Hey, it’s Ben. And I’m back to share some stories and trends I’ve been thinking about.
Let’s talk about mental health and wellness for a minute.
There’s a lot to be concerned about. I keep reading LinkedIn posts about the state of ‘things’, including overall concerns about how people are handling the job market and their ability to provide for their families. (WSJ jumped on that topic from an AI perspective just this morning.)
As October comes to a close, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge this, given we commemorated National Mental Health Day earlier this month. (October is the day, May is the month…don’t get me started…that alone is giving me anxiety – why not just have it all in the same month?!?)
Before the month/day is too far in the rear view, it’s worth mentioning that sometimes you just need to acknowledge ‘things’ are overwhelming. There’s nothing wrong with taking a beat, holding the space and addressing that in the moment.
We need to keep this in mind as leaders. Show vulnerability. Allow other to see it’s ok to do so. I talk about this more below in the toxic workplace story, but we need to be there to listen and just let employees ‘be’.
A great example of what vulnerability looks like s what Justin Fields, quarterback for the New York Jets, did last Sunday. After upsetting the Bengals, Fields opened up and told us exactly how he had dealt with being benched. Criticized by his owner. His play overall. There he was, showing up. Showing out. And then speaking out.
We need to keep this top-of-mind. 2025 has been a rough ride…2026 doesn’t show signs of being any different…
Anyways, onto what I’ve ‘Ben thinking’ about:
Are we disguising DEI as ‘social issues’? (HBR)
Maybe. But regardless of what you call it, consumers still care about how brands engage with society, specifically how a company’s beliefs align with theirs. In fact, 64% of consumers buy, choose or avoid brands based on this.
So the question for you—whattayagonnadoaboutit?
Foundational work? Who has time for that? (Chief Executive)
This reads like an article from 10 years ago. And that’s not an insult. It’s well-timed and well-intended for ANY one in a leadership position. It’s simple. It’s accurate.
It’s nearly impossible.
No, not because we can’t do it. Because we won’t do it. It’s not what’s valued anymore. But leaders need to find time to somehow, some way, make this a focus for 2026 because things aren’t going to slow down. And like we say a lot here – something isn’t a priority, until it is.
“The average American workplace is now a mental health minefield.” (Inc.)
How’s that for a lead? Want more? How about this--nearly 80% of survey respondents say their work is toxic. (That’s up from 67% the year prior.)
Leading me to ask: Is there anything that can be done? Is this a situation where it sucks because it sucks? In other words, people are so frustrated and/or stressed in general that work has just become the target?
I think there is something we can do:
You can’t solve every issue. Make everything better, all at once. Maybe you can’t be the solution. But you can make sure you aren’t the problem.
is the name of the book by Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer.
She’s profiled and interviewed in Dan Schwabel’s newsletter, Workplace Intelligence. You know what she’s talking about? Yes, I know – be yourself at work. But dig deeper and it’s about being authentic. How NOT being authentic is what wears us out. And how you can apply this to your leadership.
No, literally. He’s money now. Did you really think I wouldn’t feature this story?
Twofer: Manufacturing labor issues are still a problem folks.
Read about this from two different perspectives – both offering suggestions to tackle the challenge head on:
First, are you ready for the silver tsunami.(An open letter to manufacturing leaders.)
Second, are you ready for your 6-7 moment?
Seems like Manufacturing Dive agrees with these takes:
Automation’s hidden challenge: lack of engineering talent.
Tax savings for manufacturers? Capture savings with qualified production property.
An article I don’t completely understand but if you can realize tax savings, it’s worth me sharing.
This is supposed to be fun!
I always fall for these. The finalists in the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.
And since we’re talking about animals, maybe you’re one of the few people left who haven’t met college football’s new obsession: Pudge, the Cat. Yes, I’m biased because my daughter goes to Bowling Green but damn…this cat is awesome.
A double shot of animals…enjoy!
Finally…a few Cliff Clavins for ya.
Did I read this? Hear this? Make it up? (Kidding, kidding – these are all real facts.)
Feel free to share with anyone else you think would enjoy the articles and resources!
Thank you,
Ben