Agile learning starts with self-awareness Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, co-founders and CEOs of Amazing If, write that agile learning starts with self-awareness and the ability to navigate new situations. Agile learners also take time to understand others by showing empathy and welcoming new perspectives, they write, and agile learning is a key skill for non-linear career paths. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (11/23)
Build trust with your team by being transparent in your communication, acknowledging their concerns, following through on your commitments and giving them a sense of how their work contributes to the overall success of the company, writes leadership coach Marcel Schwantes. "This can be done by communicating how their work, even the most mundane tasks, ties into the company mission, strategy, and end goals," Schwantes notes. Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (11/25)
Why employers should reframe middle management Employers should revise the role of middle managers by giving them more control, helping them focus on business priorities and treating their jobs as destinations instead of steppingstones, says Emily Field, a McKinsey partner and one of the authors of the new book "Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work." "With proper structural enablers and empowering culture, middle managers can thrive as indispensable partners between the C-suite and front-line employees," says Field, who adds employers should reward middle managers for accomplishments and cut back on their administrative duties. Full Story: Society for Human Resource Management (tiered subscription model) (11/27)
Workers tend to be anxious during the holidays due to higher expenses, tight work deadlines, and keeping up with activities at home and work. Employers can help alleviate some stress with these tips from Karen Rech, senior EAP trainer at Health Advocate. Full Story: Employee Benefit News (free registration) (11/27)
The Landscape
What to know about the executive order on AI A recent executive order on artificial intelligence from the Biden administration calls on the Department of Labor to take several steps, including the publication of guidance for avoiding hiring discrimination related to the use of the technology, writes attorney Christopher Wilkinson of Perkins Coie. "Savvy employers require deep knowledge and understanding of how the DOL fits into the larger puzzle, as well as the nuts and bolts of the regulatory and policy landscape to determine what may actually get done," Wilkinson writes. Full Story: Bloomberg Law (11/22)
Savvy companies know CEO succession is far more than here today, gone tomorrow -- it requires a thoughtful process and, ideally, a smooth handoff. Be a stand-up leader when stepping down, and prepare your replacement with celebratory introductions around the company and a straightforward review of existing and coming challenges, Purpose Linked Consulting CEO Alaina Love recommends. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (11/27)
Balancing Yourself
Make the most of work days after the holidays The stress of returning to work after a holiday can be alleviated by spending some time in the morning on enjoyable tasks, bringing some holiday leftovers for lunch, and getting up from the desk frequently to stretch or take a walk, writes Mark Murphy, author, speaker and founder of LeadershipIQ.com. "This isn't a productivity hack, but it's a simple way to infuse a tiny bit of happiness into your day," Murphy writes. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (11/24)
The Water Cooler
Merriam-Webster's word of the year is ... With all the news about artificial intelligence, misinformation, bots, deepfakes and Elon Musks out there, it's no surprise that Merriam-Webster's word of the year is something that represents the exact opposite of all those things. Full Story: BBC (11/27)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Pro baseball player Lou Gehrig ended his streak of consecutive games played at 2,130. Who broke that streak?
