After watching the longest Major League All-star game in history, the feeling I was left with was sorrow for the plight of Alex Rodriguez, the MVP third baseman for the New York Yankees, who happens to be the highest paid man in baseball.

Here's a great way to improve your team.

Last week I had minor surgery after breaking two fingers, which explains why it’s going to take me 5 times as long to write this entry as it’ll take you to read it. Depending on my mood at the time of the question, if you ask me how I broke them, I’d either tell you by pulling orphans out of the rubble after a small earthquake or by hitting a foul ball with a wet bat during a slo-pitch softball game. I’ll let you decide which is the more impressive feat...

Why do some successful people hit bottom when they reach the top? And how can high-performers keep themselves from self-destructing?

Welcome to the Science of Small Talk, an exploration of social thought and behavior. Specifically, the mission of this blog is to apply principles and theories of behavioral science to the examination of everyday interactions. Because even the most mundane aspects of our social universe are amenable to scientific analysis, from dinner party conversations to job interview strategies, from TV game shows to fast-food drive-thrus...

How do you deal with a prying boss?

Just when I think significant progress is being made toward increasing the
acceptance and positive perception of counseling, something will occur to lead
me to question that. The latest occurrence was a recent interaction I
had at a bank. Upon seeing my checks made out to Dr., I was asked by the bank
teller "What kind of doctor are you?" I'm a psychologist, I said. He then asked, "A clinical psychologist?" I said yes, then, "You must deal with a lot of crazy people."

Addressing this topic generally, the immortal Dagwood Bumstead once claimed: "You can't teach people to be lazy--either they have it, or they don't." So what is laziness anyway? Is it about being slow to do something (what we typically call procrastination)? . . . Or about doing something slowly? . . . Or about not doing it at all? . . . Or, finally, is it about not sufficiently wanting to do something? And if this last alternative is true, when we label someone lazy are we really talking about that person's being indolent, sluggish, or slothful? Or is there something else going on that hasn't yet been appreciated?

According to USA TODAY, the recent issuance of police style badges and new uniforms to TSA screeners was met with resistance by airport police officers who feel this takes away from their authority.

Does your team meet its deadlines?

What helps bring a group together to succeed?

Are some personality tests no better than horoscopes?

Using your psychology degree to get into executive coaching

Are your siblings to blame, or to thank, for your workplace personality?

Is your boss a narcissist?

You've just been given an executive coach- time for celebration or concern?

Today I bumped into an acquaintance I’m quite fond of, who was holding a bouquet of flowers. Of course, I shared how beautiful they were, and I quickly noticed a tinge of discomfort. She mentioned they were from her somewhat recent ex-boyfriend with whom she was dating for 2+years.

Speeding up the "getting to know you" process in a new job.

Take care of your social network and your social network will take care of you

 "Do people always want to know precisely who they are and exactly what they are capable of accomplishing at their best? We doubt it . . ."

Flashbacks to childhood in the office?