Take a break from your holiday shopping and dig into our favorite articles this week. In case you missed it (ICYMI), here are this week’s top articles on leadership, management, and company culture.
What Amazing Bosses Do Differently
Job satisfaction heavily relies on the relationships we build with our bosses. In today’s ever-changing workforce, what behaviors guarantee happy employees is often unclear. Harvard Business Review looked 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 your employees and how to best work with them. Ensure that they know you value their 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 each person’s strongest skills and interests 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 a purpose and are a valued team member.
- 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 determine what feedback style motivates and encourages each individual. That said, never forget to appreciate them when they have done a great job.
- They should also be given gifts and bonuses for their constant good work. Many bosses prefer to gift luxury watches to their employees, while others like to provide financial benefits or vacation packages. Whatever you gift, make sure that it uplifts the employee’s morale.
- Don’t just talk—listen. Employees want to feel like they have something to say and that their bosses welcome new ideas. 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 daily basis. You can’t expect your employees to thrive if you don’t establish your management style and expectations. If a 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, and so on. When we feel stretched, stress levels go up, and the ability to cope goes 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.
- They accept that stress is part of life. Stress is inevitable this time of year, but don’t let it overshadow the holiday season. Make the best of the circumstances and do what you can to have a positive outlook.
- They keep their problems in proper perspective. Is finding the perfect gift for your significant other the end of the world? Probably not. Don’t let a minor misfortune blow up into a catastrophe.
- 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 your list on a good night’s sleep and a nutritious meal, so don’t let your health become your last priority. You could even use resources like these Ultimate Sirt Juice reviews to help you find products that could become part of your healthy lifestyle and give your body what it needs to keep you going.
- They choose healthy coping skills. Stress can bring out the worst in us all and allow our worst vices to surface. When stressed, it becomes even more important to make good lifestyle choices and incorporate meditation and yoga for a healthy coping mechanism.
- They balance social activity with solitude. Don’t forget to take some “me time” to balance out the parties, crowded trips to the mall, and family gatherings. Use some quiet recharge before heading to the next event on your social calendar.
- 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, saying no is okay. Your time is precious, so spend it wisely!
- They look for the silver lining. Remember what the holiday season is all about. Be thankful and appreciative for everything you have and the time you spend 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 the next time you feel pressure.
- Think, “It’s a sweet opportunity,” and I’m lucky to have it. If you are threatened by pressure, you are already putting yourself in a negative mind space. Be grateful!
- 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?
- Think, “I’ve done it before,” and I can do it again. You can handle anything that is thrown your way.
- 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.
- Think, “I’ll do my best.” Be confident in yourself to stay on track and relaxed in the moment.
- 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 let it be if something is out of your influence!
- Think, “What if this happens…” Be aware of both sides of the coin. Be proactive and rehearse how you might handle an unexpected problem.