ResidentialBusiness

When it pertains to developing a skilled workforce, grasping the ten fundamental training programs for employees is vital. These programs range from orientation and compliance training to leadership development and diversity training. Each type serves a specific purpose, ensuring employees are well-prepared, compliant, and capable of thriving in their roles. Recognizing the importance of these training programs can greatly influence organizational success. So, let’s explore how each program contributes to a more effective and engaged workforce. Key Takeaways Orientation and onboarding training are crucial for new employees to understand company culture, policies, and their roles, enhancing retention rates. Compliance training ensures employees are aware of legal requirements and workplace behavior, promoting a safe and respectful environment. Leadership training develops decision-making and management skills, creating a pipeline of potential leaders and increasing employee engagement. Technical and quality assurance training equip employees with essential skills and knowledge, ensuring compliance with industry standards and boosting productivity. Sales training focuses on understanding customer needs and effective sales techniques, leading to increased revenue and higher employee retention rates in sales roles. Orientation Training Orientation training is a vital first step for new employees as it lays the groundwork for their success within the organization. This type of employee training introduces you to crucial organizational information, including company policies, procedures, and culture. Depending on your role and the organization’s structure, orientation training can last from a few hours to several days. During this time, you’ll learn about your roles and responsibilities as well as meeting your managers and colleagues, which helps you feel a sense of belonging from the start. You’ll additionally gain access to the necessary tools and technology, ensuring you can begin your role effectively and confidently. Significantly, effective orientation training has been proven to reduce turnover rates and speed up how quickly new hires become productive team members. Consequently, it’s one of the most critical kinds of training programs for employees. Onboarding Training Onboarding training is crucial for helping you integrate smoothly into your new role and the company culture. This process clarifies your responsibilities and sets clear expectations during the process of nurturing relationships with your colleagues. Enhancing New Hire Integration When new hires join an organization, a well-structured onboarding training program can greatly ease their shift into the workplace. This thorough process often lasts weeks to months, helping you understand your role and the company culture. Effective onboarding incorporates different types of training, including hands-on and job-specific technical training, ensuring you’re equipped with the necessary skills. Assigning onboarding buddies promotes social integration, enhancing your confidence as well as creating a supportive environment. Research shows organizations with structured onboarding experience a 69% increase in employee retention rates, highlighting its importance. By clarifying goals and responsibilities, these types of training for employees markedly boost your productivity, allowing you to feel more connected and engaged from day one. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities For new employees, comprehension of their roles and responsibilities from the start is fundamental to their success within the organization. Onboarding training plays a vital role in this process by offering a structured overview of job duties and alignment with organizational goals. Key components include: Clear introduction to specific job duties and expectations. Overview of key performance indicators (KPIs) that define success. Assignment of an onboarding buddy to improve social integration. A multi-week training period for gradual assimilation of responsibilities. These elements guarantee that new hires understand their roles, cultivating a sense of comfort and clarity. Organizations with well-defined onboarding processes often see improved retention rates, highlighting the importance of clarifying roles and responsibilities early on. Building Team Relationships Building strong team relationships during the onboarding process is essential for helping new employees integrate smoothly into the organizational culture. Assigning an onboarding buddy improves social integration, allowing you to build connections and feel more comfortable within your team. Effective onboarding programs that emphasize these relationships can boost employee retention rates by 25%, as connected employees are more likely to stay. Furthermore, structured onboarding that includes team-building activities enhances job satisfaction and confidence, leading to quicker productivity and engagement. Research indicates that organizations with thorough onboarding experience 54% greater new hire productivity, largely because of the strong relationships formed. Prioritizing team relationship-building during onboarding sets a solid foundation for your future success within the organization. Compliance Training Compliance training is vital for employees to understand the legal requirements and company policies that govern their workplace behavior. It helps prevent lawsuits and regulatory issues, guaranteeing everyone is on the same page regarding expectations. Key topics often covered in compliance training include: Workplace health and safety regulations Anti-harassment policies Data protection laws Industry-specific compliance requirements Regular compliance training not just reduces the risk of workplace incidents but additionally promotes a safe and respectful environment, which is fundamental for maintaining employee morale. In fact, 70% of employees report feeling more engaged and committed to their organization after receiving compliance training. To keep the training relevant and engaging, many organizations now use e-learning methods, like microlearning modules, which adapt to changing regulations. This approach guarantees that employees remain informed and compliant, contributing positively to the workplace culture. Product Training Product training is crucial for enhancing your knowledge of the features and benefits of your company’s offerings, which helps you communicate their value effectively to customers. By engaging in practical experiences and role-specific training, you’ll gain the skills needed to address customer inquiries and troubleshoot issues confidently. This ongoing education not just boosts your performance but likewise guarantees you’re up-to-date with new product launches and industry trends. Product Knowledge Enhancement Comprehending your company’s offerings is essential for success, especially in regard to effective customer interactions and sales. Product knowledge improvement equips you with detailed insights into features, benefits, and applications, critical for your roles. Here are some key aspects to reflect on: Grasping product features helps you articulate their value to customers. Hands-on experience with products improves your ability to troubleshoot issues. Customized training guarantees you receive relevant knowledge specific to your role. Thorough training can lead to improved sales performance and customer loyalty. Practical Experience Opportunities Many employees find that practical experience opportunities during product training considerably improve their comprehension of the company’s offerings. Engaging directly with products allows you to grasp their practical applications, which improves your confidence when interacting with customers. You’ll learn vital troubleshooting techniques that can be critical during real-world scenarios. Training modules often incorporate role-playing and sales exercises, giving you a safe environment to practice and refine your skills. These customized objectives guarantee that everyone—from sales representatives to customer service agents—receives relevant and specific information that empowers them to excel in their roles. In the end, effective product training not only boosts your performance but also leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, as you become equipped to meet customer needs effectively. Role-Specific Training Focus When employees receive role-specific training focused on product knowledge, they not just learn the essential features and benefits of the company’s offerings but likewise understand how to communicate these effectively to customers. This training is fundamental for sales and customer service teams, enhancing their ability to resolve issues and answer queries accurately. Key aspects of effective product training include: In-depth knowledge of products and services Hands-on experience to build practical insights Customized objectives based on specific roles Improved sales performance and customer satisfaction Leadership Training Leadership training is essential for developing the skills necessary for effective decision-making, team management, and communication, which prepares employees for future roles within the organization. By investing in leadership training, you cultivate a pipeline of potential leaders, boosting employee morale and retention. Programs that include mentorship and coaching improve your interpersonal skills and promote better team collaboration, making the workplace more effective. Organizations prioritizing leadership development align their training with strategic business goals, leading to enhanced decision-making and overall performance. Companies with robust leadership training initiatives often see a 20% increase in employee engagement, which greatly contributes to achieving business objectives. This connection highlights the importance of nurturing leadership skills among employees. With these programs, you’re not just preparing individuals for future roles; you’re additionally building a stronger, more effective organization capable of facing challenges and driving success. Technical Training Building on the foundation of leadership development, technical training plays a vital role in equipping employees with the specific skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. This type of training covers fundamental tools, software applications, and industry-specific technologies that improve problem-solving capabilities. It guarantees employees stay updated with technological advancements relevant to their job functions. Key components of effective technical training include: Hands-on practice in real-world scenarios to reinforce learning. Regular updates to training programs, adapting to rapid technological changes. Focus on minimizing errors and inefficiencies, boosting productivity. Ongoing investment by organizations to maintain a competitive edge. Quality Assurance Training Quality Assurance Training is crucial for comprehending quality standards compliance and implementing effective error minimization techniques. During this training, you’ll learn how to guarantee that your products and services not just meet industry regulations but also satisfy customer expectations. Quality Standards Compliance To guarantee that your organization consistently meets industry standards, implementing a robust Quality Assurance (Q/A) training program is vital. This training equips employees with fundamental skills to maintain compliance with regulations and improve product quality. Key aspects of Quality Standards Compliance include: Comprehending quality control methodologies and techniques. Learning how to effectively assess quality and minimize errors. Gaining insights into the importance of customer trust and integrity. Enhancing overall efficiency and reducing waste to boost profit margins. With proper Q/A training, your final products will align with quality standards, supporting your organizational goals of exceptional quality and customer satisfaction. Companies that prioritize this training often see lower defect rates and increased customer loyalty, benefiting their bottom line markedly. Error Minimization Techniques Maintaining high standards in products and services involves implementing effective error minimization techniques, which are fundamental components of Quality Assurance (Q/A) training. This training equips you with methodologies and tools crucial for reducing errors and enhancing performance. You’ll learn about industry regulations and compliance requirements, which help minimize risks and improve product reliability. By mastering quality assessment techniques, you can considerably lower defect rates, boosting customer trust and satisfaction. Q/A training similarly emphasizes continuous monitoring and feedback loops, reducing waste and increasing profit margins through efficient operations. In the end, a thorough Q/A program nurtures a culture of quality in your workplace, ensuring you’re committed to maintaining excellence in your work output. Sales Training Sales training plays a critical role in equipping employees with the skills needed to effectively sell products and services. This training focuses on various techniques that improve comprehension of customer needs and building rapport. Key components of effective sales training include: Role-playing scenarios that allow employees to practice sales techniques. An in-depth grasp of product features and benefits to communicate value confidently. Practical exercises to refine skills in a supportive environment. Continuous learning opportunities that encourage a culture of improvement. Effective sales training can lead to significant performance improvements, with organizations experiencing up to a 20% increase in revenue following extensive initiatives. Furthermore, companies investing in ongoing training report a 50% higher employee retention rate among sales staff. By prioritizing sales training, you not only improve individual skills but also drive overall organizational success. Soft Skills Training Despite technical skills being vital for job performance, soft skills training has emerged as an important component of employee development in today’s workplace. This training focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, which are critical for success. In fact, around 93% of employers rank soft skills as equally or more important than technical skills during hiring and promotions. Organizations implementing effective soft skills training can see significant benefits, including improved employee engagement and satisfaction. Studies show that companies with engaged employees outperform their competitors by 202%. Training programs usually incorporate workshops, role-playing, and scenario-based learning for practical application. Skill Type Importance Level Training Method Communication High Workshops Teamwork High Role-playing Emotional Intelligence High Scenario-based learning Problem Solving Medium Group discussions Adaptability Medium Interactive exercises Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training is vital for nurturing a respectful and inclusive workplace culture, as it raises awareness of diverse backgrounds and experiences. With around 61% of employees feeling their organizations should improve diversity efforts, effective DEI training is fundamental. This training addresses unconscious biases and cultural competencies, equipping you with tools to communicate effectively across diverse groups. Here are some key benefits of DEI training: Promotes comprehension and respect among employees Improves employee engagement, with 83% feeling valued in an inclusive environment Boosts collaboration by cultivating open communication Positions your organization as an innovation leader, as inclusive cultures are 1.7 times more likely to succeed Implementing DEI training not just supports employee morale but also drives organizational success through innovation and collaboration. It’s time to invest in a training program that truly values diversity. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Different Types of Training Given to Employees? There are several types of training offered to employees. Orientation and onboarding introduce new hires to company culture and policies. Compliance training educates you on legal requirements, ensuring workplace safety. Technical skills training improves job-related abilities, keeping you updated with industry standards. Soft skills training focuses on communication and teamwork. Finally, diversity and inclusion training raises awareness of different backgrounds, helping create a supportive environment for everyone in the organization. What Are the 5 Types of On-The-Job Training? You’ve got five main types of on-the-job training: job shadowing, where you observe experienced workers; mentorship, pairing you with a seasoned employee for guidance; hands-on training, allowing you to learn by doing; cross-training, which teaches you multiple roles within the organization; and simulations, where you practice real tasks in a controlled setting. Each method helps you gain practical experience, improve skills, and understand workplace dynamics effectively. What Training Should All Employees Have? All employees should engage in compliance training to understand legal requirements and company policies, which helps prevent potential lawsuits. Orientation and onboarding training are essential for acclimating new hires to company culture and roles, speeding up productivity. Furthermore, technical skills training keeps you updated with industry standards. Finally, diversity, equity, and inclusion training cultivates a respectful workplace, whereas safety training guarantees you know protocols to prevent accidents, promoting overall well-being. What Are the 10 Basic Safety Training Courses? You need to know about ten basic safety training courses that are vital for workplace safety. These include hazard recognition, emergency response procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, fire safety, first aid and CPR, OSHA compliance, ergonomics, workplace violence prevention, slip, trip, and fall prevention, and chemical safety. Each course addresses specific risks, ensuring you’re equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Conclusion In conclusion, implementing these ten fundamental training programs can greatly improve employee skills and integration within your organization. By focusing on orientation, compliance, leadership, and soft skills, you guarantee that employees are equipped to thrive in their roles. Moreover, investing in diversity training and product knowledge promotes a more inclusive and knowledgeable workforce. Prioritizing these training initiatives not just boosts productivity but also enhances employee retention, eventually benefiting the organization as a whole. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Essential Kinds of Training Programs for Employees" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

