Planners’ Picks
A collection of resources from CSN planning committee members worth mentioning
Here we are, on the other side. As we venture into this new year, we will cover some alternatives to the standard resolutions setting process. We’ll also explore a more flexible office space, a one-minute pause, and consider saying No to extra work.
:: Image of the Week
8 types of intelligence defined: Logistics and Mathematics, Linguistic, Spatial and Visual, Kinesthetic, Naturalistic, Musical, Interpersonal and Social, and Intrapersonal. From the book Science Comics: The Brain by Tory Woollcott and Alex Graudins.
I am a neuro-geek and checked out this graphic novel on how the brain works. I highly recommend it for younger people or anyone interested in the ways your body communicates with its different parts. This spread was especially interesting to me: showing the 8 types of intelligence. We all have gifts, and some function more highly in different areas than others. Where do you fall in this spectrum of intelligence? This idea mirrors the strengths finder assessment process of bringing strengths to the forefront and working on highlighting those in the workplace.
:: Planning for the Future
Now is Not the Time to Set Resolutions
Usually, at this time of the year, we’re talking about the highlights and lowlights of the year, planning for our year-end performance reviews, watching Uncle Gary get drunk at the family Christmas party, and trying to not get too tipsy ourselves at the annual company holiday party. More than anything, we’re usually talking about our New Years’ Resolutions. Read this article from Megan Miller on an alternative approach to self-improvement.
https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/now-is-not-the-time-to-set-resolutions/
Author Daniel Pink on the Power and Value of Regret
New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss his book “The Power of Regret.” Pink also offers his advice on New Year’s resolutions.
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/author-daniel-pink-on-the-power-and-value-of-regret/#x
YearCompass Downloadable Workbook
Who wants to get intentional about 2023? Intention is magic, it’s manifestation, it’s the seed of thought that, when cultivated, becomes reality. We cultivate intention with goals, strategy, and planning. And healthy habits to keep our energy strong and on track. Here’s a little tool for cultivating magic in 2023.
YearCompass is a free booklet that helps you reflect on the year and plan the next one. With a set of carefully selected questions and exercises, YearCompass helps you uncover your own patterns and design the ideal year for yourself. Learn from your mistakes, celebrate your victories, and set out a path you want to walk on. All you need is a quiet few hours and our booklet.
New year’s resolutions don’t work. YearCompass does— for more than a million people around the world since 2012.
https://yearcompass.com/#download
9 Powerful Life Lessons from 100 Year Olds
Watching videos of centurions, you start to see a theme – they all seem content. That might be shocking to younger people, especially anyone who fears old age. Perhaps we fear missing out on opportunities in life and worry that we’ll find ourselves too old to do things we enjoy or maybe we’re just so stuck in the moment that we fail to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We set out to discover the secrets to life and interviewing people 100 years of age and older. What they share may surprise you! Use some of this advice to guide you on goals and resolutions for the coming year.
https://community.thriveglobal.com/powerful-life-lessons-from-100-year-olds
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” -Poet, Mary Oliver from “The Summer Day”
Setting Goals: Use This 2-Step Process To Achieve More With Less Stress
Setting new goals for the year ahead? Watch Marie Forleo’s video first. You’ll learn the simple 2-step process she uses to set goals for the new year (or any time of year!). Whether it’s huge plans or minor tweaks to your lifestyle, this video will guide you in the pruning and purging method of eliminating distractions so your list is exactly what you want.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5jMi2VzA9o&list=UUuoxrRDDgk3UUnxR4tlkJYQ
:: Resources on Mental Health and Self-Care
4 Reasons Why A Good Life Is More Important Than Happiness
Most of us have no idea of what to do with our lives. Even after school. We expect our careers to lead us down the road to happiness. Even after we get paychecks. We’ve seen the slick advertisements that promise that money can buy happiness—if we have enough of it. Even after we fall in love. Movies and novels assure us that love and infatuation always lead to happiness.
Growing up can be a painful experience, but not all choose to grow up. Many of us get old and bitter because the absolute truth is that nothing in life is guaranteed. We pin our hopes on elusive, fleeting, and shallow things.
