Our real job is not just charting our own potential, but it's finding it in others around us. This article is one of a series of stories about ordinary people who have overcome adversity to do great things. Reading or witnessing them do remarkable things can inspire us to bend our potential arc,...
Artificial intelligence [AI] is still all the rage. Generative AI, able to spit out images and text, is growing in popularity as more AI-supported tools are coming on board. “Generative-AI tools aren’t a fad. They will only become more present in our daily lives,” the Wall Street Journal reported. It’s...
Instilling purpose in your employees takes more than motivational talks, lofty speeches, or mission statements. In fact, if overblown or insincere, those methods can backfire, triggering cynicism rather than commitment. To engage, inspire and motivate your employees, keep these two things in mind. Purpose is a feeling. You could tell...
No matter what industry you’re in or how long you’ve been in it, the ability to learn is an essential skill. But it’s not as simple as acquiring knowledge. It’s a regular practice of trying out new things and seeing the world in new ways. You can conduct experiments as...
Many Gen Z employees are struggling to be engaged at work. As a manager, how can you earn their engagement? It’s all about creating a team dynamic of collaboration, commitment, and sustained motivation. First, establish transparent, consistent, two-way communication channels to alleviate their potential fear of uncertainty and help them...
When Jeff Bezos purchased The Washington Post in 2013, we expected his Amazon-esque influence on the 140-year-old media outlet. We were right! Enter Heliograf, The Washington Post’s AI-powered journalist who in 2016 had a remarkable freshman year, publishing 850 articles that covered the Rio Olympics, football games and election updates. But The...
One of your core responsibilities as a manager is to develop the next generation of leaders. How can you help your superstar employees fulfill their potential? Here are three strategies. Measure their progress against key leadership competencies. These include team management, relationship building, and communication. Identify where your high potentials...
Ad placements through Instagram search results are now a reality, according to a Meta blog post announcement. When searching through Instagram, ads will pop up with other search results. Ad creators will also learn how their ads are performing with Instagram search results, too!
LinkedIn made DMing a business a possibility. A LinkedIn post recently announced that its 930 million professionals, marketers and others can have more ease of access to businesses and brands through its Pages Messaging. This opportunity, described as a two-way conversation, lets a LinkedIn member ask a question to a business about...
Meta is getting in on the AI action with "ChatGPT-like" chatbots. They will be deployed on Messenger and WhatsApp, according to reported by Katie Paul in an article for Reuters. The bots will converse using different personas. Meta based chatbots could change user pictures on Instagram from text prompts, create emojis...
We'd all love to work in a vibrant and caring environment in which we are valued as whole people. But how can you, as an individual, contribute to this kind of workplace? Here are some ideas: Get to know people on a personal level. Be the person who goes out...
We often assume that if we’re successful at one company, we’ll easily succeed at another. But it can be jarring to join a new organization with a very different culture. One way to ease the transition is to find a cultural mentor :: someone who can help you interpret and...
In this 'great resignation" era we all need to work hard to engage and retain the top talent on our teams. One way to motivate employees is to remind them how their job helps others. Employees desperately want to feel engaged. Nine out of 10 people would take lower compensation...
When undergraduate students connect their life purpose with their career aspirations, they are more engaged in their academic studies. They are also less likely to undervalue their schoolwork, suffer imposter syndrome and dropout. This transformational nugget of knowledge was from an article I read this weekend on "The Conversation" by...
In hospitals, every study proves that patient care gets better as teamwork gets better. The same goes for the timely precision in an Irish dancing performance, as well as the impact of successful corporate teams. Teamwork isn't a corporate platitude ... it's a under-valued and under-served necessity! Why is this?...
Don’t wait until an employee is already halfway out the door to find out what might’ve convinced them to stay. Instead, regularly check in to make sure your current employees are having a good experience. Here’s how to have these “pro-tension" or stay conversations. First, avoid distractions. To demonstrate how...
This is a scary time to be entering the job market. So, what should you do if you’re a recent graduate hunting for your first job in the midst of this pandemic? 1 :: Hone the skills that will make you a more marketable candidate for the field you’re trying...
Many of us are realizing that simply running a team or company for our salary simply isn’t enough. It isn’t enough for our organizations. It isn’t enough for our employees. And it isn’t enough for us. We are looking for something more. Throughout the pandemic we were seeking stability, stillness...
A challenge for today’s leaders is how to balance employees’ desire for flexibility while ensuring the team remains productive. The good news is that you don’t have to accept a tradeoff between the two if you think differently about when people work together, who works together, and how to share...
