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Continue reading →: The Psychology of Workplace Silence — Why People Don’t Speak UpWorkplace silence poses significant challenges, as individuals often withhold valuable information due to fear of disapproval. This phenomenon, highlighted by the “spiral of silence,” is prevalent among those in lower power positions. Management plays a crucial role in fostering openness by encouraging feedback and addressing concerns, ultimately promoting a culture…
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Continue reading →: How Perfectionism Shows Up at Work and What Drives ItPerfectionism often negatively impacts individuals and their teams, distinguishing between adaptive (motivating) and maladaptive (paralyzing) forms. Maladaptive perfectionism leads to procrastination and an inability to delegate, stemming from early experiences of conditional worth. A compassionate approach, focusing on realistic standards and effective feedback, can help mitigate the detrimental effects of…
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Continue reading →: What Reading in Your Second Language Feels LikeThe author reflects on the distinct experiences of reading in Portuguese versus English. While Portuguese offers an intimate connection to meanings and emotions, reading in English requires more cognitive effort and introduces a subtle distance. This complexity enriches the reading experience, encouraging exploration across languages for deeper understanding and connection.
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Continue reading →: Two Years Inside a GP Practice: What HR in Primary Healthcare Taught Me That No Textbook CouldThe author reflects on their experience within a GP practice, highlighting the critical nature of primary healthcare and the often unseen pressures faced by staff, especially receptionists. They emphasize that HR in healthcare is integral to patient and staff safety, blending compliance with care, which reshapes their understanding of workplace…
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Continue reading →: The Double Bind of Confidence: Too Much vs Too LittleWomen in professional environments face a double bind regarding confidence, receiving contradictory feedback to be assertive yet not aggressive. Research shows competent women displaying high-confidence behaviors are often evaluated less favorably than men. This feedback often lacks specificity, hindering improvement. Organizations should focus on structured, meaningful feedback to address these…
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Continue reading →: Building Professional Credibility from Zero in a New CountryEntering a professional environment can be challenging, especially for immigrant professionals. Credibility is not portable; it requires context for others to understand your experience. Rather than relying on past achievements, demonstrating capabilities in the new context and building relationships is crucial. Establishing credibility takes time and investment in local networks,…
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Continue reading →: Support for First-Generation ProfessionalsThe post discusses the unwritten norms and implicit knowledge crucial for navigating professional life, particularly for first-generation professionals who lack exposure to these cultural codes. It highlights the prevalence of impostor syndrome among them and underscores the importance of mentorship and community in bridging this knowledge gap, benefiting organizations through…
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Continue reading →: The Hidden Cost of Always Being the Reliable OneIn teams, reliable individuals often shoulder extra responsibilities due to their capability, leading to a “competence penalty.” This reliance, though well-intended, results in emotional fatigue and invisibility in career advancement. To support these valuable members, organizations must recognize and reward their contributions while ensuring sustainability through open dialogue.
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Continue reading →: What Your Body Has Taught You About BoundariesChronic illness educates individuals on understanding personal limits through direct experience, contrasting with the abstract acknowledgment most people have. This education reveals that limits are not failures but essential data. Skills learned, like recognizing and respecting limits, are transferable to professional contexts, advocating for sustainable performance and healthier boundaries.
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Continue reading →: Ambition and Guilt: Why Women Apologise for Wanting MoreAmbition is praised in professional settings but differently interpreted based on gender. Women often face social penalties and internal guilt for their ambition, which stems from a cultural framework that values them in relation to others. This guilt manifests in self-doubt and limitations, hindering professional advancement. To counter this, women…
essays on work, psychology & life
by Bruna Batista
Where psychology meets the everyday reality of work.
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