So, what does make a good life? A recent study suggests another component closely related to eudaemonia—psychological richness.
https://laraequy.com/2022/12/01/4-reasons-why-a-good-life-is-more-important-than-happiness/
“Enjoy every sandwich.” ~ Warren Zevon
The Power of the One-Minute Pause
Rest is not “nice to have”. Rest is a responsibility. The Zoom, eat, sleep, repeat life that grew out of the pandemic is still with many of us. The image in this short post from Greg McKeown shows what happens when we don’t reset our brains by taking a short break. It contrasts this with what happens when we do.
There is an ebb and flow to life. Rhythms in everything we do. There are times to push. There are times to rest and recuperate. But now many of us are pushing and forcing, all the time. There is no cadence, only grinding. Are you getting in short breaks at work?
:: Resources on Work Culture & Team Development
Overcoming Obstacles to Create a Flexible Physical Office Environment
As organizations and leadership navigate the post-COVID business environment, those organizations who have team members returning to a physical office space have a new challenge to face. What does, and what should, the physical office look like?
https://blog.uwcped.org/overcoming-obstacles-to-create-a-flexible-physical-office-environment/
When—and How—to Say No to Extra Work
With more and more teams being understaffed, chances are you’ve been asked to take on more work. Top performers are a prime target for additional requests. But you need to be careful about what you agree to take on. In this piece, the author outlines when it’s best to say no to taking on more work: 1) When your primary job responsibilities will suffer. 2) When it’s someone else’s work. 3) When there’s no clear exit strategy. 4) When the ask is unreasonable.
https://hbr.org/2022/11/when-and-how-to-say-no-to-extra-work
“Every thought a person dwells upon, whether he expresses it or not, either damages or improves his life.” – Lucy Mallory
Amy Gallo on Working with Difficult People
Need help working with a difficult colleague? From time to time almost everyone does. Maybe we’ve even been one before. (No judgment – we’re only human!) To figure out how to get along with even the most challenging coworkers, In her weekly podcast Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Amy Gallo. Amy’s an expert in conflict, communication, and workplace dynamics, and the co-host of Harvard Business Review’s hit podcast, Women at Work.
:: Resources on Self-Leadership Development
Behaviors That Make Up a Great Manager
The title manager has succumbed to so many negative connotations especially during the pandemic. Is this title so bad? In my view, people need to understand that a ‘manager’ is a functionary executioner of the position. So, what does it take to be an effective manager? Check out this short Linkedin post and infographic from Zavahir Dastoor for more details.
Leadership Shifts — The Sliding Scales for Growing Leaders
What is the most important leadership skill you need to grow in 2023? For Kacy Maxwell, it would be to continue to improve his listening skills. Check out this short post and infographic on six areas you may want to shift your skill set on in the coming year.
“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” —Les Brown
Using Reflection To Move Forward
Jenn Drummond believes that life is a never-ending lesson. Some may see it as a daunting thing, however, she sees it as a way to gain more wisdom and gratitude in life. When you reflect back to see what you have learned you are able to learn from your experiences and most of all your missteps. Looking back to see how far you’ve come allows you to see the distance which can be highly encouraging. Focusing on knowing that you have made strides of improvement and moving away from toxic and unhealthy habits for the better. Also, express gratitude for the lessons and things about yourself you learned in the process.
https://jenndrummond.com/blog/using-reflection-to-move-forward/
:: Linkedin Learning Courses
Linkedin Learning: Grow Yourself, Grow Your Leaders with Whitney Johnson
Over the past several years, organizations have been thrust into a sea of relentless change and unpredictable disruption. Talent retention, employee engagement, and organizational structures are all being disrupted at a rapid pace. To succeed, leaders need to create conditions where teams not only survive change, but also succeed and grow from it. Join thought leader and popular podcast host Whitney Johnson as she shares her original framework that’s proven to help individuals, and those they lead, accelerate learning and vault to success.
Whitney—a LinkedIn Influencer with nearly two million followers—introduces you to the S Curve of Learning, a simple model that provides a common language to talk about growth and change. As you get smart about growth, you’ll move up the S Curve individually, and in doing so, gain the tools to grow your team. Knowing that companies don’t disrupt, people do, you’ll be better able to embrace change and achieve your audacious goals.