What should I be doing to stay aware of new job opportunities, and how can that be done without upsetting my current employer? What about posting to job sites? How do I tell my boss I am open to something else without alarming her? – Shannon in Toms River, New Jersey Answer: Shannon, starting with your own company, make it …
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
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”?
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 …
8 Proactive Steps to Ensure Pay Equity Now!
I recently found out that a male co-worker in the same position makes considerably more than I do. What should I do? Talk to my boss? Talk to HR? Do I just shut up? What are the rules? – Michelle in Hopkinton, New Hampshire Answer: To receive equal pay, you need to tap into your power and then leverage it …
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?
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 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 …
How do I Overcome My Fear of Public Speaking?
How can I conquer my fears of public speaking, either in front of a group or at company and industry events? – Corina in Terre Haute, Indiana Answer: Start small. Do not expect to wake up tomorrow and be transformed. You will achieve your goals of public speaking with confidence when you establish incremental objectives. I would like to share …
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, …
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
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?
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: 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
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 …
How to Mitigate Conflict at Work So Everyone Wins
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 …
Is There Hope For the Pay Gap to Close?
Will the pay gap ever close? Absolutely! I believe it with every fiber of my being, even as we slog through the current political misogynist hell. With every step back, we make huge leaps forward. Through the lens of historical perspective, you see the bigger picture, the vision of what we will achieve. Here are the top 3 powerful reasons …
What Are the Pros & Cons of Dating a Co-Worker?
We just shared a blog about office romance and whether it’s really worth it. We dive into the pros and cons of that steamy office romance, but if you’re looking for a quick guide, you’ve come to the right place. What’s good about dating a co-worker? What can be tricky about it? Is it right for you and your potential …
Are Dream Jobs Important in Today’s World?
Ever since we were little, we’ve been asked what we want to be when we grow up. A doctor? Maybe a firefighter? And as we grew older, we needed to create 5-year career plans, choose our college majors, and take steps to reach our dream jobs. But how many of us have the same goals now that we did 20 …
Words Are Power: How to Wield Them Effectively
Like it or not, language matters. How you say things matters. If used incorrectly, language can cause others to judge you harshly. But, when used correctly, it can transform your life for the better. Words are power. How can you wield them effectively in the workplace? Here are some of our top tips. First and foremost, language is most powerful …