Smart Choice #34 – December 2024 🎄🎯✨

As the year comes to a close, December brings a time of reflection and strategic planning. It's also a month where great ideas often spark for the year ahead. Did you know that on December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight, transforming the future of transportation? Let this month be your runway for soaring into 2025 with fresh insights and purpose.

Here are this month's top articles to fuel your strategy, leadership, and productivity.

1. Complicated vs. Complex: Understanding Your Company’s Core Issues

By: by Nitin Nohria , Bill George and Kayti Stanley

Your company’s challenges may be more nuanced than you think. This article helps leaders identify whether they’re facing a complicated problem, which can be solved with the right expertise, or a complex one, requiring adaptive and experimental approaches. Understanding this distinction can save time, resources, and frustration.

✔️ Why read? Gain clarity on problem-solving frameworks and improve your decision-making in uncertain situations.

2. Rethinking Productivity and Communication

By: Vinita Bansal

• Managers: Stop Promoting Toxic Productivity Many leaders unknowingly push their teams into cycles of overwork and burnout. This thought-provoking piece highlights the risks of glorifying “hustle culture” and offers actionable tips to foster a more sustainable, productive work environment.

• 10 Practices to Master the Art of Active Listening Effective communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you listen. This practical guide dives into the 10 key active listening habits, from asking the right follow-up questions to controlling biases, so you can build stronger relationships and foster trust in any setting.

3. You’re Doing Strategic Planning Wrong: Here’s How to Fix It

By: Robyn M. Bolton Braden Kelley

If your strategic planning feels like a box-ticking exercise, this article is for you. Braden Kelley explores common pitfalls organizations face when crafting their long-term plans and provides a roadmap to make strategic planning an ongoing, impactful process rather than an annual obligation.

✔️ Why read? Gain insights to revolutionize how you set and achieve your business objectives in 2025.

4. Inclusive Meetings: Can AI Help Everyone Get a Voice?

By: Dr Grace Lordan

The loudest voices often dominate meetings, with younger or quieter participants being drowned out. In her article, Grace Lordan explores how AI tools can create more inclusive and effective meetings by identifying when certain individuals dominate conversations, summarizing key points, and encouraging diverse participation.

✔️ Why read? Discover how to harness AI for better collaboration and ensure all voices—regardless of age or rank—are heard.

5. 5 Powerful Life Lessons That Made Me a Better Leader

By: Tobias Charles

Outstanding leadership is shaped by personal growth. In this insightful article, Maria Frangos shares five transformative lessons that have influenced her leadership journey—from the importance of self-awareness to the value of humility and continuous learning.

✔️ Why read? Reflect on the life lessons that can help you become a more empathetic, effective leader.

Wishing you all a season of strategic thinking, meaningful growth, and joyful celebrations. Let’s make wise choices together for a more decisive year ahead!