Leaders can create unity and confidence during difficult times by focusing on common values, admitting and rectifying mistakes, highlighting the efforts of others and inspiring their team to take action, writes John Baldoni. "Leaders should call for people to work together for a common cause and collaboratively share ideas and action steps," Baldoni writes.
Even people who are seemingly successful in their daily lives may feel unfulfilled, but following 10 steps can help them move in a more positive direction. These steps include letting go of past hurts, acting with empathy and looking for meaning in the professional world.
Mentors can avoid burning out in their role by acknowledging the risk factors of taking on too many mentees, talking with others about the warning signs and focusing on the aspects of the role that are inspiring and fulfilling, write Ruth Gotian, Christine Pfund, Chaveso Cook and W. Brad Johnson. "Mentoring is value-alignment work, and it is deeply fulfilling -- it is not just energy draining, it is energy generating," they write.
Companies can intentionally design their culture by making sure it reflects their core values and co-creating it with employees to ensure diversity and inclusion, says Melissa Daimler, chief learning officer of Udemy. "We have such a huge opportunity in front of us, now that the facade of happy hours and Ping-Pong tables has been somewhat taken away," Daimler says.
Many public companies allow staff members to invest in their stock at a discount through employee stock purchase plans, but it's important to understand the tax implications and the attributes of your specific plan. In addition, putting significant assets into a single stock can be a risky proposition, so financial planner Kristin McKenna advises meeting other savings goals first.
If the pandemic didn't prompt outlier companies to go all in on agile business practices, the possible recession likely will, with a key focus on value stream management, says Diego Lo Giudice of research firm Forrester. Most companies have already maxed out employee schedules with a "do more with less" philosophy, so "[w]e need to stop looking at how to be more efficient and look at how we can be more effective," says Laureen Knudsen, chief transformation officer at Broadcom.
During a normal climbing summer, 100-120 climbers would summit Mont Blanc every day. This year, the number is down to just a dozen or so. The reason? Rockfalls and gaping crevices. The treacherous conditions aren't just a bummer for those looking to make the climb, but also the guide companies that rely on income from summer climbers. SmartBrief editor Sean McMahon captured this video of a rockfall during a brutally hot hike on Mount St. Helens last Friday.