For 10 years, I obsessed over finding a ’70s-era corduroy car coat like the one Wynona Ryder wears in the first season of Stranger Things. Not a “vintage inspired” fashion version, but an American classic turned velvety with wear. That meant thrifting at resale shops. Always on the lookout, I never scored because the outerwear selection in my size (large) was bleak. But today I am thrifting in the age of Ozempic, when women jettison entire wardrobes as an act of reinvention after dramatic weight loss, often monetizing through consignment and resale. As a result of all the larger sizes flowing into stores, I finally possess my unicorn: a heritage LL Bean corduroy coat as soft as cashmere in the groovy retro color of faded citron, all for the price of a burger at my neighborhood pub. Where once I had trouble finding my size, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs produces almost too many possibilities. Winter has always been my wardrobe low point: black, black, and, for a little fun, maybe some charcoal gray. But now my closet looks like I am in the wrong house. Color! Texture! Print! Thanks to Ozempic, selections are vast and wildly diverse, and prices are low. A thrifting bonanza I am not on the consignment hunt for couture; I am shopping for solid “regular women” brands that are still in good shape even as resale items because they aren’t fast fashion. Although I’ve never been a blazer wearer, I now have two: bouclé wool in deep sienna and a tuxedo-style smoking jacket with green velvet lapels and buttons. Each great closet addition cost me less than two bowls of pho. Women aren’t selling off wardrobes because their clothing is out of style. The use of GLP-1 drugs can radically shift sizing so that even beloved items have to go, and I’m far from the only one taking advantage of this quality thrifting bonanza. According to data from online resale marketplace ThredUp, the annual Capital One Shopping report, and spending behavior analysts Consumer Edge, the 2025 U.S. secondhand market is worth an estimated $56 billion (up 14.3% from 2024) and visits to resale stores were up 39.5% in 2025 (compared to Q2 2019), with an 80% rise in thrift and consignment spending among GLP-1 users. There are many reasons people frequent resale shops, from the economical to the environmental. Approximately one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. over the past year were secondhand, saving manufacturing resources and carbon emissions. A renewed sense of discovery But to me the best part of thrift shopping is cultural. Frequenting resale shops can provide that lovely convivial experience we once had when our shopping companions were friends, not phones. I’m often surrounded by other shoppers inspired and excited by the prospect of what we might find and open to the unexpected. Because the nature of resale makes the clothing one-of-a-kind, there’s a sense of discovery and camaraderie with shared conversations about a garment’s value and discussions about fit even among strangers. With expanded size range and diversity of brands, today’s resale stores are more like independent boutiques, which are harder and harder to find due to the financial hardships based in fluctuating consumer habits. These old-school stores were vision-led, with gut-sense merchants assembling intentional collections from many different brands, often with an artisanal vibe. Their small inventories were always percolating, bubbling up something new, in contrast to brand-led stores offering mass-produced clothing under the same label: racks of algorithmic-driven styles that may work conceptually in the boardroom, but not so much in the dressing room. How to pick your spot Because people tend to sell quantities of clothing close to home, the best way to thrift in the age of Ozempic is to pick a shop in an area where women are likely to wear the brands you want to find and go there regularly. My usual spot is on a cobblestone-lined street in a village-like neighborhood a short train ride away from the center of the city where I live—once called a railroad suburb. Look for a well-lit, well-organized store where the clothing is neatly hanging on uniform hangers. If you do become a regular and see the same garments week after week, move on—that store isn’t getting enough traffic to keep things interesting. Because you don’t have to settle. Closet upheavals due to GLP-1 drugs are plentiful, giving us lots of options. So, experiment until you find your own resale sweet spot, then start building the wardrobe you’ve always wanted: Their loss is your gain. View the full article

