Planners’ Picks — September 10, 2024

Planners’ Picks A collection of resources from CSN planning committee members worth mentioning

Let’s develop some grit, schedule some time to experience awe, and spread some kindness this week. We hope you enjoy these resources!

 

:: Image of the Week

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. A photo of a painted sign by Doris Gassen that says Be Kind with red hearts on it.

 

:: Fostering Kindness and Empathy

Research Into Kindness

Whether you are being kind, you are receiving kindness or you notice it take place, you feel better as a result. Read about some recent research on kindness from the Sussex Center for Research, who launched a kindness test with over 60,000 participants.

https://timeforkindness.co.uk/kindness-blog/research-into-kindness/

“The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.” — Dr. Joan Borysenko

 

:: Mental Health and Self-Care

Scheduling Time to Feel Awe(some)

Feeling awe can boost your mood and make you feel more connected with others. Comedian Chris Duffy learns how to tap into it in this short audio recording presented by the Greater Good Magazine’s Science of Happiness podcast.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/scheduling_time_to_feel_awe_chris_duffy

 

:: Self-Leadership Development

Angela Duckworth on Developing Grit

In this classic episode Angela joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about her journey to study psychology, why grit is so crucial to success, and how to use grit in life, business, parenting and much more.

Angela Duckworth is the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a professor at the Wharton School of Business, and the author of the influential NYT bestselling book, Grit. She has received the MacArthur Genius Grant, co-hosts the No Stupid Questions podcast, and has delivered one of the most popular TED Talks of all time.

https://robertglazer.com/elevate-podcast/angela-duckworth-grit-character-lab/

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” – Vince Lombardi

Why Middle Management is the Hardest Job

In the latest HR Leaders podcast episode, industry experts discussed empowering mid-level managers and enhancing their effectiveness within organizations.

Top experts in HR, Talent Management, and Learning & Development shared their insights on creating supportive work environments, the importance of clear communication, and practical tools for prioritizing tasks and managing stress. Watch this replay of their discussion and learn:

– Practical tools for prioritizing tasks and managing stress

– Creating supportive work environments for mid-level managers

– Fostering a culture of trust and empowerment among managers

– Strategies for aligning management practices with organizational goals

https://hrleaders.co/podcast/why-middle-management-is-the-hardest-job?_hsmi=321908643

“Managers are taking care of today. Leaders are taking care of the future.” – unknown

 

:: CSN’s Book of the Week Recommendation

Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict by William Ury

The author of the world’s best-selling book on negotiation draws on his nearly fifty years of experience and knowledge grappling with the world’s toughest conflicts to offer a way out of the seemingly impossible problems of our time.

Conflict is increasing everywhere, threatening everything we hold dear—from our families to our democracy, from our workplaces to our world. In nearly every area of society, we are fighting more and collaborating less, especially over crucial problems that demand solutions.

With this groundbreaking book, international negotiator William Ury shares a new “path to possible”—time-tested practices to help readers unlock their power to constructively engage and transform conflict. Part memoir, part manual, part manifesto, Possible offers stories and sage advice from Ury’s nearly 50 years of experience on the front lines of some of the world’s toughest conflicts.

One of the world’s top experts in the field, Ury has worked on conflicts ranging from boardroom battles to labor strikes, from the US partisan divide to family feuds, from wars in the Middle East, Colombia, and Ukraine to helping the US and USSR avoid a nuclear disaster. Now, in Possible, he helps us tackle the seemingly intransigent problems facing us.

In Possible, Ury argues conflict is natural. In fact, we need more conflict, not less—if we are to grow, change, evolve, and solve our problems creatively. While we may not be able to end conflict, we can transform it—unleashing new, unexpected possibilities.

https://www.amazon.com/Possible-How-Survive-Thrive-Conflict/dp/0063286904

 

:: Work Culture & Team Development

Choose Purpose Over Position

Discover how to turn conflict into collaboration by shifting your focus from a fixed position to a shared purpose. Travel back to the first episode of The Greg McKeown Podcast, where he explores how asking the right question can unlock creative solutions and better outcomes.

Greg shares a captivating story from his experience at Disneyland to illustrate the importance of looking beyond positions to find purpose in negotiations. He emphasizes the transformative power of focusing on purpose and seeking creative solutions rather than getting stuck in positional thinking. By shifting the perspective from a power struggle to collaboration, the episode highlights the value of finding a third way in conflicts.

https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/episode/choose-purpose-over-position-replay/?mc_cid=3c6cade164

 

:: Communication

Five Ways to Tap Into Other People’s Wisdom

Getting other people to share their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives with you will help you learn, grow, and become a better person. Author Jeff Wetzler shares five ways to tap into other people’s wisdom by changing the way you communicate.

“The people around us are walking around with valuable insights and information that could help us personally and professionally. But in order to access it, we have to cultivate a tolerance for not knowing.”

Check out this Greater Good Magazine article for more information.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_ways_to_tap_into_other_peoples_wisdom

 

:: Remote and Hybrid Work

3 Ways to Build Trust Remotely

In today’s increasingly remote and hybrid work environments, building trust is more critical than ever. Without the regular face-to-face interactions that help naturally foster trust, remote teams often struggle to maintain the same level of cohesion and collaboration as their in-office counterparts. However, trust can be built and even strengthened at a distance if you take the right steps. In this post, we’ll explore three practical strategies—plus a bonus tip—that will help you build and sustain trust with your remote team members.

https://kevineikenberry.com/communication-interpersonal-skills/three-ways-to-build-trust-remotely-remarkable-tv/

“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both.”– BRENÉ BROWN

 

:: TED Talks  

How to get better at the things you care about

Working hard but not improving? You’re not alone. Eduardo Briceño reveals a simple way to think about getting better at the things you do, whether that’s work, parenting or creative hobbies. And he shares some useful techniques so you can keep learning and always feel like you’re moving forward.

https://www.ted.com/talks/eduardo_briceno_how_to_get_better_at_the_things_you_care_about?subtitle=en

 

:: Productivity and Innovation

Timeshielding: How to Do the Things You Actually Want to Do

We need to accept the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day. In order to achieve our goals, we need to be smart about how we allocate our time to different tasks and activities.

What is urgent is often different from what is truly important. Short-term and long-term goals do not always align. What’s expected from you and what you actually want to do are not always the same. So how do you manage your time so you can achieve what matters to you while attending to your responsibilities?

Anne-Laure Le Cunff has some ideas on how to use timeshielding to do the things you actually want to do.

https://nesslabs.com/timeshielding-time-management?mc_cid=a1cc8e2f2b

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” —Bob Dylan

 

:: 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

https://virtualleadercon.com/#registration