Welcome to the March issue of Monthly Management Memo. There are hundreds of new folks here since the February issue, so welcome - I'm Jess, and this newsletter is one way I support those of us managing teams to do that with a little more ease, joy, and effectiveness. On a housekeeping note, I recently updated the subscriber preferences options for you, so you can click here to let me know which kinds of emails you want to receive from me(or click anytime on "manage your profile" at the bottom of any email from me).
Let's get to your Monthly Management Memo - as always with something bold, something new, something borrowed, and something to pursue.
๐ฅSomething Bold - Meet Over Manicures or Drinksโ โThis screenshotof my Calendly page has gotten some attention over on LinkedIn. I have, over time, edited my approach, but my meeting booking links often offer people the chance to have lunch with me, meet over coffee, go for a walk, get a manicure, or grab happy hour drinks at the end of the day. My friend Atnre, in a group text (the kind with no national security implications), said he's considering adding these ideas to his booking link: dog walking meeting, treadmill talk, kick it while kickboxing, throwback teleconference (when Zoom is just too much), and treat me to lunch time - you bring the lunch, and I bring my best ideas. What could you add to your calendar options to build more fun or wellness for your work?
๐ Something New - Use Project Management Software Betterโ โโA hot topic among the teams I'm working with is how to use project management software best. The truth is that these tools (like Asana or Trello or Monday) really shine in some ways and are just okay in others. My quick advice for using project management software and when it's not as valuable can be found here and here.
๐ค๐ผ Something Borrowed - Spend More Time on Team Alignmentโ I had the privilege of facilitating a two-day team retreat for a mission-driven team last week, and it was beautiful to see the team's alignment about their priorities and purpose come together over the two days. Afterward, I shared this article with the team leaders that makes the compelling and bold case that "The Most Effective CEOs Spend 80% of Their Time on One Thing: Alignment." It talks about why it's so hard for leaders to spend time on alignment and how to make it happen. I couldn't agree more about how critical it is for this to be a priority for all of us leading teams.
๐๐พโโ๏ธSomething to Pursue - Eid al Fitr is this weekโ If you are managing those who are observant Muslims on your team, it's important to know that Eid al-Fitr, also known as Eid, is happening this week. It is a three-day festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. You can greet your Muslim colleagues with "Eid Mubarak," which means "Happy Eid". Be mindful of the religious significance of Eid al-Fitr and avoid scheduling important meetings or events that could conflict with celebrations. If you want to mark your calendar with significant holidays across faith traditions to remember as you manage a diverse team, this Harvard School of Divinitycalendar is my go-to resource.
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