How a new perspective can transform an old mindset Challenging assignments, stinging criticism or conflict with others can result in negative thinking, but taking time to develop a more positive perspective can reveal new opportunities and make us more resilient, writes Gregg Vanourek. "Reframing is a powerful practice that can change the way we see the world and ensure that we're responding intentionally and not reacting automatically (and negatively) to things," Vanourek notes. Full Story: Gregg Vanourek (9/6)
Promotions can be a catalyst for quitting Some 29% of US workers left their jobs between 2019 and 2022 after being promoted for the first time, compared to an estimated 18% who didn't receive promotions, according to analysis by the ADP Research Institute. The reasons for quitting following a promotion could be a lack of support in the new role or it coming too late and workers were already seeking other opportunities, experts say. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (9/6)
Exaggerated leadership experiences or skill sets can be as artificial as veneer on furniture, and dressing them up with PhotoShop, deepfake technology or generative AI merely provides a sheen of authenticity that is easily rubbed away, Steve McKee, co-founder of marketing advisory firm McKee Wallwork, asserts. "It's one thing to have earned respect and another to create the appearance of it," McKee writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (9/6)
Hire Smart
Pose these 7 queries to find employees who will stay Ask new hires about what would make them stay and six other questions to bolster retention, writes Benji Rabhan, founder of recruiting company SeatMatch. "By addressing their needs right at the beginning, and continuing to do so, you can create an environment that aligns with employees' needs, encouraging loyalty and reducing turnover," Rabhan writes. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (9/6)
Employers should consider helping employees with student loan debt now that the federal government is reactivating loan payments, say executives, who recommend offering either direct loan assistance or resources such as financial education or access to supportive programs. "If you think about this convergence of people under a great amount of financial stress, and student loans now being due again, it's a big impact on employees, so they're looking to employers to find additional resources to help them in that area," says Tom Kelly, principal and voluntary benefits leader at Buck, a Gallagher Company. Full Story: Human Resources Director (9/6)
Companies offer college counseling to working parents Private admissions counseling is the latest employee benefit provided by major companies such Bank of America, American Express and JP Morgan Chase. The perk is aimed at improving employee retention and preventing the stress of the admissions process from cutting into productivity, but critics say the counseling primarily advantages wealthier workers. Full Story: The Hechinger Report (9/5)
Knowing how much money your boss makes could be good and bad Workers who know how much their boss makes might use that information as motivation to work harder in hopes of earning a promotion to reach a similar level of pay ... or they might find that information demoralizing and start to slack off. It all depends on whether the organization in question operates under a meritocratic system of promotion or if cronyism and factors other than performance are used to justify promotions. Full Story: Kellogg Insight (9/1)
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John Grisham fans rejoice! If/when Hollywood gets back to making movies, this article makes a compelling case for the return of legal thrillers. Compared to other genres that have come to dominate (hello, superhero flicks), legal thrillers are inexpensive to produce. Plus, legal thrillers might help Hollywood develop a new generation of stars who can actually act without having to rely on special effects. Full Story: GQ (9/5)
SmartBrief Podcast Network
Panasonic's Murphy discusses the importance of regenerative supply chains Andrea Murphy, the director of the Office of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability at Panasonic North America, outlines how a global company like Panasonic aims to boost the role it plays in the circular economy. Panasonic is aware of the amount of emissions generated by the manufacture and use of its products -- and to the company's credit, they've even put an actual number on it. Murphy details what Panasonic is doing to reduce the environmental impact the company creates not just up and down its supply chain, but also once it's products are sold to customers. Full Story: Sustainability SmartPod (9/6)
SmartBreak: Question of the Day
Folk painter Grandma Moses "was slow, but she was old," chides my wife when she wants me to hurry. At what age did Moses say she started painting?
