Are there hidden problems that need to be solved? Good strategists ask if there are problems to be solved and what kind they might be even if operations appear to be running smoothly at the moment, write Martin Reeves and Annelies O'Dea of Boston Consulting Group. Thinking this way and then "reflecting on the nature of the problem before addressing it, will result in more economical, relevant, and robust solutions," they write. Full Story: Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (6/28)
Use this question to uncover new possibilities Leaders can uncover blind spots and possibilities they hadn't yet considered by simply asking, "How is this different?", writes Larry Robertson, founder of Lighthouse Consulting. "When all are expected to ask and answer, each person begins to take note -- not only of their own inevitably limited view but of their fit in and ownership of what the collective is trying to deliver," Robertson writes. Full Story: SmartBrief/Leadership (6/29)
How to know if leaders are people of character Leaders of high character have three main traits in common, writes Mark Murphy. They live up to company values and expect others to do the same, they can accept constructive input about concerns and problems without responding negatively, and they care about actively addressing the frustrations and obstacles expressed by employees. Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (6/30)
Making the Connection
Effective communication creates a foundation for success Sherhara Downing and Christa Clarke, founders of training firm SpeakHaus, discuss in an interview how individuals can boost their communication skills by being more intentional and proactive about their language and how it is delivered. Effective communication is vital to every organization's success, but many employers don't have the resources to provide staff coaching in this area, so "it's not surprising that this actually hurts employees' career advancement opportunities," Clarke notes. Full Story: KPRC-TV (Houston) (6/29)
Poll
Would your company consider an inflation raise?
Yes
23.08%
Maybe, if inflation continues to rise
25.64%
No way
51.28%
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Survey: Small businesses confident despite headwinds The latest Small Business Index, compiled by the US Chamber of Commerce and MetLife, shows confidence at the highest level since the start of the coronavirus crisis, with around two-thirds forecasting higher revenue this year and 43% planning to hire extra staff. Inflation is cited as the main source of anxiety by 44% of respondents, compared to 33% in the previous quarter. Full Story: The Hill (6/29)
Slack-backed nonprofit gets former inmates into tech Next Chapter participated in an incubator program at Slack for Good, Slack's philanthropic arm, and is now helping formerly incarcerated people learn to code and gain other skills needed for careers in technology. The program, unlike many reentry initiatives, prepares people for high-level, well-paying jobs, said Deepti Rohatgi, founder and executive director of Slack for Good. Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (6/29)
The Stanley Cup has had quite an adventure since the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning to win it Sunday night. First, it was fumbled and dented by Avalanche player Nicolas Aube-Kubel shortly after it was presented to the team at the postgame celebration. The day after it was damaged, the cup was supposed to be off to team captain Gabriel Landeskog, following the long (and awesome) tradition of winning team members each getting one day to spend with the trophy. One problem: It was delivered to one of Landeskog's neighbors instead. The couple were able to check out the cup for a few minutes and snap a photo of it before it was delivered to the rightful holder. Full Story: NBC News (6/30)
Editor's Note
SmartBrief will not publish July 4 SmartBrief will not publish Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day in the US.
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