We’re officially ending the Summer of Celebrations with the passing of Labor Day and the start of the UW-Madison fall semester. Thank you to all who participated in any way throughout the past few months!
This week, we’re laboriously checking in on our emotions, remote employee engagement practices, and infusing humor into our leadership. We also take a trip to Trout Lake for an end-of-summer wrap-up.
:: Image of the Week
:: CSN’s Book of the Week Recommendation
Loonshots by Safi Bahcall
Why do good teams kill great ideas?
Loonshots reveals a surprising new way of thinking about the mysteries of group behavior that challenges everything we thought we knew about nurturing radical breakthroughs.
Safi Bahcall aims to “show you how the science of phase transitions suggests a surprising new way of thinking about the world around us – about the mysteries of group behavior.”
Bahcall combines psychology, history, human behavior, and, surprisingly, physics, to explain “why good teams will kill great ideas, why the wisdom of crowds becomes the tyranny of crowds when the stakes are high, and why the answers to these questions can be found in a glass of water.” While the author achieves the stated purpose, I think the detailed histories weren’t entirely necessary to get his point across.
The arguments of Loonshots are presented concisely in the prologue. The book continues in three distinct parts: Engineers of Serendipity, The Science of Sudden Change, and The Mother of All Loonshots.
If you appreciate understanding the motivations behind decisions, Loonshots will be difficult to put down. The book is an easy read for non-scientists with funny subtext, illustrations, and stable metaphors. Loonshots is also exceptionally well-written with descriptions such as that of Vannevar Bush who was depicted as “a tall, thin, upstanding preacher’s son, who swore like a sailor and dressed like a tailor.” Those who generally find history inaccessible will also appreciate Bahcall’s cinematic-style retellings of major historical events.
Through Loonshots we learn that both soldiers and scientists are needed to spur innovation, but the two sides rarely communicate well with each other. Bahcall helps explain how to create and sustain an environment where employees are invested in company outcomes and are able to generate new ideas.
(Portions of this review were posted online by Carina Gonzalez, adult services librarian)
https://www.amazon.com/Loonshots-Nurture-Diseases-Transform-Industries/dp/1250185963
:: Work Culture & Team Development
Employee Assistance Office moving to a new campus location
The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) is relocating to the 11th floor of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation(WARF), 614 Walnut Street. Two parking spaces at WARF will be reserved for EAO clients. Visitors may also use the Madison Metro bus system. In-person appointments with EAO counselors at the new location will begin on Monday, August 26. Appointments are also available virtually and by phone. The EAO offers counseling and consultation for personal or work-related concerns at no cost to UW–Madison faculty, staff, graduate student employees, significant others, and family members. Through LifeMatters, the EAO provides free and confidential telephone access to professional counselors 24/7 and statewide. For more information, visit eao.wisc.edu.
The Right Way to Manage Emotions on Your Team
Many managers don’t know what to say when a team member appears angry, frustrated, or sad. They might even feel it is unprofessional to acknowledge those feelings at all. But research shows that avoidance is costly. Doctoral student Christina Bradley and professor Lindy Greer, both of the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan, say teams perform better when their leaders respond effectively to members’ emotions. The researchers outline when and how to do that in a way that builds stronger relationships, teams, and organizational culture. Bradley and Greer are coauthors, with Michigan Ross professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, of the HBR article “When Your Employee Feels Angry, Sad, or Dejected.”
https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/08/the-right-way-to-manage-emotions-on-your-team
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – DALAI LAMA
:: Communication
Humor In The C-Suite with Anne Nevel
Anne Nevel is currently the Vice President of Education at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA). In this role, she is responsible for all educational activities, including Diversity Equity & Inclusion, internally and externally. Before joining HDA in 2016, Anne provided education and certification management for both healthcare and trade associations, including multiple associations at SmithBucklin and the Helicopter Association International. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University and after spending 16 years in the DC Metro area is living and working remotely back in her home state of Florida. She is passionate about learning and connecting people for the purpose of sharing and growth, which drives her personal pursuits.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/humor-in-the-c-suite/id1733788091?i=1000665131443
:: Self-Leadership Development
What is Leadership? – With David Marquet
Watch this informative video on the concepts of leadership by David Marquet based on his book Turn the Ship Around. True leadership involves letting go of control and empowering others to lead from where they are. This counter-intuitive idea is demonstrated in under 10 minutes in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYKH2uSax8U&t=403s
“Your life will not magically exceed your standards. Improve your boundaries and life improves too.” – James Clear
When Are You Considered a “Leader”
If becoming a leader was like getting a promotion, things would be so much clearer. Sure, a promotion comes with more responsibility and power, but is that what makes someone a leader? Unfortunately rarely, if ever, does a title make someone a leader. You have those in high-ranking positions who don’t show leadership, and you have exemplary individual contributors who show up with fistfuls of leadership.
So how do you know when you are a leader? Find out more in this article from Megan Robinson.
https://www.eleaderexperience.com/post/when-are-you-considered-a-leader
:: Remote and Hybrid Work
Remote Employee Engagement Strategies and Ideas
The virtual nature of remote work offers flexibility and autonomy, but maintaining visibility and connection within teams can be challenging. Remote leaders must be intentional and develop innovative engagement strategies that transcend physical barriers to foster a sense of belonging and community among team members and ensure that every employee feels seen, heard, and valued.
