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This is the latest news and information for workers and managers from across the Web universe, brought to you by Monday Morning Manager writer Harvey Schachter. Follow us on Twitter @Globe_Careers or join our Linked In group.
Behaviour at work
The next time you're frustrated by a colleague's behaviour, consultant Michael Kerr suggests being curious instead of judgmental. Ask yourself, "Why might this person be behaving in this way?" That's a healthier approach and more likely to lead to a solution than just being bitter. Humor At Work Blog
Consumer reviews
To determine the reaction of consumers to new products and plan future versions, online reviews may be better than focus groups, according to a study of tablets by Concordia University's Simon Li, Kamrun Nahar and Benjamin C.M. Fung. Online reviews are free, quick and provide opinions of motivated users. Strategy+business
Playing devil's advocate
Decision-making expert Michael Roberto likes appointing devil's advocates to probe the validity of ideas, but he stresses timing is critical: You don't want it to happen too early in the process as it can suppress the generation of ideas and alternatives. Save it for later, the analytical phase. Professor Michael Roberto's Blog
Performance incentives
A study of sales employees suggests that when performance incentives are withdrawn they are more willing to explore new commercial ideas and also the quality of the avenues they consider improves. This effect was driven by top performers, who now had more slack in time and resources to be adventurous. Knowledge.insead.edu
Tech tip
Using a Mac won't necessarily prevent you from getting malware and adware. Try scanning with the new (and free) Malwarebytes for Mac tool, which Malwarebytes created by buying and rebranding Adware Medic. Other possibilities, also free: Sophos Antivirus for Mac: Home Edition and Avast Free Antivirus for Mac. HowToGeek.com
Harvey Schachter is a Battersea, Ont.-based writer specializing in management issues. He writes Monday Morning Manager and management book reviews for the print edition of Report on Business and an online work-life column Balance. E-mail Harvey Schachter
Harvey Schachter