3 strategies to strengthen resolve, calm emotions

AI-powered communication tools can be an enticing way to create personalized internal messages "tailored to [employees'] language, culture and role" -- but first ensure you have a policy in place to keep this enhancement from becoming a liability, advises Ciara Flaherty of Springboard Communications. "The empathy, emotional intelligence and human connection that professionals bring to the table are irreplaceable," Flaherty writes.

Put it into practice: "Adopt a holistic approach, where AI augments the capabilities of communication teams rather than replacing them," Flaherty recommends. Even using it as a supporting tool, "human oversight should be integral to the process, offering checks and balances to mitigate potential pitfalls."

Campbell Soup's transformation in recent years has been driven by business outcome-focused decisions, a streamlined focus on snacks and meal preparation and a commitment to building trust with board members, said CEO Mark Clouse. "I believe it's important that we arm our organization with an understanding of what we're dealing with, and if we don't understand or we don't have an answer, be open and honest about it and what we're doing to find it and how we're working to solve it," Clouse says.

If at least ten folks are gathering around your Thanksgiving table, it will cost 4.5% less for the overall feast and all its trimmings than it did last year, with the cost of cranberries, whipping cream and pie crusts falling the most, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving survey. The data show you'll pony up more for dinner rolls, pumpkin pie filling and three pounds of sweet potatoes.

Mars is a giant in the snack industry and also has a huge footprint in the petcare and food & nutrition sectors. Autumn Fox, climate and sustainability senior manager at Mars, recently made a guest appearance on the Sustainability SmartPod to share the specifics of Mars' Net Zero Roadmap, which includes what the company views as the five Fundamental Elements of Net Zero. Fox also discusses how Mars is addressing major sustainability issues, like packaging, deforestation, water scarcity and decarbonization of supply chains.

LaRae Quy and Lolly Daskal offer sound leadership advice today for when your emotions are triggered, or you need to step back and let others take the lead.

Daskal notes that it can be tempting to favor some team members over others and react poorly when questions about your leadership arise. Quy's tools for dealing with emotions are essential. If you're already familiar with what triggers you and you've developed the emotional competence you need, you'll be less likely to be overcome by your feelings.

How have you dealt with emotionally challenging leadership situations? Let me know what advice you'd give your colleagues.

If this newsletter helps you, please tell your colleagues, friends or anyone who can benefit. Forward them this email, or send this link.

What topics do you see in your daily work that I should know about? Do you have praise? Criticism? Drop me a note. And don't forget to send me photos of your pets, your office and where you spend your time off.