Becoming a better manager is an ongoing journey that requires a commitment to learning. That in mind, we’re kicking off a new series that will recap the most interesting and thought-provoking articles on leadership each week. This week’s roundup features quick tips for improving positivity, landmark work/life legislation from France and best practices for when to take tough conversations offline.
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First Round Review published its “30 Best Pieces of Advice for Entrepreneurs in 2017” and a few of the insights touched on leadership best practices. One of the most quotable lines suggested that managers lead through enablement and empowerment instead of through enforcement: “Being a good manager is not about avoiding failure – it’s about enabling as many different paths forward as possible for as long as possible.”
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France passed legislation designed to promote improved work/life balance for employees who increasingly feel tethered to their smartphones during off hours. Dubbed the “right to disconnect,” the bill got people talking about tech as a double-edged sword.
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Nobody likes awkward conversations, but a new study shows just how costly communication failures can be. According to the report, companies that waste time skirting around difficult issues (such as a colleague failing to adhere to company processes) can experience thousands of dollars in losses every single week.
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Fast Company published a list of five top HR trends to watch in 2017, in which the publication writes that today, performance management is “an information game.” Citing large companies who have ditched the twice-a-year review cycle, breaking the mold and implementing more iterative, real-time methods for collecting and acting on employee feedback.
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2016 will go down in infamy as a “negative year” for some people, but not to worry: Forbes has offered some scientifically-backed tips for infusing positivity into your routine at the start of the new year. Something as simple as breathing in and out for five seconds or scheduling self-care routines can improve your outlook, which can tend to have a trickle-down effect on your team.
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Managers rely on email and channels like Slack to optimize the way they communicate with teams, but as Northwestern Mutual’s SVP of HR points out, some of these conversations are better in person. Her three rules: Speak in person when something is about to change; when providing constructive criticism; and (of course) when letting someone go.
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Want some more brain food? Head over to Inc. to see their 10 must-read business books for 2017.
