Left to right: Ian Silveira, Andrew Gallagher, Chris Massey and author Mike Donohue (Photo courtesy of Mike Donohue)
Being on an Olympic-level rowing team taught Mike Donohue, the senior vice president of global sales at Gupshup, the value of building trust to create a tight-knit team that can handle differences while focusing together on the goal at hand. "The difference between a good company and a great one lies in cultivating a supportive and efficient team. The results come later," Donohue writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (8/16)
Making the Connection
What type of mentoring helps top achievers? Top performers need mentors who focus on their specific needs, encourage continuous learning, introduce them to new challenges, help them understand emotions and nurture their relationships with other professionals, write Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata, who wrote books about mentoring. "Effective mentoring can help high achievers avoid stagnation, discover new passions, and expand their influence, ultimately creating a culture of high achievement within their teams and organizations," they write. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (8/19)
Restaurateur Danny Meyer's two favorite interview questions for job candidates are designed to reveal authentic aspects of their personalities. The founder of Shake Shack asks about the biggest misperception others have of them and about significant life events before age 12, noting that the approach gives him a chance to show his own vulnerability and start building trust. Full Story: CNBC (8/15)
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Hotel-like workspaces aim to draw employees back With the office vacancy rate remaining elevated, some downtown areas are creating resort-like workspaces to attract employees. This transformation, known as hotelification, involves redesigning offices with hotel-like amenities and a hospitality experience that anticipates and addresses people's needs, according to architect Amy Campbell of Gensler. Full Story: The New York Times (8/18)
Remote CEO trend continues as workers return to office Newly appointed CEOs at Starbucks and Victoria's Secret are joining a broader trend of remote work among top executives. Brian Niccol, Starbucks' new CEO, will work from Newport Beach, California, while spending significant time at the Seattle headquarters. Similarly, Hillary Super, the new CEO of Victoria's Secret, will move to New York, away from the company's base in Columbus, Ohio. This trend of remote leadership is becoming more common, contrasting with the stricter in-office requirements for other employees. Full Story: Bloomberg (8/15)
Your Next Challenge
How much notice should you give before retiring? Determining the right amount of retirement notice to give is a complex decision with multiple factors to consider. While giving three to six months' notice is standard and can help employers manage transitions and allow retirees to prepare financially and mentally, it also carries risks. Extended notice periods can expose employees to age-related discrimination or premature termination. Full Story: Yahoo (8/19)
Is there an option cheaper than an MBA? While an MBA offers career flexibility and advancement, its costs and time investment lead many to consider other paths. Alternatives include leadership development programs, certifications like CFA, CPA and CMA, and executive courses. Mentorship and practical experience can also enhance career growth, offering a cost-effective way to gain skills. Full Story: Investopedia (8/19)
If the adventures of Clark Kent/Superman, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor and Jor-El evoke fond memories for you, this ranking is for you. Who even knew they made SIX "Superman" movies? Full Story: Space (8/19)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Call it the "Disneyland of countries" -- the World Happiness Report 2024 listed which of these countries for the 7th consecutive year as the happiest?