Which task manager will work best for you?

Remembering Henry Aaron | Leadership lessons from the cargo container's invention | 7 ways to stay agile after the pandemic Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [Update Profile]( | [Web Version]( January 25, 2021 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE]( ADVERTISEMENT Leading Edge [] [Remembering Henry Aaron]( [Remembering Henry Aaron]( Aaron circa 1955 (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The late Henry "Hank" Aaron's on-field accomplishments are only part of his story, as he was a pioneer who came from the Negro Leagues, a friend and ally to teammates and countless others, and a man who had to endure an onslaught of racism and hatred for daring to hit more home runs than Babe Ruth. These profiles, written by journalists who knew Aaron, attempt to capture his life and wisdom along with his achievements and legacy. Full Story: [ESPN]( (1/23), [The Undefeated]( (1/22), [The New York Times]( (1/23) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] [Leadership lessons from the cargo container's invention]( Malcolm McLean developed the modern shipping container through ingenuity, patience and hard work, along with a willingness to experience failure before success, writes Wally Bock. "A good idea is not enough, not without the energy and attention and hard work to refine it and shape it and change it," Bock writes. Full Story: [Three Star Leadership]( (1/21) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( Iowa’s Essential Tools for Optimal Innovation Innovative resources drive innovative results. Whether you're exploring new ways to expand your business, accelerating the pace of production or investing in new R&D, Iowa offers best-in-class programs and tax incentives to [support your goals.]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] Strategic Management [] [7 ways to stay agile after the pandemic]( Companies that pivoted during the pandemic should not revert to old practices after this crisis ends, write PwC's Blair Sheppard and Kevin Burrowes. They offer seven elements for faster decision-making, including identifying critical issues and considering the larger context and unexpected impact of decisions. Full Story: [PwC]( (1/18) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( Maryland makes for a smart investment Surrounded by smart thinkers, forward-looking leaders, and ground-breaking innovation, Maryland businesses are poised for a strong future. [Make your move.]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] Smarter Communication [] [9 ways to be calm and confident in video meetings]( Improve your virtual presence through such steps as relaxing your posture, smiling, looking into the camera and minimizing fidgeting, writes Karlin Sloan, CEO of a leadership development company. "If you are chairing a meeting or presenting an idea, change your setup so you can stand up -- this immediately improves your energy levels and conveys more dynamism," Sloan writes. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (1/22) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] [Tips for communicating across cultural divides]( Organizations in the US and Europe tend to be clear and concise in their communication, while those in Asia and Africa are more likely to prefer more indirect messaging, writes Vinita Bansal. This article discusses the meaning of "low context" and "high context" approaches and offers four strategies for better communication, including figure out your preferred style. Full Story: [TechTello]( (1/14) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( 5 Ways to Hire Like It’s 2021 We dug deep to learn what job seekers want from an employer for 2021. While there are more candidates seeking work, there's also more competition among businesses for the most qualified people. [Get the leading edge with this free guide](. ADVERTISEMENT: Featured Content and Resources Free leadership content brought to you by our partners at TradePub - [Microsoft Teams - Free Reference Card]( - [eKit: Top 7 Time Management Templates]( - [Security Basics - Quick Reference Guide]( - [101 Ready Made Excel Templates]( - [[GUIDE] Best-Practices Leadership: Team Management Tips]( [] Smarter Working A weekly spotlight on doing more without working longer [] [Which task manager will work best for you?]( Which task manager will work best for you? (Pixabay) Kelsey Alpaio tried out four to-do list methods, including "do one thing," a digital task manager and making three different lists, and discusses what worked, what didn't and how she felt afterward. "No one method is really better than the other -- what works for you will depend on your own quirks, habits, and what you're trying to accomplish," Alpaio writes. Full Story: [Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model)]( (1/14) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] In Their Own Words [] [Why vending machines in Japan are thriving]( Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. has revitalized the vending machine market in Japan by creating an algorithm that influences item placement and price, as well as using purchase data to cultivate customer loyalty and riding with drivers who service the machines. "We spent countless hours in weekly meetings and follow-ups, and explained every single step, to create commitment -- from the top of the organization to everyone else below," says executive Costin Mandrea. Full Story: [McKinsey]( (1/22) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Daily Diversion [] [Record set for highest thread count]( Forget those 1,000-thread count Egyptian sheets, because researchers at the University of Manchester have created a fabric blend with around 50 million threads by weaving them together at the molecular level. The largest piece created is only 1 millimeter long, so bedding made from the fabric won't be available anytime soon, say researchers. Full Story: [INews (UK)]( (1/19) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Most Read by CEOs The most-clicked stories of the past week by SmartBrief on Leadership readers [] - [7 pieces of advice you might have needed years ago]( SmartBrief/Leadership [] - [Introverts do great work, but have you noticed?]( SmartBrief/Leadership [] - [Here's a guide to body language]( Science of People [] - [How to make an apology that actually works]( SmartBrief/Leadership [] - [Why brushing your teeth illustrates purpose]( Leadership Freak [] About The Editor [] James daSilva James daSilva Hi, it's your SmartBrief on Leadership editor! I've had the great fortune of editing this email for nearly 10 years. Before that, I was a copy editor, including at a small daily newspaper in upstate New York. I didn't watch much of Larry King's shows, but I'll never forget King attempting to become a robot on Craig Ferguson's old late-night show. [Here's the video.]( Thank you for reading and subscribing. If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or [send this link](. What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? A favorite story from The Onion? [Drop me a note.](mailto:jdasilva@smartbrief.com) Sharing SmartBrief on Leadership with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free. Help Spread the Word [SHARE]( Or copy and share your personalized link: smartbrief.com/leadership/?referrerId=japnABMSAp [] [] Guessing what the pitcher is going to throw is 80% of being a successful hitter. The other 20% is just execution. Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball right fielder, former record holder for career home runs 1934-2021 [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email](   SmartBrief publishes more than 200 free industry newsletters - [Browse our portfolio]( [Sign Up]( | [Update Profile]( | [Advertise with SmartBrief]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy policy]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](mailto:leadership@smartbrief.com) | [ADVERTISE](mailto:lengel@smartbrief.com) SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004