SMITH BRAIN TRUST – Sometimes, maybe the best way to explain a complex issue is to make it come alive as a comic book, set in outer space. At least that's the approach taken by the New York Fed, which recently published "The Story of Monetary Policy" in comic book format.
The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business proudly presents its 16th annual Summer Reading List for Business Leaders, as recommended by faculty and staff.
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – It’s August; time to soak up the last of the summer Fridays.
In summer, every Friday feels a little like the day before a long weekend. Many of your colleagues are already on vacation (or at happy hour). No one attempts to host a meeting or make consequential decisions.
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – Does your office space spark joy?
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – Finding it hard to get started on some of those nagging items on your to-do list? Maryland Smith’s Nicole M. Coomber suggests you try “interval working.”
Coomber, an associate clinical professor of management at Maryland Smith, has mastered the technique as a way of staying motivated.
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – The meeting was still going at 2:30 p.m. on a Friday, which was the scheduled end time, and I had kids to pick up from school. I was happy when another colleague began packing up her notebook and said, “I’m sorry, guys, I’ve got to run to another meeting.”
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – Imagine you are assigned to complete an important project at work and must partner with a colleague. Do you choose to work with the most competent but least likeable person on the team? Or do you choose the most likeable but least competent person?
By Nicole M. Coomber
SMITH BRAIN TRUST – A spirited debate broke out recently in a working mom Facebook group over the concept of the open floor plan office. One woman had written a post, describing how her office had been redesigned to an open floor plan, leaving everyone with less privacy and more distractions. Most of the commenters agreed: Open offices are distracting and pose difficulties for introverts.
