There's way too much stuff that comes across my screen to get it all into a blog. So each week I try to identify a few bits that are interesting and might have escaped your notice. This week I'm pointing you to pieces on office tyrants, the science of mind, thank-you notes, gender stereotyping, and how the intelligence computer systems are copying Amazon technology.

From the Wall Street Journal: How Office Tyrants in Critical Positions Get Others to Grovel
"Misreading the choke points, sources of influence, or all those whose rings need kissing can spell disaster. Everyone, even the titled-brass class, should look down their noses at their own risk."

From the New York Times: Sleights of Mind
"Some magicians have intuitively mastered some of the lessons being learned in the laboratory about the limits of cognition and attention."

From Accountemps: Survey Shows Thank-You Notes Influence Hiring Decisions, But Only Half of Candidates Send Them
"Your mother told you to do it, and now a new survey shows she was right: Sending a thank-you note not only displays impeccable manners but also may give job hopefuls an edge over other applicants. While nearly nine out of 10 of executives polled (88 percent) said sending a thank-you note following an interview can boost a job seeker’s chances, they also estimate that half of applicants (49 percent) fail to do so. The good news: More candidates are following up post-interview today than five years ago."

From Catalyst: Catalyst Study on Gender Stereotyping at Work Uncovers Double-Bind Dilemmas for Women
"This report, the third in Catalyst’s in-depth series examining the pervasive and damaging effects of gender stereotyping in the workplace, focuses on the consequences of gender bias and three specific “double-bind dilemmas” frequently experienced by women business leaders. The study also suggests organizational solutions to counter the persistent effects of gender stereotyping."

From the Washington Post: Consumer Innovations to Inform Web Site for Spies
"Government agents may soon find valuable information through an online-recommendation system like the one on Amazon.com: Spies who read this report, it might say, also found these reports useful."

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