Navigating workplace toxicity: Identifying and managing toxic coworkers

Toxic workplace behaviors can significantly impact morale, productivity, and overall organizational culture. By understanding the behaviors of these people and implementing strategic management techniques, employees and leaders can create healthier work environments.

   A productive workplace relies on effective communication, collaboration, and trust. However, toxic behaviors can disrupt these dynamics, leading to dissatisfaction, disengagement, and increased turnover. Identifying and managing toxic workplace behaviors is essential for fostering a positive and efficient work culture.

   For instance, the constant complainer is characterized by persistent negativity, which can lower team morale. Deflect conversations, change the subject, or create distance when necessary are just a few measures against this behavior.

   If someone is expressing persistent doubt and discourages new ideas, try to seek multiple perspectives before making decisions to avoid being swayed by negativity. Maintain direct communication with leadership to prevent manipulation as well.

   In case that your colleague spreads rumors or half-truths that can damage reputations, show skepticism by questioning the validity of gossip, discouraging further spreading. Over this, when someone takes credit for others’ work, diminishing recognition for true contributors, document contributions and ensure visibility with leadership.

   Always set clear agendas, rotate speaking roles, and enforce discussion time limits. Managing toxic workplace behaviors requires awareness, strategic intervention, and strong communication. By recognizing toxic patterns and implementing targeted strategies, organizations can promote a positive and productive workplace culture.

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A historical analysis of US employment trends over 150 years

Employment trends are a reflection of economic, technological, and societal transformations. Understanding employment trends over time is crucial for policymakers, economists, and business leaders. The visualization of 150 years of United States (US) employment history illustrates major shifts in sectoral employment shares, revealing the impact of industrialization, automation, and globalization.

   In the late 19th century, agriculture dominated employment, accounting for a significant portion of the workforce. The mechanization of farming, urbanization, and industrial growth led to a steady decline in agricultural jobs. Similarly, household work, once a major sector, saw a reduction due to social changes and technological advancements.

   The early to mid-20th century saw a boom in manufacturing jobs, driven by industrialization and wartime economies. However, globalization, outsourcing, and automation led to a decline in manufacturing employment towards the late 20th century.

   The late 20th and early 21st centuries have been marked by the expansion of professional services, healthcare, education, and financial services. Technological advancements and an increasingly service-oriented economy have contributed to this shift.

   Industrialization and mechanization reduced reliance on labor-intensive agriculture. Globalization facilitated outsourcing and shifting manufacturing jobs overseas. The digital revolution created new employment opportunities in information technology, telecommunications, and finance. Policy and regulatory changes influenced labor markets, including labor protections and minimum wage laws.

   Continued automation and artificial intelligence may disrupt traditional employment models. Upskilling and education will be crucial for adapting to the evolving job market. The gig economy and remote work may shape future employment patterns.

   In conclusion, the transformation of US employment over the past 150 years underscores the dynamic nature of labor markets. From agriculture to manufacturing and now to services, economic and technological forces continue to reshape employment opportunities. Understanding these trends provides valuable insights into workforce planning, education, and economic policy.

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The psychological significance of the wheel of emotions

The Wheel of Emotions is a widely recognized model that aids in understanding and categorizing human emotions. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the model, examining its psychological relevance, structural composition, and practical applications in various fields, including mental health, education, and emotional intelligence development. By categorizing emotions into core, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, the model facilitates a nuanced understanding of human affective states, contributing to enhanced self-awareness and interpersonal communication.

   Emotions are fundamental components of human experience, influencing cognition, behavior, and social interactions. The Wheel of Emotions, a structured framework for identifying and understanding emotions, serves as a valuable tool in psychology, therapy, and emotional intelligence training. It consists of multiple layers, each representing different intensities and categories of emotions:

   The Core Emotions at the center of the wheel, six primary emotions are identified: Happy, Sad, Angry, Fearful, Disgusted, and Surprised. The Secondary Emotions surrounding the core emotions, these reflect more specific emotional states that stem from primary emotions, such as Joyful from Happy or Frustrated from Angry. The Tertiary Emotions are the outermost layer details, even more specific variations of emotional states, enabling precise articulation of one’s feelings.