The E-book “Remote Employee Engagement Strategies and Ideas” is a resource for understanding and implementing engagement strategies tailored to the digital age. It provides actionable insights for creating an engaging, inclusive, and productive remote work environment.
https://hackinghrlab.io/resources/remote-employee-engagement-ideas/
“Trust starts with trustworthy leadership. It must be built into the corporate culture.” – BARBARA BROOKS KIMMEL
:: Productivity and Innovation
Clear Space to Do Less, But Better
We are so focused on producing and getting things done. Sometimes the best way to do that, is to slow down and do less. Leaders need to model and facilitate opportunities for reflection, to pause and refocus on What Matters. See what Harry Webne-Behrman thinks about the concepts of essentialism and play in this article from the What Matters at Work website.
https://whatmattersatwork.newzenler.com/blog/clear-space-to-do-less-but-better
:: TED Talks
Celebrate What’s Right in the World!
In a world littered with negativity and bad news, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong. We challenge you to focus on what’s right…by changing your perspective. Dewitt Jones – a National Geographic photographer – shares his perspective on vision, perception, and possibility.
Do the following activity:
- Take out your phone.
- Navigate to your photos.
- Make time to really browse and look at them – pause & reflect.
- If you’re with others, proceed to share & discuss the following questions.
Who or what is in the photos?
In Dewitt’s words, “What’s here to celebrate?” Faces of your children, grandchildren. Furry family. Everyday moments. Great memories of relaxing or adventurous vacations. How do those photos make you feel? Thankful? Appreciated? Loved? Choose that state – choose that possibility going forward today.
Change your lens
Dewitt’s philosophy centers around how our vision controls our perception, and our perception becomes our reality. In a world littered with negativity, bad or sad news, he encourages us all to make time to focus on the light vs. the dark. Focus on the what’s right vs. what’s wrong.
The result? Reframe. See your ordinary world through a different lens and be grateful!
Watch his entertaining and inspiring TED talk here: https://youtu.be/gD_1Eh6rqf8?si=hpzduOhImno05k36
:: 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!
Summer at UW–Madison’s Trout Lake Station means science (mostly)
“A curious, red-eyed loon has been quietly shadowing their boat, the Micropterus. Purple spikes of blooming pickerelweed wave in the breeze near the boat launch. Clouds pass one by one across the sun, turning the lake’s surface from blue to green and back. Three or four fishing boats ply the edges of the lake. In such an idyllic setting, you could mistake this research for recreation.”
For 100 years, freshwater scientists from around the world have used the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Trout Lake Station as a home base while toiling in, on and around the lakes of northern Wisconsin. Read this interesting story about “working” in the Northwoods to further the UW’s research on inland lakes.
https://news.wisc.edu/summer-at-uw-madisons-trout-lake-station-means-science-mostly/
:: Upcoming Events
CSN Presents: Maximizing Employee Growth with the Knowledges and Skills Hub
Join us for an engaging online workshop designed specifically for managers eager to drive their team’s professional development to new heights. Learning and Talent Development is proud to introduce the Knowledges and Skills Hub, a powerful new tool created to enhance employee growth and career progression.
In this workshop, you’ll discover how the Knowledges and Skills Hub can empower your team members to overcome obstacles, bridge skill gaps, and elevate their performance. We’ll guide you through the features and benefits of this resource, providing you with practical strategies to integrate it into your management practices. By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped to leverage the Hub to support your employees in advancing their careers, ultimately contributing to stronger team performance and overall success.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the core features of the Knowledges and Skills Hub.
- Learn how to identify and address skill gaps within your team.
- Gain insights on using the Hub to support career development and performance improvement.
- Explore practical examples of how to integrate the Hub into your daily management practices.
Date: September 17, 2024
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm
Register here: https://go.wisc.edu/uw1a16
Virtual LeaderCon
Virtual LeaderCon is an annual virtual leadership event that supports the growth and development of leaders across the globe. Over 2 days, you’ll hear directly from practitioners and industry leaders on the most pressing and emerging leadership and learning topics. This is hosted by
Learn from today’s top leadership experts in an engaging and interactive virtual learning environment, get answers to your most challenging questions and win prizes, books and more! This event is free for the general public (Basic option) for its two-day agenda. You can come and go as you please, so don’t feel like you need to be available for all of it. Pick the session that interests you and learn from these world-class experts.
Virtual LeaderCon creates a community of learners. You will learn from the experts, and also from the insights, experiences, questions, and camaraderie with other learners – your peers – around the world. Since the sessions are live and interactive, you can engage with these peers in real time – and even connect with them for further post-event learning too, if you choose.
Some sessions currently in the schedule:
· How Grit and Disciplined Duty Forge Indomitable Teams – Jan Rutherford & Jacquie Jordan
· Boldly Inclusive Leadership – Minette Norman
· Master Your Minutes: Time Management Secrets for Success – Mary Abbajay
· How to Work with (Almost) Anyone – Michael Bungay Stanier
· Navigating Workplace Conflict: How to Have More Influence, Less Drama, and Better Collaboration – Karin Hurt & David Dye
And more!
Dates: September 18-19
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm online