Best Practices
and tips!
Self-promotion is an important skill in any professional setting. Being able to talk about your accomplishments helps others understand your value. However, it’s crucial to do this subtly and skillfully to avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. Here are four common mistakes people make when talking about themselves, and tips on how to avoid them. 1. […]
Admitting you’re wrong at work can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of professional accountability. We all make mistakes, and acknowledging them not only shows personal responsibility but also fosters a culture where it’s okay to make errors and learn from them. Here are six tips to help you admit your mistakes gracefully, strengthen […]
Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to progress in the workplace. While it’s often said that “perfection is the enemy of good,” many people, especially leaders, fall into the trap of striving for perfection, which ultimately slows down progress. Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for personal productivity and workplace wellness, as it sets a standard that […]
Burnout is a real issue that affects productivity, team morale, and the ability to achieve organizational goals. Preventing burnout is essential as people are a company’s most valuable asset. Ensuring that your team isn’t overwhelmed or constantly on the verge of burnout will improve overall well-being and contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment. […]
False urgency occurs when people feel unnecessarily busy due to poor planning and unrealistic expectations. It’s easy to fall into a pattern where it feels like you’re always in a state of emergency, putting out fires instead of proactively preventing them. Here are three effective strategies for how to reduce false urgency at work and […]
Planning an interactive online experience requires thoughtful preparation and attention to detail. Whether you’re hosting a workshop or creating content, the logistics of an online event can make or break the experience. In this post, you’ll find three essential tips on how to plan an interactive online experience to help ensure smooth event management and […]
Employee transitions, especially planned ones, can be challenging for any organization. Whether an employee is leaving for a new opportunity or going through a personal change, preparing for a transition can ensure a smoother process for both the departing employee and the remaining team members. Here are six practical tips to managing planned employee transitions. […]
Talking about your accomplishments is an important part of career growth. However, it can feel uncomfortable or awkward, especially when you don’t want to come across as bragging. Dr. Julie Pham shares five practical tips on how to promote yourself professionally without bragging and in a humble and impactful way. These strategies allow you to […]
7 Free Ways to Boost Your Creativity and Learn Something New If you’re looking to open yourself up to creative inspiration, here are seven free ways to boost your creativity and learn something new. These simple activities can spark fresh ideas and help you engage with the world around you in a new way. 1. […]
Whether you’re looking for new experiences, preparing for an upcoming staycation, or hosting out-of-town visitors, these low-budget travel activities can help you enjoy how to be a tourist for cheap in your own city. 1. Start with a Guidebook Find a tourist guidebook for your city. These books often list activities and provide a price […]
When it comes to gift giving – which is better spending money or time? Gifts of service and gifts that cost money each have pros and cons. Thoughtful gift-giving of either can deepen relationships. Dr. Pham walks through the benefits and challenges of both approaches. Monetary Gifts: The Pros and Cons Pros of Gifts that […]
We all fail sometimes, but learning how to embrace failure can lead to growth. Failure is not the end; it’s a stepping stone to success. Three mindset shifts are crucial as you prepare for potential failure, endure it during the process, and recover from it so you can grow stronger. Whether struggling with setbacks in […]
Building meaningful friendships in professional environments can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible. Read on for four simple tips to making friends at work. You’ll learn how you can form friendships at work, blend your work and personal life without making things messy, and navigate the challenges of turning colleagues into friends. Friendly vs. Friends […]
Are you looking to boost your creativity without breaking the bank? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to learn new things. Here are five low-budget ways to spark creativity, immerse yourself in new experiences and open up to learning from life. 1. Ride the Local Bus Take a local bus ride. This […]
Do you want to explore your city like a tourist without spending a dime? Maybe you’re looking for new experiences, preparing for a staycation, or entertaining an out-of-town visitor. Whatever your reason, we’ve got some great tips to explore your city as a tourist — for free! Here are some ways to get you on […]
Many leaders often feel overwhelmed and overworked because they struggle to delegate effectively. One way to ensure optimal energy levels is by identifying which parts of your work drain your energy and which ones boost it. This awareness allows for thoughtful delegation. Here Dr. Julie Pham shares three tips on how leaders can master delegation […]
Before delivering her first TEDx talk on curiosity as a practice, Dr. Julie Pham spent over ten weeks drafting around 30 different versions and practicing with more than 70 people. This post will help you learn some of Dr. Julie’s effective presentation tips for TEDx success. Let’s dive into her insights! Effective Presentation Tips for […]
Everyone faces mental blocks, no matter what work they do. Sometimes, you need to reignite your creativity. Dr. Julie Pham shares valuable tips for what to do when you are out of ideas to overcome these mental blocks, find inspiration from new sources, and break away from routine thinking. 8 Tips to Spark Creativity When […]
Building strong relationships at work is essential for creating a positive environment and enhancing collaboration. Whether you’re new to your workplace or looking to deepen existing connections, Dr. Julie Pham shares these 5 simple ways to build strong relationships at work that will help foster a supportive and productive work atmosphere. These strategies are effective […]
Drawing from her experience running her family’s newspaper during the Great Recession, to managing her own small business with a remote team, Dr. Julie Pham knows how to make the most of limited resources. Here she shares 5 budget-friendly gift-giving ideas at work. The spirit of gift-giving during the holiday season is all about demonstrating […]
There’s a common misconception that making a lasting impression requires talking a lot. However, asking meaningful questions encourages others to open up and share their stories. This can have a far greater impact than what we say about ourselves. Check out our video on “Making a Lasting Impression: Unique Ice Breaker Questions.” Our favorite icebreaker […]
Gossip can undermine a workplace leading to toxic environments, lower morale, and decreased productivity. At CuriosityBased, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for gossip. Here are five proven strategies strategies to stop gossip at work: 1. Don’t Participate If you catch someone gossiping, set a clear boundary by saying something like, “I don’t feel comfortable discussing […]
4 Leadership Lessons from Family-Owned Businesses: Insights from Dr. Julie Pham We often seek business advice from CEOs of large companies, assuming that their revenue and employee numbers add credibility. However, there are valuable leadership lessons from family-owned businesses. These businesses often boast decades of experience, high employee retention, and loyal customers, providing a wealth […]
When someone hurts, disappoints, or frustrates you, it’s easy to assume you know their intentions and motives. This assumption can prevent you from truly understanding their actual intentions and can lead to denial, passiveness, misunderstanding, and resentment. Taking the time to understand why learning someone’s intent matters allows you to build trust, foster empathy, and […]
How to Give Constructive Feedback with Curiosity: The CAFA Conversation Structure Providing feedback is crucial for personal and professional development, but it can often be challenging. We’re often concerned about how the other person will react or whether they might become defensive. At CuriosityBased, we approach constructive feedback with curiosity. Our goal isn’t to change […]