"Triumphs in our careers are often the result of engagement, not the constant pursuit of immediate happiness."
A psychologist explains what Gen Z should be striving for at work (hint: not happiness)
The pursuit of happiness in the workplace can be misleading for Gen Z employees entering the workforce. While happiness is often seen as equivalent to engagement, the two concepts differ significantly. Happiness, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is a fleeting emotion, whereas engagement represents a more stable and enduring state. Organizations emphasize engagement because...... read more >
From Scope to Time, Content to Purpose: A Transformative Journey
In the early stages of my career, my approach to work was straightforward: scope ruled supreme. The task was the task, and its completion—no matter how long it took—was the goal. I assumed that work itself inherently carried value, and as long as I could deliver the entire scope, success was guaranteed. There was little consideration for the time spent. My focus was entirely on the content—on completing what was assigned or imagined—without questioning why we were doing it in the first place. It was a natural way of thinking:... read more >
In the article "The Future of Work Isn't in Tech Skills, Says Recruiter," Terry Petzold, with over 25 years in recruitment, advocates for a focus on soft skills rather than purely technical skills for future employability. Reflecting on recent trends, such as the rapid evolution of AI technologies like ChatGPT, he notes the diminished future role of coding as once predicted. Despite the ongoing relevance of digital proficiency across fields—from marketing to operations—the real future lies in emotional intelligence (EQ) and soft skills, which facilitate relationship-building and leadership....... read more >
Harnessing the Power of Continuous Learning for Career Advancement
In the dynamic landscape of modern employment, the necessity for continuous learning has never been more pressing. As technological innovations redefine industries at a swift pace, the capacity to learn and adapt becomes a quintessential career skill. This article delves into strategies articulated by industry leaders, highlighting how continuous learning can be a lever for professional growth, with a particular emphasis on treating one’s job as a hobby to make learning an organic part of daily life. It argues that curiosity...... read more >
The article "6 Ways Continuous Learning Can Advance Your Career" highlights the imperative of adopting continuous learning to enhance career prospects in a rapidly evolving job landscape. The central thesis posits that ongoing skill development is crucial for maintaining career relevance and climbing the corporate ladder. The article is structured around six strategies shared by industry leaders. Dave Moyes advocates for maintaining curiosity, akin to a childlike inquisitiveness, which helps in keeping perspectives fresh and unassuming. Carrie Jordan emphasizes the importance of setting... read more >
The idea of intentionally making oneself obsolete challenges the conventional mindset about work and job security. Instead of striving to prove irreplaceability, this approach advocates for identifying inefficiencies, eliminating redundant tasks, and questioning the necessity of one’s actions. This intentional drive for obsolescence not only sharpens personal and organizational efficiency but also fosters innovation, growth, and meaningful contributions.
At its core, this philosophy encourages a critical reassessment of daily tasks. Are they essential? Could they be automated, streamlined, or...... read more >
A notable quote from the article is: "The only way to overcome this barrier is to accept and acknowledge the emotional weight of the work we do and give these tasks the time and energy necessary to finally get them done." This encapsulates the central thesis of recognizing and addressing the emotional components of procrastination.
We need to talk about the emotional weight of work
Summary
In the article, the author addresses the often overlooked emotional burden of work tasks and how this heaviness can fuel procrastination. Contrary to common perceptions, procrastination is not always due...... read more >
The article examines the difficulties Gen Z faces as it enters the workforce, attributing these challenges to diverse factors such as emotional awareness, communication styles, feedback expectations, value alignment, and unmet workplace expectations. It highlights the complexity of balancing empathy with professionalism, emphasizing the need for managerial adaptation to these new communicative and value-driven dynamics. Surveys indicate high levels of burnout and job satisfaction issues among Gen Z, underscoring the disparity between their expectations and workplace realities. Despite their...... read more >
The article explores the generational clash between Baby Boomers and Gen Z in the workplace, focusing on differing attitudes toward punctuality. It reveals that while a significant majority (70%) of Baby Boomers maintain zero tolerance for tardiness, considering punctuality a critical aspect of professionalism, Gen Z possesses a more lenient perception, often viewing arriving 10 minutes late as being on time. This discrepancy in attitudes underscores a broader cultural and generational gap in workplace expectations and values. Baby Boomers, shaped by a work ethic that emphasizes punctuality...... read more >
"Your email subject line is the gatekeeper. It can make or break your chances of being read, and it should convey your big idea."
