Business
Do You Have the Right Software for Your Digital Transformation? (via HBR)
“Succeeding in digital transformation begins with platform selection — finding the right constellation of basic apps plus the ability to rapidly regenerate error-free, running code to support a business’ changing processes. Small and midsize businesses’ front office software is under-configured for a digital transformation. Many companies have old software suites that no longer fit the demands of a work-from-anywhere world. Also, their systems are not well integrated, causing extra work for users who often wrestle long hours with their software, often on personal time, to support what should be simple business processes.”
Leadership
Managers: Compassion and Accountability Aren’t Mutually Exclusive (via HBR)
- “…now is not a time to let up on the care and consideration you’ve shown your employees over the past year. Nor should you push people without also considering what they need emotionally.”
- “Rather than thinking, ‘We lowered our expectations,’ focus on everything you and your team did get done…”
- “And instead of seeing the way you interacted with your employees as ‘being lenient,’ Hill says to think of it as ‘being flexible, which is the right thing to do.’”
- “Many managers believe they need to be tough to get people to produce, but the research doesn’t support that.”
- “…part of a manager’s job is to create a psychologically safe workplace — and if you do that for your team members, it will be far easier to then ask them to do their part.”
- “…any attempt to compare suffering and resilience — isn’t helpful. … You’re better off helping them with their burnout rather than focusing on whether that person is making inappropriate use of your leniency.”
- “Help people see how they’ve grown over the past year to sustain positive momentum.”
- “Make it safe for them to tell you about what’s happening in their lives and how that’s impacting their work so you can figure out the best way to move forward. … This is the work you need to get done. Is that possible?”
- “Rather than pushing individuals, find ways to have team members keep each other accountable.”
- “So be sure to take the time to take care of yourself. That includes getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, exercising, and making sure you have the support you need.”
Managing Star Performers in High-Pressure Situations (via HBR)
- Status can be a burden and make you perform worse than others.
- Pressure is a function of (1) important of the outcome, (2) uncertainty of the outcome, (3) the volume of tasks, decisions, and distractions around the outcome.
Managing Introverts and Extroverts in the Hybrid Workplace (via HBR)
- Give introverts time and space
- Give extroverts airtime
- Encourage a range of communication styles