Grasping conflict resolution skills is crucial for any workplace. By developing abilities like active listening and empathetic communication, you can effectively address misunderstandings and promote collaboration among team members. Comprehending negotiation techniques and emotional intelligence similarly plays an important role in resolving disputes. Additionally, de-escalation tactics can help manage tense situations. As you explore these skills, you’ll uncover how they considerably improve team dynamics and contribute to a more productive environment. Key Takeaways Develop active listening skills to enhance comprehension and validate others’ perspectives during conflicts, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence to understand feelings and manage emotions, promoting trust and openness among team members. Master negotiation techniques to identify shared interests and achieve win-win solutions, focusing on relationships over rigid positions. Implement de-escalation strategies to recognize early signs of conflict and maintain a calm, respectful demeanor for productive dialogue. Engage in structured approaches, such as mediation, to facilitate discussions and encourage clear communication while resolving disputes effectively. The Importance of Conflict Resolution Skills Conflict resolution skills are vital in today’s dynamic workplace, where misunderstandings can quickly escalate into larger issues. As a manager or team leader, acquiring these skills can greatly improve your team’s environment by promoting collaboration and reducing friction. Participating in a conflict resolution workshop can equip you with fundamental techniques like empathetic communication and effective negotiation. These skills help you identify root causes of conflicts, leading to lasting solutions. Moreover, engaging in conflict resolution skills training reduces employee turnover by addressing disputes early and cultivating a positive culture. When employees feel heard and valued, their satisfaction and engagement increase, benefiting the entire organization. Companies that prioritize conflict resolution training create a proactive conflict management culture, which in the end improves performance and reputation. By investing in these skills, you empower yourself and your team to turn potential disputes into opportunities for growth and cohesion. Active Listening: The Foundation of Effective Communication Active listening is essential for effective communication, and it starts with maintaining eye contact to show the speaker that you’re engaged. By employing reflective listening techniques, like summarizing what you’ve heard or asking clarifying questions, you not only confirm your comprehension but additionally validate the speaker’s perspective. This practice not only improves individual conversations but also elevates overall team dynamics, nurturing an environment of trust and respect. Importance of Eye Contact Effective communication hinges on several key factors, and maintaining eye contact is one of the most critical elements in nurturing active listening. When you establish eye contact during conversations, you demonstrate attentiveness and respect, creating a more engaging communication environment. Studies reveal that effective eye contact builds trust and rapport, which can lead to more productive discussions and successful conflict resolutions. It likewise signals to the speaker that their message is being valued, encouraging them to share their thoughts openly. Moreover, people who maintain appropriate eye contact are often perceived as more confident and credible, enhancing their communication skills. Practicing eye contact can greatly improve your active listening abilities, ultimately making you more effective in negotiating and mediating conflicts. Reflective Listening Techniques Building on the importance of eye contact in communication, reflective listening techniques play an essential role in enhancing interactions and resolving conflicts. By actively engaging with the speaker, you cultivate a deeper connection and promote collaboration. Here are key elements of reflective listening: Paraphrase what the speaker says to confirm comprehension. Validate feelings to show empathy and reduce tension. Encourage clarifying questions to uncover underlying issues. Use affirming body language to signal attentiveness and respect. Consistent practice of these techniques can greatly improve team dynamics, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more harmonious work environment. Empathy: Understanding Perspectives Empathy plays a crucial role in conflict resolution, as it enables you to comprehend and share the feelings of others, which can greatly improve communication among conflicting parties. Demonstrating empathy cultivates trust and openness, reducing hostility during disputes by validating everyone’s emotions. This creates a more collaborative atmosphere for resolution. Active listening, a key component of empathy, involves maintaining eye contact and reflecting on what others say, ensuring they feel heard and valued. Additionally, emotional intelligence improves your ability to navigate conflicts by recognizing and managing your own emotions and those of others. Practicing empathetic communication techniques, such as using open-ended questions and confirming comprehension, can greatly enhance outcomes in conflict scenarios. Effective Communication Strategies Effective communication strategies play an essential role in resolving conflicts successfully. By achieving proficiency in active listening techniques, using non-verbal cues, and practicing empathetic responses, you can create an environment where all parties feel heard and understood. These skills not only assist in de-escalating tensions but additionally pave the way for more productive discussions and collaborative solutions. Active Listening Techniques Active listening is crucial in conflict resolution, as it not only assists you in comprehending the other person’s perspective but furthermore nurtures a more collaborative environment. To improve your active listening skills, consider the following techniques: Maintain Eye Contact: This indicates your attentiveness and builds trust. Reflect Back: Summarize what the speaker has said to confirm your comprehension and minimize misunderstandings. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the speaker to elaborate, guaranteeing a fuller dialogue. Summarize Key Points: After listening, summarize the conversation to assure clarity and alignment among all parties. Non-Verbal Communication Cues Non-verbal communication cues play a crucial role in how we convey and interpret messages during conflict resolution. These cues, which include body language and facial expressions, can account for up to 93% of interpersonal communication. Maintaining eye contact shows attentiveness, whereas open body language promotes cooperation. Your tone of voice can greatly influence how your words are received; a calm tone can help de-escalate tensions. Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it requires non-verbal cues like nodding to show engagement. Non-Verbal Cue Impact on Communication Example Eye Contact Signals attentiveness Maintaining eye contact while speaking Open Body Language Encourages dialogue Uncrossed arms, relaxed posture Tone of Voice Influences interpretation Calm and steady voice Active Listening Demonstrates empathy Nodding, leaning slightly forward Empathetic Response Practices Comprehending how to respond empathetically can greatly improve your communication skills during conflict resolution. Effective empathetic response practices promote awareness and cooperation. Here are some strategies to contemplate: Active Listening: Maintain eye contact and reflect on what’s said to validate feelings. Non-Threatening Body Language: Use open posture and a calm tone to create a supportive environment. Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations that allow others to express themselves without judgment. Reflective Summarization: Summarize what the speaker has shared to guarantee clarity and demonstrate that their concerns are taken seriously. Negotiation and Mediation Techniques Negotiation and mediation techniques are fundamental tools for resolving conflicts effectively and promoting collaboration. In negotiations, identifying shared interests and common ground can lead to win-win solutions for all parties involved. Mediation, conversely, necessitates a neutral facilitator who guides discussions, helping each party articulate their perspectives as they work towards a mutually acceptable agreement. Active listening plays a critical role in both processes, as it nurtures comprehension and encourages open communication. By employing structured approaches, like the Interest-Based Relational (IBR) approach, you can focus on relationships and interests instead of rigid positions, which often leads to more collaborative outcomes. Furthermore, mastering emotional regulation during these discussions helps maintain a calm environment, fundamental for effective dialogue and conflict resolution. In the end, integrating these negotiation and mediation techniques can greatly improve your conflict resolution skills, making you more adept at handling disputes. Emotional Intelligence in Conflict Management Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in conflict management, as it empowers you to recognize and comprehend both your emotions and those of others. Developing high EI nurtures empathy and improves your conflict resolution skills. Here are four key benefits of amplifying your emotional intelligence: Effective Communication: EI allows you to articulate your thoughts clearly, all the while grasping others’ perspectives, leading to fruitful dialogues. Active Listening: With heightened EI, you can engage in active listening, making others feel valued and heard during conflicts. Self-Regulation: EI helps you manage your emotional responses, enabling you to remain composed in heated situations. Collaborative Solutions: By approaching disagreements with empathy, you’re more likely to seek mutually beneficial outcomes rather than adopting adversarial positions. Ultimately, investing in emotional intelligence can greatly amplify your conflict management abilities and improve overall team dynamics. De-Escalation Techniques for Tense Situations When tensions rise in a conflict, it’s vital to employ effective de-escalation techniques to restore a cooperative environment. Start by recognizing early signs of escalation, like raised voices or aggressive body language, so you can intervene quickly. Maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor sets a positive tone; use soft tones and positive language to influence the interaction’s outcome. Active listening is fundamental—validate the other person’s feelings to nurture trust and encourage open communication. Practicing deep breathing can help both you and the other party manage emotions, allowing for a more productive dialogue. Use calming phrases to remind everyone to stay focused on resolution rather than conflict. These techniques create a space where cooperation flourishes, making it easier to address the underlying issues. By perfecting these skills, you improve your ability to navigate tense situations effectively and promote a more harmonious outcome. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Steps in Conflict Resolution? To effectively resolve conflicts, follow these seven steps: First, identify the source of the conflict. Next, understand each party’s perspective. Then, establish ground rules for respectful communication. After that, brainstorm possible solutions collaboratively. Evaluate the options together to agree on the best solution. Finally, follow up to guarantee the resolution is implemented effectively. What Are the 7 Tools of Conflict Analysis? The seven tools of conflict analysis include stakeholder analysis, which identifies involved parties and their interests; root cause analysis, focusing on underlying issues; and conflict mapping, visualizing relationships and dynamics. You likewise have the interest-based relational approach, emphasizing mutual comprehension over positions. The “Five Whys” technique helps identify core causes, whereas scenario planning anticipates potential future conflicts. Finally, SWOT analysis evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to develop effective strategies for resolution. Is a Master’s in Conflict Resolution Worth It? A Master’s in Conflict Resolution is often worth it if you’re looking to improve your career prospects. Graduates typically earn between $64,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience. This degree equips you with valuable skills in negotiation, mediation, and communication, making you a sought-after professional in various sectors. Furthermore, as demand for conflict resolution specialists grows, you’ll likely find numerous career opportunities in leadership roles across organizations, further justifying the investment. What Skills Are Needed in Conflict Resolution? To effectively resolve conflicts, you need several key skills. First, practice active listening to fully understand different perspectives. Clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal, helps minimize misunderstandings. Emotional intelligence is essential; it allows you to manage your emotions and respond thoughtfully to others. Moreover, strong negotiation skills enable you to facilitate discussions in the direction of mutually beneficial solutions. Finally, mediation skills help you guide conversations neutrally, ensuring all parties feel heard and valued. Conclusion Acquiring these seven fundamental conflict resolution skills is crucial for creating a collaborative workplace. By actively listening, communicating empathetically, and applying emotional intelligence, you can navigate disputes effectively. Utilizing negotiation and mediation techniques, alongside de-escalation tactics, will further improve your ability to manage conflicts. In the end, developing these skills promotes a cooperative environment, builds trust among team members, and contributes to improved organizational performance. Investing in conflict resolution training not just benefits individuals but strengthens the entire team dynamic. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Master 7 Essential Skills for Conflict Resolution Training" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Grasping conflict resolution skills is crucial for any workplace. By developing abilities like active listening and empathetic communication, you can effectively address misunderstandings and promote collaboration among team members. Comprehending negotiation techniques and emotional intelligence similarly plays an important role in resolving disputes. Additionally, de-escalation tactics can help manage tense situations. As you explore these skills, you’ll uncover how they considerably improve team dynamics and contribute to a more productive environment. Key Takeaways Develop active listening skills to enhance comprehension and validate others’ perspectives during conflicts, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence to understand feelings and manage emotions, promoting trust and openness among team members. Master negotiation techniques to identify shared interests and achieve win-win solutions, focusing on relationships over rigid positions. Implement de-escalation strategies to recognize early signs of conflict and maintain a calm, respectful demeanor for productive dialogue. Engage in structured approaches, such as mediation, to facilitate discussions and encourage clear communication while resolving disputes effectively. The Importance of Conflict Resolution Skills Conflict resolution skills are vital in today’s dynamic workplace, where misunderstandings can quickly escalate into larger issues. As a manager or team leader, acquiring these skills can greatly improve your team’s environment by promoting collaboration and reducing friction. Participating in a conflict resolution workshop can equip you with fundamental techniques like empathetic communication and effective negotiation. These skills help you identify root causes of conflicts, leading to lasting solutions. Moreover, engaging in conflict resolution skills training reduces employee turnover by addressing disputes early and cultivating a positive culture. When employees feel heard and valued, their satisfaction and engagement increase, benefiting the entire organization. Companies that prioritize conflict resolution training create a proactive conflict management culture, which in the end improves performance and reputation. By investing in these skills, you empower yourself and your team to turn potential disputes into opportunities for growth and cohesion. Active Listening: The Foundation of Effective Communication Active listening is essential for effective communication, and it starts with maintaining eye contact to show the speaker that you’re engaged. By employing reflective listening techniques, like summarizing what you’ve heard or asking clarifying questions, you not only confirm your comprehension but additionally validate the speaker’s perspective. This practice not only improves individual conversations but also elevates overall team dynamics, nurturing an environment of trust and respect. Importance of Eye Contact Effective communication hinges on several key factors, and maintaining eye contact is one of the most critical elements in nurturing active listening. When you establish eye contact during conversations, you demonstrate attentiveness and respect, creating a more engaging communication environment. Studies reveal that effective eye contact builds trust and rapport, which can lead to more productive discussions and successful conflict resolutions. It likewise signals to the speaker that their message is being valued, encouraging them to share their thoughts openly. Moreover, people who maintain appropriate eye contact are often perceived as more confident and credible, enhancing their communication skills. Practicing eye contact can greatly improve your active listening abilities, ultimately making you more effective in negotiating and mediating conflicts. Reflective Listening Techniques Building on the importance of eye contact in communication, reflective listening techniques play an essential role in enhancing interactions and resolving conflicts. By actively engaging with the speaker, you cultivate a deeper connection and promote collaboration. Here are key elements of reflective listening: Paraphrase what the speaker says to confirm comprehension. Validate feelings to show empathy and reduce tension. Encourage clarifying questions to uncover underlying issues. Use affirming body language to signal attentiveness and respect. Consistent practice of these techniques can greatly improve team dynamics, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more harmonious work environment. Empathy: Understanding Perspectives Empathy plays a crucial role in conflict resolution, as it enables you to comprehend and share the feelings of others, which can greatly improve communication among conflicting parties. Demonstrating empathy cultivates trust and openness, reducing hostility during disputes by validating everyone’s emotions. This creates a more collaborative atmosphere for resolution. Active listening, a key component of empathy, involves maintaining eye contact and reflecting on what others say, ensuring they feel heard and valued. Additionally, emotional intelligence improves your ability to navigate conflicts by recognizing and managing your own emotions and those of others. Practicing empathetic communication techniques, such as using open-ended questions and confirming comprehension, can greatly enhance outcomes in conflict scenarios. Effective Communication Strategies Effective communication strategies play an essential role in resolving conflicts successfully. By achieving proficiency in active listening techniques, using non-verbal cues, and practicing empathetic responses, you can create an environment where all parties feel heard and understood. These skills not only assist in de-escalating tensions but additionally pave the way for more productive discussions and collaborative solutions. Active Listening Techniques Active listening is crucial in conflict resolution, as it not only assists you in comprehending the other person’s perspective but furthermore nurtures a more collaborative environment. To improve your active listening skills, consider the following techniques: Maintain Eye Contact: This indicates your attentiveness and builds trust. Reflect Back: Summarize what the speaker has said to confirm your comprehension and minimize misunderstandings. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the speaker to elaborate, guaranteeing a fuller dialogue. Summarize Key Points: After listening, summarize the conversation to assure clarity and alignment among all parties. Non-Verbal Communication Cues Non-verbal communication cues play a crucial role in how we convey and interpret messages during conflict resolution. These cues, which include body language and facial expressions, can account for up to 93% of interpersonal communication. Maintaining eye contact shows attentiveness, whereas open body language promotes cooperation. Your tone of voice can greatly influence how your words are received; a calm tone can help de-escalate tensions. Active listening involves more than just hearing words; it requires non-verbal cues like nodding to show engagement. Non-Verbal Cue Impact on Communication Example Eye Contact Signals attentiveness Maintaining eye contact while speaking Open Body Language Encourages dialogue Uncrossed arms, relaxed posture Tone of Voice Influences interpretation Calm and steady voice Active Listening Demonstrates empathy Nodding, leaning slightly forward Empathetic Response Practices Comprehending how to respond empathetically can greatly improve your communication skills during conflict resolution. Effective empathetic response practices promote awareness and cooperation. Here are some strategies to contemplate: Active Listening: Maintain eye contact and reflect on what’s said to validate feelings. Non-Threatening Body Language: Use open posture and a calm tone to create a supportive environment. Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations that allow others to express themselves without judgment. Reflective Summarization: Summarize what the speaker has shared to guarantee clarity and demonstrate that their concerns are taken seriously. Negotiation and Mediation Techniques Negotiation and mediation techniques are fundamental tools for resolving conflicts effectively and promoting collaboration. In negotiations, identifying shared interests and common ground can lead to win-win solutions for all parties involved. Mediation, conversely, necessitates a neutral facilitator who guides discussions, helping each party articulate their perspectives as they work towards a mutually acceptable agreement. Active listening plays a critical role in both processes, as it nurtures comprehension and encourages open communication. By employing structured approaches, like the Interest-Based Relational (IBR) approach, you can focus on relationships and interests instead of rigid positions, which often leads to more collaborative outcomes. Furthermore, mastering emotional regulation during these discussions helps maintain a calm environment, fundamental for effective dialogue and conflict resolution. In the end, integrating these negotiation and mediation techniques can greatly improve your conflict resolution skills, making you more adept at handling disputes. Emotional Intelligence in Conflict Management Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in conflict management, as it empowers you to recognize and comprehend both your emotions and those of others. Developing high EI nurtures empathy and improves your conflict resolution skills. Here are four key benefits of amplifying your emotional intelligence: Effective Communication: EI allows you to articulate your thoughts clearly, all the while grasping others’ perspectives, leading to fruitful dialogues. Active Listening: With heightened EI, you can engage in active listening, making others feel valued and heard during conflicts. Self-Regulation: EI helps you manage your emotional responses, enabling you to remain composed in heated situations. Collaborative Solutions: By approaching disagreements with empathy, you’re more likely to seek mutually beneficial outcomes rather than adopting adversarial positions. Ultimately, investing in emotional intelligence can greatly amplify your conflict management abilities and improve overall team dynamics. De-Escalation Techniques for Tense Situations When tensions rise in a conflict, it’s vital to employ effective de-escalation techniques to restore a cooperative environment. Start by recognizing early signs of escalation, like raised voices or aggressive body language, so you can intervene quickly. Maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor sets a positive tone; use soft tones and positive language to influence the interaction’s outcome. Active listening is fundamental—validate the other person’s feelings to nurture trust and encourage open communication. Practicing deep breathing can help both you and the other party manage emotions, allowing for a more productive dialogue. Use calming phrases to remind everyone to stay focused on resolution rather than conflict. These techniques create a space where cooperation flourishes, making it easier to address the underlying issues. By perfecting these skills, you improve your ability to navigate tense situations effectively and promote a more harmonious outcome. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 Steps in Conflict Resolution? To effectively resolve conflicts, follow these seven steps: First, identify the source of the conflict. Next, understand each party’s perspective. Then, establish ground rules for respectful communication. After that, brainstorm possible solutions collaboratively. Evaluate the options together to agree on the best solution. Finally, follow up to guarantee the resolution is implemented effectively. What Are the 7 Tools of Conflict Analysis? The seven tools of conflict analysis include stakeholder analysis, which identifies involved parties and their interests; root cause analysis, focusing on underlying issues; and conflict mapping, visualizing relationships and dynamics. You likewise have the interest-based relational approach, emphasizing mutual comprehension over positions. The “Five Whys” technique helps identify core causes, whereas scenario planning anticipates potential future conflicts. Finally, SWOT analysis evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to develop effective strategies for resolution. Is a Master’s in Conflict Resolution Worth It? A Master’s in Conflict Resolution is often worth it if you’re looking to improve your career prospects. Graduates typically earn between $64,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience. This degree equips you with valuable skills in negotiation, mediation, and communication, making you a sought-after professional in various sectors. Furthermore, as demand for conflict resolution specialists grows, you’ll likely find numerous career opportunities in leadership roles across organizations, further justifying the investment. What Skills Are Needed in Conflict Resolution? To effectively resolve conflicts, you need several key skills. First, practice active listening to fully understand different perspectives. Clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal, helps minimize misunderstandings. Emotional intelligence is essential; it allows you to manage your emotions and respond thoughtfully to others. Moreover, strong negotiation skills enable you to facilitate discussions in the direction of mutually beneficial solutions. Finally, mediation skills help you guide conversations neutrally, ensuring all parties feel heard and valued. Conclusion Acquiring these seven fundamental conflict resolution skills is crucial for creating a collaborative workplace. By actively listening, communicating empathetically, and applying emotional intelligence, you can navigate disputes effectively. Utilizing negotiation and mediation techniques, alongside de-escalation tactics, will further improve your ability to manage conflicts. In the end, developing these skills promotes a cooperative environment, builds trust among team members, and contributes to improved organizational performance. Investing in conflict resolution training not just benefits individuals but strengthens the entire team dynamic. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Master 7 Essential Skills for Conflict Resolution Training" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. During its earnings call on Wednesday, executives at Lennar—a giant homebuilder with a market capitalization of $27 billion—said the federal government is working on a plan to help alleviate strained housing affordability. Lennar executives said federal officials are actively engaging with homebuilders and industry groups to better understand constraints—and to avoid policies that could unintentionally damage supply. While no specific program was outlined, management suggested it would be “surprising” if no meaningful action emerged in 2026, given current discussions. Here’s what Stuart Miller, co-CEO of Lennar, said on its December 17, 2025, earnings call: “I think the crystal ball around government activity is really complicated, but I can tell you that a number of homebuilders have gone in to see critical officials within the [federal] government. We have received a lot of attention. There’s a lot of thought process going on. You’ve seen trial balloons put out around various types of programs. What’s interesting is that the government has been very tuned in to the industry to make sure that they’re not walking into unintended consequences. So whatever is done, that it be constructed properly, is important. And to your question of you know, do I think that something will come out in 2026? I’d be surprised if something isn’t done. I think affordability is very much on the table. It’s a political issue right now, and I think across the country, you’re hearing the drumbeat of that being a primary focal point, and politically it’s important that someone pick up the mantle and do something to address it, rather than just throw money at it. So it’ll be interesting, and we’ll have to sit back and wait and see what comes out.” This week, America’s second-largest homebuilder, Lennar, reported additional gross margin compression in the past quarter, as it had to spend more on incentives to maintain sales volume amid the soft housing market environment. To maintain sales in this softer market, Lennar spent an average of 14% of the final sales price on incentives—such as mortgage rate buydowns—in Q4 2025, up from 10% in Q4 2024. In “normal” times, Lennar’s sales incentive rate is around 5% to 6%. On its typical sale, Lennar spent $62,837 on incentives last quarter, according to ResiClub’s analysis published on December 18. What’s interesting is that Lennar appeared to suggest to analysts on December 17 that whatever the federal government is cooking up could be enough to improve housing market conditions and reduce Lennar’s currently elevated incentive spending/improve margins. According to Miller: “The strategy is: Let us [Lennar] build the volume that the country and the consumers need. Let’s make it affordable at this time where affordability is so strained, and let’s find ways to make ourselves more efficient, and let’s expect that something is going to come through the governmental ranks to support that affordability and enable the market to enter the housing market, and the reduction in incentives is going to flow through to our margin.” What kind of action does Lennar think the federal government could take that would be meaningful enough to reduce incentive spending and expand margins? Lennar didn’t say. Back on November 8, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and President Donald The President announced that the administration was exploring a 50-year mortgage option to help lower some homebuyers’ monthly payments. Within minutes of the announcement, a sizable backlash erupted on social media, and Pulte began walking back the idea. Amid that 50-year mortgage backlash, Pulte also floated the idea of “portable” mortgages. It remains unclear what he meant by “portable” (for example, an expansion of assumable mortgages?), whether such a policy would be legal, or how seriously the idea was being considered. The The President administration previously discussed the idea of “Freedom Cities”—selling off more federal land that could be used to build housing and new communities. View the full article

