Christopher Shen Consulting is regularly sought for media comment. Below is a selection of media from the years 2008 and 2009.
You can also view the archives for the years 2010-2013 and 2005-2007.
For media comments, please contact Christopher Shen or Telephone: 1300 702 273
All articles reprinted with permission.
Generations: What’s the Fuss?
Business in Practice, Dec 2009, Issue 4, pp. 22-23.
By Erik Froese.
Abstract
Erik Froese talks to organisational psychologist Christopher Shen about what entrepreneurial physiotherapists need to think about when it comes to generations.
Generations: What’s the Fuss? (PDF)
Key Issues for Managers: 2010
Management Today, Nov/Dec 2009, pp. 26-29.
By Bina Brown.
Abstract
Management Today looks at 10 of the top issues facing business leaders as they prepare for 2010, a period that is already being defined as part of a new world order.
Key Issues for Managers: 2010 (PDF)
Enjoy Life in the Slow Lane
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 18 July 2009, pp. 3.
By David Wilson.
Abstract
Want to chill out? Here are some professions to consider, writes David Wilson.
Enjoy Life in the Slow Lane (PDF)
The $64,000 Question
Management Today, May 2009, pp. 22-23.
By Bina Brown.
Abstract
You can be a great leader. You can be a great manager. Can you be both? Bina Brown reports.
The 9-to-5 Happy Hour
The Age – My Career, 16 May 2009, pp. 5.
By David Wilson.
Abstract
Don’t let morale go the way of the economy, adopt these spirit-lifting strategies, writes David Wilson.
10 Ways to Boost Morale and Productivity
Smart Company, 16 April 2009.
By Emily Ross.
Abstract
It’s hard to have happy, productive staff in a climate when the bad news just keeps rolling. The good news is, there are cheap and easy ways to increase productivity (and smiles) in the workplace.
10 Ways to Boost Morale and Productivity (PDF)
Leading with your Chin
The Age – My Career, 4 April 2009, pp. 3.
By Paul Edwards.
Abstract
You don’t have to be good-looking to succeed. But it doesn’t hurt. By Paul Edwards.
Retrench Warfare
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 14 March 2009, pp. 3.
By Conrad Walters.
Abstract
Downsizing can cause more problems than it solves, writes Conrad Walters.
Leadership’s Trial by Fire
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 14 February 2009, pp. 3.
By Melinda Ham.
Abstract
Good employers should be beacons on the bleak horizon, writes Melinda Ham.
Leadership's Trial By Fire (PDF)
After the Chop
The Age – My Career, 24 January 2009, pp. 5.
By Yvonne Nicholas.
Abstract
You’ve survived the redundancy so why do you feel so bad? Yvonne Nicholas reports.
Mind Your Step as You Go
The Sydney Morning Herald, 6 December 2009, pp. 3.
By David Wilson.
Abstract
It pays to leave graciously in a tight job market, writes David Wilson.
Mind Your Step as You Go (PDF)
Economic Crisis: It’s Hormonal
The Australian Financial Review, 5 December 2009, pp. 3.
By Jacqueline May.
Abstract
Traditionally a feminine excuse, “hormones” may henceforth be the perfect catch-all for anyone trying to explain the credit crunch and its ripple effects.
Economic Crisis: It’s Hormonal (PDF)
Reality Bites
Management Today, Nov/Dec 2008, pp. 16-21.
By Bina Brown.
Abstract
If a booming economy presented myriad challenges for Australia’s managers, then the subsequent global economic turmoil is hardly going to be the time to look for a reprieve. Looking ahead to the top challenges that managers can expect to face in 2009 – whether it be the state of the economy, the importance of strong leadership or the skills shortage – the issues are intertwined, making it virtually impossible to consider one without the other. With that in mind and in no particular order, Management Today takes a look at the top 10 issues to watch out for next year, what you can expect and what you can do to be ready.
This Year It’s Pies and a Slab of Beer
The Australian Financial Review, 20 November 2008, pp. 68.
By Ashley Midalia.
