"It is never too late—in fiction or in life—to revise."
Nancy Thayer
American Novelist
“There is no sin punished more implacably
by nature than the sin of resistance to change.”
1906-2001
Aviator and author
Collaboration Overload
Are you suffering from overload? Author Rob Cross has written two books on the phenomenon of what he calls “Collaboration Overload”. He notes that “We’re too eager to jump into, or be dragged into, active collaborations that might run better without us and that burn up our valuable time and energy.”
He believes that “we create roughly 50% of the collaboration overload problem in the form of beliefs we hold.” In a recent Ideas.TED.Com post he summarizes nine of the most common beliefs (and fears) that get us into collaboration overload.
How does this apply to your leadership choices?
A Four Day Workweek Primer
Vistage Speaker and human resource specialist Hunter Lott tells Vistage Groups that they must have two brands: one for customers, one for attracting employees. The former is vital to winning the war in your marketplace. The latter is vital for winning the war for talent.
There are several different brand “elements” that make for a compelling value proposition for the employees you want. Compensation, benefits, culture, personal development opportunities are but a few. Another aspect of employment that is becoming increasingly common as an employment differentiator is the four-day work week.
Should you offer a four-day work week…and if so, how? It’s a complicated decision for many companies as it impacts not only workforce but the ability of the business to serve its customers.
A short article from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern explores the question “Is a Four Day Workweek Right for Your Company?” and explores the demand for it from employees, rolling it out right, and addressing customer and employee concerns.
WSJ Video: The Once and Future Supply Chain
Covid made many of us aware of things we took for granted, but no longer can. Among these is the reliability of global supply chains. For a great overview of the “once and future supply chain, The Wall Street Journal recently offered a webinar that explores the supply chain issues that every executive should watch.
The WSJ states “Every day, millions of sailors, truck drivers, longshoremen, warehouse workers and delivery drivers keep mountains of goods moving into stores and homes. This complex chain is far more vulnerable than many imagine.”
This particular offering is firewalled so if you don’t subscribe to the WSJ, you’ll need to find someone who does and get your team together to watch this 55 minute video “Why Global Supply Chains May Never Be the Same-A WSJ Documentary.” This one is required viewing for all managers, in my opinion.
A Zelensky Leadership Sampler
It may well be that Vladimir Putin’s biggest mistake in invading Ukraine was underestimating its president Volodymry Zelensky. How someone like Putin with supposed advantages of experience, expertise and resources could be bested by a former comedian decades younger will occupy leaders and leadership researchers for years.
Here are two podcasts what may give you some insights into this remarkable man:
What Can Leaders Learn from Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky? From Knowledge at Wharton (11 min podcast and transcript)
Leadership Lessons from Zelensky and Putin. Author Adam Grant and former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul look at lessons from this crisis.
Econ Recon
About those Vacant Office Buildings: Covid forced thousands of companies, and millions of employees, to adopt remote work. Among the many predictions spawned by the pandemic was the fear that the office buildings would stand empty and it would be years before any new construction in this segment would return.
Dr. Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics looks hard at the related data and says the facts and a little analysis suggest otherwise. Take a minute to understand why as Dr. Beaulieu shares some “Facts vs. Fiction.”
A Message From Scott:
Friends,
For many of us this is a season of reflection, gratefulness and celebration. To those friends celebrating Passover, Easter or Ramadan I wish you all blessings and an even greater awareness of God's love. And then pass it on!
Warm regards,
Scott
Comments