#ThirstyThursday Issue #140

📝 Job Searching: How to ask better questions about culture.

💼 Work: Discussing caregiving duties with your boss.

🤖 Technology: The Washington Post made an AI chatbot for questions about climate.

🍎 Health: Should you do cardio or weights if you’re short on time?

💸 Finances: Strengthen your finances ahead of a possible U.S. recession.

Takeaways:

• Leaders must be honest and accountable for their actions to maintain the trust of their team. If a leader is perceived as dishonest or self-serving, it can lead to a breakdown in trust, which can have fatal consequences.
• Immediate accountability is crucial. Simon Sinek gives an example of a Marine who fell asleep on watch and then lied about it. Delayed accountability or dishonesty can erode trust and undermine a leader’s credibility.
• Effective leaders build trust over time through empathy and consistent behavior. We need leaders who can switch to a command-and-control approach. Teams will follow directives without question, believing in their leader’s decisions and intentions. but only if that trust has been built consistently.

See the full YouTube here.

Think about your work bestie in accounting who’s an Excel genius, or that amazing colleague in marketing who knows the CRM inside out. Maybe you’re even the go-to expert for a particular skill!

According to the World Economic Forum, 58% of employees have talents that aren’t reflected in their job descriptions, yet only 45% of organizations have a skills taxonomy in place where skills are available across departments.

Imagine the power of uncovering and leveraging those hidden skills to future-proof your team.

Join us for our July webinar with Matt Donovan, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer at GP Strategies, and Brian Richardson, CEO and Founder of Richardson Consulting Group. With over 50 years of combined experience, these experts will share practical insights on upskilling your workforce.

This session is perfect for HR leaders, L&D professionals, and team managers in the financial, government, and healthcare industries.

Secure your spot by registering today!

Takeaways:

• Side hustles may require some upskilling but once you learn a new skill it can be lucrative.
• Graphic design can be utilized to create templates, or provide services for extra income. Photography is another option, and while it requires an investment, it can grow into a highly profitable side business.
• Baking and treat making is an excellent side gig because it’s a flexible schedule and generates high profit margins.
• Affiliate marketing and content creation is another easy way to create side cash.

Watch the full TikTok.

Takeaways:

• People pleasers often have a hard time saying no, but with these 13 phrases you can still practice setting boundaries and self-care.
• Try phrases like: “Thanks, but maybe another time.” “Sounds great, but I cannot commit.” “Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you.”
• Other phrases to use: “I’m not taking anything else on right now.” “Thanks for including me, but it’s not in my budget.”

Swipe the phrases from this TikTok.

I handled a majority of swag ordering at work because I managed marketing events, and also because it was this odd job that didn’t fully fit into any single person’s job description.

I’ve learned over the years that swag is more than just another temporary water bottle — it can be your new employee’s favorite backpack of all time, or your client’s go-to mug they have at their desk daily.

Thoughtful swag can reduce wasteful spend and increase your brand’s overall likability.

Here were some of my go-to swag pieces:

Ember mug: An ideal higher-end gift for employee milestones, giveaways at events, or client gifts.

A trusty backpack: Don’t skimp on backpacks — trust me you’ll end up spending more on replacements than if you would have just invested a few more bucks in a higher quality bag that will last longer. Great for new employee kits.

Notebooks: Branded notebooks are versatile and actually get used; keep them around for various swag bags, company and marketing events, etc.

Bluetooth speaker: One of those things that you wouldn’t necessarily buy yourself — it’s a fun and functional gift that brings quality sound to any space, perfect for employee appreciation or client gifts.

T-shirt: You can probably think of multiple times you’d need a branded t-shirt. My go-to brand was Bella+Canvas for the quality and price point.

Explore these and other great swag options to elevate your brand, and delight your team and clients.

Explore what swag.com has to offer.

Joanna (Co-founder of TA)

Takeaways:

• On Nelson Mandela International Day we pay tribute to this brave advocate of human rights, who taught the world the power of peace and reconciliation, and the importance of respect for the dignity of every human being.
• His life teaches us the power of resilience. Despite spending 27 years in prison, he emerged with an unbroken spirit and a commitment to justice and equality.
• Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” His belief in the transformative power of education underscores its importance in achieving personal and societal growth.
• He demonstrates that one person can indeed make a profound difference; each of us has the potential to effect positive change in the world.

Watch the full IG reel here.

🕯️ This decorative tray is perfect for holding candles or your knick-knacks.

🔥 Great for camping or your patio table, this tabletop firepit is perfect for making s’mores.

🌀 It’s a little weird but it works! This neck fan is a great way to stay cool.

💦 These non-slip, thickened splash pads are ideal for backyards and are great for children and pets to cool off during summer.

• Robert Half is hiring for a Controller (Jacksonville, FL).
• Flynn Restaurant Group is hiring for a Human Resources Business Partner (Mobile, AL/Hybrid).
• Wolf & Shepherd is hiring for a Sr. Buyer, DTC (Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, CA).
• Confidential is hiring for a Assistant Controller (Los Angeles, CA/Hybrid).
• Amigo Mobility International, Inc. is hiring for a B2B Marketing Manager (Bridgeport, MI).