So many of us are being forced back to working in an office because managers have never been taught how to manage large teams without creating a large bureaucracy. At least, that is what the folks at Make it Work said earlier this week.
They have a compelling case.
Welcome to this week’s collection of thought-provoking things. Each week, I’ll share information about careers and workplace culture, mental health in the workplace, talent development, and important information about privacy, security, and legal tech.
You can find out all about me here - Mike McBride Online.
Large corporations have a problem. It’s hard to communicate across very large teams in person, let alone remotely. There are too many points of communication. That’s true. But, as you’ll see further down in the newsletter this week, we also have a problem with managers leaving and being woefully unprepared to manage. So, it’s also possible that we’ve never taught our managers how to run a larger team remotely or in person, possibly because CEOs don’t know either.
Which doesn’t bode well for the future of these large corporations. They’ll be bleeding their best talent and unable to communicate well enough to be flexible in a changing world. Imagine organizing a 25-person meeting in response to new rules from various jurisdictions that impact your sales. How long would that take to even get on calendars?
Of course, moving quickly when needed wouldn’t be so difficult if we all spent less time in status meetings. When I recently wrote about Microsoft’s Updates app for Teams, I couldn’t help but notice how that could replace many of the meetings I’ve spent my life attending. The tools are there…
Careers and the Workplace
Let’s face it. Introverts like us roll our eyes whenever someone tells us to network more. On the other hand, it was my key to finding a new gig, so let’s look at this - 5-min Networking Guide for Introverts.
I wrote this a year ago, but I think it’s an important reminder as we see more and more companies push for a return to the office:
Who Can Work for You? The Answer to that Question Might Say Everything About Diversity
There’s a lot of talk coming from organizations about their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Too many of them create opportunities that don’t match those words. Office jobs that require workers to be in one place at the same time, all the time, are inherently not as diverse as they could be. Companies that require all of their employees to travel for team events are not as inclusive as they could be. Companies that only hire consultants who will travel to them in person are not as inclusive as they could be.
Training and Development
Linked - Promotion? No Thanks!
I wonder how many survey responders watch their managers struggle and/or fail because they weren't prepared for management. Why would we be surprised that so many are happy not to bring that upon themselves?
More experienced workers replaced by less experienced ones who weren’t provided proper training? - How Employee Turnover Fueled Boeing’s Quality Control Nightmare.
Want to work in Learning and Development? - Essential Skills and Capabilities for Success in L&D.
Mental Health in the Workplace
An interesting podcast episode to listen to - Leaders Prioritizing Mental Health for Organizational Success.
We often talk about connection and friendship, so it’s only fair that I share this - How to Actually Make Friends as an Adult IRL.
Privacy, Security, and Legal Tech
How I Got Scammed Out of $50,000
Hearing these stories is important because they can help the next person not be victimized. This one also reminds us of what every Law & Order episode should have taught us. Don’t talk to law enforcement, fake or real. Get an attorney.
On a related note - How to avoid the top scam of 2023.
The EFF would like to remind us that Privacy Isn't Dead. Far From It.
This EU ruling says confidential communication is a human right - EU Court of Human Rights Rejects Encryption Backdoors.
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