Down-to-earth lessons leaders can learn from astronauts

Astronauts often participate in "analog missions" that require them to spend time with colleagues in caves or inflatable habitats in the desert to simulate space travel where they must solve problems, get and give valuable feedback and rely on one another to handle crises, all of which requires top-notch leadership skills. Astronaut Jennifer Hesterman says those who succeed have high levels of emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Put it into practice: Astronauts on analog missions can also ask for help outside their team, which Hesterman says is crucial for leaders. "Have people that you can reach out to that can lift you up, and that can offer some good advice, and even just listen."

Mergers and acquisitions can lead to some speed bumps, but focusing on employees can ensure a smooth transition for customer service, write Roman Ptakowski and John Castleman, the chief commercial officer of CX and CEO at Bridgenext, respectively. "Ultimately, when employees feel valued and informed, they're better equipped to deliver the consistent, high-quality experience customers expect across all stages of integration post-M&A," they write.

Put it into practice: Clear communication is vital during M&As, especially when creating a compelling reason for the integration of two separate companies. "Customer experience is important, but it’s equally vital to invest in clear communication, strategic planning and alignment across internal leadership and staff," they write.

Manipulative people can be challenging to handle, but the first step to dealing with manipulation is recognizing when it's happening, writes Steve Keating, who offers behavioral clues such as being passive aggressive, minimizing your concerns or trying to intimidate you. Keating recommends setting boundaries, asking questions and avoiding emotional language to thwart manipulation -- and if all else fails, keeping a record of your interactions.

Put it into practice: Sometimes the best course of action is to walk away from manipulators. "If someone consistently attempts to manipulate you and refuses to change, it's okay to distance yourself or cut ties altogether for your own good," Keating writes.

Thinking about time differently affects how you will use it, writes Mark Sanborn, president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., who recommends using down time, such as waiting on something, for reflection or planning and not dwelling on "lost time" but focusing on what can be done to make the most of the present. "Moments are the building blocks of time, and when we treat each one with care, we're not just making better use of our hours -- we're creating a life of purpose and fulfillment," Sanborn writes.

Single bananas are often wasted, but research from the University of Bath suggests that displaying sad faces on single bananas can evoke compassion from shoppers and increase purchases. The study, conducted in collaboration with German supermarket REWE, found that this simple intervention could help reduce food waste by encouraging consumers to "rescue" lonely bananas.

One of the things I'd like to do in the new year is read more, yet I find myself in what Mark Sanborn calls those "in-between" moments staring at my phone or doomscrolling on social media. I am trying to be mindful enough that when I catch myself doing those things in my "in-between" tasks time, I will pick up a book instead.

To help myself, I am keeping the book I want to read by my desk, so when I realize I'm wasting time on social media, I can easily pick up my book and read a few paragraphs or pages, depending on the time I have.

When I go to appointments, I always take a book, but I find that I spend the waiting room time looking at stuff on my phone. I may need to leave my phone in my car during appointments and force myself to read a book, or even bring a pad and pen and jot down ideas or musings while I wait.

In these ways, I am training myself to make better use of the present. Instead of doing something mindless, I'm working on finding ways to enrich my mind and spirit.

As Sanborn writes: "Be aware of what wastes your time -- whether it's distractions, overcommitment, or procrastination -- and take steps to guard against it. When you invest fully in the now, you create momentum and avoid the stress of 'catching up.'"

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