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Here's my pick of the five best posts from this week's business blogs. I'm pointing you to posts on productivity, men and women at work, generational differences that matter, worker flexibility, and research into behavior in multiplayer games.

From Penelope Trunk at The Brazen Careerist: Research that reveals new paths to productivity
"Recently I have fallen back into my evil habit of writing a to do list and then ignoring it because I don’t think I can get it done. I know from past experience that the best way out of this rut is to read research about productivity. Even if I don’t act on the research, taking the time to think about productivity inspires me to be more true to my to do list."

Wally's Comment: This is a fine thought-starter and Penelope's statement about how reviewing the research can be inspiring is a good theme for this week's best blog picks.

From Ellen Weber at Brain Based Business: Why Men and Women Hit the Dust at Work
"Here’s the skinny of what we know about brainpower differences in men and women."

Wally's Comment: Yes we need every brain in the game and it shouldn't matter what kind of plumbing comes with it. Ellen Weber points you to several sources on this issue.

From Steve Roesler at All Things Workplace: Generational Differences That Do Make a Difference
"Yesterday's post," Talent: Does Generational Difference Really Matter?" drew a series of insightful comments. Most zeroed in on the fact that, regardless of the scenario, we humans want others to be more like us--and respond the way we want them to respond--regardless of what the perceived difference might be. So, what is different across certain generations?

Wally's Comment: There is soooooo much nonsense written about generational differences. Steve Roesler offers some well-supported thoughts about what really is and what really matters.

From Ken Nowack at Results versus Activities: Want to Increase Productivity? Increase Your Talent’s Flexibility
"Prior research has demonstrated that employees’ positive mood is associated with job performance. Two recent longitudinal studies used data collected from 306 (Study 1) and 263 (Study 2) insurance sales agents in Taiwan. The results showed that employee positive moods were significantly associated with increased performance indirectly through both interpersonal (helping other coworkers and coworker helping and support) and motivational (self-efficacy and task persistence) processes1. What better way to increase positive mood then by giving employees more control over their work schedule and time?"

Wally's Comment: Ken always digs into the research so folks like you and me don't have to. In my research, I identified "maximum control possible over work life" as a key component of a great working environment. This post is rich with real scientific studies that support the idea of giving your people more say in what they do and when and how.

From John Caddell at Shoptalk: Multiplayer games demonstrate a new model for leadership
"For many people engaged in knowledge work (a larger and larger percentage of the workforce), the biggest hassles are the noise and overhead of keeping track of their time, following procedures, reporting status, getting direction. In other words, being 'managed.'"

Wally's Comment: A few months back there was a flurry of silliness about how online games would give us the model for leadership in the future. Here's a responsible review of some of the things we can learn from research into how people behave in multiplayer games.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.

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Wally Bock has helped people learn to be great bosses for more than a quarter century. His latest book, Performance Talk: The One-on-One Part of Leadership, makes learning key leadership principles almost effortless by teaching through a story and providing lists of resources for further growth.

Click here to find out more about Wally's coaching services.

For weekly tips and resources pointers, check our Wally Bock's Three Star Leadership Letter.

Click here to find out more about having Wally speak to your company or convention.