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# #214 - Is it Arse or Ass?
- URL: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/214-is-it-arse-or-ass/
- Published: 2024-11-18T05:34:52.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-18T05:34:51.000Z
- Description: This week, I'm looking at presentation skills, productivity tips and best practices for working in global teams. I also have some new journal prompts, ways to deal with unpleasant people and a blast from the past to take a break with!
- Author: Matt
- Tags: Newsletter

###   
The Stuff that MattRs

**Monday Motivation**. Let this week be the one where you improve your [presentation skills](https://ie.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/presentation-skills?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). I don’t often think about making slides or telling stories, but I liked this guide to [planning a presentation in one hour or less.](https://www.estherstanhope.com/blog/2021/9/30/how-to-plan-a-presentation-in-one-hour-or-less?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) *Bonus Stuff. for more slide-based skills,* [*my presentation 50 will help.*](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/microstuff-presentation-50/)

**Productivity**. If you want to be productive,[ start saying ‘no’ to these 12 things](https://hackspirit.com/if-you-really-want-to-be-productive-in-life-start-saying-no-to-these-things/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). *I’ve shared some tactics for HOW to say no before,* [*here’s a reminder of techniques that work.* ](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/featured/the-art-of-setting-boundaries-why-saying-no-is-key-to-your-success/)

**Email**. [How to ask for things, and get a response.](https://zapier.com/blog/email%5Fstrategies/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Earlier this year I went on a communications course and we talked a lot about how to maximise comms over email. These tips are an essential read, I specifically like #6 as a way of improving your email. 

**Global**. [Best practices for working in a global team.](https://subscribe.marissagoldberg.com/posts/communication-best-practices-for-global-teams?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) *I read this with interest, my team are all in the US while I’m here in Europe. I used the guidance here to check in on whether I was doing the right things.*

**Feedback**. [Turn criticism into career growth](https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/heres-how-you-can-turn-criticism-career-growth-otpkf?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). Some great insight in this LinkedIn article. *Bonus Stuff.* [*My guide to turning feedback into development.*](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/featured/how-to-receive-feedback-actionable-tips-for-professional-growth/)

✍️

****Random Journal Prompt:** What emotions arise when I face ambiguous situations, and why? [From my new prompts for Ambiguity.](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/journal-prompts-for-ambiguity/)  
  
****Bonus Stuff.** [Try my 30 day Journalling Challenge](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/journalling/).

![black flat screen tv turned on at the living room](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617575521317-d2974f3b56d2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fHN0b3J5fGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTg0NTYwNXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000)

Photo by [Etienne Girardet](https://unsplash.com/@etiennegirardet?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit)

**Journaling**. Some new prompts to help you with your journaling practice - this time, I’m [covering ambiguity, and how you deal with it](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/journal-prompts-for-ambiguity/). *If you haven’t practised journaling recently,* [*I have you covered with my free 28 day challenge.*](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/the-stuff30-journaling-challenge/)

**Arseholes/Assholes.** [Eight steps for dealing with assholes](https://www.nickycullen.com/articles/dealing-with-assholes?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). It’s a few years old, but I love this article on dealing with unpleasant people. I guarantee you’ll know some of the types of people identified. *Should it be arse or ass, feel free to let me know in the comments!*

**Principles**. [63 great principles to follow](https://nabeelqu.co/principles?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). #15, #30 and #62 are great lessons to learn. 

**Stories**. [How to tell a better story.](https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-tell-a-better-story-with-tips-from-a-pro-storyteller?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Psyche magazine takes you through the building blocks of building and telling a great story, an essential skill in the workplace and beyond. 

**Finally**. Tetris is 40 years old this year. [Let’s play it again as a reminder of how addictive it was!](https://tetris.ing/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)

🎵

Have you tried ****FlowStuff**? It's my ever growing and changing playlist of music for concentration and relaxation. 35 hours of mostly beatless and wordless music. [You can follow along here.](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rXoop87aCB6oe1HBERtyn?si=f38e9657e468481c&ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)

### 🔈 Stuff to Listen to...

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c2/2e/c22ecd6b-9412-4701-b914-97051141e207/content/images/2024/11/image-3.png)

🎧 This week, I'm recommending Caoilfhionn Rose and their new album 'Constellation' which I have been enjoying for the last few weeks. 

Even though I can't pronounce the name yet, I've been enjoying this beautiful, ethereal sound that sits somewhere at the intersection of jazz, folk and electronica. 

It's a gentle album that is both soothing and invigorating.

Highly recommended.

[Listen to Constellation by Caoilfhionn Rose here](https://open.spotify.com/album/1gwFi1rWlsDPs5OGk034Yr?si=OgFk3niDTvevPMsNQx5Cvg&ref=mattrutherford.co.uk)

### Stuff Someone Said (feel free to share)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c2/2e/c22ecd6b-9412-4701-b914-97051141e207/content/images/2024/11/Stuff-214-1.png)