This week, we have a special issue — the official start of the Summer of Celebrations!
We’ll cover that and stop taking things for granted, do some subtraction, and work on our friendships.
*Note: Don’t fret if you can’t get to all of these resources! You can choose one or two that interest you if you’re short on time.
:: Image of the Week
This summer CSN is celebrating your successes, your network, and how far you’ve come in your leadership journey.
Give yourself some credit for the hard things you’ve powered through. Give yourself some grace for the times it didn’t go so well, and celebrate that you made it to the other side. And share the love with your peers on and off campus, to let them know they’re appreciated using some tools on our webpage!
We’ll also have some special in-person events to celebrate together and acknowledge the industry, arts, and nature featured on the UW-Madison campus. We’re planning tours of Babcock Dairy, Chazen Museum, and Allen Centennial Gardens to recharge and refresh. Dates for those to be announced soon.
Check out all of our resources at https://campussupervisorsnetwork.wisc.edu/soc/.
:: Mental Health and Self-Care
11 Surprising Ways You Can Be a Much Better Friend
Human connection of any kind gives us a sense of belonging, but friendship’s special. A lot of the time, these people know us on a deep level and let us get vulnerable in a way that really makes us feel supported and cared for, says clinical psychologist and friendship researcher Miriam Kirmayer, PhD. When it comes down to it, healthy, supportive companionships can help people combat and deal with struggles they may face, like anxiety, depression, and loneliness, she explains.
Despite all the mental health benefits of friendship, maintaining those bonds can be hard. Life happens! So it’s not a bad idea to do a little audit every once in a while to make sure you’re really showing up for your people (which doesn’t always have to be a big thing!). If you’re not sure you’re hitting the mark, here are some great ways to be an even better friend.
https://www.wondermind.com/article/friendship/
“Gratitude is appreciation for all that we have, all that we are, and thankfulness for our ability to show love and kindness to others.” – Patti Blackstaffe
How to Stop Taking Things for Granted
Have you noticed how you’ve stopped noticing the spectacular sunsets out your hotel window three days into your vacation? Or maybe the guy who made you laugh out loud on your first date barely makes you chuckle these days?
This is due to what scientists call “hedonic adaptation”—the tendency to derive less enjoyment from happy experiences as time passes. Things that spark joy and wonder initially can become routine and less pleasurable after repeated, unvarying exposure—which, in turn, affects your ability to appreciate the good things in life and maintain your happiness.
Now, a new book called Look Again provides a wonderful primer for understanding how hedonic adaptation works and what to do about it. The authors, neuroscientist Tali Sharot and Harvard law professor Cass Sunstein, don’t just explore how hedonic adaptation affects our well-being—they also offer practical tips for avoiding habituation to our experiences so we can derive more wonder, joy, and positive change in our lives.
Read on at the Greater Good magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_stop_taking_things_for_granted
:: CSN’s Book of the Week Recommendation
Necessary Endings: The Employees, Businesses, and Relationships That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Move Forward
“If you’re hesitant to pull the trigger when things obviously aren’t working out, Henry Cloud’s Necessary Endings may be the most important book you read all year.” —Dave Ramsey
“Cloud is a wise, experienced, and compassionate guide through [life’s] turbulent passages.” —Bob Buford
Henry Cloud, the bestselling author of Integrity and The One-Life Solution, offers this mindset-altering method for proactively correcting the bad and the broken in our businesses and our lives. Cloud challenges readers to achieve the personal and professional growth they both desire and deserve—and gives crucial insight on how to make those tough decisions that are standing in the way of a more successful business and, ultimately, a better life.
Endings are not a tragedy to be first feared and later regretted but a necessary stage on the way to growth. Endings are a crucial way to get what we desire by shedding those things whose time has passed. The author addresses the benefits of concluding unsatisfying work or personal relationships, and he advises readers on diagnosing when the situation can be resuscitated or must be shut down. This “pruning” process can spark readers out of passivity or paralysis, getting them motivated and energized for change. With many examples of people moving on from untenable circumstances and through specific strategies for ending things well, Cloud advocates for powerful personal changes just in time for the New Year, and will give many readers the fresh start they crave.
https://www.amazon.com/Necessary-Endings-Henry-Cloud/dp/0061777129
:: Work Culture & Team Development
Unlocking the Power of Connection with Steven Van Cohen
Steven Van Cohen believes social disconnection is a silent epidemic in the workplace. Steven, best-selling author and connection expert, joins host Nikki Lewallen Gregory on the Gut + Science Podcast to dive into the importance of fostering authentic connections in the workplace.
