How’s It Going?

I had such a great weekend last weekend, it felt like the old days, seeing friends in person, catching up, laughing together. I’m looking forward to more of the same this coming weekend, with a Thursday night dinner thrown in for good measure.

Despite the fun, I found the conversations frequently turning to corporate layoffs and quiet quitting. While we agreed that sometimes layoffs are needed to rebalance a business that’s faltering, most of us believe that layoffs often look like copycat actions driven by weak leaders who fail to factor the human aspects of keeping a business strong. All about the numbers, forgetting what actually drives them.

Story after story of layoffs handled badly, employees at all levels being disrespected, of those remaining shouldering the burden knowing they aren’t appreciated. Job candidates aren’t treated any better. No wonder those inclined to play the system are quiet quitting: doing the bare minimum to keep the job without putting any of their real selves into it.

Yet another system that is very, very broken.

As always, I am hopeful for positive change and intent on driving it from my place on this planet. Today, my suggestion for bringing the “us” back to situations is obviously not a big fix, but it’s a drop in the pond that can cause many ripples. For everyone who hasn’t read “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, do it today. It’s short. I can net/net it here for you, but it’s truly worth the full read. The 4 agreements are, paraphrased by me:

1. Deliver on your word. If you say you’re going to do something, follow through.
2. Don’t take things personally. It leads to lots of misunderstanding. It’s very seldom about you. Really.
3. Don’t make assumptions. Ask questions with an open mind. Works wonders.
4. Bring your best self to what you do every day, all day. Hold yourself accountable to be the best version of yourself. It’s a great discipline that helps you truly connect with the people around you.

And here’s more good stuff for you, the leader bringing your best self to business:

• Luke Harlan, mindset mastery coach, talks about logical fallacies and how to recognize bad arguments. I appreciate how he’s made it an easy-to-digest list that gets you thinking.

• Speaking of leadership coaches, have you heard Angie Bruhn yet? She is equal parts insightful and engaging, and she’s got advice for leaders and those who want to lead powerfully with compassion. Check out her evolving YouTube channel: The Elevated Leader.

• How does happiness impact the workplace? Think with Google’s Future Ready series has a new episode with ideas on fostering happiness in the workplace and how brands can provide a “happiness boost” to their customers.

Do Good Spotlight
🌟 Grow it Green Morristown 🌟

In honor of Earth Day this coming Saturday, we’re spotlighting a very green organization. Grow It Green Morristown creates sustainable farms and gardens, and educates communities on healthy eating and environmental stewardship. The best part? The majority of the food grown is donated. Love that 💖. Find ways to support them: Grow it Green Morristown. And if you’re local, their “Spring into Action” event is May 1. Lots of fun, find out more on the website.

Speaking of Earth Day, what are you doing this weekend? I hope you’ve got great plans and that we get the weather we want. In the meantime, keep your full health top of mind so you can bring your best self to your world and the people in it every day.

Niki