Use these 4 strategies to make online meetings bearable

4 concrete actions leaders can take in uncertain times | practice | New study shows trust in leadership is waning Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [For more relevant content - Update Your Profile]( | [Web Version]( February 9, 2023 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE]( ADVERTISEMENT Leading the Way [] [4 concrete actions leaders can take in uncertain times]( [4 concrete actions leaders can take in uncertain times]( (SIphotography/Getty Images) Economic uncertainty, a demand for better employee mental heath and diversity along with workforce challenges in the form of layoffs in some industries and shortages in others are just a few of the challenges facing leaders. Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek offer four strategies, including reaffirming shared purpose, values and vision, deepening communication with employees and identifying actions needed to succeed. Full Story: [Triple Crown Leadership]( (2/8) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: One of the most practical steps leaders can take is to review and adjust their culture by making sure everyone is on board with that shared purpose, values and vision. It's also worthwhile to build an "ethic of stewardship" that rewards employees when they take initiative and call out areas that need improvement, write the Vanoureks. [] [New study shows trust in leadership is waning]( Only 40% of leaders and human resources experts say their company had high-quality leaders -- a 17% drop from last year -- with less than half saying they have confidence in their immediate supervisor, according to DDI's recently released 2023 Global Leadership Forecast. "If leaders want people to deliver their best work and stay with the organization, they need to be vulnerable and let their employees know that they trust them to do the work, even if they are working remotely," says Stephanie Neal, director of DDI's Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research. Full Story: [Forbes (tiered subscription model)]( (2/8) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Leaders who are willing to be vulnerable with their direct reports, sharing their own doubts and weaknesses, can build trust quickly, Neal notes. Leaders also need support from their superiors to prevent feeling burned out from the pressures of their job. Decision-Making and Negotiations Program Learn how to negotiate hard, with integrity, using the techniques of professional negotiators. Acquire and practice strategies that will grow your influence with clients, vendors, and colleagues in this Chicago Booth program, June 26-30. [Register now.]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] SmartBrief on Leadership [] [Use these 4 strategies to make online meetings bearable]( [Use these 4 strategies to make online meetings bearable]( (lemono/Getty Images) Online meetings are likely going to always be necessary, but they don't necessarily have to be boring, writes Stefanie Palomino, chief product officer and general manager of ROOM3D, who offers four suggestions for improving them, including reducing distracting background noise, creating rituals that connect participants and learning from mistakes. "It falls to you, as the leader, to find ways of keeping your employees energized, focused and happy," Palomino writes. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (2/8) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: It's been said many times, but it bears repeating that online meetings should be short -- 45 minutes at the most -- and the purpose of the meeting should be clear with appropriate preparation beforehand by everyone present. Move the Needle on Employee Engagement Create employee engagement programs that work. Check out the report to discover engagement best practices that benefit the business by: increasing talent retention, improving productivity, and meeting evolving customer needs. [Read the Report.]( ADVERTISEMENT: [] Smarter Communication [] [Show appreciation to your team in ways they appreciate]( Create a program to recognize employee excellence, as well as improvement, and communicate your genuine appreciation of their work frequently -- even daily -- to create "a positive and productive workplace," writes Lolly Daskal. "Recognition and appreciation are the most powerful, most human and most effective forms of leadership communication," Daskal writes. Full Story: [Lolly Daskal]( (2/8) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Your employees also appreciate a chance to give back to the community. Providing them with volunteer opportunities can help them appreciate each other and "help to foster a sense of corporate responsibility and social awareness within your organization," Daskal notes. 2023 Year Ahead Outlook In the U.S., what are the chances for a mild recession and quick recovery? Will China's reopening spark a consumer-led rebound? Could bonds and stocks rise as markets regain a solid footing? Will the surge in commodities continue? BofA Global Research analysts share their latest views. [Read the interviews]( ADVERTISEMENT: Free eBooks and Resources Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors - [Quick Reference Guide – Microsoft Excel 2021 Advanced Guide]( - [The Ultimate Guide to Developing Self-Discipline]( - [Public Speaking at Work]( - [Tips & Tricks Guide – Career Planning – Why It's Essential for Your Success]( [] Future of Work Your work future could include ... [] - [Build leadership and data skills to stay relevant in the workforce]( Medium (tiered subscription model)/Authority Magazine (2/7) [] - [How evolving cultural norms could affect your workplace]( People Matters (India) (2/6) [] - [AI may not take your job, but it will change it]( Insider (2/7) [] Daily Diversion [] [How is chocolate made? Beans, roasting and ... horses?]( [How is chocolate made? Beans, roasting and ... horses?]( (Pixabay) The "dull-tasting" cocoa bean gets its chocolatey flavor and aromatic goodness through a process of fermentation and roasting that binds protein and sugar together in what's called the Maillard reaction, writes Ohio State University professor Sheryl Barringer. To make the chocolate bar you love, more cocoa butter is added in a process called "conching" that many years ago, Barringer writes, "took a team of horses a week walking in a circle, pulling a large grinding stone, to pulverize the particles small enough." Thank technology for speeding up your time between chocolate craving and satisfaction. Full Story: [The Conversation]( (2/6) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBreak: Question of the Day [] POLL QUESTION: Which famous Bessie was the first Black and Native American woman to obtain a pilot's license? Check your answer [here]( and learn more in [SmartBrief's newsletters](. [Vote]( [Bessie Smith]( [Vote]( [Bessie Coleman]( [Vote]( [Bessie Potter Vonnoh]( [Vote]( [Bessie Head]( [] About The Editor [] Candace Chellew Candace Chellew Candace Chellew One of the many things I enjoy about my job is that our online meetings tend to be short, to the point and, for the most part, enjoyable. For most meetings, we use shared documents so we can see each other's updates, and none of them tend to be longer than 30 to 45 minutes. As an introvert, I'm not crazy about being on camera, so I have a choice in whether to turn it on or not, as does everyone else. I find, though, as our meetings get more collegial, I'm far more comfortable on camera. How are you making online meetings better for your team? [Let me know](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). 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? [Drop me a note](mailto:candace.chellew@futurenet.com). And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off. [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( 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 [] [] I think I only appear smart by staying quiet as often as possible. [Sally Rooney](, writer, screenwriter [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, a division of Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036