   The categorization of emotions in a structured manner aligns with psychological theories such as Paul Ekman’s basic emotions theory and Robert Plutchik’s emotional wheel. The model aids in emotional regulation, self-reflection, and cognitive behavioral therapy by providing individuals with a detailed vocabulary for expressing emotions.

   Psychologists and counselors utilize the Wheel of Emotions to help clients recognize, process, and articulate their feelings, leading to improved mental health outcomes. In schools, teaching emotional identification fosters self-awareness and empathy among students, enhancing emotional intelligence. Understanding and articulating emotions in professional settings promotes effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership development.

   The Wheel of Emotions serves as a crucial framework for improving emotional literacy, fostering self-awareness, and enhancing interpersonal relationships. By systematically categorizing emotions, individuals can better understand and manage their affective states, leading to improved psychological well-being and social interactions. Future research could explore the integration of digital applications that incorporate this model for personalized emotional tracking and therapy interventions.

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Concealed absenteeism: Understanding the hidden issue in the workplace

Concealed absenteeism is a form of absenteeism that goes beyond simply missing work. It refers to situations where an employee is physically present in the workplace but is mentally disengaged, not performing their tasks effectively, or covertly avoiding responsibilities. This phenomenon is often harder to detect than traditional absenteeism since the employee is not absent in the traditional sense, but their productivity and contributions are significantly compromised.

   Instead of taking a sick day or vacation day, the employee may show up to the office but fail to complete their tasks, demonstrate reduced effort, or avoid key responsibilities. The term is also known as “presenteeism”, though it specifically highlights absentee behavior hidden behind a facade of presence.

   Their time may be spent on personal activities, socializing, or “looking busy” rather than contributing to the company’s goals. These employees may be mentally distracted, daydreaming, or disengaged from the tasks at hand. Their attention is divided, and they often miss deadlines or deliver subpar work. Concealed absenteeism can sometimes be linked to burnout, stress, or dissatisfaction with the workplace. Employees may be emotionally checked out but reluctant to take formal time off for various reasons, such as job insecurity or fear of negative repercussions.

   A toxic work culture, lack of support from managers, or poor team dynamics can lead employees to become disengaged. If workers feel undervalued or unappreciated, they may mentally check out while still physically showing up. High levels of stress, unmanageable workloads, or lack of work-life balance can lead to exhaustion. When employees feel overwhelmed but fear taking time off due to workload or guilt, they may choose to disengage rather than fully participate in their work.

   Employees who feel stuck in their current roles with little opportunity for growth or advancement may lose motivation. Without a clear path for progression, they might only do the bare minimum to maintain their position. Chronic physical or mental health conditions may lead to absenteeism that is hidden. Employees may avoid taking sick leave to conceal the extent of their condition, coming to work but struggling to perform at their usual levels.

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Digital currencies usage, and the one important condition

The potential benefits and challenges of using digital currency show that the role of central banks is critical. The worldwide politics are not ready yet to welcome this new era, but why is this happening?

   In modern monetary economies, the effectiveness of money in performing transactions is lowered by the volume of our needs. We cannot print banknotes and use coins on each transaction, as our payments exceed the physical borders.

   We now experience one more evolution of money. A type of money based on digital technology and issued by the institution in charge of managing public money. This is the central bank of each country, and the central bank of greater unions, such as the United States and the European Union. The multiple agents of the economy, the state authorities, households, and the firms, are connected with the central bank and the private institutions (mainly commercial banks), so all together can exchange values instantly.