This conversation traverses the landscape of employee engagement, revealing how a focus on intentionality in relationships boosts performance and well-being. Steven brings to the table personal stories, strategies for enhancing team cohesion through impactful engagement initiatives such as impact lunches, and insights on the importance of recognizing individual behavior and love languages. He cites clients like Netflix and Core Mining as exemplars in creating culture-rich onboarding and check-in processes.
https://gutplussciencepodcast.libsyn.com/246-unlocking-the-power-of-connection-with-steven-van-cohen
“Laughter itself cannot make a great relationship, but the lack of it can spoil one.” – James Clear
:: LinkedIn Learning
Making the Move from Individual Contributor to Manager
Being promoted to a managerial role is an exciting and career-changing moment, one that requires you to learn new skills and, more importantly, learn a new mindset. Join professor of management Dr. Carolyn Goerner as she teaches you strategies to expand your focus beyond individual performance (self-leadership) to the broader success of your team (servant-leadership). Discover how to apply a new mindset and skills to successfully make the transition from individual contributor to manager. Learn how managers think, how managers act, and ultimately, how to grow in your role as a manager.
“Competence is how good you are when there is something to gain. Character is how good you are when there is nothing to gain. People will reward you for competence. But people will only love you for your character.” — Mark Manson
:: Productivity and Innovation
The Hidden Satisfaction of Subtraction
Clarity comes from subtraction. The problem is that our default is set to add.
In our personal lives, we accumulate material things, hoping to find satisfaction. We fill our schedules with activities searching for fulfillment. At work, rarely is someone celebrated for what they removed from a project.
But what if we flipped the script? Disciplined subtraction can help increase your level of contribution. Removing the nonessential increases your ability to focus on and give energy to the most important things. You can start small by replacing one or two meaningless activities and replacing them with one very meaningful activity.
For example, you can substitute attending social events out of obligation with quality time spent with family or friends. At work, condense checking email to one or two times a day. Use the time you save to focus on deep work that will make a significant impact.
Above all, make this your mission: Remove the noise to hear the essentials speak.
From the 1-Minute Wednesday newsletter by Greg McKeown – https://gregmckeown.com/1mw/
:: Self-Leadership Development
Coaching Circle Pods at UW-Madison
Coaching Circles have been functioning for a while now at UW-Madison, and this is your chance to see what they’re all about!
- Form new connections with a small group of colleagues from across campus
• Have a trusted place to share your challenges and support others with theirs
• Discover a space once a month where you can show up completely unpolished
CSN featured some introductory classes last year, and OHR continues to add people to pods as they express interest.
One participant said, “Simply amazing. I learned so much from their listening to help me move forward. Thank you so much for this gift.”
Want to learn more? Go to the website for information and a short video. Sign up for an upcoming Intro Course.
https://hr.wisc.edu/professional-development/programs/coaching-circles/
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
:: Gratitude
The Secret to Motivating Teams: Say Thank You!
Motivating your team couldn’t be simpler — just thank your employees for their efforts and they’ll feel more valued. When employees know you’re grateful for their efforts, they work harder, and productivity improves. It’s remarkably easy but it takes a little bit of effort and consistency.
It’s important to thank your employees for accomplishments both large and small. Besides, when you feel and express gratitude, it lifts your spirits too! In fact, a Harvard Business Review study found that 95% of employees agree that a grateful boss is more likely to be successful. This suggests that expressing gratitude is not just beneficial for employees, but also for leaders themselves.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/secret-motivating-teams-say-thank-you-gthankyou-iih3c
:: Take Five*
*Note: CSN occasionally adds “Take Five” articles to take you off the beaten path. Articles are about local or regional areas of interest, but not necessarily focused on leadership development. The intent is for you to take a break from being a leader and relax for a moment!
Can you Manage the Brat Stand?
We’re all great managers in our chosen fields, right? But what’s your BBQ IQ?
Answer a few questions about the UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace Brat Stand and get a performance review on whether this might be your real calling. This quiz is courtesy of the UW Alumni Association.
https://uwalumni.com/news/can-you-manage-the-brat-stand/
:: Upcoming Events
Fueling Your Dreams: Treating Burnout with Belonging (DreamBank)
The demands of today’s fast-paced world and post-pandemic work environments are greater than ever. If you’re experiencing burnout — you’re not alone. Join Alida Miranda-Wolff, strategist, culture consultant and best-selling author, to explore the root causes of burnout and learn practical strategies to reclaim your energy and well-being. Whether you’re managing your own feelings of stress and overwhelm or are concerned about supporting and retaining top talent on your team, this dynamic session will provide a roadmap to a better future, built on purpose, belonging and balance for all.
This would be a great session to share with others on your team!
“At American Family Insurance, life’s better when you’re under our roof because when you feel supported and protected, any dream is possible. That’s why we created DreamBank, an inspirational community destination and virtual experience that provides events, signature experiences, and resources to help people pursue, achieve, and protect their dreams.”
Date: Wednesday, June 26
Time: 12-12:45 pm CST
Online (registration required)