April 24, 2020

Hi Gang,

Happy Friday! There, I said it. We have a refreshing weekend in store – I can feel it. So, to kick that off, you’ll find in today’s issue insightful advice from leading heads of HR, some impressive chef teamwork (it never works out this well on Top Chef!), and as always, some levity.

Questions & Guidance from the Community

This morning, RRA’s HR Practice and our CEO Clarke Murphy hosted a discussion with CHROs from Vir, Hilton, Twitter, Unilever and HP on the topics of talent- and change-management, lessons learned in recent weeks, and plans for reentry – or as one leader put it, “easement.” A few key takeaways:

• It’s important to lead with values and heart.

• This is a time to emphasize – not change – your culture. Find ways to continue activities that are core to your culture. That will help bring continuity to the team.

• Tone matters, and it’s important to be especially tuned into areas where we may come off as “tone deaf.”

• Agility is critical. We don’t have time for the structure we had in the past. Don’t be afraid to let go of, or suspend, old systems.

• This is a true test of leadership; we will see leaders at their best (and worst). Take note of what this time reflects about your leaders and any critical gaps or areas of improvement.

• Now we must force the business to reimagine what’s possible.

Food Fight – send me yours!

Today’s winners are two of our very own healthcare team members, Breda O’Neill and Louise Berhau (often behind-the-scenes on projects with you). Breda led a Zoom cooking class, and Louise was the consummate student! 😊 Nice teamwork, ladies.

Chef Breda’s comments: “Delicious, easy, 5-minute chickpea curry with garlic, ginger, cilantro, and spices. A great recipe to make while quarantining.”

Sous-chef Louise’s comments: “I’d add that it was so fun to ‘be in the kitchen,’ guided by a friend/colleague in making a delicious dish that I wouldn’t have thought to prepare. My family scarfed it down – no leftovers here!”

A Little Levity

• Fully Recovered Chris Cuomo Gradually Realizing Family Never Going to Let Him Out of Basement

• Video: Everybody needs a hug (spoiler alert: it’s a bunch of really cute animals hugging people)

Have a good weekend, gang!

Jackie