Since gratitude is the theme of November, let me start by saying I'm thankful for our wonderful Bureau community, and the strengths each member brings to the group. Every day I interact with amazing people who have remarkable talents, and I love being able to work with this community.
If you're new here, every week I send out an email that includes highlights from the Bureau Slack. It's a wonderful source of information, and I really think you should sign up for it. But if not, each month we collect the best of those items and share them here for everyone to enjoy. So, what did everyone have to say in November? Let's find out!
Planning
There’s no avoiding it. It’s time to start planning for next year (and beyond). But there are a lot of improvements you can make to the process, starting — of course — at the beginning. So why not make those kick-off meetings kickass instead?
More about the best laid plans:
Making Work Better
It’s an increasingly hot topic around the world, including some large-scale experiments: Have you seen any agencies implementing the four-day work week? Well, now you have, and the results from Bureau member COLAB might surprise you. Take a look!
Other ways to make work a little more enjoyable:
10 ways to build a great remote team culture (and why you should) (Bureau member content!)
How should agencies price when humans are terrible at estimating time?
Things that Make You Go Hmmm
How much should you protect your team from unclear or confusing requests, trying to filter the crap they have to wade through? You might think you’re helping out by fielding these requests, but surprisingly it can be detrimental. Here are some thoughts about the “shit umbrella” role, through the lens of a design team.
More snacks for your brain to chew on:
Mentors can empower ambitious workers to challenge the status quo
How Managers Can Support a Team Member Who’s Transitioning 🏳️⚧️
Holiday Fun
This season means a lot of different things to different people. It can be tough to keep it all straight and focus on what is most important for you and your family. How do you balance activities, obligations, and traditions? Check out Get Christmased: Create the Christmas season that works for you and your family — it’s a short, interactive book that will help you prioritize your holiday season.
More merriness for your stocking:
What Did You Get Me? (A new children's book by a Bureau member!)
We enjoy sending out helpful info like this each week in the newsletter. But if you’re a grinch with your inbox, you can sneak back here next month for another helping of goodness to help you start your new year right. In the meantime, I wish you all the best this holiday season!