Nuggets of Nudges
Going beyond inspiration
Shaping the future of work is both an exhilarating and complex journey. While there is a lot we can share to keep you inspired, we recognise that you also need small bytes of actionable content that you can try yourself.
Each edition will focus on one topic and discuss simple DIY methods along with relevant stories from around the world and from the world of Semco Style.
We trust these monthly “Nudge-letters” will nudge you to start your journey. Thank you for shaping the future of work with us.
Dec 24 - From Tasks to Impact: Shifting Focus from Outputs to Outcomes
Are your teams busy ticking off tasks but struggling to create real impact? In today’s fast-paced world, activity alone isn’t enough. It’s time to shift from tracking outputs to driving meaningful outcomes. In this nudge-letter, we explore why outcomes matter more and share actionable steps to help your teams achieve lasting success.
Nov 24 - To build resilience in your team, start with the right rhythm
Building a resilient organisation is a journey—one that comes with its own unique challenges. Knowing your goals, destination, or next milestone, and having plans to achieve them, is only part of the equation. In a world where everything changes rapidly, organisations need frequent feedback loops. Regularly pausing to assess progress and adjust plans is critical for navigating challenges and staying on course.
Oct 24 - Set SMART goals, but in the context of complexities of the future of work
From North Stars, KPIs, and KRAs to Balanced Scorecards, OKRs, and both lead and lag indicators, numerous philosophies and frameworks have emerged over the years. Whether it’s “measure what needs to improve,” “measure what matters,” or setting SMART goals, goal setting has evolved at both the organisational and individual levels. This nudge-letter explores areas to help you navigate the complexities of goal setting as you prepare to meet the challenges of the modern workplace.
Sep 24 - Build robust feedback culture
Feedback originated in regulatory mechanisms, initially describing closed mechanical systems, and wasn’t applied to psychology and human behavior until after 1940. Traditionally, feedback focused on the past, with leaders highlighting what employees did well or needed to improve. It has since evolved into broader forms, including top-down, bottom-up, peer-to-peer, and 360-degree feedback for managers. In the evolving workplace, feedback remains a vital yet challenging element of organizational culture, and it’s the focus of this month’s nudge letter.
Aug 24 - Challenge the Status Quo
VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) is a reality, and history is full of examples of empires that collapsed because they were slow to adapt or stayed too comfortable, missing the chance to act. In today’s VUCA world, businesses can survive by reacting faster, but thriving requires being proactive, questioning the status quo, and constantly reimagining the future. This is the focus of this month’s nudge-letter, and we hope it helps you foster a culture that embraces change by challenging the status quo.
Jul 24 - Innovate like never before
Have you ever wondered why “Innovation is very hard in health care” is oft-heard? We found an HBR article that details “Why”. But then, how can you, as a leader, build teams that innovate like never before? That is the focus of this month’s nudge-letter.
Our centrepiece, “Innovate Like Never Before 5 Steps to Embed Creativity into Your Team’s DNA”, outlines a strategy for fostering innovation within teams, leading to continuous improvement and creative solutions. This month’s trivia is a good example of an innovative outcome of collaborative working.
Jun 24 - Make the ‘Cooperation - Collaboration’ shift
Over the years, ‘teamwork’ has been fine-tuned, and its associated behaviours have been redefined. Teams are trained to cooperate, where individuals work independently towards a common goal through the division of labor. But for organisations to be resilient, they need to make a shift to collaboration, where team members engage in collective problem-solving and leverage diverse skills and perspectives. We wrap up this issue with interesting trivia and we hope you find this read interesting.
May 24 - The Four Ways to Empower your Team
This edition delves into the concept of ’empowerment’ – a vital skill for leaders, often misconstrued. A recent HBR article dispels the notion that the CEO is the sole decision-maker. So, how can CEOs and leaders effectively empower their teams while maintaining a safety net? Our featured article presents four potent strategies to enhance your decision-making prowess, illustrating their impact on organizational success. Additionally, uncover fascinating tidbits from organizations thriving on empowerment!