Take a break from your holiday shopping and dig into our favorite articles this week. In case you missed it (ICYMI), here’s this week’s top articles on leadership, management and company culture.

What Amazing Bosses Do Differently

Job satisfaction is so heavily reliant on relationships we build with our bosses. In today’s ever changing workforce, it is often unclear what behaviors will guarantee happy employees. Harvard Business Review took a look at some of the world’s most successful bosses and how they manage their employees and suggested this list of things you should do if you manage others.

• Manage individuals, not teams. Everyone has a different work style so take the time to get to know each of your employees and how to best work with them. Make sure that they know that you value their individual feedback and are always willing to meet with them one on one. This will help you as a manager in the long run because you will be able to access what each person’s strongest skills and interests are that can best benefit your team.
• Go big on meaning. Make sure that your employees understand the vision and that they understand their worth in the project. Help them see the bigger picture whenever possible. Everyone wants to feel like they have purpose and are a valued member of the team.
• Focus on feedback. Give your employees constructive feedback as much as you can. The most successful bosses have regular coaching sessions with their employees where they can provide clear and honest feedback. Get to know your employees to figure out what style of feedback motivates and encourages each individual.
• Don’t just talk…listen. Employees want to feel like they have say and that new ideas are welcomed by their bosses. The best leaders spend more time listening than they do talking. Don’t promote your own ideas too strongly, instead pose problems to your employees and have the whole team work to generate solutions.
• Be consistent. Your employees should know what to expect from you on a day to day basis. You can’t expect your employees thrive if you don’t establish your management style and expectations. If change becomes necessary, acknowledge it with your team honestly and quickly.

7 Ways Mentally Strong People Handle Stress

During the busy holiday season there are plenty of reasons to be stressed out – the gifts you have yet to buy, the looming pile of festive invitations, family obligations, the list goes on. When we feel stretched, stress levels go up and the ability to cope files right out the window!  To help you stay sane this holiday season, Business Insider put together a list of seven ways mentally strong people handle stress effectively.

1. They accept that stress is part of life. Stress is inevitable this time of year but don’t let it overshadow the entire holiday season. Make the best of the circumstances and do what you can to have a positive outlook.
2. They keep their problems in proper perspective. Is finding the perfect gift for your significant other really the end of the world? Probably not. Don’t let a minor misfortune blow up into a catastrophe.
3. They take care of their physical health. Don’t let your never ending to-do list take priority over your health. You’re more likely to knock more things off of your list on a good night sleep and a nutritious meal so don’t let your health become your last priority.
4. They choose healthy coping skills. Stress can bring out the worst in us all and can allow our worst vices to surface. When you’re stressed it becomes even more important to make good lifestyle choices and to remember that with anything, moderation is key!
5. They balance social activity with solitude. Don’t forget to take a little bit of “me time” to balance out the parties, crowded trips to the mall, and family gatherings. Use some quiet time to recharge before you have to head to the next event on your social calendar.
6. They acknowledge their choices. Simply put, it’s impossible to be in two places at once. If you can’t fit something into your schedule, it’s okay to say no. Your time is precious so spend it wisely!
7. They look for the silver lining. Remember what the holiday season is all about. Be thankful and appreciative for all the things you have and the time spent with friends and family.

7 Thoughts to Defeat Pressure

Have you ever been crippled by a stressful situation? The Huffington Post has seven proactive solutions for next time you are feeling the pressure.

1. Think “It’s a sweet opportunity” that I’m lucky to have. If you are threatened by pressure you are already putting yourself in a negative mind space. Be grateful!
2. Think “I’ll get another chance” it’s not the end of the world. Be realistic. If you don’t nail it what is really going to be the outcome?
3. Think “I’ve done it before” and I can do it again. You can handle anything that is thrown your way.
4. Think “It’s no big deal” I can handle this! Remain focused and don’t waste your energy getting worried. Shift your focus to what you can do to perform your best.
5. Think “I’ll do my best” Be confident in yourself to stay on track and relaxed in the moment.
6. Think “I can control how I respond” Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by things you can’t control. Your time is valuable, so if something is out of your influence let it be!
7. Think “What if this happens…” Be aware of both sides of the coin. Be proactive and rehearse how you might handle an unexpected problem.