Abstract
Staff Christmas parties are falling prey to tough times, but morale-boosting should perhaps be topping wish-lists, writes Ashley Midalia.
This Year It’s Pies and a Slab of Beer (PDF)
The Downside of Downsizing
AIM News – Victoria & Tasmania, November 2008.
By Christopher Shen.
Abstract
Many organisations retrench employees frequently. Indeed, during a challenging economic climate, the choice to reduce a workforce becomes compelling. The many euphemisms for retrenchments – downsizing, rationalizing. Economizing, and trimming for example – enable organisations to implement the same approach each year but label this process a different term. Despite the ubiquity, and occasional utility, of retrenchments, most executives underestimate the potential damage of this process.
The Downside of Downsizing (PDF)
Family Footsteps
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 15-16 November 2008, pp. 5.
By Anne Fawcett.
Abstract
Like it or hate it, your parents probably played a big role in your career choice, writes Anne Fawcett.
Seeking Attention, Not Jobs
The Australian Financial Review, 24 October 2008, pp. 3.
By Ashley Midalia.
Abstract
Exasperated recruiters say the trend of job applicants showing up to interviews, only to turn down resultant offers, is not limited to Centrelink patrons looking to keep welfare payments flowing in.
Seeking Attention, Not Jobs (PDF)
Time to Perform
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 11-12 October 2008, pp. 5.
By David Wilson.
Abstract
Each minute counts when you’re on probation.
Happiness is Leaving an Unhappy Job
The Australian Financial Review, 15 September 2008, pp. 9.
By Ashley Midalia.
Abstract
Employees who leave jobs they dislike tend to find greater happiness in their new jobs, a survey due to be released today has found.
Happiness is Leaving an Unhappy Job (PDF)
Personal Best
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 13-14 September 2008, pp. 5.
By David Wilson.
Abstract
With a bit of planning you can get the results you want from pre-employment psychometric tests.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 13-14 September 2008, pp. 3.
By Anne Fawcett.
Abstract
Gen Ys should learn the language of older generations.
The Full Bottle on Pay Reviews
The Australian Financial Review, 15 August 2008, pp. 3.
By Ashley Midalia.
Abstract
Former rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams recently demonstrated the lengths to which some people will go to get a pay rise. For those unable to sneak out of the country to a generous French employer, the yearly performance review is often the time to stake a claim. But the mere mention of performance reviews can make some employers a little nauseous, aware that the conversation is a minefield of do’s and don’ts.
Organisational psychologist Christopher Shen said some people got so worked up before meeting their bosses that they would reach for the Scotch to reduce their anxiety.
The Full Bottle on Pay Reviews (PDF)
Staff Finish the Job in Record-Bludging Time
The Australian Financial Review, 8 August 2008, pp. 14.
By Ashley Midalia.
Abstract
Time zones being what they are, the Beijing Olympics starting tonight are unlikely to result in the same number of bleary-eyed zombies wandering around offices while clutching double espressos as, say, the 2004 Athens Games or the 2006 soccer World Cup in Germany.
But the convenient time zone is still likely to reduce workplace productivity as employees call in sick to watch their favourite events at home and office workers regularly “refresh” their computer screens for Games updates.
Organisational psychologist Christopher Shen says major events need not hurt productivity as they can be good team building exercises.
Staff Finish the Job in Record-Bludging Time (PDF)
Life after Lotto
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 12-13 July 2008, pp. 5.
By Anne Fawcett.
Abstract
Winning millions of dollars isn’t enough to make some people leave work.
Understanding and Addressing Stress, Exhaustion & Burnout at Work
AIM News – Victoria & Tasmania, July 2008.
By Christopher Shen.
Abstract
As the Australian and global economy enters a challenging time with interest rates rising, financial market instability, and rampantly high petrol prices – Australian workers seem to be working harder and longer than ever in recent memory. The relentless demands and challenges faced by Australian employees in an uncertain time often have deleterious effects on the health of our staff, with disastrous effects on productivity and performance. Workplace Managers are reporting alarming levels of stress, mental exhaustion, and burnout at work.
