EDITION 850
4 JANUARY 2021

As we welcome in a new year, here are a selection of leadership tips and newsworthy facts we shared during the past year. This newsletter is sent to 50,000+ subscribers each Monday. Please share on social media and forward to your colleagues and friends so they can subscribe, learn and engage. I'd be very grateful if you did.

1. How to stay positive through the winter. 2020 was an annus horribilis for so many people, with millions dealing with grief, stress, financial difficulties, job losses and isolation caused by the pandemic. Now Christmas has given way to January and the long dark winter months are here - a time that can be difficult for many people even in normal times. There are things we can do to give ourselves a lift. Some tips to consider are: [MORE]

2. Brexit became a reality in 2021. At 23:00 on 31 December 2020, Britain was no longer part of the EU customs union and single market. Though a tariff-free trade agreement has been struck, we should prepare for disruptions and delays, as organisations begin to use new rules and its associated paperwork. Since the agreement mainly covers trade in goods with less on services, which make up a large part of the UK economy, 2021 will be just the beginning of an almost constant process of negotiation.

3. How the pandemic could remake cities. The pandemic will change the face of cities, remodelling them in ways that will make urban life more sustainable. Mayors from all over the world have proposed the idea of “15-minute cities” - where people have everything they need (work, bars, restaurants, shops, schools, healthcare, leisure) within a quarter-hour trip from home - at the heart of their recovery plans. Big cities like Paris, London and Sydney could become vast urban areas made up of several smaller communities, each with their own centre.

4. The truth about resilience. During challenging times - whether it's a public health crisis, job loss or a personal disappointment - we are called to summon our resilience, our willingness to move forward and recover. Many believe this trait is ingrained; we either have it or we don't. That's not true as we can all cultivate resilience. The key? We must be told the truth and then be willing to face reality. It’s the unknown that scares us. Show us the truth about our threats, and we will reveal the true reserves of our power.

5. The leadership trait we need now. As we strive to overcome a global pandemic and an economic recession, leaders’ character will matter as much as their competence. In 2021, servant leadership will be a competitive advantage. Servant leaders are givers, not takers - we can count on them to put our interests above their own. They recognise that people aren’t the most important resource in a company; they are the company. They won’t keep us stuck in dead-end jobs; they’ll create opportunities for growth and advancement. And if there isn’t a path up, they’ll care enough to support us in finding a safe path out.

6. The 9-5 may soon become 3-2-2. One of the biggest questions businesses will face in 2021 is where - and when - employees can work. By the time it’s safe to return to the office, many workers will have spent a year or more working from home, and many are enjoying the extra time and flexibility. Organisations may want their employees to work from home two or more days per week, with some opting for three days in office, two days remote and then two days off - or a so-called 3-2-2 week.

7. How to overcome the fear of failure. Is insecurity holding you back? Fear of rejection or of being found out as inadequate is a common issue that can stymie work opportunities. Experts suggest acknowledging the effect your self-esteem is having and taking stock of what it’s costing you. Confidence can be boosted by embracing the upsides of feeling secure - such as less time wasted on looking for validation and more time focused on growth - seeking the objectivity of external help and believing in your own value.

8. Stress impacting two-thirds of Brits. The pandemic has had an undeniable impact on many people's mental health, and new data from the ONS shows that 70% of UK professionals have experienced elevated levels of stress in the past month. Nearly two-thirds of employed Brits are feeling very or somewhat stressed, rising to 75% among those who are currently unemployed. More women report feeling stressed than men, with 73% of employed and 78% of unemployed women saying they've felt very or somewhat stressed in the past month, versus 57% of employed men and 70% of unemployed men.

9. What bosses are doing about burnout. As lockdowns and travel restrictions extend remote-working arrangements, companies around the globe are taking steps to prevent their employees from suffering burnout. Bosses are adopting techniques - including increased access to wellness apps, encouragement of "walkie talkie" meetings in the fresh air and sending care packages - to help reduce anxiety levels, isolationism and longer working days that contribute to staff exhaustion. Mental health is a huge issue amid the pandemic, with one study revealing those under 25 are most affected.

10. The bottom line. Ditching booze this January? You’re in good company. A poll by charity Alcohol Change UK revealed more than 6.5 million adults will participate in Dry January - the equivalent of one in five people who drink alcohol - up from 3.9 million last year. It comes as Britons reconsider their 2020 drinking habits.