Here’s news you can use in a constantly changing business environment, including where population is growing, why Amazon bans PowerPoint, strategies to beat the new year doldrums and more.

1. Michigan’s standing in the U-Haul Growth Index — In 2023, slightly more people moved into the Great Lakes State compared to 2022, but we’re still at the bottom of the list—moving up from #48 to #46. However, some Michigan cities had a net gain; see where.
2. Creating the future — Uncharted economic terrain, geopolitics and AI will challenge leaders in 2024. Discover how these three trends create a new playbook for leaders this year.
3. PowerPoint ban — At Amazon, PPT is banned, and meetings start with 30 minutes of silent reading of a memo prepared in advance. Folks take notes, formulate questions and then discuss. Jeff Bezos says it gives everyone time to read the memo and get on the same page. See more about how it works.

5. What 900,000 Michigan small businesses want — Business owners want to slow change and ease up on new rules. Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, says the state would benefit most from broad improvements to education and economic policy. Get the whole story.
6. Beat the new year doldrums — January is the least productive month of the year. However, there are meaningful ways to fuel organization with energy and excitement that can fuel productivity year-round. Get the strategies from Harvard Business Review.

Thank you to our Friday Five sources: MLive, Fast Company, Inc., Bridge Michigan, and Harvard Business Review.

 

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