What's hurting worker pay, why you should trust your gut, and more top insights

What’s happening in the world of work: The Saturday edition of the Daily Rundown highlights the business trends, perspectives, and hot topics you need to know to work smarter. Read on and join the conversation.

The rise of digital wage theft: The days of punch cards are just about gone, as employers embrace increasingly sophisticated tech to track worker hours. But some of these tools are denying employees pay due to them, according to research from University of Oregon’s Elizabeth Tippett. Digital time trackers are automatically deducting pay for breaks, even if workers don’t take them. Some systems round worker hours down to preset limits. And, in other cases, managers are altering digital time records to reduce what companies owe workers. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Go ahead, trust your gut. While many write their intuition off as little more than emotionally driven hunches, Coventry University’s Valerie van Mulukom argues that it’s actually one of our most powerful information processing tools. Gut feelings are instances of our brain’s “fast” thinking. It lets us compare our present circumstances with our vast library of previous experiences without taking the extra time to deliberate. ? Here’s what people are saying.

You Asked: “Having just left the military, I am struggling to narrow down what I actually want to do with my life now. I’m starting college this summer semester and everyone keeps on telling me I have a clean slate and can do whatever I want, but how do I find out what that is?” —Steven Winterbach, British Royal Marines commando veteran

• “Transitions in life are difficult, and transitions from the military to civilian life are some of the toughest. In the military, our purpose was obvious and inspiring — to keep our country free and prosperous. When we transition to the civilian world, oftentimes our purpose is less clear or compelling. Look back across your life for threads of continuity of what inspired you. I loved the Boy Scouts and their motto of ‘help other people at all times.’ I chose to attend West Point to lead soldiers and free people who lived in non-free societies. When I left the military, I joined The Procter & Gamble Company because of its purpose, ‘improving the lives of the world’s consumers.’ When I got a call from The White House to serve as Secretary of the VA, it was a no-brainer. You may not get it right the first time. But by committing, you are taking an important first step. You are not alone, and I have written more on this topic at RallyPoint.” — Robert A. McDonald - Former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Retired chairman, president, and CEO at Procter & Gamble

Looking for career advice from the pros? Submit your questions in the comments with #YouAsked and we’ll take care of the rest.

Don't try this at home: The more we watch experts do something difficult — like a moonwalk or juggling bowling pins — the more we mistakenly believe we know how to pull off such feats, according to research from University of Chicago. But getting the feel of a new skill via practice is far more beneficial than simply watching someone, no matter how closely you stare at the screen. Instructional videos can help, but make sure you are trying (and failing) while watching. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Need emotional support? Use your imagination. When your inner critic is getting the best of you, psychologist Rick Hanson suggests developing a “caring committee,” or a pep squad, in your head to offer encouraging words. Committee members can include people you know in real life like friends and family, characters from movies or books or completely imaginary figures. The point is, when the chips are down, there’s psychological strength in numbers — even when they’re make-believe. ? Here’s what people are saying.

One last idea: Many managers believe they need to have answers at the ready whenever a direct report comes to them with a challenge. But author and former media executive Kate White argues that the very best leaders recognize the power of listening. ? Here’s what people are saying.

“One of the most important — and gutsiest — things you can do as a boss and leader is to shut the hell up and listen.”

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

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