Read Our Blog On Culture Change

In my daily work inside the cultures of numerous African organisations, I discover common truths. One of these is how hard it is to onboard new hires quickly and effectively. Speed is essential because, after the first thirty days, a new joiner has heard so many varied opinions from colleagues and bosses that the opportunity has been lost. Effectiveness can best be judged by how quickly a new person becomes productive.

Ghosting - the act of cutting off communication without warning - has long been a feature of personal relationships, particularly in the digital age. But what was once confined to dating apps and social circles has now infiltrated the workplace, creating challenges for organisations, employees, and job seekers alike. As an organisational change consultant, I see the impact of ghosting on professional environments.

In the bustling control centre of our brains, there exists a powerful region that governs much of how we experience life - the limbic brain. Often referred to as our "emotional brain," it plays a pivotal role in shaping our feelings, influencing our behaviours, and even dictating our physical responses. Whether we are gripped by fear, lifted by joy, or calmed by love, it is the limbic system pulling the strings behind the scenes.

In the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace, the integration of Generation Z into professional environments has sparked much-needed conversations about how organisations conduct business meetings. As I coach organisational culture change, I see that while younger employees add fresh energy and ideas to discussions, they are unsure of how to behave in a meeting and less likely to run a productive one.

It’s easy to become set in your ways. Deciding that the way you see the world, do your work, or even relax at weekends is fine the way it is. But your brain is anything but fixed in its ways. It’s a dynamic, evolving structure that uses neurons (electro-chemical impulses) to connect your thoughts. It also has a remarkable ability to reshape itself, called Neuroplasticity. Plasticity means the ability to be moulded.

We interact with brands in numerous ways. More than we’ve ever done. As customers we’re on the receiving end of a plethora of messages. So, it’s very frustrating when it takes a huge amount of effort to actually understand what a brand’s advertising, for instance, is really about. Looking at interactions with brands when the buying process kicks in, it’s particularly important to follow the principle of making this effortless.