5 important habits can help leaders succeed | Expert tips on how to make a remote tech workforce work | Survey: Women launching about half of new US businesses
5 important habits can help leaders succeed People in leadership positions have a responsibility to motivate and guide, and the correct mindset is key. Keeping five important habits top of mind can help leaders be successful: Remember to inspire and not just instruct, create a well-defined vision so team members know how to pull together, focus on authentic and not just one-dimensional relationships, foster a culture of coaching and mentoring, and always keep learning as a leader. Full Story: Association for Talent Development (3/2023)
Expert tips on how to make a remote tech workforce work Tech employers can improve the likelihood of their remote workforce succeeding by making sure that internal communication among management and individual employees is solidly established, and that everyone is fully aware of the company's defined goals and objectives, says Mashvisor CEO and Cofounder Peter Abualzolof. He also highlights the importance of striking the perfect balance between flexibility and structure, as well as ensuring that workers have sufficient access to necessary tech tools. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (3/31)
The Landscape
Survey: Women launching about half of new US businesses About half of the new businesses formed in 2022 were founded by women, up from 29% prior to the pandemic, according to a survey from the payroll service Gusto. Forty-one percent of respondents cited financial necessity as a reason for launching their companies. Full Story: Bloomberg (3/30)
Alphabet and Google CFO Ruth Porat said in a memo to staff Friday that the tech giant would shutter some snack bars and close cafeterias during times of low occupancy, and noted more cost cuts and efforts to drive efficiency would be coming. "Just as we did in 2008, we'll be looking at data to identify other areas of spending that aren't as effective as they should be," Porat told employees via email, citing the current economic climate and investment opportunities like artificial intelligence. Alphabet in January announced job cuts amounting to roughly 6% of its workforce. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (3/31)
Balancing Yourself
Need a mental health boost? Do some spring cleaning Giving your house a good "spring cleaning" does more than declutter your space, it enhances mental health by creating both a sense of calm and a new feeling of energy that comes with a clean, organized space, says experts. "There's a peace of mind from having an aesthetically pleasing place to wake up in and return to at the end of your workday, or, if you're working from home, just to have your workday feel smooth and organized and put together," says clinical psychologist Dawn Potter. Full Story: Vogue (3/27)
If you've ever seen "Jurassic Park," you probably have distinct vision of a T. rex's large and terrifying teeth. But a new study suggests the aesthetic we've internalized through pop culture is probably dramatized, as the dinosaur's teeth likely were not exposed, but rather obscured by scaly, lizard-like lips. To be honest, this study would've flown right by without the reference to the Spielberg-directed blockbuster, so good job, University of Portsmouth! But let's be real. Is it really shocking that Hollywood has a flair for the dramatic? Full Story: University of Portsmouth (UK) (3/30)
SmartBrief Podcast Network
Savvy ways to make your home more sustainable Even some of the most tech-savvy people can struggle to understand the complex benefits of various energy-efficient solutions for their home. With that in mind, Matt Ferrell joins the Sustainability SmartPod to outline easy ways everyday people can embrace cost-saving strategies that also make their homes more resilient and more sustainable. The team also discusses what the IPCC got right and wrong with its latest climate report, top headlines from the sustainability sector and efforts under way to make Ramadan celebrations more sustainable. Full Story: Sustainability SmartPod (3/28)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
The Osborne 1 made its debut April 3, 1981. What was it? Check your answer here.
