Business
What Happens When an Employee Calls the Ombudsman? (via Harvard Business Review)
An ombuds (the more current term) is a neutral third party to resolve issues, such as sexual harassment. People in this role are good listeners and partner with others to resolve issues. For example, most people who are sexually harassed don’t seek to punish they offender; they want the harassment to stop. The ombuds can take actions to address this without either party being directly involved. Many companies forgo an ombuds service because of cost; however, the savings from potential lawsuits can have this service pay for itself over time.
Communication
How to Win an Argument Without Making Enemies (via YouTube)
- Sub-communicate that you’re not there for a fight: (1) speak softly and slowly, (2) use upward inflection, (3) crack a joke.
- Ask questions instead of making statements. Seek to understand. Frame your disagreements in the form of questions (Socratic method).
- Confidently defend yourself without coming across as antagonistic.
- Be aware of hidden premises (e.g., “What do you think about people who call your show an echo chamber” implies being an echo chamber is bad).
Culture
Facebook vs. Google: 10 Contrasts for Engineering Careers (via Marten den Haring)
The author gives his subjective opinions about which company best handles speed of execution, vision/moonshots, career growth, project and idea diversity, cross functionality, psychological safety, engineering management, engineering excellence, business focus, and toolchains.
Why Sexual Harassment Programs Backfire (via Harvard Business Review)
- Training programs that lay out forbidden behaviors don’t work because it signals that harassers don’t know where the line is and that they need fixing. This makes harassers defensive and less likely to be part of the solution.
- Alternatives are bystander-intervention training and manager training. This shifts the tone: Stop asking criminals to not commit crimes, and instead make everyone a police officer.
- Grievance programs rarely work either. Victims are worried about retaliation. Confidentiality rules are unenforceable. It’s nearly impossible to prove guilt without a confession or a witness. Because of confidentiality, word never gets out. Companies are reluctant to punish perpetrators. Verdicts are kept secrete from accusers. Victims quit before the process finishes.
- Alternatives are ombuds offices (neutral third parties), voluntary dispute resolution, train-the-trainer programs, and harassment task forces.
In Times of Crisis, a Little Thanks Goes a Long Way (via Harvard Business Review)
- Bring people together for a gratitude shower
- Tailor your thanks
- Make them the star attraction
- Popularize positivity
- Give thanks as a team
Leadership
How to Manage an Employee Who’s Struggling to Perform Remotely (via Harvard Business Review)
Don’t make assumptions about what’s causing underperformance as it could be an issue with business processes or unmanaged expectations from leadership. Ask questions about how you can help instead of telling them what to do.
This week our book club wrapped up chapter 5. We talked about managers as peers, senior positions, managing freedoms, and killing your heroes.
Productivity
5 Tips to Reduce Screen Time While You’re WFH (via Harvard Business Review)
- Don’t default to Zoom
- Limit your meeting time
- Choose physical over digital
- Move as much as possible
- Take tech-free breaks
Psychology
We Work Harder When We Know Someone’s Watching (via Harvard Business Review)
- People want to impress others through their performance
- People feel that what they do is magnified because they include the perspectives of others
- The article suggests examples of things you can try (e.g., leaving video meetings running (virtual cubicle)).
- Several of the tips I have tried and gained zero traction: offer to be an accountability partner, post your efforts with others
How to Cope with That “Always-On” Feeling (via Harvard Business Review)
- Build your willpower; the more you practice, the stronger it gets
- Set boundaries and stick to them
- Communicate directly and deliberately