Perennials and a post-generational learning society | Focus on these 4 areas to end performance review stress | Check your alignment before using AI as a growth strategy
A record number of people in medical school in their 40s is but one example of the Perennials -- "ageless" people who "don't think and or act their age [and] can go into learning mode or into working mode interchangeably, not according to their age at that moment in their lives," says Mauro Guillen, author of "The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Post-Generational Society." Guillen notes that 30% of people in the US over age 20 are engaged in some form of learning, typically online, as they realize that 60 isn't old anymore and that their lives and careers should change as their interests do. Guillen anticipates that most Americans will join this post-generational society in the next 10 to 15 years.
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Make performance reviews more effective and less stressful by focusing on a team member's strengths and asking them what's working well, where they're struggling, what they're learning and what do they want to try next, writes workplace well-being teacher Michelle McQuaid. "While providing feedback people may find hard to hear can feel uncomfortable, there is nothing kind about robbing people of the opportunities they need for learning and growth," writes McQuaid.
Some health care systems are using workforce software for communications, posting shifts and relaying scheduling needs quickly. Smart workforce management solutions allow nurses the autonomy to improve work-life balance, and managers can improve communication with nurses while offering more flexibility.
HR leaders who are preparing their company for the next chief HR officer should focus on multiple business-minded candidates so the CEO can choose the person who has the type of skills needed at the time of succession, says Bill Strahan, executive vice president of HR at Comcast. "You may be the best benefit expert, the best talent expert, the best comp expert, but CHRO is not the place to learn on the job about how to be a business partner," says Strahan.
University of South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley released a sick note for fans to use at work on Friday to skip out for the No. 1 Gamecocks' first game of the NCAA tournament in Columbia. The note even encourages the boss to "lead by example" and also take the day off to attend the 2 p.m. game.
I am in Washington DC this weekend, covering an education conference. I landed yesterday. Everything about this city sparks beautiful memories for me.
Laughing and chatting with my fellow editors during happy hour at Pi Pizzeria. Eating oatmeal cookies and brainstorming product ideas with Jared. Watching the Nats and talking webinar ideas with James over wings at Capitol City Brews.
Discussing students with unique needs with actress Marlee Matlin; e-rate with former FCC Commisioner and SmartBrief co-founder Tom Wheeler; and education reform with US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Tearing up during a walk across the National Mall on my first visit to DC in 2014, as I realized I’d reached a pivotal point in my career. “I made it, Dad,” I remember whispering to myself as I looked at the Capitol building and Washington Monument.
This city has been critical to some of the most important growth I have ever experienced, personally and professionally. I’ve gained confidence, developed new skills, and worked alongside some of the brightest, most creative people I’ve ever known.
We never want seasons like this to end. They’re exhilarating and motivating.
But seasons are finite. They have start and finish lines. That can be tough to navigate. You wonder if you will be able to regain the excitement you once had for your work. That excitement was critical to the success of your contribution. So what do you do?
“Human beings are learners,” he says during a recent podcast with IHE. ”But for 140 years, we’ve been told that there’s only a few years in our lives during which we’re supposed to learn -- when we’re young. And then you’re supposed to work…That model is completely at odds with human nature because we are learners by definition.”
He’s right, folks. We are learners; it excites us. When I look back over my time at SmartBrief, I realize that learning has truly fueled my enjoyment of the work. It has fired me up. It has fed my motivation. It has kept me mentally engaged.
Enjoy the seasons of life for what they bring. But as they change, lean into them. Don’t block growth by wishing for “the good ol days.” Instead, seek out opportunities to learn and enjoy the refreshment and new energy it brings.
What season are you in? Is learning part of your strategy through it? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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