Tuesday Dispatch: Issue: #62

The Owl and The Beetle

This week we learn about how to produce great ideas, how to negotiate, and how to avoid organizing too many meetings. As well as how to clean our keyboards, and we have a look at some outstanding works of pixel art.

Let's get going!

3 Droplets of Leadership

How to Produce World-Changing Ideas in 1 Hour

Is anything more demoralizing than being forced to "innovate" and throwing ideas at a brainstorming wall?

Considering the odds of looking foolish or ignorant while weighing in on an unfamiliar problem, it feels risky to say anything, either ambitious or unusual.

Safer to stay quiet and take a free ride on the contributions of others.

For best results, use an innovation sandwich: Bring people together for all the benefits of serendipity and shared knowledge. Then send them back to their desks for quiet contemplation of what they've discussed.

Finally, gather them to share their thoughts and strike even more sparks.

Don't miss this fascinating article!

How to Negotiate, Featuring Catherine Stewart

If you’re looking to uplevel your negotiation skills for your next job/promotion discussion or want to find better ways to navigate a sticking point with your partner at home, this is the session for you.

Don't miss it!

On Holding Too Many Meetings

Meetings serve different purposes, ranging from informal social gatherings to formal brainstorming sessions.

They often show up on our calendars as recurring events (with no end date in sight!). New research shows that about 70% of all meetings keep employees from working and completing all their tasks.

While there was a 20% decrease in the average length of meetings during the pandemic, the number of meetings attended by a worker on average rose by 13.5%. Ineffective meetings that waste our time can negatively impact psychological, physical, and mental well-being.

Great article on meetings, don't miss it!

2 Grains of Technology

How to Clean Your Keyboard

Spending hours at your computer, whether for work or play, is unavoidable for many of us. Constant use is going to take a toll on your keyboard. Dust and hair buildup is inevitable; fallen tortilla chips and sandwich crumbs, not so much.

How to clean your keyboard step-by-step.

Pixel-Art Scenes From Movies and TV Series

Gustavo Viselner makes pixel art scenes based on movies and television series. Pixel art is no longer just a graphic tool for games but a form of art that can stand out without having a video game to support it.

His work embraces pop culture influences and allows him to express love and appreciation for all these wonderful stories and characters that we all grew up watching and that shaped our personalities.

Check out this amazing work of art.

1 Atom of Reflection

Most of the time, there is no need to worry. Yet we worry nevertheless. And it's ok.