Understanding and Addressing Stress, Exhaustion & Burnout at Work (PDF)
Leave the Angry Pills at Home
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 18 June 2008, pp. 2.
By Mira Katbamna and Gemma Deavin.
Abstract
It’s OK to be cross at work, as long as you don’t blow.
Leave the Angry Pills at Home (PDF)
High Tidings
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 7-8 June 2008, pp. 5.
By Lissa Christopher with Daniel Dassey.
Abstract
For some professionals, it is all in a day’s work to break happy news – or sad.
High Tidings (PDF)
An A to Zzzz of Workdays
The Australian Financial Review, 6 June 2008, pp. 3.
By John Kehoe with Patrick Durkin.
Abstract
The midnight oil – or should that be midnight FuelWatch – was burning brightly in the Canberra bureaucracy this week, but tales emanating from the private sector suggest bankers, lawyers and accountants have long been accustomed to missing their share of shut-eye.
An A to Zzzz of Workdays (PDF)
Why That Ruddy Complexion May Start to Pale
The Sun-Herald, 1 June 2008, pp. 4.
By Louise Hall.
Abstract
Long-term job stress has been linked with a number of health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and anxiety.
Why That Ruddy Complexion May Start to Pale (PDF)
A Blip of A Day
The Sydney Morning Herald - My Career, 31 May – 1 June 2008, pp. 5.
By Anne Fawcett.
Abstract
The right attitude can make the most stressful jobs manageable.
Breathing Life into Strategic Sustainability
Your Agenda For Success – AIM Victoria & Tasmania, June 2008, pp. 1, 5.
Abstract
Today’s dynamic business leaders are driving the need for corporate sustainability as a new wave of cost and performance pressures bite.
Breathing Life into Strategic Sustainability (PDF)
Birthday Leave the Latest Office Perk
The Sunday Herald Sun, 25 May 2008, pp. 17.
By James Campbell.
Abstract
Bosses have started giving their workers a present on their birthdays – the day off.
Stand Up To Be Counted
The Sydney Morning Herald – My Career, 10-11 May 2008, pp. 5.
By Peter Vincent.
Abstract
Comedy as a career is a very serious business but it can bring great satisfaction, writes Peter Vincent.
Happy Bludgeday to You!
The Australian Financial Review, 23 May 2008, pp. 3.
By Ashley Midalia and John Kehoe.
Abstract
Got a better place to be on your birthday than slaving away in the office? It appears many Australians do with an anecdotal spike in sick days being taken by employees on their birthdays.
Impress the Computer
The Sydney Morning Herald - My Career, 25-27 April 2008, pp. 3.
By Conrad Walters.
Abstract
When you brush up your CV and upload it for a potential employer, you might assume it will be read by a human being. But increasingly recruiters and large organisations are using specialist software to help them sort through the sea of resumes they receive. Such programs look for words and phrases commonly used by the type of candidate the employer wants.
Practices that Sustain Workplace Productivity
AIM News – Victoria & Tasmania, April 2008.
By Christopher Shen.
Abstract
Anything that is successful and popular at one time is, often, anything but successful and popular in the future. Similarly, organisations that are flourishing now will frequently decline later. Ironically, the factors that often promote success and improve performance now - specific goals, steep targets, relentless accountability, and efficient procedures, for example - tend to compromise the sustainability of these organisations. Their apparent uniqueness becomes their ultimate weakness.
Practices that Sustain Workplace Productivity (PDF)
New Year Resolutions for Business Leaders
Your Agenda For Success – AIM Victoria & Tasmania, January/ February 2008, pp. 5.
By Christopher Shen.
Abstract
After this Christmas and New Year Season, we reflect upon the previous year and revel in our achievements, consider our performance accomplishments, and analyse our failures. How can we repeat our successes, and meet and surpass our goals for 2008? More impactfully, how can we mobilise our development areas into strengths? – transforming mediocrity and fear into outstanding and consistent excellence?
New Year Resolutions for Business Leaders (PDF)
