🧠 16 rules for thriving at work

get workplace wisdom, AI insight from ChatGPT's creator, overlooked signs of entrepreneurship, and a cleaning reality check.

Subscribe here | Unsubscribe here | #ThirstyThursday May 8, 2025 Click the image for the punchline 👆. ✅ Today's Checklist:  The future of AI, according to ChatGPT's creator 16 rules to excel in today's workplace Signs you're entrepreneurial The most neglected nooks in your 'clean' house 🗓️ Upcoming Event: Join Miss Excel for a free training that makes dashboards as fun as they are functional. RSVP here. QUICK LINKS 🎤 Tough convo ahead? Here's how to walk in ready. 😬 Got a coworker on your last nerve? One of these 8 might be them. 🕵️‍♀️ Tracking applicants = easy with these powerful platforms. 📝 Paper vs. digital planning—what works better (and why it depends).  TECHNOLOGY     Sam Altman Talks ChatGPT, AI Agents & Superintelligence Takeaways: AI is transforming creativity and productivity, but we need new rules. Tools like Sora are revolutionizing visual media and unlocking new levels of expression and innovation. Amid the AI boom, Altman calls for bold action to protect artists through updated copyright and revenue models. From concerns about misuse and misinformation to the risks of autonomous AI agents, Altman emphasizes that robust safety frameworks, external testing, and global governance are critical. He advocates for a collective approach to AI regulation—one that includes societal input, not just decisions from a tech elite. Leadership in AI comes with moral weight. Altman openly reflects on power, legacy, and the tension between innovation and ethics. As AI redefines human interaction, he stresses the importance of accountability, long-term thinking, and creating systems that prioritize human well-being over speed or profit. Watch the thought provoking interview on YouTube. LEADERSHIP TRAINING     Code of Conduct Training That Actually Sticks   A signed Code of Conduct isn't enough—your team has to live it. Join Traliant's free webinar for a behind-the-scenes look at their refreshingly modern training approach—think: bingeable video episodes, real-world workplace dilemmas, and companion podcasts that help values actually sink in. You'll hear from former DOJ attorney Michael Johnson, who breaks down what the Department of Justice really expects—and how to build a culture that doesn't just meet compliance but reinforces it every day. What you'll learn: What DOJ guidance actually says about Code training Why 2-minute drama episodes boost engagement How storytelling makes policies stick How to reinforce behavior with podcast-style follow-ups Ways to customize modules to reflect your team's risks + culture 📅 Webinar: "Not Your Old Code–A New Era of Code of Conduct Training" 🕑 When: Wednesday, May 14 | 2–3 pm ET 💼 Live attendees eligible for SHRM credit 👉 Save your seat here. CAREER     16 Ways To Excel In The Workplace Takeaways: Ownership, not ego, builds trust. Lead with accountability, follow through on promises, and lift others up. That combo earns respect fast and makes you the person people want to work with. Clarity beats complexity. Speak plainly, ask questions, and avoid hiding behind jargon. Whether you're pitching an idea or disagreeing, clear communication is your greatest asset. Proactivity is your power move. Anticipate needs, take initiative, and offer solutions—not just critiques. In a world full of noise, being dependable, thoughtful, and coachable makes you stand out. See all 16 rules on LinkedIn. SIDE HUSTLES     10 Signs That Scream You're Built For Entrepreneurship Takeaways: You crave freedom more than security. Micromanagement drains you, structure feels stifling, and autonomy isn't a perk—it's a requirement for doing your best work. You turn problems into possibilities. Where others see roadblocks, you see business ideas. Setbacks don't stop you—they sharpen you. You're wired for impact, not approval. Titles, rules, and rigid plans don't inspire you. Building something meaningful (and doing it on your terms) is what lights you up. Read the entire list on LinkedIn. HR & OPS     If HR Feels Clunky, It's Probably Costing You More Than Time   When onboarding takes forever, PTO tracking is a mess, or payroll gives you anxiety—your team feels it. HR isn't just a backend system. It shapes your team's day-to-day experience. So if your current tools are slowing you down, it might be time to upgrade your stack. These three picks can help: 👩‍💼 HiBob – People management made intuitive From org charts to reviews to time off requests, HiBob brings it all together in one modern platform. 👉 Try this: Automate your review cycles to cut the follow-up fatigue. 🌍 Deel – Go global without the legal headaches Whether you're hiring in Berlin or Bogotá, Deel handles contracts, compliance, and payroll so you can focus on the people, not the paperwork. 👉 Try this: Use their contractor classification tool before you send an offer. 🎋 BambooHR – A clean, no-BS HR platform for growing teams PTO tracking, e-signatures, onboarding, and reporting—without the learning curve. 👉 Try this: Use e-signatures to simplify hiring and avoid the print-scan-send shuffle. Mini Checklist for Choosing the Right HR Tool: Where's your current bottleneck? Start there. Don't get dazzled by features. Pick tools that actually fit your needs. Think long game. Choose platforms that scale with you. Small tech upgrades = smoother systems + fewer "ugh" moments. HOME     Are You Forgetting To Clean These Parts Of Your Home? Takeaways: Your filters and coils need more attention than you think. Clean or replace your air conditioner filters, range hood filters, and dishwasher filters every 1–3 months—and vacuum fridge coils every 6 months to prevent fire hazards, reduce allergens, and improve energy efficiency. Your dishwasher and drains aren't self-cleaning. Food buildup and gunk can ruin performance and shorten lifespan. Use vinegar and baking soda regularly (every 1–3 months) to keep them clear and functioning properly. Overlooked spots can cause big problems. From greasy filters that can ignite to pet hair in fridge coils, the areas you skip can become safety risks. Regular maintenance = fewer headaches later. Check out the IG post. STAFF PICKS Stuff We're Loving This Week   🎶 Throw it way back—this playlist slaps. ☁️ Sets like a dream, feels like nothing. 📵 Brick helps you unplug…without throwing your phone out a window. 🛎️ What every modern manager needs in their back pocket. JUST FOR FUN JOB LEADS   Your Next Gig = One Click Away Silgan Containers LLC is hiring for a Senior Accountant (Woodland Hills, Los Angeles). NewDay USA is hiring for an Account Executive (Fulton, MD). Veritas Partners is hiring for a Capital Markets Manager (New York, NY). Northwestern Mutual is hiring for an Administrative Assistant (Jacksonville, FL). IDR, Inc. is hiring for a Project Manager (Arlington, TX). ⭐ View more jobs here > SPILL THE TEA Take Our Poll     Have more feedback? 💌 Reply to this email and tell us. ✨ P.S. Want more inspiration and positivity to kick off your week? Sign up for our Motivational Monday texts (U.S. only). 👀 Want to see if your company is a good fit for our 100k+ ambitious readers? Join our Sponsor Waitlist here. UPDATE YOUR PREFERENCES Only Get What You Want  Here's how to update your preferences in just a few quick steps: Click the link below and on the "Update Your Preferences" page, click the "Email me a link" button. Open the email with the subject line "The Assist Subscribers: Update Profile" and click the link inside. Choose the weekly email newsletters you'd like to receive from us (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat). Click "Update Preferences" to save your changes—and you're all set! 👉 Update my subscriber preferences here. Catch up on all Thirsty Thursday newsletter here. We send 4 emails a week — update which issues you receive at any time. Never want to hear from us again? Break our hearts and unsubscribe. Visit our Etsy shop for awesome templates. THE ASSIST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045, UNITED STATES