Workplace trends
Research shows that looking the part for a job really matters
Even if your entire job application process happens online, making the final cut can come down to your professional look, according to a new study published by the Harvard Business School. After controlling for race, age and gender, researchers used computer vision technology and machine learning to determine which accessories and physical features led someone to be perceived as a better fit for a job. The findings? Different jobs favor certain looks: men wearing glasses and having a computer visible in their online photos are perceived to be more fit for a software programming role, (having a beard also gives them an additional edge,) while for design and media-related jobs, smiles and high-quality images are indicators. Additionally, women sporting reading glasses and having an artistic look are seen as more fit for graphic design jobs than other women
Amazon is entering the security space for businesses
Amazon is rolling out Amazon One Enterprise, with biometric technology designed for businesses. It’s repackaging the company’s palm-based payment system, which was originally created as a way for grocery shoppers to pay for purchases by swiping their hands. After seeing several sports and entertainment venues as well as some restaurants and a handful of Starbucks locations adopt the technology, Amazon is now implementing it as an authentication tool for businesses, with corporate employees able to simply swipe their hand in order to enter the office or access sensitive information like financial data or HR records. Technology advocacy groups criticize the service over privacy concerns, arguing that it leads to increased surveillance, but Amazon has pushed back saying that in addition to being more affordable, palm recognition is actually more private than other security systems.
The AI corner
Is the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership dangerous?
With Sam Altman back as Chief Executive Officer of OpenAI, there have been a number of shake-ups to the startup’s corporate governance. Among those changes is that Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor, has received a seat on the board as a non-voting observer. Some experts are warning that this change could prove problematic from a competitive standpoint. While OpenAI and Microsoft claim they are collaborators, Microsoft is also developing its own AI capabilities, which experts warn could cause issues now that Microsoft has access to the OpenAI board deliberations. Additionally, some regulators have also become worried about broader questions regarding the concentration of power in the AI industry. In fact, UK regulators are specifically looking into whether the partnership creates an unfair advantage for the two companies in the AI industry.
Europe has produced the world’s first comprehensive AI rules
On Friday, negotiators from the European Parliament and the bloc’s 27 member countries managed to compromise on controversial issues like generative AI and police use of facial recognition surveillance in order to reach a tentative political agreement for the Artificial Intelligence Act – making the EU the first continent to set clear rules for the use of AI. Parliament still needs to vote on the Act early next year, but apparently at this point it’s more a formality. The eventual law, which wouldn’t take full effect until 2025 at the earliest, threatens stiff financial penalties of up to 35 million euros or 7% of a company’s global turnover for violations. While the flagship legislation was seen as a major achievement, critics remain concerned about the AI Act’s exemptions and loopholes, from lack of protection in migration and border control to certain developer opt-out abilities.
How to view your employees’ success
By monday.com
Have you ever felt threatened by someone on your team?
As a manager, your role is to help your employees drive the greatest impact, but at times, there may be this underlying fear that if they become too successful, you won’t seem as needed. And while it’s understandable, as humans, to feel competitive with others, if you let those concerns manifest into adverse behaviors towards your high performing employees – from taking credit for their achievements to failing to provide sufficient recognition to even seeking out reasons to insult and criticize them – it can prove extremely consequential. Employees can end up with extremely low morale, feeling resentful, and eventually choosing to jump ship. In fact, a BambooHR survey showed that workers rank bosses taking credit for their work as the #1 most unacceptable work behavior, and recent Betterworks findings revealed that most unhappy employees choose to leave their jobs because of their bosses’ behavior.
Ironically, managers who have the confidence and foresight to let their team members shine and who effectively give employees’ credit for their achievements wind up being regarded as the strongest leaders and most desirable managers.
So, how should you navigate your team members’ successes?
Check in with yourself
If you ever find yourself taking more than your fair share of credit for your team member’s work, failing to mention their name when highlighting your team’s impact, not reaching out to them about their achievements, or never giving them the chance to be the ones presenting their great work, honestly ask yourself why. Whether it’s insecurity, competitiveness, or simply lack of awareness, really take a moment to consider where it stems from so that you can effectively address the root of the problem.
Then, remind yourself that you have your title and position for a reason. You were chosen as someone who could lead others and help them grow, so when someone on your team is succeeding, it’s a sign that you’re doing your job right. It may be a result of your hands-on guidance or because you simply understand how to give them the space and ownership they need to reach their full potential. Regardless, their achievements do reflect your ability to lead. So, recognize that you belong in the seat you’re occupying, and allow yourself to genuinely celebrate your team members’ wins.
Show appreciation
According to a recent Gallup study, employees are four times as likely to be engaged at work if they feel strongly that they receive the right amount of recognition for the work they do. So, don’t just assume your employees know that you think they did something great – make sure to actually say something. Whether it’s taking the time to reach out to them in a private chat or acknowledging it in a one-on-one meeting, make sure to call out your team members’ achievements.
And remember, “good job” and “nice work” are always nice to hear, but to really make your employee feel valued and reinforce their effective behavior, you need to actually acknowledge what they did well. For example, saying something like, “I know there were a lot of people weighing in on this project, so I want to let you know that you did a great job navigating all the different opinions and delivering amazing results.”
Be intentional with credit
While there are no limits on how many individuals can be recognized for contributing to a positive outcome, credit quickly becomes diluted and loses its effect when everyone, even those who didn’t really play a role, gets it. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to who contributed what and offer thoughtful and personal recognition. Do your best to highlight the value each individual brought to the table in order for your message to actually resonate.
Let them shine
Whether it’s sending a message on a wider team channel or giving a thoughtful shoutout in a group meeting, do your best to recognize your team members’ achievements in larger forums. Not only does this ensure your employees feel like their contributions are valued and appreciated, it also conveys – both to them and to others – that you’re a confident leader who’s excited to celebrate your team members’ successes. And similarly, when relevant, give your team members the chance to actually showcase their accomplishments in larger forums. Ask them if they’d like to present their work in a team-wide meeting to explain their processes and results, so that others can openly recognize their impact as well.
Be consistent
When you help your team member achieve something great, it’s completely valid to acknowledge your guidance and input with higher-ups – just make sure you also hold yourself accountable when the reverse occurs. Strong leaders are able to recognize their own accountability when their team members fall short, so when someone on your team messes up, do your best to acknowledge what you could have done differently and the steps you plan on taking to ensure the same mistake doesn’t happen again.
Water cooler chatter
Vladimir Putin is running for reelection in March – a bid for his fifth term in power. Already the longest-serving Russian leader since Josef Stalin, Putin signed a law in 2021 that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. The election is largely viewed as a formality, given that the president’s political opponents have been imprisoned, exiled, or killed.
McDonald’s is opening its first CosMc’s spinoff restaurant in Illinois – a new small-format, beverage-led concept. It plans to open 10 CosMc’s locations by the end of 2024 as a sort of test run. The menu includes classics like Egg McMuffins and M&M McFlurries as well as new items such as Churro Frappes and pretzel bites to position CosMc’s as a quick, convenient way to grab a pick-me-up snack or coffee.
Question of the week
Last week’s answer: 93
This week’s question: In 2023, how many IPOs have there been on the US stock market?
Just for laughs
