Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Education
6 podcasts about the wonders of science
Excerpts from article by Emma Dibdin, published in The New York Times
The approval of Covid-19 vaccines for use has been a much-needed flicker of hope. There are challenges for sure but in the spirit of a gratitude practice, let’s focus on the positives.
It is nothing short of miraculous that within a year, scientists have developed multiple vaccines against such an aggressive virus. This is a triumphant moment.
To celebrate the wonders of science, we bring to you 7 podcasts, which educate and entertain though humorous debates and rich storytelling:
1. ‘Invisibilia’
Created by Alix Spiegel and Lulu Miller in 2015, the show focuses on the invisible forces that shape our world, control our behaviour and can help us live better. Though the show has continuously shape-shifted during its six-season run, its very first episode remains a perfect encapsulation of everything “Invisibilia” does best. That chapter, “The Secret History of Thoughts,” begins with the story of a surfer tormented by thoughts about hurting his loved ones. From that haunting point, the episode delves into the wider question of whether our thoughts control us, or vice versa.
2. ‘Science Vs’
The sheer volume of misinformation around the coronavirus has become such a liability that it’s been referred to as an “infodemic,” but it’s also a symptom of a bigger and more systemic anti-science movement. In this show, fads, trends and the opinionated mob are pitted against science, fact-checking falsehoods and delivering the truth in an entertaining and authoritative style. Though many recent episodes are devoted to Covid-19 myth busting, “Science Vs” also offers plenty of information on other questions.
3. ‘The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry’
If you like your science stories with a side of Sherlock Holmes-esque intrigue, look no further than this charming BBC series. Hosted by the “science sleuths” Dr. Adam Rutherford and Dr. Hannah Fry, “The Curious Cases” sees them tackle listener-submitted scientific mysteries, many of which you may have wondered yourself and others you may never have thought of.
4. ‘Stuff to Blow Your Mind’
The title might sound hyperbolic, but it’s generally pretty accurate. In each episode of this show the hosts tackle a different scientific phenomenon, mystery or quandary that will expand your understanding of how the world works. “Deep in the back of your mind, you’ve always had the feeling that there’s something strange about reality,” reads the show’s official teaser, which might lead you to suspect that you’re in for an hour of wacky conspiracy theories. But “Stuff to Blow Your Mind” is always evidence-based and thoroughly researched.
5. ‘The Story Collider’
The premise behind this decade-old show is simple: We all have science stories to tell, because simply existing in the world means we’re interacting with science all the time. The mission is to spark emotional connections to science which is encapsulated by the podcast. Most episodes present two stories that share a common thread about the human experience behind scientific experiments, interactions with animals or how biological impulses shape our lives. Since November, the show has been dedicated to telling “Stories of Covid-19” from different angles, such as the pandemic’s impact on different generations or how society adapts to a new normal.
6. ‘Ologies With Alie Ward’
There’s something thrilling about hearing very smart people talk passionately about the things they’re smartest about, especially when their area of expertise is unusual. Anchored by the witty and charismatic Alie Ward “Ologies” puts the spotlight on scientific experts working in fields you may never have heard of and gives them an entertaining platform to wax lyrical about their particular “ology.” Ward’s intellectual curiosity is as infectious as her guests’ enthusiasm, and she keeps things accessible no matter how esoteric the subject: Recent episodes have focused on desairology (the science of mortuary makeup), agnotology (the science of ignorance) and pelicanology (self-explanatory, but still full of surprises).
You’ll probably never think of science as dry or dull again.
Career
The surprising power of simply asking co-workers how they’re doing
Excerpts from article by Karyn Twaronite, published in The Harvard Business Review
We humans have an innate need to belong to one another, to our friends and families, and to our culture and country. The same is true when we’re at work. When people feel like they belong at work, they are more productive, motivated, engaged and more likely to contribute to their fullest potential.
A study substantiated existing evidence that exclusion is a growing issue. It found that people were feeling physically and emotionally isolated in the workplace. This group spanned generations, genders, and ethnicities.
The majority of individuals look to their homes first, before workplaces when it comes to where they feel the greatest sense of belonging. While the workplace exceeds neighbourhood communities and places of worship, many individuals spend most of their time at work, and creating workplace communities where people feel like they belong is imperative.
This tells us that many people want more connection with those they work with. The survey pointed to one simple solution: establish more opportunities for colleagues to check in with one another. People feel the greatest sense of belonging when their colleagues check in with them, both personally and professionally. This was true across genders and age groups, by reaching out and acknowledging their employees on a personal level, companies and leaders can significantly enhance the employee experience by making their people feel valued and connected.
Face time with senior leadership that wasn’t personal. Being invited to big or external events or presentations by senior leaders, as well as being copied on their emails, was simply less meaningful to employees when it came to feeling a sense of belonging.
The art of the check-in
People have different preferences about how they connect with each other at work. While some people may want to sit and talk, some may prefer a digital chat and others may not be open to engaging at all. Learning how to engage with employees in a way that they feel comfortable is key to creating a sense of community. Here are a few tips to consider as you find the right way to check in with colleagues:
1. Seize the small opportunities to connect
Try to establish connections with your colleagues that communicate that you value, understand, and care about them. Be present, curious, and seize small daily opportunities to connect authentically. For example, a simple “How are you doing? How can I support you?” could go a long way in nearly every setting.
2. Check bias at the door
Check-ins are a time to listen to another person’s perspectives, not to debate or persuade. If someone shares something that you don’t understand or agree with, you might consider acknowledging their point of view or asking them to tell you more. You may be pleasantly surprised by their response. For instance, “Tell me more about it,” or “I never thought about it from that perspective, but I do realise we can experience the same situation in different ways, so I appreciate you explaining that for me.”
3. Assume positive intent
Start any conversation with your colleagues believing that those talking or listening mean well, especially when it comes to difficult issues. Sometimes, you might fumble through these topics, but assuming positive intent will help you pause, ask clarifying questions, and connect in a more meaningful way. Sometimes, these pauses make a huge difference. It is fine to say, “I am pausing because I just don’t know what to say,” or “I am pausing because I want to learn more from you.”
4. It’s OK to be vulnerable
Seek feedback from your colleagues, especially those who are junior to you. Demonstrate your trust in them through the way you communicate and act on their feedback. Expressing vulnerability by acknowledging their views and talking openly about challenges you’re facing humanises the relationship you have with your peers and direct reports.
5. Be consistent and accountable
Be transparent and model consistent, inclusive behaviour, even under pressure or during difficult conversations. Expect, reinforce and reward the accountability of others. Offer a conversation to team members when a difficult event occurs, and model inclusive behaviour in your own interactions to set an example for other team members.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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