FedEx founder Fred Smith's leadership was defined by a bold vision for the future and an unwavering focus on disciplined execution. Rather than relying solely on instinct, Smith, who passed away on June 21, achieved ambitious growth through strategic planning, operational rigor and a commitment to learning from history.

Put it into practice: Smith believed that a good CEO works to learn which strategy and management style are best for each stage of a company's growth -- and to rely on that discipline rather than just gut instinct. He felt it important to stay close to frontline operations, empower employees and continually innovate.

Leaders may be tempted to judge others harshly in stressful situations, but true leadership requires assuming positive intent and practicing empathy even when it's difficult, management consultant Marc Cugnon writes. Leaders who view colleagues as adversaries can undermine morale and collaboration, while those who support rather than blame can help colleagues feel valued and trusted, leading to better personal and productivity outcomes, Cugnon notes.

Put it into practice: Start by developing your self-awareness, Cugnon says, so you can recognize how your actions and words affect others. Reflect on your behavior, question your assumptions and consider whether you would act the same way if observed by someone you respect. Becoming empathetic requires discipline and conscious effort, too.

Introverts can be both reserved and assertive without changing their natural communication style by aligning their actions with their values and needs, Ryan Trimble writes. Assertiveness means prioritizing self-respect over approval from others -- in other words, respectfully expressing your perspective instead of suppressing it to avoid conflict or seek validation.

Put it into practice: Identifying the perceived rewards of withholding opinions, such as safety or approval, can help you realize those feelings' origins, and recognizing these unconscious beliefs can help you change them, Trimble says. Assess their accuracy and relevance to your current values and goals, revise your beliefs about assertiveness and keep a journal to track your progress.

Chief information security officers are experiencing burnout at unprecedented levels as cyberthreats evolve and workloads increase, with 62% experiencing burnout at least once, according to Gartner. The emotional and physical toll of constant vigilance against supply chain attacks and ransomware can lead to decreased productivity and increased turnover, but organizations can mitigate this by investing in mental health, increasing budgets and fostering open communication.

Police officers trying to navigate a flooded street in Paris after a particularly nasty storm injected some humor into the tense situation by playing the "Titanic" theme song through their vehicle loudspeakers as they drove. A journalist livestreamed the moment, and the official police social media account subsequently applauded the officers for sharing their sense of humor at a challenging time.

I am back from my vacation, and I can tell you that it was a much-needed break. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but now and then, we all need a break, even if it's from doing things we enjoy.

I'm not one to take a lot of vacations. I admit that I like routine and I don't care too much for traveling, so I tend to stay on the job. I realized this time around, though, that all work and no play makes Candace a very dull girl. I needed some time away from the daily routine to do other things that didn't involve thinking about work.

Like all returning vacationers, though, I suddenly feel a month behind, even just taking a week away. But that time off was needed because I could feel the burnout creeping around the edges of my mental health.

A new Gartner report shows that the majority of chief information security officers are feeling burned out as the threat and reality of cyberattacks begins to overwhelm them and their departments. The cure is deeper than just giving those workers time off. Leaders need to improve communication, provide more resources (including mental health support) and clearly define a team member's role so they know how their role contributes to the company's mission.

People burn out when they feel unsupported or isolated. Build a culture where asking for help or raising concerns is met with empathy, not judgment. My managers encourage and celebrate those who take time away because they understand the importance of the mental health of our teams. Burnout prevention isn't about wellness perks. It's about structural and cultural choices that support human sustainability.

If you're feeling a little bit crispy today, I encourage you to take some time off from work. It can make all the difference in the world to you and your company.

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