Just 16 of the 30 MLB teams still have a general manager role, as the industry moves toward a more corporate leadership model with two leaders who have titles such as chief baseball officer and president of baseball operations. This article examines what's happened within the industry to lead to teams being managed by "a cadre of executives, akin to a politician's cabinet."

Amazon has settled a case in which two former employees alleged they were fired for speaking out publicly about the company's labor policies and climate record, following the National Labor Relations Board's ruling that the pair had been fired illegally. The settlement includes Amazon paying the pair back wages, and a company spokesperson said, "We have reached a mutual agreement that resolves the legal issues in this case and welcome the resolution of this matter."

Data from Principal Financial's Well-Being Index showed that many small-business owners are wondering whether their benefit offerings are competitive enough to hire and keep employees, who are becoming increasingly vocal about their individual needs and preferences. "[Businesses] are worried about their ability to make sure their employees continue to have access to education about the things that are important to them -- things that go beyond just basic medical care or savings," said Amy Friedrich of Principal.

Allstate has adopted HR technologies that help employees operate in hybrid environments while also providing extensive data on company activities, says Carrie Blair, chief HR officer. "Every week I get a view that comes into my own personal inbox that tells me how I spent my time last week, how long I was in meetings, how much time I spent collaborating and how much time I had for focused, head-down work," Blair says.

Leaders of any title or level should reflect on their values and how those values affect their leadership approach, writes Ken Blanchard, who offers a four-step process. "A leadership point of view is a very personal statement that requires reflection and vulnerability," Blanchard writes.

I love creative solutions to tricky problems. So I’m digging today’s story about boutique brand agency Episode Four’s approach to the hybrid work model. Agency employees will continue to work remotely, but starting in October, everyone will come together in a city where an employee lives. The group will spend three days and two nights together, meeting, working and sightseeing. Cities on the meetup docket include Greenport, N.Y., Nashville, Tenn., and Los Angeles. The agency, which has ended its lease in Chelsea, N.Y., will cover travel costs.

How cool is this? Work meets fun -- without compromising productivity -- and relationships have a chance to grow. I love it.

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