There’s something incredibly compelling about a brand-new year. A fresh start beckons, with each day untroubled by your past decisions. Whatever mistakes you made in 2025 are old news. They were sooo last year. You’re a new person now with new priorities, new habits, and new strategies. It’s in this spirit of new-leaf-turning-over that nearly a third of American adults—and almost half of 18- to 29-year-olds—decide to make New Year’s resolutions for the coming year. Unfortunately, making resolutions doesn’t work. Baylor College of Medicine reported in January 2024 that 88% of people who make resolutions abandon them within two weeks. That doesn’t mean change or improvement is impossible. It just means we’re going about it wrong each year on January 1 by declaring, “This year will be different!” If you’d like to improve your finances, your health, your relationships, or any other aspect of your life in 2026, try some anti-resolution strategies for making the year great—since your resolutions probably won’t live to see Groundhog Day. Why resolutions don’t work Before choosing the best anti-resolution strategy for 2026, it’s a good idea to understand the psychological reasons why resolutions just don’t work. One of the problems has to do with the fresh start the new calendar year offers to us. We are anticipating a “new year, new you” moment for ourselves, which often leads to unrealistic and overambitious goals. We love to tell ourselves the story that we could go from broke and couch potato on December 31 to frugal and running 5Ks on January 1 through willpower alone. This story doesn’t give us room for struggle, frustration, or failure. Additionally, a New Year’s resolution is an external motivation. That decision to change comes about because the calendar is changing and not because of an internal push to change. This means that when the external motivation has disappeared—at about the same time Planet Fitness has stopped airing New Year’s membership deals 24/7—we’ve usually moved on, too. Finally, we often make resolutions that require us to give something up. Financial resolutions ask you to deprive yourself of luxuries or conveniences, like streaming services or DoorDash when you’ve had a rough day. Health resolutions expect you to live without ice cream or fried foods indefinitely. While the intention behind these deprivation resolutions is good—saving money or improving your cholesterol levels—you can’t expect to white-knuckle your way through these losses for an entire year. Humans are wired to be loss-averse, which means the pain of giving up things we like feels more intense than the pleasure we enjoy when we receive the same treats. Unresolved in 2026 Looking at the start of a brand-new year makes me want to harness the excitement and enthusiasm of starting over with brand-new behavior. But I’ve learned over the years that I need actual strategies that will help me change my habits if I want to make lasting improvements to different areas of my life. The strategies that work tend to have these things in common: The changes are bite-size. Rather than changing your entire life, you should focus on little habits you can adopt one day at a time. You leave room for imperfection. Pobody’s nerfect! And you will not pick up your new habit without mistakes, setbacks, and failures. Plan for them. You want to make the change. We often make resolutions that don’t really reflect our actual wants or motivations. But change happens only when we want it to. The change adds something to your life. Rather than making you feel deprived, habit change should offer some kind of benefit that you can name. Here are the anti-resolution strategies that will make 2026 your best year ever. 2026 Bingo In December 2024, instead of setting resolutions, I created a “2025 Bingo” board, after seeing several individuals on social media posting about the trend. For this gamified goal-setting exercise, come up with 25 different aspirations you would like to achieve in 2026 and fill a 5-square-by-5-square poster board with them. Setting your 2026 intentions this way offers a number of benefits. First, it allows you to keep thinking about your goals throughout the year. For example, I ran a 5K in October of 2025, filling in that square of my bingo board very late in the year. Had I simply resolved to run a 5K in January, I would certainly have forgotten about it by fall. In addition, by giving yourself 25 spaces, you have room for audacious, silly, unrealistic, and embarrassing goals. While some of my goals were entirely within my control, such as running the race, going to the theater, and visiting a new state, there were other goals that I only had some control over, such as my goal for a certain level of income and my long-term goal to get a Wikipedia page. (Did I mention you can put embarrassing goals on here?) If you decide to create a “2026 Bingo” card, consider giving yourself a free space in the middle, and aim for five in a row by the end of the year. Whether or not you make it, you’ll set yourself up to think about what you want and how you can get it—and you’ll have some fun with it. Set monthly resolutions Part of what makes a New Year’s resolution so daunting is the fact that you’re trying to make a change that will last for the entirety of 2026. But committing to a change for a single month is much more doable—and it can lead to long-lasting behavior change. For example, studies show that people who take part in the annual Dry January sobriety challenge do not return to their former drinking habits after the month ends. Additionally, they tend to make long-term changes to their drinking habits and see sustained health benefits after taking part in just one Dry January challenge. Start thinking about what you would like to tackle each month. Perhaps you might focus on paying down debt in January. February could be when you focus on your taxes. March might be about getting your retirement planning started. Another benefit of this strategy is that you don’t have to decide all at once what your resolution will be for each month. As the year progresses, you can make new resolutions for each month as you reach them. And even though your focus may change from one month to the next, you can feel confident that you’ll reap benefits from each month’s focus long after it ends. Find your 2026 mantra You may have seen people talk about choosing a word for the year (often in the same corners of the internet where you might find people with unironic “Live, Laugh, Love” decor). The idea behind a word for the year is to choose a guiding idea—such as abundance, grace, or exploration—that you will use to focus your mindset for the year. Health writer Tara Parker-Pope describes these as “nudge words” and says choosing one will nudge you toward positive change whenever you think of it. But rather than a single word, you may find it even more helpful to adopt a phrase for the year that embodies the change you want to make. For example, if you are hoping to pay off debt, the mantra “Slow and steady wins the race” could be a regular reminder to keep making payments whenever you can. Alternatively, the phrase “Progress, not perfection” could be a good mantra for someone who puts off contributing to their retirement account for fear of making suboptimal investment decisions. And someone who is trying to save up for a down payment might adopt the mantra “Any amount of money I can set aside today is better than none.” Because even saving a couple of bucks consistently will add up over time. Plan for all of 2026, not just January New Year’s resolutions may feel good on January 1, but they don’t last. Not only do we make unrealistic and ambitious plans for ourselves with traditional resolutions, but we are also trying to make changes based on external motivation. No wonder the vast majority of resolutions fail before February. To make changes that will really stick in 2026, your strategy needs to rely on bite-size changes that don’t require perfection and that add something beneficial to your life. Creating a 2026 bingo card allows you to choose 25 goals—from the sublime to the ridiculous—and will keep you invested in your goals all year long. Setting monthly resolutions—similar to the annual Dry January sobriety challenge—makes it less intimidating to adopt new habits while reaping the long-term rewards. And choosing a mantra for 2026 can help nudge you to make the positive changes you want to see in your life. View the full article

