If you want to improve your workplace productivity, you must learn to motivate yourself and identify the major causes of being lazy - so you know what to look out for. Here are six reasons you could be falling short of reaching your potential. (Inc.)

Among the top qualities in some of the greatest work cultures in our society are trust and transparancy. According to Marcel Schwantes, Principal and founder, Leadership from the Core, great leaders must be caretakers of the people who comprise human-centered organizations. He believes five traits separate good leaders from average ones. (Inc.)

For many years, global companies relied on the notion that China's consumers would continue spending money no matter what problems were occurring in other parts of the world. However, it appears that just when the world economy needs China, its citizens are pulling back from purchasing. (The New York Times)

 

 

2018 was a tough year for South African companies. Of the top 40 companies listed on the JSE, 28 saw their share price fall during the course of the year, showing precisely how tough big cap corporates have had it in the past 12 months. (BusinessTech)

In a year of scandals from politics to entertainment, business schools managed to have their share of controversies in 2018, as well. Forbes takes a look at some of the scandals and controversies that stood out the most in 2018 for business schools. (Forbes)

Is the MBA dead? Will Brexit wreck UK business schools? Business school deans and directors make their predictions for the year ahead. (Business Because)

It's a well-known fact that there are fewer women in the tech industry than there are men. Although there has been progress over the past several years, there is still a long way to go. Emily Lyons Soelberg, Vice President, Product Management and Channel Enablement for AT&T’s Internet of Things, has a few ideas on creating a more welcoming environment for women in tech. (The Muse)

It seems that everywhere you look, talented corporate executives are exiting big companies. According to a McKinsey Survey, only 7 percent of Fortune 500 executives believe they retain high performers. The Conference Board believes Europe and the United States will be short up to 18 million high-skill workers in coming years. There is both an economic and emtional business case for so many executives leaving big companies to join smaller ones - or start their own. (HBR)

Workers in up to 22 states, including New York, will receive higher minimum wage beginning this week. About 17 million workers are expected to benefit from the increase, according to the National Employment Law Project. (USA TODAY)

Picking stocks for your portfolio during volatile times like those we saw in 2018 is a bit more difficult than when the market produces gains on a constant basis, with little turbulence along the way. However, in a volatile environment, there is also the opportunity to pick up outstanding bargains. (Forbes)

The IRS will continue to process tax returns, regardless of the fact that the federal governement is operating on a skeletal staff as the government shutdown continues in Washington. However, when it comes to issuing refunds, that’s not going to happen until the government completely reopens. (Fortune)