How pets breed success, when perfectionism triggers anxiety, and more top insights

This week, the Daily Rundown is keeping you current on the world of work and the big ideas that will shape 2019 (and beyond). Read on and join the conversation.

Want your kid to be the next Warren Buffett? Buy a puppy. 93% of C-suite executives grew up with a pet, according to a study by Kelton Research for Banfield Pet Hospital. A further 78% of big corporate chiefs attribute their success to their childhood furry friend, with almost a quarter saying their first pet taught them more than their first internship. And it’s not just your children that may benefit from owning a four-legged companion — 62% of those surveyed said they’ve become closer to co-workers thanks to pet ownership, and 77% say they’ve had a big idea while walking their dog.

The cost of perfectionism: Once perceived as a trait worth bragging about to potential employers, mental health professionals now say “extreme perfectionism” often sparks depression and anxiety, The Atlantic reports. And a recent study published by the journal Psychological Bulletin suggests such tendencies are on the rise, particularly among young adults. Parents and teachers have effectively pushed young people to strive for success, but they haven’t devoted enough attention to giving them the tools they will need to cope with failure.

Stuck with a bad boss? Try to become their ally, suggests former U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink. If your supervisor is a micromanager or an egomaniac (or both), following their instructions sincerely and massaging their ego can slowly but surely foster trust. If your boss is too laid back, think of their “hands-off leadership style as an opportunity to forge your own path.” No matter what kind of boss you have, the key is to determine the behaviors that will help you build a trusting relationship.

Should antibiotics be treated like fire stations? Because antibiotics aren’t as profitable as, say, rare cancer drugs, pharmaceutical companies are not keen on developing new ones, even as infections grow increasingly capable of resisting the medicines we have at the ready. That’s why McMaster University’s Gerry Wright argues it’s time to treat antibiotic research more like a public necessity — like firehouses — with funding from private and government sources, before infections truly get the upper hand.

Roomba-like robots are revolutionizing retail: The goods we buy will soon be organized, stored and delivered by Roomba-like robots with shelves and autonomous vehicles, with only a minor assist from humans, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. This "physical cloud" is bringing goods closer to customers and delivering them at breakneck speeds. We may one day even store some of our belongings in this kind of cloud, with drones delivering our possessions to us on demand.

Idea of the Day: Integrate into your career and your life the simple philosophy of “serve, don't sell,” writes Park City Think Tank co-founder Bruce Kasanoff.

“Using your unique talent and expertise in a genuine effort to help others is by far the fastest way to strengthen your relationships—and cultivate valuable new ones.”

What's your take? Join the conversations on today's stories in the comments.

— LinkedIn Editors (India)