Never before has the CMO position been more complex—or more essential to driving business results. The mark of success for any chief marketing officer is their impact on the long-term trajectory of a beloved brand. So, what does that look like in a year as chaotic as 2025, where there’s been on-again, off-again tariffs, massive holding company mergers, and the continued rise of AI across the board? I reached out to CMOs from Hinge, McDonald’s, Crayola, State Farm, and Kraft Heinz, five marketing leaders operating at the top of their game, navigating the chaos, and getting results. We talked about what lessons they’ve learned from the past year, issues they’ll be facing in the coming year, and what they expect to be the biggest shift marketers and brands can expect in 2026. Here’s what they had to say… What was your most important lesson or insight of 2025? “Invest in listening and learning! Remarkable strategy and creative work are always grounded in true insight and original ideas. Hearing your core audience, and their needs, must be central to how you do the work. Knowing which audiences are the most important to center, and learn from, is also important. Having a diverse, empowered team is a short cut here, for sure. At Hinge, our employee base mimics our user base. That is a powerful advantage.” —Hinge CMO (now CEO) Jackie Jantos “The pace of change is overwhelming for everyone (both our fans and our teams). Our most important job is to maintain human connections and be a place of joy for our fans.”—Morgan Flatley, McDonald’s Global Chief Marketing Officer & Head of New Business Ventures “The best brand moments can’t always be planned. They come from teams that stay agile, take smart swings and can move in real time. Our decision to release our Batman vs. Bateman spot in March was carefully considered. We could’ve launched it anywhere, but the alignment with college basketball—where our brand is strong and the audience overlap is real—made the story land bigger. We kept our Super Bowl-level tactics across the entire campaign—including cross-channel build-up and sneak previews, fan giveaways, top-tier talent, and it became one of March Madness’ top-performing campaigns. It’s important to build the muscle to move with audiences, show up with authenticity and add value in real time.” —State Farm CMO Kristyn Cook “2025 has been a whirlwind. Consumers and companies across the world have seen a lot of challenges and uncertainty. In these moments, I have learned it is more important than ever to focus on what is within your control. Focusing on brand superiority, the role our brands need to play in their respective categories and the joy they bring to consumers. It is not the time to sit back; it is the time to focus, invest in brands, and execute flawlessly.” —Kraft Heinz chief growth officer Diana Frost “The most important lesson this year, again, is that brands can’t just show up in culture, they need to create and contribute to it in ways that feel authentic and connect people. For Crayola, that meant adopting a more expansive brand narrative that reinforces our deep cultural roots and underscores our purpose: championing creativity as a lifelong skill. It’s not only about products, experiences, and content that bring creativity to life, it’s about being recognized as an advocate for creativity as essential to growth and wellbeing.” —Crayola CMO Victoria Lozano How did the role of marketing change the most in 2025? “Marketers have a lot to contribute across the whole business. They should influence growth and business strategy, product development, and guide organizational culture. Hinge’s goal is to get daters off the app and into great dates. Delivering on this deeply human mission requires deep and nuanced understanding of core audiences and their relationship needs—and a lot of imagination around which challenges we can take on, and how we can be in service of people. This is where marketing’s contribution can be profound.” Hinge CMO (now CEO) Jackie Jantos “Marketing is central to our business growth, and this year we made some big bets that paid off. Take a look at Minecraft, where we brought together two iconic worlds that invited fans of all ages to play, eat, and build together. We proved that when we combine genuine passion for an idea, the power of our brand voice, and a killer fan truth, we can do incredible things for the business. This partnership increased traffic to our restaurants, fan excitement across nearly 100 markets, and success for the movie at the box office, too. We’ve also gotten much better as a system in sharing and scaling great ideas. Campaigns like The Grinch Meal and Menu Heist are examples of how fan-centered ideas can cross borders while adapting to local nuances and flavors. Often, the most powerful brand asset you have is your product.”— Morgan Flatley, McDonald’s Global Chief Marketing Officer & Head of New Business Ventures “Every company is exploring how AI can sharpen their marketing. While AI is boosting the scientific side of marketing, the true strength comes from balancing science with ‘art’—instinct, human connection, and, most importantly, creativity. Creativity remains the ultimate differentiator for brands—it’s the force multiplier that enables everything else. If your creativity doesn’t grab attention or stop the scroll, none of it matters.” —State Farm CMO Kristyn Cook What will be the biggest difference between 2025 and 2026? “Getting people off the app and into great dates remains core to everything we do at Hinge. When daters have better outcomes their trust in Hinge grows, as does our business—organically. But many emerging tools and technologies aren’t built with long-term user outcomes in mind. In 2026, we’ll see an even sharper divide between brands that use technology guided by a set of values—that put people’s needs and wellbeing first—and those that don’t. And young people will notice and care. Purposeful technology will increasingly become a differentiator.” —Hinge CMO (now CEO) Jackie Jantos “While the pace of change feels faster than ever, the fundamentals won’t shift as much as we think they will. Technology and media are evolving, but the power of storytelling, killer creativity, and human connection remain constant. I read a striking thing at the start of this year: that TV is the most popular device for watching YouTube on, more than a cellphone or desktop. So, when people talk about the ‘death of TV,’ it’s not the death of watching things on a TV, in your living room, often with friends and family. It’s just where that content came from and how it was served to you. That’s an important distinction. Our job is to navigate through the change, while not forgetting what’s most important and meaningful to our brand and our fans.”—Morgan Flatley, McDonald’s Global Chief Marketing Officer & Head of New Business Ventures “It is my belief that 2026 will have a lot of continued themes from 2025. That said, the pace of AI-powered marketing will continue to accelerate. AI-powered marketing will allow marketers to have a faster path than ever before to insights and analytics, brand co-pilots, innovation, content and recipe formulation. That said, it will never replace human curiosity, connection, and brand authenticity. Marketers require the ability to balance AI scale with human credibility.”—Kraft Heinz chief growth officer Diana Frost What will be the most significant shift or issue for marketers in 2026? “We’re entering a moment where technology and AI can meaningfully add value, but can also convincingly mimic empathy and smooth the friction that actually helps us grow as humans. That creates a new responsibility and accountability for marketers. Human relationships are complex, imperfect, and deeply important, and the products and messages we introduce into the world shape how people connect. So the key question for marketers in 2026 will be: Who is our work truly serving? What are we contributing to culture and community? To stay relevant and build trust, brands will need to build with intention and continuously design for more positive human connection.”—Hinge CMO (now CEO) Jackie Jantos “Building the foundation with Gen Alpha. The entire brand economy has been focused on Gen Z. We’re looking at what’s next; how we earn a place in the world of our future customers so when they’re ready, we already feel familiar and trusted. They aren’t ‘younger Gen Z.’ Gen Z grew up digital, and Gen Alpha is growing up algorithmic. They expect content to know them, adapt to them and evolve with them in real time. We are doing our homework now—studying how they stream, the platforms they are native to and how they want to engage with brands. Platforms like Twitch and the streamers leading the conversation are shaping Gen Alpha’s taste. Community is very important – niche fandoms, creator-led ecosystems, gaming environments will all matter more than broad channel reach. We need to build trust early on with moments and experiences they truly want, and create a world where content is hyper-personal, participatory, and always evolving.” —State Farm CMO Kristyn Cook “Marketing is evolving from omni-channel storytelling to connected ecosystems in an AI-mediated world. But in a world of big data and advanced language models, the most powerful insights still come from real, human experiences. What scales isn’t the broadest message—it’s the most authentic one. Listening to customers matters more than ever; the role of influencer content to drive preference is growing. In a landscape chasing ‘perfect’ information, creativity, empathy, and humanity aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re what set brands apart. The future of marketing isn’t about chasing every channel. It’s about the small, personal observations—the little details about how people actually live and behave—and creating connected experiences that feel seamless, even when the ecosystem isn’t. Consumers expect brands to meet them in these micro-moments with relevance and purpose, not noise.”—Crayola CMO Victoria Lozano “Our role as marketers is to understand consumer behavior and use those insights to move people to engage with our brands. It is an art and science and there are key skills and capabilities required to do that now and in the future. As marketers, creativity and innovation are critical in this moment. AI supercharges conventional wisdom; creative problem solvers are the present and future of marketing. It has never been more important to be data proficient. We have more data than ever at our fingertips but using it to power insights and execution is key. How consumers discover, connect and transact with brands continues to evolve. Those who can best understand and breakthrough in the new consumer journey will win.“ —Kraft Heinz chief growth officer Diana Frost View the full article