9 Surprisingly Simple Ways To Get People To Respond To Your Email
Summary
The article delves into the persistent challenge of getting responses to emails in an era saturated with digital communication. Despite the plethora of communication tools available, email remains a fundamental component of organizational interaction. However, the inundation of emails, often exceeding 120 per day for the average office worker, leads to many emails being ignored. The article...... read more >
Balancing career opportunities is crucial as too many options can lead to missed long-term growth. Subtle influence is often more persuasive than loud proclamations, as gaining trust quietly establishes true influence. Taking on challenging tasks can increase confidence and proficiency, making difficult accomplishments more rewarding.
Success in your career is often messy, complicated and full of contradictions—but that’s not necessarily bad. The contradictions are not the issue; the real challenge lies in finding ways to resolve them.
3 ‘Workplace Paradoxes’ To Secretly Boost Your... read more >
Gen Z faces a tough job market with employers hesitant to make hires due to perceived deficiencies in professionalism and communication. Insights from Shaan Patel's piece in Fortune reveal how this generation can take cues from the top 1% of candidates to overcome biases. Key strategies include developing self-awareness and curiosity during interviews. By honing these skills, Gen Z can more effectively compete and succeed in today's evolving workplace.
A notable quote from the article is: "Self-awareness is pivotal as early as the interview phase." This line underscores the significance of...... read more >
I recently came across an interesting article from Intelligent.com revealing how 81% of managers see the need for workplace etiquette training for recent grads. They highlight weaknesses in areas like feedback and cellphone etiquette. It's fascinating to see companies focusing on professionalism through training that covers conflict resolution and teamwork. As someone who values skill-building, these insights resonate deeply with me.
"The top topics and skills covered in workplace etiquette training programs are conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, and collaboration and... read more >
"Maintaining a connection between past and present careers can be a powerful strategy for career transitions."
Beyond Slashers: Why You Must Juggle Four Careers At Once
The Evolution of Career Management: A Four-Dimensional Approach
The article "Beyond Slashers: Why You Must Juggle Four Careers At Once" challenges the conventional wisdom of linear career progression, advocating for a multi-career model to navigate the demands of today’s dynamic job market. Rapid skill obsolescence and technological changes necessitate a strategic shift towards managing multiple career dimensions... read more >
In the article "How to write a better job description to attract top talent," a particularly noteworthy quote is:
"Instead of searching for a 'purple squirrel,' identify the key competencies and experiences necessary for the job. This approach broadens your candidate pool and allows you to find strong candidates who can grow into the role with interesting backgrounds."
If you want to attract the most talented people, include these 7 things in your job description
Shifting Perspectives in Job Descriptions
The article emphasizes a crucial shift from the elusive hunt for "purple squirrel"... read more >
The article discusses various aspects of employee training and development, providing insights and recommendations on how to incorporate industry trends, cater to different learning styles, evaluate program success, create interactive training methods, and implement best practices. The author emphasizes the need to align training programs with specific business goals, adapt to employee demographics, and ensure engagement and participation. Additionally, they suggest utilizing metrics, data analysis, and innovative approaches such as gamification and simulations to enhance effectiveness.... read more >
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are driving the trend towards AI-driven automation. While many fear job losses, the impact of generative AI is more likely to be job augmentation rather than job displacement. A McKinsey report predicts that by 2030, 30% of hours currently worked in the US economy could be automated. However, only around 20% of jobs are considered "highly exposed" to generative AI automation. Jobs like customer service representatives face a higher risk of displacement, but tasks requiring human judgment and empathy will still need human intervention. On the other end of the...... read more >
The article discusses the hidden limitations of remote work and how it can affect career progression. The author shares a personal anecdote about their friend Max, who had to relocate for personal reasons and was subsequently excluded from internal communications and passed over for a promotion. The article mentions that studies support the idea that remote employees are less likely to be promoted or receive raises compared to those working in the office. The author also highlights their previous article's viewpoint on remote work, stating that it may be more beneficial for experienced... read more >
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reduce bias in hiring, particularly in male-dominated fields like tech. Research by Andreas Leibbrandt, an economist at Australia's Monash University, suggests that when women know AI, rather than humans, will evaluate their job applications, they are more likely to apply. However, Leibbrandt emphasizes that humans should still have the final say in hiring decisions. While women in the study felt that AI was less biased than humans, men felt that the introduction of AI removed a perceived privilege they had with human recruiters. Overall, AI...... read more >
In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have a significant impact on various sectors. In healthcare, AI is being used to develop predictive models for disease diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. In the financial sector, AI algorithms are being implemented for fraud detection and risk assessment. In education, AI is being used to personalize learning experiences and automate administrative tasks. In retail, AI has transformed supply chains and enhanced customer experiences. In human resources, AI is streamlining recruitment processes and predicting employee attrition.... read more >
This article highlights the importance of data storytelling for marketers to effectively engage consumers and influence their decisions. Data storytelling involves presenting complex information in a relatable and compelling format. It helps in creating brand loyalty and increasing conversions. The article promotes a 20-minute data storytelling masterclass by experts from Marigold, aiming to teach marketers how to utilize data storytelling to enhance their marketing strategies.
