Preparing for a negotiation includes knowing which possible outcomes would be acceptable to you and when to walk away, writes John Spence. "Never sit at a table and negotiate with someone angry, as you will always lose that negotiation," Spence adds.
The kind of deep-learning retreats CEO Banks Benitez took this summer aren't possible for all leaders, but shorter educational opportunities -- especially those outside your field -- are vital to career success, as they can broaden an outlook and offer fresh approaches, Benitez writes in this commentary. Such experiences "give us new models or metaphors through which to think about old problems; create a sense of spaciousness and hope in an otherwise packed existence; or simply give us new energy," Benitez writes.
Middle managers can increase their value in this world of hybrid work by doubling down on developing their reports and making sure their actions align with organizational strategy, writes John Baldoni. "Also, invite senior leaders to meet with your team so they can share the corporate strategy," he writes.
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Rituals remain important for team camaraderie, but they've had to change during the pandemic for teams that stopped working together in person, says Erica Keswin, a workplace strategist and executive coach. Rituals also help with meetings and one-on-ones, whether it's one-word check-ins with a group or asking "how are you really, really doing?" with your direct reports.
Office design is changing to reflect the shifting nature of employees' needs, placing an emphasis on collaboration and the sharing of ideas rather than individual work. "People are better supported when things are movable and changeable, with more options for places to work throughout the day," says Lois Wellwood of the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Increased sedentary time brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic can negatively impact both mental and physical wellness. Research suggests that even light, simple movement and activity around the house can elevate mood and improve health.
It's a good thing most mobile devices have some kind of map app to help users navigate cities because it turns out the human brain isn't always up to the task of selecting the shortest route from Point A to Point B. People often opt for the "pointiest path" instead of the shortest path.
