Introverts are more easily distracted

Open-plan offices

Having the radio or TV on in the background drives me bat-poop crazy. Fortunately, I and my other half have evolved a reliable arrangement that includes volume controls and a rather spiffy wireless headset. (For him, not me.)

It wasn’t always this way. As in any relationship, the compromises of cohabitation are negotiated and whittled over time. Working from a nice open-plan home much of the time, at first I found myself frustratingly unproductive. I had discovered the inherent incompatibility between the analytical nature of my business consulting and writing work, and sharing space with a stimulation-craving extrovert. Read more…

Is your boss a corporate psychopath?

Does this remind you of anyone? Superficially charming, even warm. Extreme intimidation of others. Manipulative and controlling. Bad tempered. Self-obsessed. Lacking remorse.

Then you may be working with a corporate psychopath. Contrary to popular understanding, psychopathology is not always about murderousness. It’s defined broadly as …

And there’s a surprising amount of it about. One woman in 200 is classifiable as a psychopath, as is one man in 80. Chances are, you have a psychopath in your building. Read more…

And so it begins

Psychologist Stephanie Thompson

Blog post #1. Here it is, finally. I’ve contemplated writing a blog for about two years, and have finally taken the plunge. I hope to bring you interesting ponderings about life, happiness and the human condition, with practical take-home tips, a little humour, and as much wisdom and objectivity as I can muster.

Also, the psychology of business and current affairs. This blog is taking shape just as the USA has concluded its history-changing Clinton-Trump 2016 election…

I’ve also got a book on the boil. It’s about… Read more…