EDITION 841
26 OCTOBER 2020

As another week slips by, here are 10 things which caught my attention and may have escaped yours. So grab a brew and find out what's new.

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1. How to de-escalate an argument. Given today's political and social environments, it doesn't take much for a minor disagreement to escalate quickly. With people's sensitivities at their peak, strong emotions are likely to emerge at the mere mention of certain topics. To lead with emotional intelligence is critical in these situations. READ MORE

2. The leadership skills we need now. In times of heightened uncertainty, we may think we'd best be guided by a fearless leader, someone who uses their bravado and unbridled confidence to give off the impression of invulnerability. But such leaders are not the kind who thrive in crisis. Instead, we are best served by those who exhibit vulnerable leadership. These are the people who are willing to tell the truth, even when it isn't pretty and are willing to own their mistakes and ask for help, despite the risks to their image. READ MORE

3. Majority must reskill by 2030. Nine out of 10 employees will need to reskill by 2030 at a cost of £13bn a year in order to avoid a sustained unemployment crisis, according to the CBI. Basic digital skills, critical thinking and information processing will be among the most in-demand skills, and millions will also need to develop their abilities in leadership, communication and science and technology. The business body is calling for more bitesize courses and funding schemes for SMEs: the report shows 43% of micro and small businesses did not provide any training in 2018, compared with 4% of firms with 250+ employees. CBI

4. LSE says 40% of pupils not receiving full education. Only three pupils in five are receiving a full education despite schools going back, a London School of Economics study has reported. In the last two months, just 59 per cent of pupils benefitted from “full schooling”, the study found. Warning of a “permanent scarring” to the Covid generation, the researchers said: “We need to keep schools open.” Daily Express

5. White House election could see the highest turnout since 1908. More than 50m Americans have cast ballots in the US presidential election with just over a week to go in the campaign, signalling that the US 2020 polling could have the highest rate of voter turnout since 1908. Analysts say the trend is both a sign of the intensity of this year’s polling and of voters’ desire to reduce their risk of exposure to Covid-19. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is leading among pivotal demographic groups such as the elderly people and suburban women. The Observer

6. The art of effective persuasion. At a time when views seem to be starkly divided, it can be useful to understand how to defuse an argument and disagree effectively. According to psychologists, a good first step is to consider whether someone views issues in isolation or as part of a wider picture of connected concepts — understanding that can make it easier to come at things from the same perspective. Research also shows the benefits of evidence over emotion, with fact-based arguments more likely to persuade. Finally, active listening and mutual respect can help conversations remain productive, even if you agree to disagree. Editor

7. Shop closures hit a new record. A record number of shops disappeared from the UK high street during the first half of this year as analysts predict the figure could grow. Some 11,120 chain store outlets closed between January and June, while 5,119 opened, resulting in a net decline of 6,001 stores, according to research by the Local Data Company and accountancy firm PwC. York was the worst affected, followed by Durham and Corby. Analysts warn the final toll could be higher as the research excluded outlets yet to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown ended. BBC

8. The rise of the fake commute. Those working from home may find the line between their working hours and their leisure time has become increasingly blurred. To combat this, some are adopting a 'fake commute' to create a clearer division. One advocate of the practice suggests it has done wonders for her mental health, and it's something we’ve been suggesting to our clients. Some choose to take a morning stroll to pick up a coffee, while others commit to a regular yoga session or even a short drive. Daily Mail

9. Suits are going out of fashion. Formal wear is gathering dust as people have traded suits for sweatpants during the pandemic. Suits ranked among the most discounted and worst selling items in parts of Europe in September, including France, Germany and Italy, according to data compiled by StyleSage. It's also affecting the wider supply chain: Reuters reports that merino wool farmers in Australia are switching to other forms of agriculture to survive, while wool mills in northern Italy increasingly produce casual wear and fabrics that don’t stain or crease easily. Lack of demand has also forced several retailers in Europe and the US to close stores permanently. Metro

10. The bottom line. Organised criminals have siphoned off up to £2 billion intended for furloughed workers, tax officials believe. HM Revenue and Customs has estimated that between 5 and 10 per cent of £39 billion in payments made under the Treasury’s job retention scheme are likely to have been claimed fraudulently. The Times