Smart Workweek

Smart Workweek is a guide to the future of work for teams and leaders. Now accepting applications for our 2023 spring cohort. #fourdayworkweek

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

🚨 Excited to announce a partnership with @WTRCoE that will help companies transition to shorter workweeks.

By pairing the Center's expertise, research, & consulting with Smart Workweek's online course and best practices, we are building a suite of support for companies globally

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Interesting finding from @asana's recent 2023 Anatomy of Work:
“Clear goals lead workers to stay at a company longer.” 87% of workers with clear goals could see themselves working at their current company for the next year.
How are you helping your employees develop clear goals?

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Dealing with cognitive load? As a leader, I’ve experienced these moments where I’m overwhelmed by all the incoming information, leaving me feeling distracted, foggy, & stuck.

Release the pressure of having to hold it all in your mind by capturing ideas, to-dos, or other notes

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Simple way to push back against cognitive load?

Reprioritize: Not everything is urgent and important. Take breaks that allow you to step back and focus on the most important work. Consider what can be deprioritized or postponed. #WorkSmart

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Cognitive overload is defined as the onslaught of new information that can shut down our thinking capacity.
Tips for dealing with cognitive load:
Create a release valve.
Reduce personal distractions.
Focus on completing one task at a time.
Reprioritize. #worksmart

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Artificial intelligence is different from human wisdom. More than new ideas, fresh takes, or quick responses, effective leadership is the skill of applying the best judgment and wisdom to complex realities.

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

OpenAI’s ChatGPT might be able to produce content, ideas, summaries, and writing in seconds, but it will struggle to apply good judgment that is deeply contextualized, nuanced, and relevant to a given situation. This is where humans could have the edge.

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Here are two favorite ways to say no:
“I’m fully committed right now.” This takes responsibility and leaves no wiggle room for adding anything else.

“I’m laser-focused on a few key projects, and I can’t take anything else on.” This emphasizes how you’re prioritizing your time.

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

How can we improve our communication?
Saying no can feel uncomfortable or even mean. Often, we offer a weak no, leaving the door open for a yes down the road.

We can strengthen our ability to say no by developing tried-and-true language that we know—from experience—lands well.

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

For discussion:
Slow down while drafting workplace communication. Challenge yourself to cut away everything but the most essential message. What context is necessary and what is just distraction?

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Communication tip: Every unimportant word reduces the power of every important word. Be ruthless in pruning back all the surrounding fluff and then identify and preserve the key message to shine, without competition. #smartworkweek

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

The wordier you are in your workplace communications (emails, Slack messages, slides decks), the more you dilute the core message you’re trying to communicate. The news publication @axios says, “Brevity is confidence. Length is fear.”

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Me on a Friday, when the barista says "have a great day at work" #FourDayWeek #SmartWorkWeek

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Reminder:
Smart work is like fitness: It’s a collection of ongoing habits, not a one-time achievement.

[Work Time Reduction @WTRCoE]

The UK #4DayWeek results are in, and the verdict is conclusive.

#WorkTimeReduction leads to HAPPIER and HEALTHIER employees, and more PRODUCTIVE companies.

Here’s how 3 pioneering leaders made the #4DayWeek a reality for their business: https://t.co/ugwgALRrU3

#ItsAboutTime

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Three day weekends aren't so bad, are they? #PresidentsDay #FourDayWorkWeek

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

While you're killing time at the #SuperBowlLVII watch party, here's a fascinating article on "The Economic, Social, and Environmental Impact of a Four-Day Workweek". A must read!

https://t.co/PqwbVFt4Hw

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

In this era of information abundance, #prioritization becomes even more critical. While you cannot compete with technology in terms of the sheer volume of words and images produced, understanding the right message for the right moment is more important than ever. #ChatGPT

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

How do top executives keep their emails #effective? BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front.

This line captures the #purpose and requested action item(s) for the message. It lets people know whether they need to engage with the content, and is especially valuable for getting approvals.

[Smart Workweek @smart_workweek]

Smart work is like fitness: It’s a collection of ongoing habits, not a one-time achievement.