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 …
How Women Can Gain Confidence in Negotiating Raises
Negotiating raises can be difficult or even scary for a lot of people, but it seems especially so for women. Why are so many women reluctant or even afraid to ask for a raise? How can we overcome these feelings? We could have an entire discussion about how societal norms can harm a woman’s confidence and feelings of self-worth. But …
The Importance of a Village
Regardless of the stage of your career, it’s paramount that you surround yourself with team members that are reliable, supportive, positive, and work well together. How can you choose the right people to work with? How do you find an environment that inspires your best work? Do you recognize the true importance of a village? You know what they say: …
Purposeful Discomfort & Career Growth: Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Oftentimes, the only way to grow is to get outside your comfort zone. Likewise, it’s not surprise that purposeful discomfort goes hand in hand with vigorous career growth. What is purposeful discomfort? It starts with learning a new skill, flexing your work paradigm, and experiencing new concepts or foreign ideas. You may feel a bit out of balance, and it …
20 Firsts: Amazing Women Pioneers of the 21st Century
The future is female, and more and more lately, we’re seeing incredible women pioneers accomplishing great things. Women in work – across a wide range of fields – are earning recognition for their discoveries, advancements, talents, and commitments to excellence. From music to race car driving to chemistry to space travel to economics to politics, women are slaying every industry …
The Secret of Getting Ahead is Getting Started
Mark Twain has widely been attributed as saying that “the secret of getting ahead is getting started.” His words ring as true now as they did a hundred years ago: If you want to reach your destination, you have to take that first step in the right direction. While this is true across all aspects of life, it’s especially important …
Relationships, Personalities, & Friendships in the Workplace
Relationships in the workplace can be tricky. Should you befriend your co-workers, or is it better to keep the relationship strictly professional? How can you develop strong relationships with your co-workers to build a solid team? How do you determine whether friendships at work are hurting you professionally? On the flip side, you may have to work with people you …
Bridging the Generational Gap in Attitudes, Approaches, & Perspectives
Our workforce today is as diverse culturally as it is in the ages of workers. With millennials, boomers, Gen-X, and Gen-Z doing business side by side, it’s natural for there to be some generational clashes. We recently shared a podcast about overcoming differences in communication styles. Now, let’s dive into how we can bridge the generational gap in attitudes, approaches, …
Bridging the Generational Gap in Communication Styles
Our workforce today is as diverse culturally as it is in the ages of workers. With millennials, boomers, Gen-X, and Gen-Z doing business side by side, it’s natural for there to be some generational clashes. One of the biggest clashes is in our divergent communication styles. From written notes to verbal interactions, there are always tons of differences and misunderstandings. Do …
Stop Apologizing: How to Break the Secret Bad Habit
Have you ever noticed the behavioral pattern women have to constantly apologize? What are we so sorry for, anyway? Why don’t we hear men apologizing every five minutes? The reasons behind women’s perpetual apologizing run deep, going back to our early childhood and repeated social training thereafter. Despite indications to the contrary, our work does have merit and validity. How …
Leading by Example: Do You Have What it Takes?
Think about the exceptional leaders you aspire to emulate. What traits and characteristics do they possess? Which leadership skills will help you engage, inspire, and motivate others? To climb to the top of your career, you’ll need to develop your leadership skills. Knowing what to work on will help you cultivate the right traits. Effective leading also takes also takes …
Does Marital Status Affect Career Opportunities?
Have you ever worried that your marital status might limit hiring prospects and promotions? For decades, women have faced the burden of being negatively judged for being married or having children. Meanwhile, men don’t suffer these same stigmas. In fact, oftentimes, these perceptions are subconscious. But does marital status still affect women in their careers? How does it impact a …
Keeping Up Hope When Job Prospects Don’t Work Out
Today’s generation faces a tougher job market than any in recent history. Many young women – even those with advanced degrees – are enduring what feels like an endless loop of job applications and interviews. With no clear end in sight, it’s easy to get discouraged. After repeatedly getting rejected for job prospects, how do you keep your hopes up? …
The Secret to Preventing Burnout at Work
For many of us, each day is just go, go, go! We’re constantly busy with our jobs, household chores, errands, and trying to fit in quality time with our loved ones and maybe a good book. When ambition runs high, we often take on more than we have time for at work. With so much on our plate, it’s easy …
We Must Stop Shifting the Blame on Sexual Harassment
Accounts of sexual harassment have been everywhere in the past few months. Harassers like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey aren’t just in the movie industry. They exist in nearly every level of every industry. Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue, and thanks in part to the #MeToo movement, there’s finally an open dialogue on a problem that should have been …
“If Your Dreams Don’t Scare You…”
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the current President of Liberia, once said, “If your dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.” Indeed, with so much opportunity in the world, why settle for mediocre? Aim high! How does this quote apply to women in the workplace? How can women overcome the doubts that hold them back at work? Women are …
Are Dress Codes in the Workplace Sexist?
Dress codes have been a prominent part of work culture for as long as anyone can remember. Oftentimes these guidelines are meant to ensure the employees all look neat and professional. In certain industries, it addresses safety concerns. But then there are clothing codes that are based on gender roles. How are men and women allowed to present themselves at …
People Will Remember How You Made Them Feel
Poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has been attributed as saying, “People will forget the things you do, and people will forget the things you say. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Other people have expressed similar sentiments over the years, and indeed, the words ring true. How does this idea apply in the …
Here is the Business Etiquette Crash Course You Need
We’ve all been there: You just got your first job, and as your starting day approaches, you feel more and more nervous. You’re not just worried about knowing how to complete your tasks or find the restroom. What about all those professional mannerisms you’ve never had to master? How do you present yourself as a competent professional, even when you …
Addressing Women in the Workplace: Friendly or Sexist?
Have you ever thought about how women are described and addressed at work? More than men, women are often referred to with nicknames like “honey” or “missy” – but is that kind of language kind or belittling? Where is the line between appropriate and inappropriate when addressing women? How women are referred to is directly related to the respect people …