Highlights – 5 September

With the summer now winding down, the days are about to get darker and your focus may be shifting to maintaining morale. When former CMI president Mark Price appeared in The Times discussing workplace wellbeing and happiness, he cited data from CMI’s research on “accidental managers”. The same research was quoted in The European in a piece about the traits of successful managers (more on which below).

These days, a healthy and uplifting workplace culture tends to involve some degree of flexible working. Upcoming workers’ rights legislation will give employees the right to request greater flexibility in their role. Times subscribers can hear CMI director of policy and external affairs Anthony Painter discussing those changes, and their potential impact on managers and small businesses, on Times Radio (at 01:45:20). 

CMI research concerning the right to disconnect was referenced in an article by The Manila Times. An alternative route to staying fresh and motivated – sabbatical leave – offers huge benefits, both for managers and their teams.

Mind those gaps

Of course, flexible working also brings management challenges. As you’ll discover in this week’s newsletter, Eddie Boyd CMgr MCMI feels the modern workplace can accentuate gaps between generations. But there are ways to bridge them. 

One method is to ensure that you’re giving your communication proper consideration – especially when you’re busy. The right level of detail, said to the right person, in the right way can make life better for everyone. And it may make your own job much easier too.

Standard bearers

Another tip is to know your own mind. Do you have any “non-negotiables” as a leader? In this week’s newsletter, we ask five managers to share the standards they insist are met. In a related article, Chartered Managers share how to get the most out of overconfident or even “cocky” team members. 

Of course, confidence is highly desirable when it’s deserved. The CMI Awards of Excellence 2024 celebrate outstanding contributions to management and leadership by the CMI community. After an intense period of judging, we’ve been blown away by the vision, innovation and dedication that those on our shortlist have shown. 

Finally, more awards news. The longlist has been announced for Management Publication of the Year 2024, a collaboration between CMI, the British Academy of Management and the Chartered Association of Business Schools. So if you’re seeking even more insight, ideas and inspiration to help you thrive as a manager, turn the page…

Best,

Ian

Image: Shutterstock / Tanveer Anjum Towsif