Even before the pandemic burnout was a common workplace affliction, but today we all know someone who suffers from it ... maybe we do ourselves? Burnout presents itself in several different flavours and shapes. Here's how to identify the type of you may be experiencing ... and what you can...
As a manager giving feedback is one of your biggest and most challenging responsibilities — and if you’re working remotely, it’s even harder. How can you update your approach to giving feedback in a WFH world? Here are some key steps to keep in mind ::1. Start by asking questions....
Everyone is talking about the "great resignation" era and the threat of losing our top talent. If you’re worried that your employees are eyeing the door, if you haven't already .... it’s time to start having some important, career-defining conversations with the,. Here are five key questions to ask your...
We all want meaningful work, but meaning is rarely handed to us. It’s up to you to connect what you do every day to what you value — and that takes self-reflection and deliberate effort. Keep a journal of your tasks and projects, noting which ones you find deeply satisfying...
For some of us logging back on after the holidays brings that nagging feeling and question: "do I really want to spend another year in this job?" More people are turning to career coaches to chart next steps – and get out of a "prison" of bad jobs. Here are five...
If you work in a place where pandemic restrictions are easing up, and you’re headed back to the office, it may be tempting to get back to “business as usual.” But this is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how you want your team to operate differently going forward. Which...
No matter your title or role, critical thinking [the ability to effectively break down and analyze an issue in order to find a solution] will be core to your success. And at the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate effective questions. Here are a few ways to...
Hybrid work is presenting teams — and managers — with a major problem :: The dissolution of work-life balance. As a boss, how can you help your team mitigate the downsides of hybrid, asynchronous work? Here are a few strategies to consider. Rethink daily schedules. Build in breaks between meetings,...
Many teams suffer from “active inertia” — the tendency to seek comfort in the old ways of doing things, even when the world around you is changing. To help your employees meet the moment, there are two techniques you might try. The “foot-in-the-door” technique. Start by asking people to do...
Many of us will be starting new roles with the onset of the "great recession" If it’s been a while since you started a new job, you might feel unsure of how to start off on the right foot. That’s normal. Here are some strategies to ease the transition and...
Your primary task as a leader is to build your team’s capabilities. The next time you’re tempted to solve a problem for a team member, stop yourself and turn it into a learning opportunity instead. Set clear expectations, communicate what they’re accountable for, and give them the tools they need...
No matter your rank in the workplace, it's likely that your sense of authority rises and falls throughout the day — depending on who you're meeting with, what you're working on, and how you're feeling. Research has shown that these shifts cause stress, so it’s best to avoid multiple fluctuations...
Whether we spend our time dwelling on things we're grateful for or noodling on things that upset us matters. The key lesson :: Shifting our attitudes to focus on giving thanks — not just during the holiday — has a direct link to our wellbeing. Proof :: Psychologists asked half...
Unlocking your team's creativity can sometimes be a challenge for managers. Here are three common fallacies that might be getting in the way — and how to avoid them. The productivity fallacy: There’s a misperception that equates innovation with decision-making speed. Sometimes, the best ideas require long incubation periods. Resisting...
Most people know that how you frame a problem will influence how you solve it. This means that you have to carefully choose the words to describe your issue. If you’re struggling to generate effective solutions, you might change the way you’ve phrased the problem. Specifically, ask yourself two questions...
As a hiring manager, there’s one key question you should ask every job candidate: "How do you learn?" Of course, you want to bring in employees with impressive achievements and qualifications, but a person’s future performance will largely be determined by how intentionally and systematically they develop their skills. So...
To be a good leader, you must communicate well. Cambridge University lecturer Simon Lancaster says that the power of persuasion lies in our ability to manipulate listeners brains. He suggests that we can win support by tapping into peoples cravings for brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. When we do...
If you’ve been working from home for the past year, you may find yourself hitting a wall. WFH burnout is real — so it's important to do what you can to give yourself a boost throughout the workday. Don't underestimate the power of going for a walk (or, if you're...
Chances are, most leaders are too focused on having all the answers — and not focused enough on asking the right questions. It's time to recalibrate. Despite what you might think, expressing vulnerability and asking for help, clarification, or input can be a sign of strength and confidence, not weakness....
It’s hard to feel inspired about much of anything these days — let alone your job. What can you do to shift your perspective if you feel that your work has lost its purpose? Start by turning inward. Reflect on what you care about and what motivates you. Think about...