   This fiat monetary system is already characterized by the use of digital mediums. We do not need to withdraw our salary from ATMs, but instead, we pay our bills through online payment systems. Therefore, we already use digital currencies. Money is not backed by a physical asset such as gold or silver. This means that we can generate more money through loans. Once we get more money, we generate more wealth, and we pay back the interest of older loans.

   This banking system creates and lends too much money already, and the gap between the money it has created (deposits), and the most liquid part of its assets (central bank reserves and government securities) widens. It is worth noting that if a large number of depositors simultaneously ask the bank to withdraw (or transfer) their deposits, the bank will find it difficult to raise reserves by selling its illiquid financial assets, or will be able to do so, but only at a price below their fair value (illiquidity risk).

   This circle of money has a huge drawback. We cannot always generate money without any limits. Hence, in the case of digitalizing everything, what will happen to those who do not have any income?

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E-learning is a valuable option for education

The 2019 pandemic outbreak has affected the world economy with an unprecedented wave of social distancing and isolation. It has brought significant changes to education and training systems globally as well. Learning, teaching, and communication in general were inevitably transferred to online tools, as this pandemic event accelerated the digital transformation.

 

   Remote education has exploded in 2020 as an emergency response to the widespread physical closure of education and training institutions. The community of education had to adopt and support distance learning as the ultimate solution. This fast-paced shift has speeded up further digital transformation of education.

   From my teaching experience having lectures on the field of business administration, international business, and human resource management, physical communication cannot be entirely substituted by digital methods. However, choosing the appropriate digital channels matters.

   Indeed, synchronous distance learning emerges a plethora of challenges. Internet speed connection and stability is a critical one, while having the hardware and software needed must not be taken as a given. Many students or teachers do not have the appropriate machinery to support a smooth distance learning experience. Additionally, not all people have the experience, confidence, knowledge, skills, and competence needed to organize and deliver distance education effectively.

   On the contrary, asynchronous distance learning, enhanced guidance to students, and personal willingness are the key to distance learning success. Indeed, asynchronous methods give you the ability of scheduling, mastering time needed to absorb new information, and perceive professional multichannel learning.

   Moreover, it is critical if professors can record lectures at a fully equipped studio and upload them after the appropriate montage to fit the material to modern needs. Electronic classes can be supported by digital books and other material in electronic format, hence making the whole experience even more interactive. It is crucial to adapt and prepare educational content and to ensure its use in distance learning and virtual environments. Accordingly, continuous monitoring of the feedback mechanisms and information provided is vital for the development of a successful digital community.

   For instance, one of the major challenges has been the issue of ensuring inclusion and equal access to quality distance learning opportunities. But, if we think about how many students and professionals cannot have physical access to educational places due to mobility challenges and time management issues, being economically disadvantaged, or geographically isolated, then both methods (physical and distance learning) have disadvantages. Also, managing assessment and grading is a difficult challenge, while this requires the integrity and awareness of both students and professors.

   In conclusion, distance learning as an attempt to ensure the continuation of the learning process is critical. Society must be well-informed and open to adopt new training methods as the spread of digital tools cannot be reversed. In this respect, physical contact and experience must not be interrupted, as they are environments that provide a sense of professional structure and of community and opportunities for socialization and status. But digital tools could support more people to be educated, even if they do not have the required means needed to access traditional training methods.

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The geopolitical roots of the Ukraine conflict: A comprehensive analysis

The war in Ukraine, now entered its third year, has transformed the geopolitical landscape of Europe and has drawn global fear. While the international community has largely condemned Russia’s invasion, the complex historical, political, and military dynamics that led to the conflict are often under-explored. In understanding the war’s origins, it is crucial to examine the role of NATO’s enlargement and its implications for both Russian security concerns and the broader global power dynamics.