Planning to hit the road this holiday season? Or maybe just thinking about an extended drive of some sort for sometime in the new year? The next time you’ve got a driving adventure ahead of you, today’s Cool Tools discovery is exactly the new virtual companion you need. It’s a truly cool app I encountered recently that enhances your standard navigation setup and offers some really smart extras that’ll make whatever trip you’re taking infinitely more interesting—and enjoyable. Lemme show ya what it’s all about. This tip originally appeared in the free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. Get the next issue in your inbox and get ready to discover all sorts of awesome tech treasures! Next-level navigation So, we’ve all got our standard navigation go-to—be it Google Maps, Waze, or (maybe?) even (gasp!) Apple Maps (hiccough). But in addition to those basic getting-you-where-you-need-to-go basics is an opportunity to inject some extra entertainment into your journey along the way. ➜ And that’s precisely what an app called Roadtrippers​ is all about. Roadtrippers is a service that helps you find worthwhile stops and sights along whatever route you’re taking. Whether you’re looking for parks and monuments, activities and experiences, or even just especially interesting or commendable hotels and restaurants, it’s a spiffy supplement to your standard mapping setup and a welcome way to enhance an adventure. ⌚ Depending on the nature of your trip and how deeply you want to explore your options, you’ll need anywhere from three to 15 minutes to poke around a route and unearth something useful. ✅ To start, either pull up ​the Roadtrippers website​ in any browser you’re using or grab the official Android app​ or iOS app​ for a phone or tablet—and then: Click inside the “Starting point” field within the “Create a route box” on the web or tap the “Start planning your trip” field in the mobile app. Fill in where you’re starting and where you’re going. You can use a specific address, if you want, or just stick to a broad city name for either piece of the puzzle. At some point along the way, Roadtrippers will prompt you to sign in or create a free account. You can either use an email address or follow the options to sign in via Google, Apple, or Facebook, if you’d like. Make sure you pick the “Quick Launch” option, then click or tap through to get your trip a-goin’. 💸 Roadtrippers may prompt you to upgrade to a free trial of a premium plan somewhere in this process, but you can just “X” out of that prompt and continue with the free version. It has plenty of info to keep you busy. Once you see the map view, just tap any icon along the route to look at it more closely and optionally add it into your trip. 💡 Be sure to zoom in to specific parts of the route, too—using either the standard two-finger pinching gesture on mobile or the plus and minus icons (or, alternatively, a mouse scroll wheel) on desktop—to reveal even more detail and specific suggestions for different parts of your drive. You can also click or tap the “Explore” tab to browse through the available suggestions. There, you can filter by the specific type of attraction, as well as its distance from your route, and also choose to sort by popularity, distance, rating, or number of reviews. And, once more, anytime you find something interesting, you can add it directly onto your route with a single click or tap. ☝️ Now, a note: Sooner or later, you’ll almost certainly encounter limitations and additional nudges to upgrade to a paid subscription. Those plans do offer some intriguing extras, and if you use Roadtrippers enough over the long haul, they might be worthwhile to consider—if you’re so inspired. 🧠 BUT, you really can make the most of the app and its drive-enhancing intelligence even with just the free base version. Keep in mind: Even though Roadtrippers won’t let you add more than three total destinations to any trip you’re planning, you can still use it to look along a route and find interesting places—then simply add ’em into your plans in Google Maps or whatever regular navigation app you’re already using. While Roadtrippers allows for only a single saved trip at a time in its free level, you can easily delete any trip you’ve already planned and then reset that limitation so you can start again. And if you really get into the Roadtrippers thing and want to go all in with one of its premium plan options, you can find coupon codes that’ll bring the cost down by a good amount right on the Roadtrippers website​. Whether you end up taking one of the premium plans out for a test-drive or just stickin’ with the simpler free version, Roadtrippers is a tremendous resource to add into your trip-planning toolbox. All that’s left is to plan out the perfect road trip playlist​ and secure some salty snacks. Roadtrippers is available ​on the web​ or in native apps for both ​Android​ and ​iOS​. It’s free to use, at its base level, with ​optional subscriptions​ that lift limitations and unlock extra features. Those range from $36 to $60 a year, though coupon codes​ can lower those costs considerably. The site does require you to create an account to do much, but promises not to send you any upsells or other marketing info if you opt out of those options. And it doesn’t share or sell any information. Treat yourself to all sorts of brain-boosting goodies like this with the free Cool Tools newsletter—starting with an instant introduction to an incredible audio app that’ll tune up your days in truly delightful ways. View the full article

Have you ever tried quickly looking something up on Wikipedia—just because you’re curious or maybe for work—only to, a half an hour later, wonder why you’re reading about the history of the European Space Agency? In my opinion, Wikipedia is one of the last good websites on the internet. Outside of the occasional fundraiser, there are no ads, no dark patterns, and no clickbait—it’s just information. Which leaves no doubt in my mind that falling into a Wikipedia rabbit hole is healthier than scrolling on social media. Even so, it can be addictive, and links are the reason why. Every Wikipedia article is jam packed with links to other Wikipedia articles, which is exactly why you end up down rabbit holes. Often, though, you don’t understand how you wound up where you did—so what if you could visualize exactly that? This tip originally appeared in the free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. Get the next issue in your inbox and get ready to discover all sorts of awesome tech treasures! Your new digital cork board To create a visualization of how you got from point A to point B on Wikipedia, head to Wikiboard. ➜ Wikiboard creates a mind map—which allows you to see how various concepts are connected—as you browse Wikipedia. ⌚ You can start browsing immediately. ✅ To get started, open Wikiboard and enter your search term—it will pull up the corresponding Wikipedia page. The first article you select opens in its own box on Wikiboard, and as you browse, the site creates new boxes for every link you click, drawing lines from one article to another as they open. Once your board is created, you can scroll and zoom as much as you like. You can also rearrange the boxes and add sticky notes, allowing you to organize and add a bit of context to everything as you browse. ~ wikiboard.png This isn’t your father’s Wikipedia. ~ ☝️ One note: Wikiboard is currently only for larger screens, so you won’t be able to use it on your phone. 💡 This could be a useful research tool, enabling you to see how concepts relate to each other as you’re learning. You can even save separate boards in your browser so you to come back to them later. And while I could spin this as purely a research tool, it’s also just plain fun. There’s something amazing about visualizing your Wikipedia rabbit holes. Next time you feel like going on a deep dive, give Wikiboard a go. Going back and seeing the steps you took on your Wikipedia rabbit hole is endless entertaining, and can teach you a lot about your interests as well. You can open Wikiboard in your browser on any desktop-sized device. Wikiboard is free to use. You can opt to make a donation to support the developer if you like, but it’s not required. You don’t need to create an account to use Wikiboard, and the site has no ads. Treat yourself to all sorts of brain-boosting goodies like this with the free Cool Tools newsletter—starting with an instant introduction to an incredible audio app that’ll tune up your days in truly delightful ways. View the full article

