Dr. Simone’s Mind Space

Group Development: Insights from Research

My research assessing group development has shown differences in productivity based on the culture. Flatter hierarchies such as in Sweden, with consensus driven decision-making were less productive, comparing to a relatively flat, yet hierarchical structure in Swiss groups, where consensus is weighing high, but at the same time, decisions are being made by leaders. It’s all about the mix, to provide group members space to share their ideas, yet also help them take decisions, to avoid  a scenario of diffusion of responsibility.

 

Group leaders checklist!

1. Identify different roles in your group
2. Assess stage of group development
3. Provide space for independent development, no micro management!!
4. Establish group values, norms, expectations, trust, and goals.
5. Team events to keep the sense of unity up.

#podcast #research #performance #groupdevelopment #groups #intercultural #leadership #coaching #corporate #success #passion #communication

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Wellbeing: recipe for a happier school environment

Today, I’m taking to Emmanuelle, French Italian upper school teacher and trained emotional intelligence educator. She’s sharing how little things make a big difference in our lives. The recipe for a happier school environment is: emotional intelligence, embracing diversity, and mutual respect.

 

#podcast #research #emotinalintelligence #school #coaching #wellbeing #happiness #respect #stopbullying #covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Diversity in Romantic Relationships

Living a life that isn’t mainstream is very exciting and provides plenty of new insights to different cultures, traditions, values, languages, food, and lifestyle. It is primarily an advantage, I personally find. But of course it comes with challenges and issues in communication, expectations, and more misunderstandings then couples with the same cultural background would encounter. Racism and micro aggressions are unfortunately also part of a mixed race couple.

 

The importance of mutual understanding becomes more prevalent, a positive side effect of a mixed race couple.

 

The awareness of differences facilitates communication and reduced the level of unmet expectations.

 

Diversity and it’s consequences of encountered racism and micro aggression are topics mixed race couples are challenged with. It’s important to talk with each other about it and learn to understand and decompress the experiences.

 

We can all support each other to make a change. Together we strive!

 

#podcast #research #mixedracecouple #missunderstanding #conflict #racism #microagression #relationship #mentalhealth

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace  #coaching #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Intercultural Business Communication

Understanding and integrating different cultures is challenging and far to often misunderstandings lead to lower productivity in business groups. Where we already face challenge with group work within the same culture, intercultural groups face additional layers of complexity.

Prof. Bennet designed the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. People go through different stages and experiences, when engaged with cultural differences. They move from ethnocentrism to ethnorelativism. From denial, to defense, minimization, acceptance, adaptation, to integration of cultural differences. The further to the ethnorelativistic side of the continuum one gets, the more eloquent intercultural communication skills one develops.

The different stages of development describe the perception of cultural difference one experiences.

Intercultural consciousness needs to be established among employees, in order to successfully interact in global teams.

#podcast #research #performance #leadership #coaching #corporate #success #passion #routines #success #interculturalcommunication #communication #culture

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Routines to success

Routines are key to a successful, healthy life. Especially, during a year with so many disruptions of our daily lives.

If you aim to change your daily habits, do small adjustments. Focus on small  daily routines rather than major changes. Rather do a 5min exercise everyday, than once a week for an hour, continuity is crucial.

 

A) Start with a daily 5min exercise plan that you’ll be able to power though.

B) Short 5min everyday exercises build self-confidence, as you’ll actually able to achieve the set goal.

C) Achieving your set goals make you feel better.

D) Well-being positively impacts your mental and physical health, and boosts your immune system.

 

#podcast #research #performance #leadership #coaching #corporate #success #passion #routines #success #exercise #mentalhealth #sport

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Optimal Performance

We all strive for optimal performance, to find the ideal balance of work and passion for life. But how can we achieve our goal for optimal performance?

 

First step: identify the barriers that keep us from living the most optimal life. Barries can be mental, relational, environmental, physical.

 

Second step: initiate a process of removing these barriers that hinder you from success. This is a challenging journey, with backlashes, disappointments, failing to succeed, repeating mistakes over and over again, but essential to move ahead and eventually succeed.

   

Third step: visualize your success and follow your passion. Visualization and imagination can increase your chances for success.

