The Rodman Paradox highlights employees who, like Dennis Rodman in basketball, are indispensable despite not being the most visible or highest-paid. These employees possess unique skills that are difficult to replace, making them crucial to organizational success. Leaders are encouraged to identify and support these individuals to maintain resilience Full Story: StrategicCHRO360 (5/19)
CBS News employees are in turmoil following the resignation of news chief Wendy McMahon, who has always championed journalistic independence. McMahon resigned this week after repeated clashes with CBS parent company Paramount Global over "60 Minutes" coverage and President Donald Trump's lawsuit against CBS. The lawsuit has been a major issue as Paramount Global seeks a settlement to help facilitate a merger with Skydance Media. Reporters are concerned that McMahon's departure will leave the door open for increased corporate influence over editorial content. "Wendy was standing up for us. There's a lot of fear about what happens with her gone now," said a CBS journalist. Full Story: CNN (5/20),CNN (5/20)
Millennials reshape employer benefits to family focus As millennials become the largest segment of the US workforce, employers are increasingly offering sought-after benefits such as fertility and child care coverage. A survey by Maven Clinic, a virtual clinic for women's and family health, found that 69% of employees have considered changing jobs for better reproductive and family benefits. Full Story: USA Today (5/17)
Kennesaw State University golf team (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Kennesaw State University supports student athletes by organizing networking scrimmages, allowing athletes to practice professional interactions in a low-pressure setting. These events help athletes balance their sports commitments with career development, featuring insights from former athletes on transitioning to the workforce. Full Story: Inside Higher Ed (5/19)
The HR Leader
Addressing cultural resistance during company scaling Navigating cultural challenges during hypergrowth involves managing psychological resistance and preserving company values. As organizations scale, employees often fear losing the agility and informal interactions that characterized the startup phase. The key is to maintain core values and ensure they are embedded throughout the employee journey, as well as communicate transparently to prevent feelings of exclusion, writes Lyuba Brouillard, Chief People Officer at Duco. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (5/19)
About the Editor
Reflections
(Kanoe Namahoe)
Today’s issue was packed with stories that tickled my brain. I couldn’t pick just one. The Rodman Paradox, named after retired NBA star Dennis Rodman, describes the employees you can’t live without. These folks are not necessarily the charming, charismatic motivators who rally the troops, like a Steph Curry or Kevin Garnett, but they have a unique skill set that sets them apart and takes their teams -- and organizations -- to the next level. That was Rodman -- 100%. A master rebounder and defensive beast, he was dangerous on both ends of the court. Great teams became champions when he joined their rosters. CBS reporters are worried, and frankly, they should be. Corporate leaders who exert influence over the newsroom are not just breaching editorial independence; they threaten reporters’ livelihoods. Journalists’ reputations are based on the quality and integrity of their work. Tarnishing those reputations can affect their futures. The struggle is real for college athletes transitioning into the professional workforce. It’s an environment for which most have little experience. Their sport consumes their time in school. That said, these young people enter their careers with valuable skills embedded in them from years in sports. They are smart, tough, able to think on their feet and get along with different types of people. They don’t wither easily under criticism and can usually take direction well. All of these traits make them ideal assets for organizations. What was your favorite story today? Let me know! I always appreciate hearing from you! Do you enjoy this brief? Share it with others. Want different stories? Something about it bug you? Tell me. In the words of Frasier Crane, “I’m listening.”
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