 

   The roots of Russia’s aggression ending up with a tremendous war towards Ukraine are deeply intertwined with NATO’s post-Cold War expansion, a process that Russia has consistently perceived as a direct threat to its security. Russian President has long voiced concerns about NATO’s eastward expansion, emphasizing that any potential inclusion of Ukraine would be a “red line” for Russia. His 2022 invasion, which he described as a mission to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine, reflects both his historical grievances and a deep-seated fear of encirclement by the Western alliance.

From the perspective of Russia, the US and NATO’s actions after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 have been seen as broken promises and a deliberate attempt to undermine Russian influence. This tension dates back to 1990, when Western leaders, allegedly promised Soviet President that NATO would not expand “one inch eastward” after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The perception in Russia has been that the West violated this implied understanding, expanding NATO into Eastern Europe and incorporating former Soviet republics, including the Baltics.

   NATO’s 2008 Bucharest Summit, where Ukraine and Georgia were promised eventual membership, further heightened these fears. The situation in Ukraine became increasingly volatile following the ousting of President in 2014. The pro-Russian leader was removed from office after months of protests against his decision to abandon a trade agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. The protests, known as the Euromaidan movement, culminated in violent clashes and the deaths of dozens of demonstrators, prompting the President to flee to Russia.

   This political upheaval, which many in Russia saw as a Western-backed coup, had immediate consequences. In response to the shift in Ukraine’s political alignment, Russia swiftly annexed Crimea, a strategically vital peninsula in the Black Sea. Simultaneously, Russian-backed separatists in Eastern Ukraine seized control of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, sparking a war that would continue for years.

   Despite efforts by France, Germany, and Russia to broker peace through the Minsk Agreements, the conflict continued. Current Ukrainian President, who came to power in 2019, quickly condemned the Minsk process, calling it a trap that allowed Russia to solidify its control over Ukrainian territory.

   The failure to address Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s political alignment has contributed significantly to the current war. In December 2021, Russia presented a draft treaty demanding that NATO halt its expansion, particularly to Ukraine, and remove troops from Eastern Europe. However, the US and NATO refused to entertain these proposals, insisting that NATO’s “open door” policy was non-negotiable.

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China and Europe vow to respond to US's tariff war

President Donald Trump declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, and his order imposes responsive tariffs to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers.

 

   The president of the United States said on April 2, 2025, on a new global trading order announcement, that a levy of 10% would apply to nearly all US imports from April 5 as he also revealed additional so-called reciprocal duties, meaning total tariffs as high as 20% on the EU and 24% on Japan will go into effect on April 9.

 

 

   US tariffs on China, the world’s biggest exporter of goods, will rise to 54% after Trump imposes a further 34% duty on top of 20% levies he placed on China earlier this year. Country’s commerce ministry on Thursday warned it would retaliate against US decision.

   “History has shown that raising tariffs will not resolve the US’s own problems,” said a commerce ministry spokesperson.

   The EU is “prepared to respond”, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, while emphasising the bloc first wished to negotiate. Germany’s finance minister said he expected a “strong response” from the EU.

   Japan’s chief government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed “serious concern” over the US. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy said President Trump’s tariffs were “a measure that I consider wrong.”

 

 

   According to the White House, the annual cost to the US economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and theft of trade secrets is between 225 billion and 600 billion US dollars. In 2024, the US trade deficit in goods exceeded 1.2 trillion US dollars.

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US-Ukraine relations at a crossroads amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics

In a series of unprecedented developments, United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have engaged in high-stakes negotiations that could reshape the geopolitical landscape. Central to these discussions are Ukraine's vast mineral resources and the future of US military aid, which has been pivotal in Ukraine's defense against Russian illegal actions considering the international law of peace.

    On February 28, 2025, President Trump welcomed President Zelensky to the White House to sign a landmark agreement granting the US access to Ukraine's rare-earth elements. This deal aims to offset US war aid expenditures and establish a strategic foothold in the region's mineral-rich landscape.

