Leaders using AI more satisfied with jobs, survey finds | Restaurants pull out the stops to attract new talent | CEOs and leaders share strategies for business growth
A Tech.co survey found 59% of US business leaders who are using AI say the technology has improved their job satisfaction. "ChatGPT and co. wouldn't be impacting job satisfaction in quite the same way if they were more complicated to configure, cost lots of money, or became so intelligent that they rendered workers redundant," says Tech.co lead writer Aaron Drapkin, who points out employers will face a difficult task ensuring the AI transformation is gradual and manageable.
Restaurant companies are finding new ways to attract and retain employees, from tuition reimbursement and higher education benefits at big companies like Yum Brands and Brinker International to mental health benefits that have proved popular with Starbucks staffers. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is focusing on several labor efforts, including the HOPES program for ex-offenders, Restaurant Ready which works with disaffected youth and the ProStart program, which is currently providing programs to give 160,000 high school students their first steps into foodservice careers.
There is a way to bring up a salary range during a job interview by asking what skills and experiences separate the low end of the range from the high end, says recruiter Chanelle Howell. "The key is to push your potential employer to quantify exactly why someone deserves that dollar amount and then to create your story around that," Howell says.
Making eye contact while giving a speech or presentation is critical to engaging your audience, writes Robin Stombler, author and president of Auburn Health Strategies. Stombler offers five strategies for developing the practice, including getting comfortable with looking yourself in the eye using a mirror and looking at one audience member per sentence during your presentation to avoid staring too long at a few people.
Most of us have long put our old manual typewriters out to pasture, but London-based artist James Cook is using his collection of vintage typewriters to create stunning black and white renditions of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben to famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa. Cook's rendition of Vincent Van Gogh's self-portrait is comprised mainly of the letters V, H, O, T, N, and G.
“Hi, I’m Vince,” my nephew said, smiling and raising up slightly from his position on the couch, to shake hands with Jayla, Kawai’s friend who had come to Sunday dinner with us. Vince had knee surgery earlier in the week and was parked on the couch, recovering. Even then, though, his manners told him to sit up and greet a new person properly. I watched, amused, as Jayla melted under the gaze of Vince’s emerald-colored eyes.
Eye contact is powerful, writes Robin Stombler in today’s HR Leader story. It captures our attention and causes us to engage with others. When Vince shook Jayla’s hand, his eyes smiled at her and she immediately felt welcomed into the family circle. Her shyness fell away and she began chatting and laughing with my cousin and the others.
Some folks -- even adult professionals -- struggle with eye contact, though. That’s fair. Stombler offers several excellent suggestions for getting past that challenge. My favorite was the last one, “Vision Superpowers.” I’ve experienced this when I’ve delivered speeches or led training sessions. I’ll move my eyes about the room, settle my gaze on someone and, smiling, make my point. Done right, it’s effective. I get head nods and see people scratching notes.
Mission accomplished.
What about you? Do you struggle with making eye contact? Let me know! And if you enjoy this brief, tell others so they can benefit also.
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