https://searchengineland.com/join-a-masterclass-on-data-storytelling-435882
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The web article discusses learning experience platforms (LXPs) and their benefits in the context of employee learning and development. LXPs are described as modern platforms that provide a consumer-grade user experience, similar to popular social networking and multimedia sites. They support self-directed learning and personalized recommendations using artificial intelligence (AI). LXPs offer features such as content creation, curation, AI-based recommendations and training, analytics, chatbots, gamification, and integration with e-learning content providers and third-party technology... read more >
HR teams are increasingly using automation, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to bring about significant changes in how companies manage their people. This shift goes beyond just streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, it also adds strategic value to organizations by freeing HR professionals from routine tasks so they can focus on more complex and creative responsibilities. The article highlights six key areas where HR is leveraging automation technologies: recruitment processes, employee onboarding, benefits administration, payroll processing, time and attendance... read more >
A report from edX suggests that 80% of workers see employers as post-secondary learning institutions. This means that employers have the opportunity to provide additional learning and development (L&D) opportunities to incoming workers, including the class of 2024. In addition to artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling, professionalism and etiquette are important skills for young professionals. Many students are entering college without having had a part-time job, which means they may lack basic workplace etiquette. HR can address this by clearly communicating expectations and emphasizing the...... read more >
"This team uses lazy excuses like “there’s a speed vs quality trade-off!” when they are not remotely close to moving fast enough or shipping work that’s high quality enough to breach that boundary." —Are your standards too low? In defense of raising the bar
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This article by Wes focuses on the importance of raising standards in order to improve your team's chances of success. Wes shares his experience of setting a high bar for quality and the benefits it brings. He explains that teams who refuse to settle and constantly strive for excellence are the ones who achieve innovation and success. On the other hand, teams with low standards make excuses and produce mediocre work, missing out on opportunities for growth. Wes argues that as a leader, setting high standards is crucial as it sets the tone for what is acceptable and celebrated within the team....... read more >
HR teams are increasingly using automation, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to bring about significant changes in how companies manage their people. This shift goes beyond just streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency, it also adds strategic value to organizations by freeing HR professionals from routine tasks so they can focus on more complex and creative responsibilities. The article highlights six key areas where HR is leveraging automation technologies: recruitment processes, employee onboarding, benefits administration, payroll processing, time and attendance... read more >
A recent study found that many American workers are experiencing increased stress levels, with personal finances being a major cause of concern. The study also found that workers are worried about politics, the economy, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security. Moreover, the Pew Research Center found that job satisfaction among American workers is low, particularly when it comes to opportunities for training, pay, and promotions. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report predicts that 44% of workers' skills will be disrupted in the next five years, raising... read more >
The article discusses the continuing debate around return to office mandates post-pandemic. It states that despite investments in office spaces and some companies requiring RTO, employee resistance remains high. A contrarian perspective presented is that there may be an undersupply rather than oversupply of offices in years ahead. As pandemic fears subside, the demand for collaborative workspaces could increase, especially from younger workers.
Additionally, the article argues that the office versus remote binary debate is overly simplistic. Companies need to consider that the future is... read more >
The article discusses Microsoft's new AI Skills Initiative, which aims to provide people around the world with the skills to effectively and ethically use AI. The initiative includes free coursework developed with LinkedIn, a Generative AI Skills Grant Challenge to support organizations training workers in generative AI, and greater access to free digital learning events and resources. Microsoft also plans to launch a Professional Certificate on Generative AI and a trainer toolkit for educators. The article emphasizes the importance of AI skills in the digital economy and the potential of AI...... read more >
