10 Hot-Topic Blogs for 2023

Now that we’ve all had some 2023 transition time, the Vida Aventura team took a look back at some of our top blogs over the last year or so that continue to be must-reads for teams, business leaders and executives. Whether it’s upping your leadership game, learning more about business trends, or developing new skills, we’ve got you covered. 

Below you’ll find an array of blogs that hit home with readers, and an excerpt to give you a preview of what they’re all about. We hope you’ll add them to your list of quick reads for continued personal and professional growth. Let us know what you think – enjoy!

 

1. The Rise of Helicopter Bosses

We’re all familiar with helicopter parents, but have you heard of helicopter bosses? It’s a newer way to think about a very old problem: micromanagement. But thanks to the pandemic and the rise of remote working employees, managers have been facing new challenges, and sometimes responding in unproductive ways. The Vida Aventura team is on it. Take a deeper look at what this means for you and your organization.

 

2. What is a ‘Chief Remote Officer’ & Who Needs Them?

Do you remember when the business world was collectively scrambling to abruptly transition from brick-and-mortar work models to the largely unknown and often bewildering territory of remote working? And there was a panicked scramble to also answer ever-evolving questions, like “How should we handle virtual meetings?” and “How can we help employees adjust?” We do. Vida Aventura clients needed help, and we figured so much of it out together. 

 

3. Neurodiversity, DEI & the Power of Knowledge

Let’s talk about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs in your workplace. If I asked you about the diversity part, and to name the types of differences that might be present within your organization, what would be your answers? I would guess they’d include race, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. But what about neurodiversity? 

 

4. The Bright & Dark Side of Resilience

Resilience is a revered trait and common topic in the coaching world, and my Vida Aventura work with executives, leaders and teams is no exception. 

But there’s a darker side to resilience – a glorification of the ability to dust yourself off, bounce back and persevere. I’ve been doing some research and exploring different perspectives on the subject, and wow, has my brain been expanded! I’ve always known about the bright side, but I’m gaining awareness about the dark side, too. Let’s start with the basics.

 

5. Essential Tips for Successful Leaders

“All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.” – John Kenneth Galbraith

Working and living in the third year of a pandemic continues to challenge us all, both in the way we do business, and the way we live. One of the words I’ve been hearing the most from my Vida Aventura clients is anxiety. That’s why the quote by John Kenneth Galbraith resonates with me. It’s a common feeling among employees, teams, leaders, and people in general. However, the point that isn’t quite clear in his quote is that effectively leading – and confronting “the major anxiety of their people in their time” – requires a whole set of traits and skills. That’s why, when I’m asked to describe the traits that make good leaders, my answers are much more detailed. 

 

6. Want A Promotion? Get Yourself a Critic!

Standard advice for people looking to reach a new career level, get a promotion or start a new business includes things like, “Give more value to your workplace, get noticed … demonstrate your leadership abilities.” Those are all great tips, but I’d add another one that you might find surprising. You need to get yourself some good critics. 

Yes, you read that right. One of the best ways to move up to the next level is to surround yourself with people who can hold you and each other accountable, help identify areas of improvement, give quality feedback, and help motivate you along the way. 

 

7. Must-Do’s For Leading Exhausted Teams

If you know anything about me or my Vida Aventura work with clients, you are aware of my mantra about celebrating:  Celebrate everything, often!  But lately I haven’t been so great about following my own advice. The reason? Pure, bottom-of-the-barrel, end-of-my-rope exhaustion. 

In fact – and it’s hard for me to admit this – I was supposed to meet up with a friend a few weeks ago to celebrate a big project we finished together, and it didn’t happen. Neither of us could find the time, due to over-scheduling and never-ending deadlines. We resorted to a late-night Facetime, just long enough for a virtual toast. Hey, it’s better than nothing!

 

8. New Study Shows Empathy is Must-Have Trait for Great Leadership

Hey leaders, what are the most important skills and abilities you should be honing and strengthening right now? Based on new research, they include active listening, caring on a more personal level, being transparent, and helping others. In other words, it’s all about empathy.  

 

9. Reframing: How to Turn Problems Into Opportunities

Take a minute to think about this past week, month or even the year. I’m betting there were times when you didn’t get what you wanted, things just didn’t go your way, or you felt stuck in a rut and not going anywhere. Maybe it was due to a negative reaction from a coworker or boss, the loss of a promotion or personal relationship, or a lack of progress on a big project. It could have been any number of things that left you questioning your abilities, and ruminating on what you could have done or should be doing differently. 

 

10. In A Rut? Meet The Five Levels of Why

I was having coffee with a friend the other day, and she shared that she’s in a deep and annoying rut. In particular, she’s been wanting to embark on a very exciting and new business venture, but is struggling to get motivated and can’t quite seem to find the energy to get started. Can you relate?

It’s a common theme I’m hearing not only from clients, but also from lots of friends, colleagues and family members. Maybe it’s due to pandemic fatigue, the change of seasons, or all of the above. All I know is that when you’re feeling that way, it’s hard to get unstuck. I’ve got a strategy to help, and it’s all about finding the whys.  

 

Wanting to Step Up Your Leadership Game?

The Vida Aventura team works with professionals ranging from corporate executives and managers to teams, departments and entire organizations. We use successful strategies to solve problems, achieve goals, dig deeper and help people develop and grow both personally and professionally. If you’d like to find out more about our services and how we can help you, contact us now.