The ability to bounce back from setbacks is often described as the difference between successful and unsuccessful people. But how do you build that resilience? Research shows that it comes down to the people in your network. You need relationships that are broad and deep enough to support you when...
2020 has been a burdensome year for us all. With elevated expectations and never ending to-do lists, it's easy to feel guilty about what we haven't completed. But guilt is only useful when it motivates us to do more — it shouldn’t make you feel failure or shame. To erase...
You can’t do deep, creative future-forward work when meetings constantly disrupt your flow and hurt your productivity. To give yourself time and space to focus, have one day a week when nothing can interrupt you — no texts, no emails, no phone calls, and absolutely no meetings. Block this day...
Shankar Vedantam recently hosted an informative discussion on why we work. In a dialogue on his NPR show Hidden Brain, he explored how we can shape our thinking about the daily grind and make work a more rewarding experience. His guest, Yale psychologist, Amy Wrzesniewski, informed us that people who...
There’s a popular phrase in HR circles doing the rounds, about “Letting employees bring their best selves to work”. Not only is it a nice idea, it makes economic sense. People’s best selves do far better work, than people’s crappy selves. Of course they do. For the same reason happy...
The pandemic has shown us how crisis can lead to rapid innovation. Just look at all of the companies that quickly pivoted to curbside pickup or adapted their services to new health regulations. How can a leader help their team retain this agility and sense of urgency even when there’s...
Telling a good yarn can help you win over a colleague, a team, an executive, a recruiter or a large conference room. But what does that look like? The best stories don’t just communicate information or elicit an emotional reaction — they're also a tool to persuade and motivate people....
You can tell what people priorities are by what they allow on their calendars. You can tell a lot by breaking down what fills peoples workdays. Paul Graham, founder of Y Combinator, breaks them down into one of two categories :: makers or managers. There are folks who spend most...
There’s not one leadership style that works for all contexts. For example, in some situations, it’ll make sense to tell people what to do, whereas asking open-ended questions will work better in others. You might need to adjust goals as new information emerges, or, under certain circumstances, stick exactly to...
How does purpose impact an organization’s performance? That’s the question Harvard Business School Professor Rebecca Henderson explored during a recent lecture streamed via Facebook Live. https://www.facebook.com/onlineHBS/videos/279648272952652/ Professor Henderson discusses the role that purpose can play in driving employee motivation, productivity, and creativity. Over the course of the talk, Henderson covered...
When people know why they’re being asked to do something, they’re much more likely to do it. So next time you’re preparing to deliver an important message to your team, make sure you’re clear on the “why” behind it. 1. Start by asking yourself a few “what” questions, such as:...
Many companies have formal, hierarchical mentoring programs nested somewhere in their HR department. But evidence shows that these programs alone won’t sufficiently engage or develop junior talent. If you’re interested in mentoring, think about becoming a “mentor of the moment,” by seeking development opportunities in daily interactions. Check in regularly...
Nothing good comes of envy. If employees are resentful about what they feel they deserve or what others have, morale and well-being will suffer. Leaders can combat envy by building a culture of goodwill (“I’m grateful for what I have, and happy about your success”) rather than one of comparison...
As a manager, you probably have to talk a lot. You want people to have the guidance and direction they need, of course, and there are plenty of situations where you need to speak your mind. But at some point, talking a lot can turn into over-communicating. You can end...
Versatility is a key leadership trait. Managers must have the capacity to read and respond to change with a wide repertoire of skills and behaviors. So how can you actually build this ability? [1] Start by soliciting feedback from trusted colleagues. Ask a simple question like, “What should I start...
During stressful and uncertain times, it’s normal to feel anxious and scared. Chances are, most people around you feel it, too. It’s easy to infect each other with anxiety and fear, but we can take steps to protect ourselves from these emotional contagions. Cut down on how often you engage...
It’s not always clear how you should think about growing in your career. One thing to try is writing a “from/to” statement that articulates where you are today and where you want to go. For example :: I want to progress from an individual contributor who adds value through technical...
When our daily routines are geared toward barreling through a to-do list, it can be hard to set the right conditions for creativity. Fortunately, there is a time-tested approach — that’s also quite simple — for generating creative ideas. 1 :: Gather raw materials in your area of interest. This...
The coronavirus crisis has led to radical shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviors. How can you adjust your marketing strategy accordingly? 1. For starters, you’ll need to change the tone of your messaging. Feel-good content that alleviates anxiety and promotes solidarity will help your brand meet the moment. 2. Find...
