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98% of success is consistently doing boring things that no one sees. 2% is visible and exciting, so that’s all everyone talks about.
― Farnam Street newsletter
Hey, guess what? Today’s newsletter has a shiny new section that I’m taking out for a test drive. I’m calling it the “Department of Shenanigans” (because who doesn’t need more fun, right?). It’s all the way down at the bottom, so scroll down there and check it out! Whether it stays or goes depends on YOU, the awesome newsletter crew. So hit “REPLY” and let me know what you think! Thumbs up or down?
Thanks for reading!
🎶 What I’m Listening To
Today I’m listening to another old favorite, Grammatik, which I think is the perfect background music for working and studying.
👆 Last Week’s Most Clicked
8 Interactive Presentation Ideas to Engage Your Audience in 2024
📰 News & Notes
Master ChatGPT in 2024 – Every Feature Explained (hidden ones too)
For a video that comes in under 25 minutes, this is a comprehensive guide to working with ChatGPT that covers recent updates, new features, and hidden functionalities to help you get the most out of it. It focuses on custom instructions, vision, plugins, custom GPTs, and the ability to call GPTs within any chat, along with practical tips for prompt engineering and utilizing ChatGPT’s capabilities to the fullest. Even if you don’t have time to watch it now, it is worth a bookmark – and be sure to grab the free ChatGPT at Work PDFs.
🎯 Take away: This is a worthy investment of your time to up your game and get better at how you interact with AI to optimize our digital workflows.
Research on Working Out Loud
I’m a big fan of the concept of Working Out Loud. In a groundbreaking study, the first scientific paper on the effectiveness of Working Out Loud (WOL) reveals significant benefits in fostering a collaborative and open work culture. This research, rooted in empirical evidence, demonstrates how WOL practices enhance job satisfaction, employee engagement, and the development of professional skills by promoting transparency, interconnectedness, and continuous learning. The study underscores the transformative potential of WOL in reshaping workplace dynamics and driving organizational success through increased innovation and adaptability.
🎯 Take away: The first study on Working Out Loud highlights its key role in boosting job satisfaction, engagement, and skills through a culture of openness and collaboration.
Microsoft’s Future of Work Report
Forget the robot takeover! Microsoft’s 2023 Future of Work report says it’s all about human-AI teamwork. This year’s edition dives deep into how AI isn’t just speeding things up but transforming entire jobs across all skill levels. Think of it like having your very own ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot 365 as a sidekick, automating tasks and boosting your productivity. Using AI for more than just routine tasks can lead to innovation. Imagine AI as your brainstorming buddy, sparking ideas and helping you reimagine work processes. The key question isn’t “Will AI replace us?”, but “How can we partner with AI to be more creative and efficient?”
🎯 Take away: AI is transforming work by enhancing human skills, sparking a reevaluation of our tech integration strategies in the workplace.
🧰 Tech Tools & Tips
If tools are your jam, check out my new Work Smarter newsletter.
guidde・Magically create video documentation with AI
Guidde lets you capture instant step-by-step videos and documents for anyone to create.
Recraft AI Image Generator
The first generative AI design tool that lets users create and edit digital illustrations, vector art, icons, and 3D graphics in a uniform brand style.
Move your newsletters to a space built for reading and declutter your inbox with Meco.
🎧 Podcast
This is the conversation that caught my ear this week. Check out previous episodes in the Friday Finds podcast playlist.
Getting The L&D Basics Right For More Impact in 2024
Paul Matthews discusses the fundamentals of problem discovery to drive successful behavior change, working well with stakeholders, and much more.
🧳 Where’s Mike?
- ATD ICE, New Orleans May 19-22
- Canadian eLearning Conference, Toronto, June 13-14
- Greater Cincinnati ATD, September 4
If you or your event needs a speaker or workshop that is highly interactive and super practical we should talk.
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Identify and Foster Leaders in Your Team
The 9-Box Grid is a framework that maps out an organization’s talent pool along two axes: current performance and future potential. This straightforward tool can help you identify employees who are doing great, need some support, or could be your next star leaders.
Discover how to use this framework correctly. Read our in-depth article
Download the 9-Box Grid template for free
From the Department of Shenanigans
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Friday Finds is an independent publication that I produce in my free time. You can support my work by sharing it with the world, booking an advertising spot, or by buying me a coffee.
Mike Taylor 