Let’s start off on the right foot

“A person doesn’t have to change who he is to become better.” –Sidney Poitier

The skinny

Many organizations that've switched to a 4-day work week have seen vast improvements in productivity, morale, and overall employee happiness.

♥

Psh.

You doubt? It may seem like a four-day workweek is as unlikely as Kim Cattrall and SJP becoming besties, but the pandemic has upended expectations for what’s normal, possible, and successful.

How successful?

As successful as a post-apocalyptic novel about a pandemic. Translation: very.

But there’re fewer hours to do the same amount of work, right?

Technically, yes. However, organizations who have shifted to the four-day work week have seen employees re-prioritize tasks and optimize their schedules to be more productive and efficient.  

Interesting.

Yes, if the task isn’t producing results, or a meeting isn’t part of a larger strategy, just nix it. Not surprising, this way of working frees up a lot more time.  

This meeting could have been an email.

Exactly. Rambling meetings with no agendas, no action items, and no point take up a lot of time during the week. By injecting the discipline of time reduction, such poor uses of time may finally fall by the wayside.  

Plus, more time off.

Yes. Three-day weekend anyone!? Imagine including that benefit when you’re posting your open jobs. Get ready for a tsunami of great candidates.

Who is doing this exactly?

Iceland, for one. Microsoft Japan trialed the four-day work week and saw a 40% jump in productivity. And other orgs are taking note of this success and copycatting. 

Wow.

Yup. News flash: the brain isn’t a machine. It requires downtime to process information, make connections, and generate new ideas. Now that’s innovation, baby.

Creating mental white space.

Genius way to put it. More time off means more time to process ideas and more energy to take on life. Which all equals, say it with me: less burnt-out, happier employees.

Totes quotes: “Personally, I’ve noticed that my best work is done when I go “all in” on working over four days, and take the long weekend to recover and explore other passions of mine like dancing, meditation, and hiking. I have a lot more time to think clearly, be creative, and be strategic.” –Ryan Breslow, CEO of Bolt

Date with data: 83% of workers believe a four-day workweek would reduce burnout.  

Further reading: Panasonic is introducing an optional four-day work week.

The skinny

Adopting a "sweet range" leadership style rather than a "sweet spot" is better for adaptability and overall success in the changing environment of the workplace today.

♥

What does that mean?

It’s an outdated idea that a leader should adopt a fixed leadership style that’s agnostic to the to the specific context in which he or she is operating. You can’t be an old dog with zero new tricks! 

But my leadership style works.

You may think that now. But a single approach to leadership is not going to meet the myriad of challenges that today’s leaders face. The wider the leadership style range, the better.

So, out with the old in with the new?

Not necessarily. There are a few things to keep in mind when developing and expanding your leadership style to cope with change and build teams that are resilient and adaptable.

Like what?

For one, understand yourself. Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses will provide a baseline or default range of where you feel most comfortable.  

Ok, got it.

Then ask yourself: what do I avoid and why? This will give you a place to start expanding into leadership territories that are unfamiliar. Grab your chaps and cowboy hat my friend, you are now a prospector! 

Yeehaw?

That’s the spirit. If you’re fortunate, the most appropriate behavior in a given workplace situation will fall within your leadership sweet range. In this case, your reactions will be straightforward.  

And when it doesn’t?

Seek out mentorship and start practicing micro-changes. For example, if you’re a perfectionist and take a lot of time to make decisions, give yourself a deadline. Even if not all the ducks are in a row yet, try moving forward. Developing new behaviors and strategies will help you be a more adaptive leader.

Further reading: 6 tips for effective leadership in uncertain times.  

For you: Instead of being friends with your employees, do this.

Now a break from the news… What’s better than a box?

Compliance Corner Insurers will be required to cover at-home COVID tests beginning Saturday.

Here’s something to…

• Tell us: How are you liking The Skinny?
• Consider: Exploring some causes of toxic workplace cultures.
• Read: Supreme court blocks Biden vaccine mandate.
• Work out: 15-minute workouts for busy peeps.
• Cook: Delicious breaky recipes.

Blogosphere  

Work in the age of Omicron.