The tech industry has endured another turbulent year, buffeted by the continued rise of artificial intelligence and the economic threats posed by President Donald The President’s tariffs. Even the most prominent companies encountered challenges they never imagined they’d have to face. As 2025 comes to a close, here are Apple’s biggest wins and greatest failures of the year. Apple’s biggest wins of 2025 iPhone 17 series Without a doubt, Apple’s biggest win of 2025 is the iPhone 17 series, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Myriad reports suggest that iPhone 17 series sales have exceeded both Apple’s and investors’ expectations. Apple redesigned the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro this year, giving the former a much-improved display, a vastly better camera system, and longer battery life. The Pro versions got an all-new unibody design, the best cameras in an iPhone ever, and up to 39 hours of battery life. While these improvements are mainly iterative, they ticked the boxes that consumers care most about in their phones: camera and battery life. And those consumers have rewarded Apple for it. iPhone 17 sales have surged in the U.S. and, more importantly, in China, the world’s largest smartphone market after the USA. Apple’s iPhone sales were a key factor in the recovery of the company’s stock, after it got hammered earlier this year due to its possible exposure to The President’s tariffs. Liquid Glass After the iPhone, Apple’s next most important product is iOS, the operating system that powers its handsets. This year, Apple made the rare move of completely revamping the look of that operating system with the introduction of the Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26. It was the first time the company had radically changed iOS’s look since 2013. While iOS 26’s Liquid Glass faced early criticism, as most visual overhauls do, Apple has continued to tweak the look and feel of the new design language. As a result, much of the online furor over the changes seems to have died down. More importantly, iOS 26’s new design gives Apple’s smartphone software a distinct look that immediately distinguishes it from Android. In the end, the software’s ability to mimic the way light bands and warps through glass has brought a level of fun and playfulness to Apple’s flagship product not seen since the days of Steve Jobs. Apple’s simplified branding The final big win for Apple in 2025 is not a product or feature, but a branding strategy. As Apple’s product lineup has grown in recent years, its product names have become confusing, particularly when it comes to software and services. But this year, Apple decided to simplify things. Previously, Apple’s operating systems were branded with different version numbers (iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, etc). Now they’re named after the upcoming year: iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26. This streamlined naming structure makes it easy for users to determine whether their device is running the latest software. And Apple didn’t stop there. The company also mercifully decided to drop the overused plus sign from its streaming service’s name, too. Apple’s greatest failures of 2025 iPhone Air While the iPhone 17 series may have been full of iterative updates this year (which consumers seem to have loved), Apple swung for the fences with another 2025 iPhone: the all-new iPhone Air. At just 5.6 millimeters, it is Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever. Yet multiple reports say that there has been hardly any demand for the company’s newest smartphone. The main problems with the iPhone Air seem to be its subpar camera system and relatively short battery life. As the success of the iPhone 17 series teaches us, those are the two things customers care about most. Demand for the new device is so weak that Apple has reportedly cut production by more than 80%. Still, Apple may have already gotten what it really wanted: proof of concept that it could make an iPhone so thin that it could join two together to create the first dual-screen iPhone foldable. Apple Intelligence 2025 may have been a year of continued artificial intelligence progression across the tech industry, but Apple’s AI system, Apple Intelligence, hardly added any new AI features—not worthwhile ones, anyway. The company added some useful Live Translation features, but other than that, it mainly just enhanced Apple Intelligence with gimmicks that other AI systems have long been capable of, such as on-screen image recognition and new AI slop filters. Those hoping to see a revamped Siri that could compete with the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini will have to wait until 2026—or later. Yet I question how much consumers care about Apple lagging in the AI space, given that they can already run nearly any third-party AI app on their iPhone. Still, the lack of innovative AI advancements is a bad look for the company, which is otherwise the de facto innovation leader in the industry. Apple Vision Pro M5 One area in which Apple has undoubtedly innovated in recent years is augmented reality, thanks to its groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro headset. In 2025, Apple announced the successor to the original Vision Pro, updated with the M5 Apple Silicon chip, which enables higher resolution and other display enhancements. Yet Apple didn’t address the myriad other issues with the technologically impressive device, notably its heavy weight and eye-watering $3,499 price point. Because of this, the headset remains a niche product that is unappealing or financially out of reach to the average user. View the full article

In the Star Trek universe, the audience occasionally gets a glimpse inside schools on the planet Vulcan. Young children stand alone in pods surrounded by 360-degree digital screens. Adults wander among the pods but do not talk to the students. Instead, each child interacts only with a sophisticated artificial intelligence, which peppers them with questions about everything from mathematics to philosophy. This is not the reality in today’s classrooms on Earth. For many technology leaders building modern AI, however, a vision of AI-driven personalized learning holds considerable appeal. Outspoken venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, for example, imagines that “the AI tutor will be by each child’s side every step of their development.” Years ago, I studied computer science and interned in Silicon Valley. Later, as a public school teacher, I was often the first to bring technology into my classroom. I was dazzled by the promise of a digital future in education. Now, as a social scientist who studies how people learn, I believe K-12 schools need to question predominant visions of AI for education. Individualized learning has its place. But decades of educational research are also clear that learning is a social endeavor at its core. Classrooms that privilege personalized AI chatbots overlook that fact. School districts under pressure Generative AI is coming to K-12 classrooms. Some of the largest school districts in the country, such as Houston and Miami, have signed expensive contracts to bring AI to thousands of students. Amid declining enrollment, perhaps AI offers a way for districts to both cut costs and seem cutting edge. Pressure is also coming from both industry and the federal government. Tech companies have spent billions of dollars building generative AI and see a potential market in public schools. Republican and Democratic administrations have been enthusiastic about AI’s potential for education. Decades ago, educators promoted the benefits of “One Laptop per Child.” Today, it seems we may be on the cusp of “one chatbot per child.” What does educational research tell us about what this model could mean for children’s learning and well-being? Learning is a social process During much of the 20th century, learning was understood mainly as a matter of individual cognition. In contrast, the latest science on learning paints a more multidimensional picture. Scientists now understand that seemingly individual processes—such as building new knowledge—are actually deeply rooted in social interactions with the world around us. Neuroscience research has shown that even from a young age, people’s social relationships influence which of our genes turn on and off. This matters because gene expression affects how our brains develop and our capacity to learn. In classrooms, this suggests that opportunities for social interaction—for instance, children listening to their classmates’ ideas and haggling over what is true and why—can support brain health and academic learning. Research in the social sciences has long since proved the value of high-quality classroom discourse. For example, in a well-cited 1991 study involving over 1,000 middle school students across more than 50 English classrooms, researchers Martin Nystrand and Adam Gamoran found that children performed significantly better in classes “exhibiting more uptake, more authenticity of questions, more contiguity of reading, and more discussion time.” In short, research tells us that rich learning happens when students have opportunities to interact with other people in meaningful ways. AI in classrooms lacks research evidence What does all of this mean for AI in education? Introducing any new technology into a classroom, especially one as alien as generative AI, is a major change. It seems reasonable that high-stakes decisions should be based on solid research evidence. But there’s one problem: The studies that school leaders need just aren’t there yet. No one really knows how generative AI in K-12 classrooms will affect children’s learning and social development. Current research on generative AI’s impact on student learning is limited, inconclusive, and tends to focus on older students—not K-12 children. Studies of AI use thus far have tended to focus on either learning outcomes or individual cognitive activity. Although standardized test scores and critical thinking skills matter, they represent a small piece of the educational experience. It is also important to understand generative AI’s real-life impact on students. For example: How does it feel to learn from a chatbot, day after day? What is the longer-term impact on children’s mental health? How does AI use affect children’s relationships with each other and with their teachers? What kinds of relationships might children form with the chatbots themselves? What will AI mean for educational inequities related to social forces such as race and disability? More broadly, I think now is the time to ask: What is the purpose of K-12 education? What do we, as a society, actually want children to learn? Of course, every child should learn how to write essays and do basic arithmetic. But beyond academic outcomes, I believe schools can also teach students how to become thoughtful citizens in their communities. To prepare young people to grapple with complex societal issues, the National Academy of Education has called for classrooms where students learn to engage in civic discourse across subject areas. That kind of learning happens best through messy discussions with people who don’t think alike. To be clear, not everything in a classroom needs to involve discussions among classmates. And research does indicate that individualized instruction can also enhance social forms of learning. So I don’t want to rule out the possibility that classroom-based generative AI might augment learning or the quality of students’ social interactions. However, the tech industry’s deep investments in individualized forms of AI—as well as the disappointing history of technology in classrooms—should give schools pause. Good teaching blends social and individual processes. My concern about personalized AI tutors is how they might crowd out already infrequent opportunities for social interaction, further isolating children in classrooms. Center children’s learning and development Education is a relational enterprise. Technology may play a role, but as students spend more and more class time on laptops and tablets, I don’t think screens should displace the human-to-human interactions at the heart of education. I see the beneficial application of any new technology in the classroom—AI or otherwise—as a way to build upon the social fabric of human learning. At its best, it facilitates, rather than impedes, children’s development as people. As schools consider how and whether to use generative AI, the years of research on how children learn offer a way to move forward. Niral Shah is an associate professor of learning sciences & human development at the University of Washington. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

