Being Productive at Work With Depression

How to Trick Your Depression to Get Stuff Done

Depression is an incredibly common illness among American adults. In 2015, 6.9% of US adults had experienced at least one major depressive episode within the past year, and major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability among young adults. There are quite a few articles that can give you ideas for how to handle depression at work, but this …

How Long in a Job is Best Before Jumping to a New Gig?

How Long in a Job is Best Before Jumping to a New Gig?

Is it true that new college graduates are likely to have more employers during their careers than our parents did? And if so, how long should I stay in a job to look like a good bet for future employers before jumping to a new gig for an improvement in pay or opportunity?  – Gemma in Joplin, Missouri Answer: The …

Lead the Workplace by Inviting Diversity

Lead in the Workplace by Inviting Diversity

Over the past few decades, the United States – and the world at large – have seen an inspiring transformation towards embracing diversity. People are learning to trust and celebrate people of all races and ethnicities, nationalities, religions, genders, sexualities, ages, and more. How has this affected the workplace? How can inviting diversity improve your company and the role you …

Understanding Celebrating Cultural Differences

Celebrating Cultural Differences in the Workplace

One of the great things about the world today is how diverse and blended it has become. With the quickness and ease of traveling, the ability to connect with people online, and the ever-growing attitudes of acceptance, people regularly interact with those from another country or cultural background. Naturally, this trend has made its way into the workplace, too. With …

Four Big Ideas for Effective Criticism to Difficult Employees

Four Big Ideas for Effective Criticism to Difficult Employees

We all want to create a workplace culture and environment with the cornerstones of respect and appreciation. Doing so delivers lasting benefits of boosted performance, productivity, and engagement. Building upon this foundation includes actively mentoring, nurturing, adjusting, and critiquing your team for growth. Delivering timely constructive criticism is a crucial skill for true leaders. Navigating these situations when faced with …

Why Do People Hate the Term Work-Life Balance?

Why Do People Hate the Term “Work-Life Balance”?

People have been talking about the importance of work-life balance for years, but lately, new opinions on the subject are emerging. Though many have taken its value for granted, some are actually starting to reject work-life balance. Some say it’s unattainable, or at least unrealistic. Some say the focus is wrong, and instead we should aim for work-life integration or …

Mind = Blown: Networking and Its Paradox

Mind = Blown: Networking and Its Paradox

Networking can sometimes feel like one of those buzzwords in business. Everyone throws them around, but what do they actually mean? Do they really do any good? Of course, you’ve surely heard about the basics of networking. However, maintaining the relationships you form is far more important than trading business cards. How do you properly cultivate your professional network garden? …

What Are the Biggest Mistakes I Should Avoid in My First Job?

What Are the Biggest Mistakes I Should Avoid in My First Job?

I just started my first job after graduating with my degree. What are the biggest mistakes or misconceptions I should avoid when managing this first position? – Harmony in Springdale, Newfoundland Answer: Harmony, what a great question. Here is my take on the top three mistakes or misconceptions you want to avoid. These three pitfalls are common in first jobs. …

How to Be Your Authentic Self in Life and at Work

How to Be Your Authentic Self at Work and in Life

If you look at inspirational moodboards or research life and career tips, there’s a good chance that you’ve come across the call to be your authentic self and to always be true to who you are. While this rallying cry has its problems – which I will discuss – there is something to be gained by living honestly. How you …

LA Traffic: Songwriter Mandy Bon's Creative Process Starts In The Car

LA Traffic: Songwriter Mandy Bon’s Creative Process Starts In The Car

Singer/songwriter Mandy Bon is an up-and-coming musician that any 20-something can relate to. From young love to the dreaded feeling of being stuck, her new EP, Traffic Jams, showcases four songs that articulate honest hopes and worries. Mandy composed, recorded, and mixed all four tracks on her new EP, and even took charge of most of the music video production, …

Constructive Criticism Difficult Employees

4 Steps to Deliver Constructive Criticism to Difficult Employees

Regardless of how incredible your colleagues are, you will, from time to time, need to deliver them some constructive criticism. How do you do so effectively without getting a defensive or negative reaction? It starts with understanding why an employee is difficult. Does she simply have a different communication or working style? Does he become defensive or angry when receiving …

How to Deliver Constructive Criticism to Difficult Employees

How to Deliver Constructive Criticism to Difficult Employees

No matter how amazing your colleagues are, you will sometimes need to deliver constructive criticism. How do you do so effectively without getting a defensive or negative reaction? It starts with understanding why an employee is difficult. Does she simply have a different communication or working style? Does he become defensive or angry when receiving criticism? Maybe an employee lacks …

Why Is Setting Boundaries So Important… And How Can You Do It?

Why Is Setting Boundaries So Important… And How Can You Do It?

A lesson many of us learn early in life is to set boundaries. That may mean drawing a line when you need time alone or being clear about things you aren’t comfortable saying or doing. Knowing what your boundaries are often comes from understanding your values and priorities. Setting boundaries is a necessary aspect of life – for yourself and …

How To Pursue An Entrepreneurial Idea: Our Most Powerful Tips

How to Pursue an Entrepreneurial Idea: Aidan Vuocolo’s Most Powerful Tips

Have you ever considered starting your own business? Have you ever been struck with an exciting idea that could change the way you work? So many of us want to pursue an entrepreneurial idea, but we don’t always know how. Luckily, there are experts out there who can help. Aidan Vuocolo started Stories Behind the Grind and, through interviewing the …

How to Mitigate Conflict at Work so Everyone Wins: A 4-Step Process

How to Mitigate Conflict at Work so Everyone Wins: A 4-Step Process

Conflict is a natural part of two or more people working together. This means that you’re likely to run into your fair share of disagreements throughout your career. How to address these situations is the difference not just between good and bad relationships at work. It’s also the difference between a strong leader and a weak one. While conflict can …