Leaders who show accountability in everything they say and do tend to inspire their members to do the same, leading to improved productivity and a positive work environment, writes startup consultant Martin Zwilling. Aside from accepting responsibility for outcomes, leaders should also give credit where it's due and keep providing constructive feedback.

Career cushioning -- or preemptively exploring the market for new job opportunities -- can lessen the uncertainty and worries around job security in the current economy, writes sociologist Tracy Brower, though she also recommends giving your 100% in your current role to show your value to your superiors. Volunteer work also helps develop certain skills and provides networking opportunities.

The labor market continued to exhibit strength in November, with 263,000 jobs added to nonfarm payrolls and the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7%. The economy is adding jobs more slowly than it did in the first half of 2022, but gains are still above the average of 164,000 per month in 2019.

The US men's and women's soccer teams reached a collective bargaining agreement, believed to be the first of its kind in the world, where both teams share the winning prize money from their respective FIFA World Cup campaigns. The agreement means the US women's team, who will attend their own World Cup next year, will receive half of the $5,850,000 the men's team received for reaching the knockout stage of this year's tournament.

Employee experience should replace the traditional customer-first mentality as a top business priority, according to a manifesto signed by more than 30 HR leaders. The shift could affect practices from training to technology interfaces and office design.

Despite witnessing countless lightning strikes, many have never stopped to ask why lightning zigzags. And if you have, the answer has always been elusive ... until now.

Choose an answer to see how many other readers agree with you, then find out if you're right here.

I am Janet Connor Kahler, editor of Your Career. I have been with SmartBrief for 13 years in a variety of jobs, including my current job as content production manager. I have experience in hiring, training and managing workers and have taught college courses that include resume writing and job interviewing. And I'm not actively looking for another job, but I do keep an eye on new positions within my company.