   The agreement creates a joint mineral fund, with Ukraine contributing 50% of its government-extracted minerals, generating revenues for further investments. However, explicit security guarantees were conspicuously absent from the accord.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of a potential shift in US foreign policy. President Trump has reportedly considered pausing all military aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with President Zelensky, raising concerns about Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense efforts without American support.

   Concurrently, Russia has significantly increased its defense spending, surpassing Europe's collective military budgets. In 2025, Russia's national defense budget soared to 13.5 trillion rubles (approximately 145 billion US dollars), accounting for 32.5% of the national budget. When adjusted for purchasing power parity, Russia's military expenditure reached nearly 462 billion US dollars in 2024, exceeding Europe's combined defense spending.

    The relationship between the US and Ukraine has been further strained by public disagreements. President Trump accused President Zelensky of "gambling with world war three" during their White House meeting, leading to the abrupt cancellation of a minerals deal intended as a precursor to a broader ceasefire with Russia. Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelensky, labeling him as antagonistic. In response, Zelensky declined to apologize, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and resilience in the face of ongoing aggression.

   European nations find themselves at a crossroads, balancing their support for Ukraine with the shifting dynamics of US foreign policy. While countries like France and Germany have historically been steadfast allies, the current geopolitical climate necessitates a reevaluation of defense strategies and commitments. The absence of clear US security guarantees has prompted European leaders to bolster their defense capabilities, acknowledging the need for greater self-reliance in ensuring regional stability. Britain is not alone in cutting its armed forces in response to the end of the Cold War. That trend in Europe is slowly being reversed, with more nations increasing defence spending.

   President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the midst of the ongoing war, has been working to secure Ukraine's future, pushing for a global peace contract with Ukraine at the center of negotiations. This strategy mirrors past agreements made between Ukraine and European officials, such as France and Germany. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued his military campaign with little regard for these diplomatic agreements, highlighting the difficulty in achieving a lasting resolution through diplomacy alone.

   Amidst the political and military maneuvers, the human cost of the conflict remains profound. President Zelensky highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people, noting that despite the hardships, daily life continues with people attending work and school, even if underground or online. Zelensky has refuted claims that Ukraine is on the brink of total destruction, asserting that the country is not as devastated as the media has portrayed. He further highlighted the staggering loss of life on the Russian side, claiming that Putin has already lost approximately 700,000 soldiers in the conflict, a claim that paints a grim picture of Russia’s military progress.

    As these events unfold, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcomes will have lasting implications for global politics, security, and economics. The convergence of resource interests, military commitments, and humanitarian concerns marks a critical juncture in the 21st century's geopolitical narrative. Future generations will look back on this period as a defining moment that shaped the course of nations and the international order.

   The outcome of this conflict, particularly regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and the balance of global power, will have profound consequences for decades to come. The choices made by world leaders in the coming months may well shape the future geopolitical landscape, and history will likely look back on these events as pivotal moments in the shaping of global alliances and national interests.

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Ukraine's deal with US over rare earth minerals and reconstruction fund

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is preparing to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington this Friday to sign a deal that will provide the United States access to Ukraine's rare earth mineral resources, including vital materials like graphite, titanium, lithium, and other key minerals used in technology and defense industries.
 

    The agreement will establish an "investment fund" aimed at Ukraine's reconstruction, with both countries managing the fund equally. In exchange, Ukraine will contribute 50% of future proceeds from state-owned mineral resources, oil, and gas to the fund, which will then be used for infrastructure and development projects across the war-torn nation.

   This agreement comes as a strategic move to bolster Ukraine's economy (they hope so) while providing the US with access to critical raw materials (the main purpose of this story).

   Zelensky seems that has been pushing for clear security guarantees from the US, which would help Ukraine defend itself amidst the ongoing war with Russia. US officials have made it clear that they will not offer extensive security guarantees, asserting that the responsibility for Ukraine's defense largely falls to Europe.

