In Forbes’ recent piece “Too Busy For The Future: Why Managers Can’t Close The Skills Gap,” we discover the fundamental shift needed in how we evaluate managerial success. Instead of focusing solely on immediate results, Doug Dennerline and the Betterworks report highlight the importance of aligning performance metrics with long-term skill development. This insightful article proposes the innovative idea of implementing dedicated ‘development managers’ to prioritize employee growth, ensuring a workforce ready for future challenges. It’s a must-read for … read more >
The article addresses the challenges middle managers face in navigating return-to-office (RTO) mandates while balancing leadership expectations and team dynamics. The central thesis posits that middle managers often find themselves in a dilemma, caught between executive directives and the diverse needs of their teams. Despite research indicating general discontent with rigid workplace policies, executive …
Exploring the often-overlooked world of deskless workers, this insightful piece from Deloitte highlights the crucial gap in digital tool availability for frontline employees. With only 23% feeling adequately supported by technology, it’s clear that enhancing their productivity requires more than just new gadgets. The Boston Consulting Group further asserts that making work enjoyable significantly improves retention, showing that satisfaction can indeed drive workforce stability. This article sheds light on essential changes needed to better serve the majority of our labor force. read more >
“Companies that reach this standard of performance record transformative outcomes not only in the short term—increasing customer satisfaction by ten percentage points, reducing CO2 emissions by 20 percent, improving employee retention by 25 percent—but also continue to improve year after year.”
The article discusses the crucial need for productivity growth as a solution to economic challenges such as wealth inequality, inflation, and mounting debt, which are exacerbated by a decline in productivity since the 2007–09 …
I’ve just read an eye-opening piece from aaask on the persistent issue of workplace loneliness. The article examines how both remote and on-site workers are experiencing a disconnect despite numerous communication tools. It’s particularly striking how this loneliness is affecting mental health and career growth. Their exploration of solutions like increased virtual check-ins and casual conversations is well worth a look.
“In fact, 76% of people said workplace loneliness has negatively impacted their mental health, with 40% adding that the impact had been severe.”
In a thought-provoking piece from Fast Company, architect Bakr Kurani dives into why the push to return to traditional offices isn’t working. The key issue? Outdated office design that ignores modern needs for focus, creativity, and well-being. Reimagining workspaces with diverse, thoughtfully designed areas can make a significant difference in productivity and employee satisfaction. A smarter office environment could transform the workplace from a burden back into a magnet for top talent. read more >
The article “The Aha! Framework vs. scrum vs. SAFe® vs. kanban” explores different product development methodologies, contrasting them with The Aha! Framework’s approach to help teams work with purpose and strategy. The central thesis is that The Aha! Framework integrates strategy, agility, and flexibility, offering a balanced way to deliver value to customers. Criticisms …
Analyzing the Limitations of Traditional Brainstorming Sessions
Traditional group brainstorming sessions, often heralded as creativity catalysts, may actually hinder innovation. The article “Why Most Brainstorming Sessions Are a Waste of Time” argues that structured group ideation is more of a creativity killer when mishandled. The analysis uncovers psychological …
The article “Amazon Killed Remote Work. Is RTO The New Normal?” offers a comprehensive overview of the increasing return-to-office (RTO) mandates by major companies like Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Tesla. These firms argue that RTO is necessary to bolster company culture, productivity, and innovation. However, these claims warrant a closer look.
Employee Dissent and Amazon’s Return-to-Office Mandate
The recent directive from Amazon, mandating employees’ return to the office five days a week, has led to significant discontent among its workforce. The article sheds light on employees finding out about this new policy through external …