 

Fourth step: highlight your abilities, develop and strengthen your skills and apply peak-performance training to aline mind and body for optimal performance.

 

 

Emphasize on the importance to remain a passionate leader in a very competitive global environment.

#podcast #research #performance #leadership #coaching #corporate #success #passion #success

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

New year and new hope

“Seriously 2020 WTF” I read the other day and yea, it’s pretty accurate. Even if I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to celebrate our wedding with International guests from around the world in January 2020 in the Swiss alps.

A new year is approaching and time to reflect over 2020. As a scientist, the vaccine brings hope, admiration, and fascination for colleagues in the labs.

If I’d take the vaccine, YESSSS, I wish I’d be first in line.

 

#podcast #research #covid19 #vaccine #seriously2020WTF #newyearnewhope #publichealth #mentalhealth #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland #stockholm #sweden #pfizer #biontec #moderna #astracenica #karolinskainstitutet

 

@drschwank

@karolinskainstitutet

Screen overdose

Around the world people are glued to their screens, for work, hobbies, social life, staying connected with family and friends. A “scrinification” of our lives occurred. These unlimited hours we spend in front of screens are exhausting and neither our brain nor body are made for it. Humans are meant to interact face to face and move around.

 

How to detox your screen day?

 

1. Start your day with physical activity, if possible outdoors. Don’t jump out of bed and straight turn on your computer.
2. Set an alarm on your phone to take breaks, “fika” what it’s called in Scandinavia. Be an example for your colleagues at work and show them that breaks increase productivity.
3. Spend your lunch break and dinner OFF the screen. As you’ve used to walk to get lunch, keep that welcomed break at take a walk.
4. Plan an OFF screen physical activity or ON screen class where you’re primarily listening.
5. Alternate your position, work standing, then sitting, then standing again.

#podcast #research #screenoverdose #scrinification #screentime #mentalhealth #remote #coaching #corporate #performance #physicalactivity #covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

Motivation?

Motivation is a term used in such a lot of ways, that it has become less relevant to its original definition. We can differentiate intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The two are defined by their drive and goal being internal or external values to achieve.

 

So what is intrinsic motivation? Intrinsic motivation is an inner drive and satisfaction with the act we’re doing. We’re one with our activity, we’re in a state of flow. When in a state of flow, we forget about what’s happening around us. We’re absorbed by the task. Intrinsic motivation is a very productive and creative state.

 

How about extrinsic motivation? External factors such as status, rewards, compliments, but also punishment drive people to act in alliance with extrinsic motivation. It isn’t creative, it’s prone to disappointment, anger, sadness, if one can’t achieve the aspired external goal.

 

In order to achieve our full potential, it’s crucial to find a profession, but also teach students in school, universities to emphasis on intrinsic motivation. The more people follow their passionate, the better their mental and physical well-being.

As parents, focus on supporting your child’s passion, rather than emphasizing on good grades, or status in school.

 

#podcast #research #motivation #flow #intrinsicmotivation #extrinsicmotivation #coaching #corporate #performance

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank

Stress

Stress

 

Stress affects us all. You may notice symptoms of stress during busy times at work, when managing your finances, taking care of children, or when coping with challenging relationships. Stress is common and everywhere. A little stress is OK - some stress is actually healthy - too much stress however impacts your body both mentally and physically.

The first step to controlling stress is to know the symptoms of stress. But recognizing stress symptoms may be harder than you think. Most of us are so used to being stressed, we often don't know we are stressed until we are at the breaking point.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Stress?

 

Physical symptoms: Headaches, upset stomach, insomnia

Cognitive symptoms: Constant worrying, thought racing

Emotional symptoms: Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody

Behavioral symptoms: Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities

 

 

What Are the Consequences of Long-Term Stress?

• Mental health problems, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders
• Cardiovascular disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and stroke  
• Obesity and eating disorders
• Menstrual problems
• Sexual dysfunction, impotence, and loss of sexual desire in both men and women
• Skin and hair problems, acne, eczema
• Gastrointestinal problems (IBD)

#podcast #research #stress #stressmanagement  #coaching #corporate #performance

#covid19 #womenentrepreneurship #drschwankinsights #drsimonesmindspace #psychology  #zurich #switzerland

 

@drschwank