   Ukraine's mineral deposits are considerable, with reserves that account for a significant share of the world's critical raw materials. Both Russia and United States managed to have access to its deposits of rare earth minerals, by implementing different approaches.

   Kyiv estimates that about 5% of the world's "critical raw materials" are in Ukraine, despite covering only 0.4% of the globe's surface. This includes some 19m tonnes of proven reserves of graphite, which the Ukrainian Geological Survey state agency says makes the nation "one of the top five leading countries" for the supply of the mineral. Graphite is used to make batteries (for electric vehicles etc.).

    The country has deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified as critical by the European Union, including rare earths such as lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, erbium and yttrium, according to reports.

   Ukraine also has significant deposits of titanium, lithium and rare earth metals - a group of 17 elements that are used to produce weapons, wind turbines, electronics and other products vital in the modern world. A total resources worth of over 350 billion dollars have been seized by Russia, according to unofficial reports.

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EU and NATO allies will support a war by 0.25% of their annual GDP?

In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine lands and the increasing involvement of global powers like China and North Korea, it is time for the European Union (EU) member states and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to reassess their military support commitments, according to a recent EU decision.

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Global leaders head to Davos: Once upon a time, human was first

The well-known Davos meeting is once again the epicenter of global attention. Leaders are going to the World Economic Forum 2024 to discuss global security, job creation, climate initiatives, and artificial intelligence development. 

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Thankfully happiness stems from inside...

Thankfully happiness stems from inside... if we had to wait others we might always be less happy of what we really deserve! [mostly sad in this sad world]...

Keep your good mood and success is there! Others, people, cannot stop development and dreams! Be honest, real, authentic!

We live inside a technological era where we must cope with a larger audience and communicate with it. In past you could work-live being "invisible". Today the access to notions of being "famous" and "attractive" influence most people on earth!

Don't be selfish, don't become arrogant, while respect and trust are welcomed! Don't judge unfairly someone, but be polite and helpful! Always explain, give another chance, communicate, discuss your issue! Human resources nowadays are more complicated than ever!

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Recruiters, HR managers, ARE YOU OK?

I really cannot understand all these job posts asking for many years of experience even for entry level positions. Recruiters, HR managers, ARE YOU OK?

You prefer a candidate having just a high school diploma but with three years of experience, rather than a candidate with a degree (at least) and zero experience. You believe that the first one had the ultimate experience? So your company is based on his/her experience? What do you expect?

What if it was a BAD experience? What if that person wants to ''forget'' the past and move on to a new healthier environment asking for an opportunity? What about the other one, who wants an opportunity since first place?

Dear recruiters and HR managers, consider that you refer to human beings! Not to robots, or people without need of living! Educate your employees, and stop asking nonsense! Thanks for your time. 😐

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The 20 most important questions to ask in a job interview

Job interviews are a crucial opportunity to learn more about the company and role while showcasing your qualifications. Here are the 20 most important questions you can consider asking during a job interview: 

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The use of electroencephalogram equipment to understand work conditions

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity. During an electroencephalogram test, which is a painless test, small sensors are attached to the scalp of a human to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain. 

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Regional variations in EU employment rates and the secret of Germany

The European Union (EU) employment rate in 2022 reached its historical high at 74.6%, however, when examining regional data, significant differences emerge beneath the EU average, according to the latest Eurostat announcement.

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The soft saving trend can become a huge headache

In general, the future of an economy can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including fiscal and monetary policies, technological advancements, changes in demographics, global economic trends, and more.

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New leadership approaches and norms of quality

Leadership is seen as a non-coercive form of influence aimed at the production of change and movement. It presents many differences compared to the concept of management, while certain leaders or leadership styles can be more successful than others.

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Technology can change the way we think and remember

Technology seems to have the capacity to change the way we think and remember. It seems that we lose a part of the trust level we place in our own mind. Many times, we try to capture our present on digital forms of information storage, and we forget how to live the moment, experience the present, and create actual memories!

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