At 100, Carter's leadership legacy is celebrated

Former President Jimmy Carter, who celebrated his 100th birthday this week, is the epitome of leadership for Craig Withers, the vice president of overseas operations at The Carter Center, who writes that Carter wasn't afraid to pursue peace with warring factions, take the lead on human rights and energy sustainability and work behind the scenes to accomplish his goals. "He's taken risks, challenged orthodoxy, sought peaceful solutions to intractable challenges, and highlighted the inherent dignity in everyone. If that's not leadership, I don't know what is."

Put it into practice: Withers outlines many examples of how Carter displayed his leadership, often working privately through letters and other diplomacy to solve crises and effect change. "One letter he wrote even resulted in the release of hundreds of political prisoners in Nepal."

Predicting the weather up to a year ahead of time can prove to be a valuable tool for retailers and other businesses because it can help them anticipate inventory levels and prepare budgets and advertising campaigns, writes Bill Kirk, the founder and CEO of Weathertrends360. "Just a one-degree Fahrenheit uptick in heat year-over-year causes a 10% increase in sales for various seasonal items," Kirk writes.

Put it into practice: Forecasting the weather allows businesses to predict with a reasonable amount of certainty both challenging and abundant seasons. "There are many unpredictable elements in the business world, but weather does not have to be one of them," Kirk writes.

Psychological safety in the workplace allows team members to take risks and share ideas without fear of negative consequences, fostering both learning and growth, experts say. "The organization's strength is found in its ability to create a culture of safety where it produces an environment in which individuals can openly speak, create, produce, and innovate without feeling that they will be shut down or shut out," says Sharon Robinson, a systemic leadership expert.

Put it into practice: Leaders can promote psychological safety by being open about their struggles, encouraging diverse viewpoints and providing clear expectations. "Psychological safety starts from the top and is passed down to each leader and employee," Robinson says.

Human nature thrives on being part of a tribe for a sense of belonging and safety, which Michael Morris, professor at Columbia Business School, says leaders can leverage to create a culture of cooperation as well as productivity by reshaping habits, values and traditions. "I think tribalism is the only human nature we have, and what we have to do is think about how to orchestrate constructive tribal expression rather than destructive tribal expression," Morris says.

At nine months old, Pesto the king penguin chick at Sea Life Melbourne has become a social media sensation and attracted significant public interest. Weighing 52 lbs., (23.5 kg), Pesto is the largest chick the aquarium has ever seen. His fluffy brown feathers and engaging social media presence have drawn hundreds of visitors.

Terry T. sent in this photo of Josie and said, "I would say that Josie is my assistant, but we both know it's the other way around." I'm sure they're both a big help to one another! Thank you, Terry, for sharing Josie with us.

What non-humans keep you company in your home office or greet you when you come home? Share their photo with us!

I wasn't even a teenager yet when Jimmy Carter was elected president, so politics wasn't on my radar at that time. As a young radio news reporter in Atlanta, though, in the mid-1990s, I got the chance to meet and talk with Carter on several occasions. What struck me about him is that even though reporters would crowd around him, when he was speaking to you, it felt like you were having a conversation with a friend. He was present, even in a short news interview.

Carter's demeanor, in my experience, exudes kindness but also an earnestness and a sense of caring for whoever is before him. This can serve any leader well and make those they lead feel cared for, connected and accepted. Carter could undoubtedly be tough when he needed to be, but everyone seemed to understand that's what was required. When you know your leaders genuinely care about your well-being, you can feel that even in those times when they must be more forceful or aggressive.

Everyone has an opinion about how presidents fulfill their terms. Still, outside of the White House, Carter has been a presence for good, helping those in need and advancing the American ideal that we are all in this together.

Happy birthday, Mr. President.

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