them up for their first class!

The benefits of martial arts

You might be wondering why martial arts is such a good thing for kids. After all, they’re not going to be fighting in a real life-or-death situation, right?

But that’s exactly the point.

Martial arts isn’t just about learning how to fight. It’s about learning how to control your body and your emotions. It’s about learning how to stay calm in a crisis and make the right decisions when things are happening fast.

And believe us, kids are going to face crises—in the schoolyard, on the sports field, and when they’re out with their friends. That’s why it’s so important to give them the skills they need to handle those situations.

Martial arts can teach them that.

The different types of martial arts
young kids in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class

Image Credits: evolve-mma.com

When it comes to martial arts, there are a lot of different styles to choose from.

Here are a few to consider:

  • Karate: Good choice for kids who want to learn self-defense.
  • Boxing or Muay Thai: A style that focuses on hand-to-hand combat.
  • Taekwondo: Great for children who want to focus on form and kicks.
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Perfect for kids who want to learn how to grapple.

But again, it’s up to you to decide which style is right for your child. Just make sure that whatever style you choose, the martial arts instructor has relevant experience working with kids.

Tips for getting your child interested in martial arts classes

You and your other mom/dad friends should all consider organizing a meeting to get together and talk about signing the little ones up for martial arts.

Getting everyone on board will make it more likely that your child will stick with it, and it can be a fun way for friends of the same or similar ages to get together and spend some quality time.

You can also look for family martial arts classes, which can be a great bonding experience for everyone involved. And, of course, there are always (pricey) private classes as an option, too.

Signing your kids up for martial arts classes is one of the most worthy parenting investments you can make. Not only will they learn self-defense skills, but they will also develop discipline, focus, and respect. Martial arts can help your child in so many other ways—from helping them stay on track in school to keeping them physically fit. And the best part is that it’s never too late to start. Sign your child up for a martial arts class today and see the amazing results for yourself.

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