Are you prepared for these 3 new leadership skills? Leadership skills continue to evolve as workers seek leaders who are compassionate, innovative and know how to deeply understand themselves and set clear goals for the company, write Doug Glener and Jay Campbell with The Ken Blanchard Cos. "The good news is that the new leader profile is more heart-driven, more balanced and caring. The bad news is that it's more stressful, uncertain and busier than ever," they write. Full Story: Chief Learning Officer online (7/12)
New employee can lift others' performance Companies sometimes don't hire a worker who doesn't fit with the skills of other employees, but a new hire can challenge other employees. "They will not only appreciate comparing their skills and performance level with those of a superstar, but will enjoy the 'competition,'" writes Jeff Haden. Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (7/11)
A movie executive who twice scheduled a meeting with the Marx Brothers and twice blew them off received their comical, burning indignation -- and never missed a meeting with them again, writes executive coach John Baldoni. The lesson for both sides of the leadership coin: Have respect for others, and stand up for yourself, Baldoni concludes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (7/12)
The Landscape
Several banks offer to aid employees with student loans Some big banks extend help with student-loan payments to their employees by either partly covering monthly payments or offering a one-time contribution, and the assistance could be a boon to the banks and their workers as student-loan payments are due to resume in the fall. A provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, exempts contributions to such payments from taxation through at least 2025. Full Story: American Banker (7/12)
Your Next Challenge
How to work efficiently from a hotel room To effectively work from your hotel room, try to choose a centrally located property in a business district that caters to corporate travelers and offers amenities such as strong Wi-Fi, printers and sufficient meeting space. Other recommendations include using a VPN for your wireless connection to ensure security, properly prepping the room for Zoom calls with appropriate lighting and working from an uncluttered desk, not the couch or bed. Full Story: Fox Business (7/5)
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Learnings from the pandemic indicate creative people often make the most of solitude. While others get antsy and yearn for some kind of social or technology stimulation, experts say creative people often make the most of solitude and use the time to conjure or innovative ideas. Full Story: ScienceAlert (Australia) (7/9)
Wash-off labels, a maturing technology now used by Heineken and other brands, could be a boon for recycling, experts say. This article explores how such labels fit in with current recycling processes and how they can be a selling point for environmentally conscious brands, although they are more expensive than typical alternatives. Full Story: Packaging Dive (7/10)
SmartBrief Podcast Network
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Mae Keane was one of the longest surviving "Radium Girls" who worked for which clock factory? Check your answer here.
