Saying no opens doors for a great career Saying "no" and limiting activities on which time is spent each day helps professionals achieve a stronger focus on the things that align with their career goals, whether it builds their brand identity, enhances their skills or creates relationships that can advance their careers, according to sociologist Tracy Brower. In contrast, saying "yes" to everything leads to being overwhelmed with too many tasks and not feeling personally fulfilled. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (3/27)
Tips for talking with your manager about a sabbatical A sabbatical is a great opportunity to assess your job and life path, but few companies offer multiple months off with pay as a benefit. Here are some suggestions for approaching your manager about taking a sabbatical, including having a plan for how your work is handled while you are gone. Full Story: CNBC (3/25)
3 components of good feedback loops Meaningful feedback loops address specific questions and welcome information from key stakeholders so that leaders can "make strategic decisions based on the multiple information streams you've established," writes Mike Allen, founder and CEO of Podcast Post Production and Solo Social Marketing. Not every feedback loop is right for every situation, so create feedback loops that match your circumstances and preferences, Allen adds. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (3/25)
Making the Connection
17 thoughts on how humans think Most people are subject to narrow lanes of thinking, incomplete knowledge and a society that demands binary outcomes rather than probabilities, writes Morgan Housel. Housel offers 17 observations on human thinking, including how optimism and pessimism influence our actions and how we enjoy unique points of view only if they match ours. Full Story: Collaborative Fund (3/22)
Companies and nonprofits are waiting months for the IRS to process claims for a wage subsidy aimed at keeping people working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The employee-retention tax credits were a lifeline for many companies, but IRS delays, coupled with policy changes, are now forcing some employers to utilize reserve funds and slowing the economic recovery. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (3/26)
Free eBooks and Resources
Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our partners
For people who aspire to a successful career that goes hand-in-hand with a joyful personal life, authors David Novak and Jason Goldsmith advise introspection and asking questions that point them in the right direction. Questions include: "What could increase personal and professional joy?", "What is preventing that joy?", "What one single thing can bring the most joy to your life or career?" and "What does success look like?". Full Story: Inc. (tiered subscription model) (3/23)
If you've ever wondered just how much money musicians make from Spotify, this article delves into the general numbers. Spotify paid 130 artists more than $5 million each last year. Overall, the music streaming giant paid $7 billion to all artists, which accounts for 25% of all music industry revenue. Full Story: BBC (3/24)
Sharing SmartBrief on Your Career with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free.