High achievers often have lofty aspirations for self-improvement. But big goals — such as “meditate for an hour every day,” or “read more” — are often more burdensome than they are sustainable. So, start small by focusing on “microhabits” — more achievable behaviors that you build over long periods of...
Supervisors who suddenly have found themselves managing a fully remote team may be wondering how to measure employee productivity and quality of work from a distance. The key ingredient is trust You may not be able to see what people are doing, but you can still equip them with the...
Good presenters know how to connect with their audience — which is really challenging in a virtual setting. To start, you have to adopt an engaged, active persona. Make “eye contact” with your participants by looking directly into the camera as often as possible. This can be hard to remember,...
Every business has subject-matter experts who are the keepers of critical information or who serve as the firm’s institutional memory. How do you ensure that they pass their knowledge on to the next generation, especially if you don’t want to burden the person with training lots of people? Try using...
One of the most important — and toughest — parts of being a manager is hiring. Too many of us look for talent in the same old (wrong) places or follow the popular trend of thinking the “best hire” is the “best culture fit.” It’s time to update your tactics:...
Unfocused meetings. Competing priorities. Confusion over who gets to make the final call. These are often signs that your organization has poorly designed decision-making processes. Rather than treating the symptoms, take on the system itself. Start by breaking down the types of decisions being made across your organization, then determine...
Work stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Try these strategies during the day to avoid worrying about work at all hours of the night. Make a to-do list. The act of writing down uncompleted tasks allows you to put...
When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial....
The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.
[William James]
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We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity :: If you've got ambition and smarts, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession, regardless of where you started out. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Companies today aren't managing their employees' careers; knowledge workers must, effectively, be their own...
If your team just made an abrupt shift to remote work, it’s important to offer encouragement and emotional support. Acknowledge the pressure everyone is under, listen to their anxieties, concerns + empathize with their struggles. If a newly remote employee is clearly having a hard time, but not communicating stress...
Some jobs have very clear lines between when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.” But when you work in a role where the lines are blurred — or potentially nonexistent — it’s important to protect your non-work time. If you feel like work is taking over most of your waking...
Constantly starving for creative inspiration, I spent much of the weekend seeking sources for the creative collision between philosophy and contemporary design, when I came upon Uber's manifesto. I have been fascinated with it since Saturday ... and I hope you are as energised as I am with this brief...
Every manager wants their employees to have good judgment. The good news is that judgment is a muscle that you can help your team build. Start by talking through how you make important decisions. Explain the criteria and stakeholders you consider, as well as any risks and trade-offs you assess....
A crisis, like Covid-19, can impact how, when, and where you and your employees work. That’s why it’s important to be sure everyone on your team is prepared to work from home — perhaps on a moment’s notice. 1. Map out which jobs and tasks can and can’t be done, even...
It’s hard to get people to pay attention in meetings when everyone’s in the same room — let alone if they’re all calling in from home. How can you get people to actually participate in a virtual meeting? The key is to create structured opportunities for attendees to engage. Do...
We're all stuck at home. Conferences and events are canceled, restaurants and gyms are closed. You have more free time now than you may ever see again in your life. Don’t waste this time. In 1606 a plague swept England, and Shakespeare was quarantined in his home. During that time, he wrote...
For many managers, the hardest part of delegating is trusting that a task will be done well. But it becomes easier when you think of it as a chance to train your staff — not just get rid of some work. The next time you need to delegate something, start...
There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.
[Brian Tracy]
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If you want to lead a successful organizational change, you have to communicate about the change empathetically. And that means finding out how your team feels and tailoring your emails and meetings to their concerns. Leaders who don’t take this step risk alienating their employees, who may already be feeling...
Between work, family, and our personal lives, it’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed a lot of the time. If your to-do list never seems to get shorter, step back and try a new approach. For example, consider whether certain tasks are stressing you out more than others....
Being able to think strategically is important, but in order to get ahead, you have to show your boss and other senior leaders that you can do it. One of the best ways to showcase your skill is to bring a point of view to an important conversation. During a...
Sometimes work gets intense. Whether it’s a seasonal rush or a project with a tight deadline, it can be hard to keep people focused and motivated when they’re overloaded. What’s the best way to rally the troops? For starters, check your own emotional energy. You’ll be hard pressed to lead...
Some people wake us up. They bring us a new idea or a new way to do things. They challenge us to think differently, they challenge the status quo. They make things that previously seemed impossible, possible. We call what they have, vision. They see with their mind's eye a...