Fearless or fear(less)? Why the latter is better

How the art of a nuanced "No" can enhance innovation | practice | Fearless or fear(less)? Why the latter is better Created for {EMAIL} | [{NAME}]( at [{NAME}]( [For more relevant content - Update Your Profile]( | [Web Version]( August 30, 2023 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [SmartBrief on Leadership]( Innovative Ideas. Ahead of the Curve. [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [SHARE](  [] Leading the Way [] [How the art of a nuanced "No" can enhance innovation]( [How the art of a nuanced "No" can enhance innovation]( (Pixabay) Leaders often find it difficult to say no to new projects or requests, but they can develop a nuanced approach that preserves goodwill and still encourages innovation without feeling like they must defend their decisions, writes Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, founder and CEO of People Culture Drive Consulting Group. "The overarching goal is to cultivate an environment where the act of sharing ideas feels not only safe but also encouraged, ensuring that subsequent proposals resonate with creativity and enthusiasm," Cecchi-Dimeglio notes. Full Story: [Forbes (tiered subscription model)]( (8/29) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Coupling your "No" with an explanation of how approval would affect the allocation of strategic resources can "cushion the impact," [writes Cecchi-Dimeglio](. "This approach nurtures an ecosystem of innovation where 'no' is not merely a rejection but a crucial pivot toward progress." "A wealth of insights" —Kirkus Reviews Get the best from accelerating social change with the new book from the "acclaimed thought leader" (Kirkus). Adam Grant says it "invites us to rethink our careers, our families, and our future plans." Mohamed A. El-Erian calls it, "A must read." [Order your copy!]( ADVERTISEMENT [] SmartBrief on Leadership [] [Fearless or fear(less)? Why the latter is better]( [Fearless or fear(less)? Why the latter is better]( (RichVintage/Getty Images) Our world is no longer designed for an "eat or be eaten" approach, but our brains haven't caught up to the idea of fearless versus fear(less), writes Rebecca Heiss, a stress physiologist, author of "Instinct" and founder of the Icueity app. "Fearing less means using our brains, not just bravado, in the face of fear" to analyze the risks and costs of doing something versus doing nothing, Heiss explains, likening it to an adventure. Full Story: [SmartBrief/Leadership]( (8/29) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Spend three minutes coming to grips with a stressor rather than fighting it. Take two slow, deep breaths to activate chill mode. Then, let curiosity take over "[b]ecause [there is no way for curiosity and fear to coexist](," Heiss writes.   [] Smarter Communication [] [Would you invite your work "family" to Thanksgiving?]( "The notion of workplace family is well-meaning, but can be misleading and lead to long-term disappointment for the entire organization," writes career coach Kara Dennison, who says workplace camaraderie, support and unity can be a myth. "[F]amilies are built around unconditional love and personal relationships, while workplaces are fundamentally rooted in professional objectives and power inequality," Dennison adds, explaining how to create authentic workplace engagement instead. Full Story: [Forbes (tiered subscription model)]( (8/28) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Put it into practice: Dennison advises recognizing the "harmful implications underlying the workplace family myth," such as decreased accountability, slower growth and a toxic atmosphere. Then "[prioritize authentic engagement, accountability, and collaboration](" with the help of expectations, achievements and communication. Free eBooks and Resources Free eBooks and resources brought to you by our sponsors - [AI Terms Cheat Sheet]( - [Getting Started with Apache Hadoop]( - [12 Ways to Approach the Cybersecurity Skills Gap Challenge in 2023]( - [Data Center Acronyms Cheat Sheet]( - [6 Worthless Security Tactics That Won't Go Away]( [] Smarter A.I. A weekly spotlight on how A.I. is affecting leadership [] - [Practical ways for leaders to oversee employee use of AI]( Harvard Business Review (tiered subscription model) (8/29) [] - [Read these charts to get a handle on the future of AI in the workplace]( McKinsey (8/25) [] - [Will AI disrupt the gender balance in the office?]( Fortune (tiered subscription model) (8/29) [] In Their Own Words [] [To enhance your leadership reputation, be vulnerable]( When leaders, either male or female, disclose something personal about themselves -- such as being nervous about public speaking -- they are seen as more authentic by their employees, says Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University professor Maryam Kouchaki. "[I]nstead of leading people to see you as very polished, getting people to see you as human -- as an honest and trustworthy person -- I think that's the goal here," Kouchaki notes. Full Story: [Kellogg Insight]( (8/28) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] Daily Diversion [] [Nursing home was a beacon for single-minded shelter dog]( Nursing home was a beacon for single-minded shelter dog This isn't the escape artist dog, but its nose is similar. (SheltieWorld photography/Getty Images) After three James Bond-worthy escapes from a kill animal shelter in northern Michigan -- involving two fences, a highway and the closed door of a long-term medical care residence -- a determined stray dog was adopted by the staff of the nursing home. We could tell you more, but the article is too heartwarming and aww-worthy not to read yourself. Full Story: [Detroit Free Press]( (8/29) [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] SmartBreak: Question of the Day [] Physicist Edward Witten is known for his research into string theory, but Pat Metheny can be called a string theorist of a different kind. What are his strings of choice? [Vote]( [Artisanal knitting]( [Vote]( [Jazz guitar]( [Vote]( [Pro bass fishing]( [Vote]( [Yo-yo master]( [] Editor's Note [] [Summit to explore AI applications, implications]( SmartBrief's virtual AI Impact Summit on Sept. 27 and 28 will provide professionals across industries and business functions with insights into the current and future implications of artificial intelligence. The event features keynotes by Zack Kass from OpenAI and Mutale Nkonde of AI for the People, as well as a health care track featuring Liz Jensen, clinical director at Direct Supply Innovation & Technology Center @MSOE; Yosi Health co-founder and CEO Hari Prasad; Atalan Tech co-founder and CEO Tiffany Chan; and AdvaMed Executive Director Shaye Mandle. [Learn more]( and [register today](! [LinkedIn]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Email]( [] About The Editor [] Candace Chellew Candace Chellew Chellew I've always cringed at the idea of workplaces being compared to families. [Kara Dennison summarizes my feelings](: "The workplace family metaphor can mean something different for everyone, and not everyone has the best associations with family." Not everyone has a good "family" life; the metaphor is more of a turn-off than anything else. Family is the last thing I want my colleagues to feel like. Instead, I want to feel like I am among a group of professionals striving for the same goal. Collegial, yes. Familial? No. What are your feelings on viewing your co-workers as family? [Tell me](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 [] [] Our actions are like ships which we may watch set out to sea, and not know when or with what cargo they will return to port. [Iris Murdoch](, writer, philosopher [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