How to cope with a heavy workload Don't rush to respond to emails and calls immediately, because doing so can cause stress and gives the recipient the impression that you're not already overloaded, Alice Boyes writes. Remind yourself of your priorities and avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (8/6)Strategies for beating procrastination Understanding the root cause of procrastination is the key to determining the best strategy for defeating it, Emily Moore writes. One strategy is to keep an "action diary" and aim to accomplish two small tasks each day for a particular project, career coach Carlota Zimmerman recommends. Glassdoor (8/7)
Why Bosses Cut Some Employees Slack for Bad Behavior The same transgression can lead to different consequences for different employees. Learn more about why this happens and the ethical implications for both managers and employees from this research by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Hold onto key pieces of information at conferences or networking events by taking careful notes or making audio recordings with your phone, Jane Burnett writes. With notes and business cards in hand, reach out to people you've met within a few days of the event. Ladders (8/7)
The Landscape
Experts say AI software could do the job of 4.3M humans by 2021 Artificial intelligence software allows companies to automate some simple tasks involved in accounting, payments and customer service, but experts say the technology could be used for more complex applications with robotics. General Motors, BMW, General Electric, Unilever, Cisco, Google and government agencies have implemented AI software, and Forrester Research predicts robotic AI technology will do the work of almost 4.3 million human employees by 2021. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (8/5)
Your Next Challenge
How to land a job when you don't meet its qualifications Prove to a hiring manager that you can do a job that you lack qualifications for by demonstrating your abilities in a tangible way, Nick Corcodilos writes. You could be as bold as to say, "May I take a few minutes to show you, right now, how I would do this job?" he suggests. PBS (8/7)Quit without burning bridges Be thorough and thoughtful in planning your exit and maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Make it clear to your boss you're moving toward a new challenge rather than running away from something at your current position, advises executive coach Shefali Raina. Fast Company online (8/7)
The Water Cooler
Ford factory workers receive "exosuits" Dozens of Ford factory workers around the world are receiving mechanical "exosuits" to help with lifting and reaching for objects. Ford says the suits, which were developed by Ekso Bionics, have undergone successful trials at two factories in the US. BBC (8/7)
The only way to prove that you're a good sport is to lose.
