Turn up the Volume on Post-Pandemic Leadership

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that no matter who we are or where we come from, all of us struggling with something (or many somethings). Many times (especially in the past few years) our struggles apparent - on the surface and ready for us to digest. Just as often, however, they lie just beneath a facade of infallibility. It behooves us to remember that no matter how successful, wealthy, famous, or influential a person gets, there’s a struggle in there somewhere.

This, of course, includes those in leadership. Leaders are generally under enormous amounts of stress, and it is imperative that support networks are there to be relied upon. In a new article from Kellogg Insight, Clinical Professor of Leadership Harry Kraemer intends to provide that support. He recognizes that it is difficult to lead at this present moment, and offers some tips on how to adapt to this new climate. No changes are necessary, he says, just “turn up the volume” on what any good leader already knows. Read up and watch the companion video to turn the leadership game up a notch.

Operation: Talent Retention

The so-called “Great Resignation” has been a major topic of conversation in the latter half of 2021, and with good reason. There are major changes occuring in the labor market, with one study showing that there were over 10 million open positions at the end of July. So what is a company to do in the face of so much uncertainty?

HBR’s new article lays out some sound advice on how to retain your company’s talent. Ron Carucci spoke to HR departments in many companies who are not experiencing employee attrition and laid out some steps anyone can take to maintain a close business environment. These employers and HR leaders can attest to exactly what it takes to keep your top talent and build a sense of company community. Give it a read and see what you can inspire in your company.

Encouraging Internal Innovation

Without innovation, it’s easy to see how any company could rapidly slide into irrelevance. Tech companies in particular are under intense pressure to develop newer and better products. Despite the endless list of advances occurring in a relatively short time, inspiring an entire team to tap into their creative sides is not as easy as one might think.

A new article in Chief Executive Magazine from Dean Guida, CEO of Infragistics, highlights his experiences regarding how to inspire a team to innovate. In it, he outlines four ways in which leadership can foster a culture of creativity, while simultaneously inspiring teamwork. Read up and see how many ideas your team can manifest.

Using AI to Increase Diversity

A greater amount of diversity benefits us all. In nature, species thrive when genetic traits vary largely among the population. In our day to day human lives, our cities and towns become more vibrant and interesting places to live when we see those who do not look like us, speak to those who do not think the ways that we so, or hear languages spoken that we may not speak. And of course, the same thriving atmosphere applies to the microcosm of the workplace.

Mindfully increassing diversity is a sensitive and daunting process. The idea can be entirely overwhelming. It helps to have some guidance in the areana. In keeping with our 21st century, we now have a bot to help us with it. Check out 3 ways in which AI can improve diversity in your company.

A Psychologically Safe Workplace

“Safe space” has been a buzzword for quite a few years now, and with good reason. In a volatile and divided political climate, with the lines between social lives and work lives blurring more than ever, employees are looking to work with organizations whose values align with their own. Part of aligning values (even if there is a great diversity in opinion), is to create an environment where employees are encouraged to discuss controversial topics in a supportive setting. The more opportunities employees have to understand each others’ points of views, the more open and accepting the workplace will be.

A recent article from Tom Barry in Chief Executive Magazine outlines the whys and hows of employees’ desires to work in a safe environment. In addition, he goes on to list the simple steps one can take to get any organization on the right track. Take five minutes to check out the article, and see how well an open dialogue can help foster a culture of trust and acceptance.

Six Thinking Hats

It’s said that education at its best is not about teaching us what to think, but how to think.  A pioneer in helping many do just that passed away this summer: Dr. Edward de Bono.  Dr. de Bono was a physician,  psychologist, inventor, philosopher and author of 85 books who devoted much of his career to developing creativity and problem solving skills. 

In particular he was known for the “team-based problem solving and brainstorming technique that can be used to explore problems and solutions, and uncover ideas and options that might otherwise be overlooked by a homogeneously thinking group.”  This five minute video will give you a good overview of this remarkable -and simple- process known as Six Thinking Hats, which uses a half dozen different methods, including but not limited to logic and analysis.  If the video inspires you to explore this further check out Dr. de Bono’s book by the same name.    

A turbulent world makes innovation and creativity a core competency.  “Six Thinking Hats” might give you an edge.

How to Think Like a Scientist

It’s not often that we see the scientific community equated to the business community. Although there is some obvious overlap, the processes through which each makes decisions, solves problems, and is ultimately successful are vastly different. Now, though, Vistage’s own Marc Emmer has made the argument that perhaps it’s time for the two modes of thinking to collide.

In his new piece titled Business Strategy: Why We Need to Think Like Scientists, Emmer argues that approaching business strategy from the viewpoint of a sicentists can help us be more humble, to accept criticism, and to accept the opinions and ideas of others. Ego, he says, has no place in strategy formation. Humility, grace, and the ability to think things through are what will spark confidence in our decisions, and ultimately our success.

Emmer goes on to lay out an eight-point method for both gathering and evaluating data that will elevate your business strategy and approach to common problems. Check it out, and turn your office into your new lab (of sorts).

Taking a Chance

Much of life (especially in business) is getting others to take a chance on you.   Whether it’s getting the job you want, hiring that superstar, a bank loan for expansion, or raising money for a start-up, often we only get one shot at the ask (think “Shark Tank”).  So, how can we up the odds of a ‘yes’?

Management writer Daniel Pink (“Drive”, “To Sell is Human”) recently interviewed the author of a new book on the topic, Suneel Gupta.  Spend 3 min 45 seconds with Messrs. Pink and Gupta on the former’s recent “PinkCast” video for an executive summary: “This is How to Get Others to Take a Chance on You”

Mr. Gupta’s book on the subject is  “Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You.”  Additionally, check out a 60 minute video podcast that provides a deep dive into the book. 

Breaking Free From 9-5 Culture

As we continue to come out of our collective pandemic haze, a return to the traditional 9 to 5 is not in the cards for a lot of employees. Turns out, that’s not such a bad thing. With multiple benefits for both employees and management, asynchronous work is rising in popularity. According to a Microsoft Work Trend Report, the 9-to-5 workday is disappearing, as the increase in remote work has allowed for more flexible hours.

HBR’s Rebecca Zucker’s new article lays out six guidelines to get your organization from “9 to 5”, to “whenever”. Check out the full article to ensure a smooth transition and a more productive team.

The Goal Trap

We all know the quote “Healer, heal thyself.” But what about “Leader, lead thyself”? For those in leadership, managing ourselves and helping those we lead to do likewise is critical for success. Goal setting and achievement is an important part of self-management, but as we all know, the future has a way of getting away from us. 

In short, a focus on goals may be the trap that is an obstacle to their realization.  Maybe if we managed the present a little better our goals would stand a better chance of being achieved.  To that end, if your long term goals are eluding you, some adjustment to the here and now may make all the difference.  Take 5 minutes for an excellent video that explores how to do just that, with some very practical tips, on “How to Make Long-Term Improvements in Your Life.”