In today’s corporate landscape, optics often precede outcomes, especially in technology-led transformations. Announcements of new platforms, AI-powered strategies, or “digital-first” pledges frequently come long before the underlying infrastructure to support them. That was Ted’s reality as the chief growth officer at a global bank when his CEO unveiled a high-profile “AI-Powered Growth Strategy” positioned as a bold leap forward. The announcement made headlines and thrilled investors, but behind the scenes, the organization wasn’t prepared. Ted was given a skeletal team of two direct reports, a patchwork of third-party tools, and the mandate to partner with five global banking divisions serving more than 500 employees. He was expected to turn the AI vision into reality with little structural support. This tension is common—and survivable. Leaders who maintain credibility don’t scrap such pledges or decry them. Instead, they manage the gap between promise and proof. A well-intentioned CEO may launch an initiative to signal innovation, but when systems or skills lag, ambition can outpace execution. We—Jenny, as an executive adviser and learning & development expert, and Kathryn, as an executive coach and keynote speaker—have identified five strategies to help executive teams navigate these moments with integrity and strategic foresight, especially when the initiative is more symbolic than substantive in its early stages. 1. Balance bold aspiration with candid honesty In the early stages of transformation, perception often outpaces progress. Stakeholders want visible proof that change is real. McKinsey found that 70% of digital transformations fail to meet their intended outcomes because senior executives either overpromise or disengage when early wins don’t materialize. Those charged with execution must balance bold aspiration with candid honesty, communicating both the vision (“Here’s where we’re heading”) and gap (“Here’s what it will take to get there”) to maintain trust and momentum. Behind the scenes, Ted allocated 20% of the budget to data cleanup and capability-building, unseen but essential work such as strengthening data quality and governance, building the pipelines and quality controls that support mission-critical AI, and elevating the organization’s baseline AI literacy. Within a year, three pilots validated the transformation narrative and quieted early skeptics. Edelman’s Trust Barometer shows that stakeholders extend grace when leaders communicate with clarity and consistency, not performative certainty. Credibility, not charisma, sustains momentum through uncertainty. Try this: Balance vision with transparency. Use confident yet realistic language, such as “We’re learning in real time” or “This is a multi-year capability build.” 2. Map What’s Performative vs. What’s Possible Not every element of a high-visibility initiative will yield immediate results. The key is distinguishing symbolic actions that signal intent from those that build lasting capability. Theresa, chief digital officer at a consumer goods firm, launched a public “digital transformation week” with town halls and press coverage. She brought in her AI agency partners and major retail customers to show alignment and signal momentum, partnership, and focus. The event created attention, but she knew the real work would happen out of sight. She used a short-horizon/long-horizon approach. The short horizon created urgency and rallied stakeholders, while the longer horizon anchored on execution. She reassigned 30% of her team to integrate legacy systems, clean priority datasets, and run joint sprints with her AI partners. That groundwork created a technical foundation strong enough to support advanced modeling. Within nine months, they delivered a demand-forecasting model that reduced inventory outages by 18%, transforming a performative launch into measurable operational value. When mapping an initiative, clarify two horizons: Short horizon (0–6 months): What signals matter? (e.g., visible executive sponsorship, internal messaging, external storytelling) Mid / long horizon (6–24+ months): What structural enablers must be built? (e.g., data platforms, technology partnerships, governance, skills) Visibility matters, but only when it’s paired with substance. Try this: Separate the symbolic from the structural. Create a two-horizon map to test balance: “Which actions build momentum?” and “Which build capability?” Then ensure both are visible. 3. Leverage Visibility as Currency When a high-profile initiative captures attention, use that spotlight to build political capital and secure future resources. Leaders who link early symbolic wins to longer-term learning sustain engagement and trust. Julie, a chief marketing officer we advised, leveraged her company’s “Digital Reinvention” campaign to secure additional funding for employee upskilling, positioning it as the bridge between aspiration and execution. Try this: Treat visibility not as validation, but as leverage. Ask, “What can this attention buy us: credibility, talent, or momentum?” That perspective turns optics from vanity to value. 4. Build Small Wins that Prove Real Value Symbolic gestures lose power without substance. Once the spotlight fades, stakeholders want proof. Anchor your narrative in small, visible wins: projects, pilots, or behaviors that validate early promises. Start with pilots that address real pain points: automate a reporting process, improve data access for a critical team, or integrate AI into a single workflow. For Ted, that meant delivering credible proof points—an AI-powered lead scoring model that lifted conversion rates by 12%, a unified customer insights dashboard, and a monthly “What We’re Learning” series to build internal momentum. Small, visible progress converts skepticism into trust and gradually shifts perception from “It’s all optics” to “It’s starting to work.” Try this: Start small, but make progress visible. Choose one pilot that solves a visible pain point within 90 days. Publicize lessons learned, not just the result, to show that momentum is real, even if imperfect. 5. Reframe the Narrative: From “Optics” to “Opportunity” The best leaders don’t deny the optics, they reframe them as stepping stones to a larger transformation. Gary, a nonprofit CEO we coached, introduced his first AI pilot as symbolic but necessary. It wasn’t yet transformative, but it sparked a mindset shift: leaders began talking about data ethics, digital fluency, and decision-making transparency. As he put it, “The project wasn’t about the tool. It was about changing how we think.” Reframing is essential. Deloitte and BCG both show that real value emerges when strategy, technology, and human systems align. Symbolic gestures only matter if they lead to lasting capability and behavior change. When leaders treat optics as openings rather than distractions, they turn visibility into belief. Stakeholders who see learning, transparency, and follow-through extend trust, and grant the runway needed for real transformation. Try this: Name the signal and the shift. Say, “This initiative signals where we’re headed.” Then ask, “What new conversations or capabilities did this open up?” In complex transformations, optics are not the enemy. They’re a catalyst for belief. What matters is how leaders use those moments to align teams, secure investment, and guide the narrative from promise to proof. Integrity isn’t about rejecting optics; it’s about ensuring they serve a larger purpose. The most effective leaders turn visibility into accountability and symbolic beginnings into lasting systems. View the full article

Critics complain of heavy redactions to thousands of documents held by the US justice departmentView the full article

The Definitive Guide to Private Equity’s Transformation of the CPA Profession. Exclusively for PRO Members Only, here The accounting profession is changing faster than at any time in its modern history—and private equity is driving the shift. More than $30 … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

The Definitive Guide to Private Equity’s Transformation of the CPA Profession. Exclusively for PRO Members Only, here The accounting profession is changing faster than at any time in its modern history—and private equity is driving the shift. More than $30 … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

And what Will Somerindyke’s company, Regulus Global, means for the future of conflictView the full article

After several glum years, interest is picking up ahead of the new yearView the full article

In a darkening world, burying one’s head in the sand is a rational strategyView the full article

An intolerable burden is being placed on future generations that will result in financial crises and political instabilityView the full article

The US justice department released fewer documents than required and redacted many of themView the full article

This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. The post weekend open thread – December 20-21, 2025 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

There are warning signs that your home network may have been compromised, such as unusual traffic patterns and slowdowns in system performance, but now there's a simple tool to help determine if your router or connected devices are being used to conduct malicious activity. IP Check, from threat monitoring firm GreyNoise, will alert you if your IP address has been observed scanning the internet as part of a botnet or residential proxy network. As GreyNoise outlines, residential IP compromise often isn't obvious to the user because you're still able to conduct business as usual, such as streaming, emailing, and web browsing. All the while, though, threat actors are routing malicious activity through your home IP address and can potentially exploit your network for everything from account takeovers to malware distribution. Check your IP address for suspicious activityTo use IP Check, you simply need to open the tool in a browser window, and you'll get one of several results. If your IP is clean, that means that your network hasn't been caught scanning the internet (nor does it belong to any known business service infrastructure). Credit: Emily Long Your IP may also be flagged as being in the GreyNoise database, which is not a sign of compromise—this is likely because you're using a VPN, corporate network, or cloud provider, and the tool can distinguish between an IP belonging to a data center and one that's being exploited. (Note that Apple users browsing in Safari with Private Relay enabled will likely see "Possible Spoofed Traffic Detected," which also is not necessarily cause for alarm. Try checking your real IP in a different browser like Chrome or Firefox to confirm.) Credit: Emily Long If your IP is identified as malicious or suspicious, you should investigate further. If you toggle open the Observed Activity section of the scanner, you can see when the first and last instances of the scanning behavior occurred and what types were detected along with actionable next steps. As BleepingComputer notes, you can get into the weeds with detecting malicious activity by reviewing device logs, network traffic, and activity patterns, but checking your IP address is the simplest place to start. View the full article

In two-hour press conference Marco Rubio backed the president’s contentious policies while urging patienceView the full article

UnitedHealth Group has laid off dozens of remote employees in healthcare technology and services marketing from its Optum unit, who were given two weeks notice in November, sources told Health Payer Specialist. Fast Company has reached out to UnitedHealth for confirmation. Those employees were based in “multiple states on the East coast and in the Midwest,” according to that report, and are among UnitedHealth’s roughly 400,000 employees across the U.S. (It is the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest healthcare insurer.) The healthcare giant is just the latest company in a string of industries to announce layoffs, which have hit almost every sector of the American economy in 2025. The layoffs come amid fierce criticism of the company’s healthcare and insurance practices. UnitedHealth Group and UnitedHealthcare have received backlash and widespread criticism over consumer allegations of costly insurance, overbilling, denial of necessary care, and patient privacy violations, among other complaints. (UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder in December 2024 was met with little sympathy by some Americans, as Fast Company previously reported.) On Friday, the company released the first round of results of an independent audit of its business, saying it was committed “to setting a new standard of transparency for the health care marketplace,” and vowing to make improvements through “23 action plans”—with 65% to be completed by the end of 2025, and all 100% by the end of the first quarter of next year in March 2026. Those include: enhancing policy governance and maintenance, strengthening processes for ongoing monitoring and tracking progress of corrective actions, enhancing risk, and optimizing manufacturer discount processes. “We hope that you see these assessments as a commitment to setting a new standard of transparency for the health care marketplace, as we believe that you and every person who engages with our health system deserves to understand how we go about our work,” CEO Steve Hemsley said in the statement. View the full article

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for the stock market, which may be headed for a “Santa Claus Rally,” according to analysts, including those at Goldman Sachs and Citadel Securities. “Barring any major shocks, it will be hard to fight the overwhelmingly positive seasonal period we are entering and the cleaner positioning set-up,” Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s trading desk team said in a client note, as reported by Bloomberg. “While we don’t necessarily see a dramatic rally, we do think there is room to go up from here into year end.” Scott Rubner of Citadel Securities agreed, noting: “Following a year of strong portfolio returns and record household wealth, retail participants enter 2026 with both conviction and balance-sheet capacity to increase market participation.” Markets saw a pickup in volatility from November to mid-December, but that volatility appears to be easing, Ethan Feller, stock strategist at Zacks Investment Research, told Fast Company. “At the same time, major indexes are consolidating just below record highs. Taken together, those conditions tilt the odds toward a ‘Santa Claus rally’ this year,” Feller said. Here’s what to know about the so-called Santa rally. What’s a “Santa Claus rally”? The term refers to a rally in the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the next year. On those days, the S&P 500 Index has gained an average of 1.3% about 79% of the time since 1950, according to Investopedia. With those odds of nearly 80%, the likelihood is pretty good, but not guaranteed. On Wall Street, the saying goes, “If Santa Claus should fail to call, bears may come to Broad and Wall.” Meaning, if there is no rally, that can be a bad sign for the year ahead. There are a few general theories about why this year-end rally exists, including: holiday spending, year-end bonuses that get recirculated into the market, general holiday optimism, and end-of-tax-year considerations. How is the S&P 500 Index performing now? At the close of afternoon trading on Friday, December 19, the S&P 500 Index was up nearly 1% at 6,834.50, well above the 6,000 threshold. It closed up 0.8% on December 18, after four straight days of losses. What are some risk factors this year? There are some reasons for concern about the markets as the year comes to a close. Some analysts told Barron’s it is too early to tell whether there will be a rally before those five days start on December 24, as they are still assessing how inflation, the labor market, consumer spending, and future Fed rate cuts could pave the way for Santa’s return. View the full article