How are most established big businesses today staying competitive? By acting like startups. With “disruption” and “innovation” arguably the biggest catchwords of the past decade, even the most stalwart companies are under pressure to evolve. McKinsey cites four avenues to business-building that large companies must adopt if they’re to stay … [Read more...]
Productivity is up, but wellness is suffering
We’re getting more done than ever before. But our well-being is suffering. In one 2020 survey of 1,000 Americans, 72% said their productivity this year has been steady or better than ever, even while working from home much of the time. But many also report having gained weight and experienced a decline in their diet this year. 42% cite extra … [Read more...]
How to know when it’s time to change careers
Did you know exactly what you wanted to be when you grew up? If so, you’re among the lucky few. For most people, it’s a process. Professional life is about learning, and not just learning more skills. It’s also about learning about yourself. You might realize it’s time to think about a new job or even a career switch when you lose interest in … [Read more...]
What separates the dreamers from the doers?
What separates the dreamers from the doers? Warren Buffet says there are 4 “common sense” practices that are still not “common practice” for everyone. 1. Pick your friends wisely 2. Go to bed a little smarter each day 3. Improve your communication skills 4. Say no Inc. Magazine says, “Buffett learned a long time ago that the greatest … [Read more...]
How to Make Better Business Decisions
When it comes to managing the direction of a financial institution, it’s important to encourage open debate among your executive leadership. But what if your debate is not as open as you might think? A recent article in Forbes noted that, often, “open-minded” offices are still plagued by employees’ inherent fear of rocking the boat. This can … [Read more...]
Want to get the most out of your team members?
Want to get the most out of your team members? Encourage them to be themselves. Study after study shows that supporting individuality is good for business. Encourage your employees to be themselves. One 2011 study of recent MBA grads showed that those who felt they could express their authentic selves at work tended to be more engaged and … [Read more...]
True leaders harness these 5 components of emotional intelligence
What makes a leader, a leader? Ask ten different people and you’ll get ten different answers. Here’s one list of potent leadership traits from the Harvard Business Review, it lists five emotional intelligence traits effective leaders must possess. 1. Self-awareness — which can look like self-confidence, to a degree, but includes a realistic … [Read more...]
Why Inclusive Teams Deliver Better Ideas and Stronger Outcomes
Consider this: millennials and Gen Z folks are the most diverse in history. In the last 40 years, as these generations have entered the workforce, the percentage of white workers in the U.S. has declined from 83% to 63%. The rise of conversation about diversity and inclusion at work has been happening for a long time, but it’s reached an apex … [Read more...]
How to Negotiate Virtually
Virtual negotiation is one of those things people either love or hate. And whether it’s about negotiating for a job or brokering a deal, there’s a lot more of it happening via videoconferencing and email these days. One recent study found that we’re significantly worse at reading emotions over email. This is not surprising. And reading … [Read more...]
10 traits Google Lists as Critical to being a Perfect Boss
If your goal is to be an excellent boss — and whose isn’t? — Google data can get you there. Here are the 10 traits Google lists as critical to being a perfect boss: 1. You’re a good coach, using challenges as teaching moments. 2. You empower your teams without micromanaging them. 3. You know how to create an inclusive team … [Read more...]