Articles

The Sycophancy Trap: Why Your AI Might Be Lying to You

Andrew Badham - 2026-02-11 11:46:00

We like to think of Artificial Intelligence as a neutral, objective arbiter of truth. We use it to research complex topics, settle debates, and check our own thinking. However, recent research into Large Language Models (LLMs) suggests that AI has a surprising—and slightly concerning—personality trait: sycophancy. Sycophancy in AI is the tendency for a model to tailor its responses to match the user's expressed views, even if those views are factually incorrect or biased. As it tu... Read more

Fraud or Perfectionist? Understanding the Imposter Gap

Andrew Badham - 2026-02-11 11:15:39

If you’ve ever sat in a high-level meeting or finished a successful project only to feel like you’ve "tricked" everyone into thinking you’re competent, you aren’t alone. This is the hallmark of Imposter Syndrome—a phenomenon where high achievers attribute their success to luck rather than skill, living in constant fear of being "found out." However, recent research suggests that Imposter Syndrome doesn't exist in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with specific t... Read more

Beyond Romance: How Your Partner Influences Your Career

Andrew Badham - 2026-02-11 10:44:48

When we think of professional growth, we usually think of networking, upskilling, and late nights at the office. We rarely think of Valentine’s Day dinner as a "business expense," yet recent research suggests that our romantic choices are among the most significant career decisions we ever make. A study examining politicians—individuals whose careers demand extreme time, resource coordination, and public scrutiny—revealed that a healthy romantic relationship acts as a powerf... Read more

The Psychology of Victim Signaling: A Sign of Narcissism?

Andrew Badham - 2026-02-04 09:43:44

  We often think of narcissists as loud, charming, and status-obsessed. However, recent psychological research suggests a more subtle, often overlooked manifestation: the perpetual victim. While genuine victimisation is a tragic reality for many, "victim signalling"—the tendency to frequently portray oneself as the target of others' unfairness—can sometimes be a calculated social strategy. Here is what the latest research tells us about the link between victimhood and narcissis... Read more

At Sea - Skills Development in South Africa - Jan 2026

Kerrin Badham - 2026-01-30 11:40:50

The South African skills development landscape is currently weathering a perfect storm: the transition from SETA-based legacy qualifications to the QCTO framework. With the 30 April WSP/ATR deadline approaching, businesses must navigate shifting accreditation requirements while trying to close genuine skill gaps. This article explores how to move beyond the "paperwork of progress" and find a steady course through these legislative changes. The Current Tide: Why Businesses Feel "At Sea" In ea... Read more