Author: Small Talk
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Gracefully Handling Questions Best Left Unanswered
We’ve all been there—someone asks a question that, for one reason or another, you’d rather not answer. Whether it’s too personal, inappropriate, or simply not relevant, handling these moments gracefully can be a challenge. Here are some practical strategies for navigating these situations with tact and confidence. 1. Redirect with Positivity One of the simplest…
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Mastering Time Management
We’ve all been there—overwhelmed by tasks, jumping from one to the next, and ending the day feeling like we haven’t achieved anything substantial. Recently, I’ve been focusing on understanding and managing my time better, with the help of some fantastic LinkedIn courses provided by my company. One course that stood out to me is “Understanding Your…
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Overcoming Productivity Myths
In our fast-paced world, being busy often equates to being productive. However, this notion is misleading. Recently, I embarked on a LinkedIn course focused on overcoming productivity myths, and one line resonated with me: “You are busy, but it doesn’t mean you are productive.” This simple statement has since become a guiding principle in my…
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Golden Investment
In 1929, the average US house price was around $6k. 10 kg of Gold was worth $7k – hence it was enough to buy you the average house in the US. In 2024, the average US house price is around $500k. 10kg of Gold are worth more than $700k – still more than enough to…
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Being a Kind Leader and a Nice Boss
In leadership, it’s easy to assume that being nice is a good thing. After all, everyone likes a boss who says “yes” to every request and avoids conflict. But there’s a subtle yet important distinction between being nice and being kind, and understanding this difference can transform how you lead. The Spinach-on-Your-Teeth Moment Imagine this:…
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Mastering the Art of Receiving Negative Feedback
We’ve all been there—sitting at our desks, deep in thought, when an email or comment pulls us out of focus and delivers a piece of feedback we weren’t expecting. Negative feedback can sting. It can make us question our work, our approach, and sometimes even our worth. But over the years, I’ve learned that while…
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Empowerment vs Control
As I wrap up the last week of my vacation, I can’t help but reflect on a critical lesson I’ve been experiencing firsthand: the delicate balance between empowering others and maintaining control. Before I took time off, I handed over my responsibilities to my colleagues. I trusted them to handle the job, believing that empowering…
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How to Teach Teenagers About Building Wealth
Talking to teenagers about money can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important life skills they can learn. By introducing the concept of building wealth early, you’re equipping them with the tools they need to achieve financial success in adulthood. From compound interest to managing debt, here’s a guide to help teenagers…
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The Tragic Loss of Anna Sebastian Perayil: A Wake-Up Call on Workplace Culture
The recent tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young associate at EY India, has sent shockwaves through corporate circles and raised serious concerns about the demanding work culture many employees endure. Anna’s death, reportedly due to overwork, shines a harsh spotlight on a toxic aspect of professional life that is all too common but…
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Juggling Work From Home and Parenthood with a Toddler
Working from home with a toddler can be a daunting task. While we want to prioritize taking care of our little ones, we also have work responsibilities that can’t be ignored. The challenge is finding a balance between being present for your children and completing your work tasks. After all, working from home doesn’t mean…