Planners’ Picks
A collection of resources from CSN planning committee members worth mentioning
News Flash: Nothing is perfect. And therein lies its beauty. Let’s October like we’ve never Octobered before, with empathy, active listening, and authentic human connection.
:: Image of the Week
In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Here’s to a week in which we all appreciate the wabi-sabi of our work and life. For a detailed definition of wabi-sabi, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi.
:: Resources on Empathy in the Workplace
What Does Empathy Look Like?
Empathy is considered a concept which can be described as ‘the ability of someone to understand someone else’s experience and emotions as if they are experiencing it themselves. Empathy can be seen as a characteristic which some have more than others. Research finds that both environmental and genetic influence plays a part in how much empathy someone will have. However, some studies suggest that the level of empathy remains quite stable over time once it has been developed. Check out this infographic on what empathy looks like in action.
“Creating a culture of kindness at work distributes the joy of problem-solving to everyone, creates a safe environment that unleashes innovation, and turns perceived liabilities into assets to create real equity value in every meaning of the word.” – James Rhee
The Brain on Empathy
Empathy is a complex expression. It isn’t a matter of simply recognizing the hardships of others. Rather, empathy is a dynamic construct that can be measured and developed. Despite how commonplace the term has become, many managers don’t have an appreciation for how difficult it can be to get right—or the consequences when it goes awry.
https://www.kornferry.com/insights/briefings-magazine/issue-50/the-brain-on-empathy
:: Resources on Mental Health and Self-Care
Manage Your Stress with Preethaji and Krishnaji’s Four Sacred Secrets on MarieTV
Have you ever wrestled with a thought or problem over and over until you’ve made yourself sick? Do painful experiences ever play on repeat in your mind? Deep down, you know this — negative thoughts can wreak havoc on your relationships, health, happiness, and the work you do in the world. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
It’s easy to think, “Well, if I solve [Problem X], everything will be better,” but it rarely works that way. MarieTV guests Krishnaji and Preethaji shared a technique in this episode that’s more effective and sustainable than any external solution. This practice will help you master your inner world so that you can bring your full intelligence, heart, and compassion to whatever challenge you face. Plus, it’s a game changer for managing stress — just ask the 145,000 people who’ve used it! Take their advice, and you’ll experience more happiness, peace, and belonging — no matter what comes your way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlOt31lBhLY&list=UUuoxrRDDgk3UUnxR4tlkJYQ
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
:: Resources on Self-Leadership Development
5 Mindsets That Create Success
Author Mark Manson shares five incredible stories from five different people that reveal the mindsets of the most successful among us. From growth mindsets to letting go of things outside of your control, you’ll learn something from each of these stories on how to lead a better life.
https://markmanson.net/5-mindsets-that-create-success
Listening as a Servant Leadership Trait
In this video, Richard Pieper of Wisconsin Servant Leadership shares a compelling story about a time he failed to really listen to the person in front of him. Please watch this short video and comment below about a time you learned a difficult lesson about listening.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN9XYuMMYpk
:: Resources on Work Culture & Team Development
Podcast: Garry Ridge on the Future of Leadership
As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies and all operations and overseeing all relationships and partnerships for the company.
Garry Ridge is passionate about learning and empowering the organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company. His vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in measurable and immeasurable ways.
Enjoy this episode of The Change with Adam Baruh.
Quiet Quitting: One Solution
Over the years, studies have shown that only about one-third of employees report being “highly engaged” at work. Even through the pandemic, this figure has stayed relatively stable.
Other statistics reveal similar shortcomings in the workplace: close to 70% of Americans feel that the bulk of their workday is taken up by monotonous tasks—jobs that may as well be automated. If such tasks were to be automated, employees believe their remaining jobs might take on significantly more meaning, giving them the bandwidth to engage in the strategic and creative work that ignites their passion and moves the business forward.
These findings, combined with rising burnout rates and reported declines in employee well-being, has prompted a new trend in the workforce: “quiet quitting.” What can you do to avoid this in your work area?
https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/keep-your-workers-from-quiet-quitting
“Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.” – Robin Sharma
Authentic Human Connection: A Key Component of a Culture of Care
Check out this article from CSN member Sarah Korpi on authentic human connection and its effect on those you lead. It’s geared towards online teaching of students, but is relatable to all coaching and mentoring situations.
https://www.uagcfacultyblog.com/2022/09/authentic-human-connection-key.html
Sarah Carroll’s Future of Work Values Chart
Sarah Carroll of UW-Madison thought this audience might be interested in some research she did for her leadership related to employee loyalty. There’s a suggestion that amplifying commitment over loyalty is the emerging “future of work” related to employers of choice:
Tim Baker’s book, “Attracting and Retaining Talent: Becoming an Employer of Choice,” was endorsed by Dave Ulrich from U-Michigan Ann Arbor, who has a strong reputation as an expert in the HR domain. More on the book at https://www.amazon.com/Attracting-Retaining-Talent-Becoming-Consultants/dp/1137411732
:: Upcoming Events
Registration Open For Leadership & Management Development Conference
Wednesday, November 9
Union South
The Leadership and Management Development Conference will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Union South. The conference is designed for anyone who would like to develop the skills to lead and manage more effectively. The day-long event features concurrent sessions, a lunch roundtable discussion, and a keynote presentation by UW‒Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. New this year are half-day sessions, including a session for advanced leaders on fundraising and development in higher education (separate registration required). The conference fee is $135 for UW‒Madison employees. Register by Oct. 25.
https://hr.wisc.edu/leadership-and-management-development-conference/