Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Practical Wisdoms @ Work”
“I hate the job I have, but I can’t afford to quit… at least not until I find another one. How can I make time for job interviews I may have without it interrupting my current work or my employer finding out? How can I interview discreetly… but effectively?” – Anna in Three Forks, MT Answer: Finding a new job …
Working with others is always full of its ups and downs. Coordinating different schedules and commitments can make it tricky to find a meeting time that works for everyone. But add in divergent time zones and you’re in for a real ride! As you deal with colleagues and partners around the globe, you’ll run into the issue of wildly disparate …
No matter how you slice it, women are paid less than men at work. Women make less doing the same work as men, but the careers women pursue also pay less than careers primarily employing men. Why is that? And why is it that benefits still fall short when it comes to the needs of women? For all the progress …
What is the best way to reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn? – Arina in Mahwah, NJ Answer: LinkedIn is a powerful platform that can connect people and lead to valuable career advancements. Recruiters will often reach out to people on LinkedIn whom they believe would be a good fit for a certain job opening or organization. But remember: …
I feel like the networking events I go to are superficial. People swap business cards and never hear from one another. What am I missing? How can I get past the superficial networking and make valuable connections? – Melissa in Davenport, Iowa Answer: When you hold a preconceived notion about a situation, it’s far more likely to be fulfilled. You’ve …
So many of our favorite TV shows include an office romance as a central point of interest. Sit-coms like The Office, Parks & Recreation, and Brooklyn 99 feature one or more intra-office pairings that are endearing, romantic, and entertaining, and the same goes for dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and Bones. With such a ubiquitous story arch in all of our …
How do I create a 5-year career plan? In this day and age, with people getting into careers in a very roundabout way, is this still a good thing to do? – Erin in Dayton, OH Answer: A 5-year career plan should come from within. What I mean by that is tapping into your inner self, deepest desires, and values …
We all know we should take breaks, yet so many of us cut our time off short or out entirely. When the workload is growing by the minute, it can feel like we’re simply too busy to take a break. We might think we’re being more productive by focusing on our tasks rather than taking a breather, but the opposite …
I have a co-worker who seems to have a problem with me. She tells me the work I do is bad, doesn’t include me in conversations, and keeps saying I’m in the wrong field. I’ve told my supervisor, but he just tells me to ignore her. I’m still having a very hard time working with her and her negative attitude. …
Saying “no” can be hard. Declining an invitation or refusing to help with something can feel uncomfortable, unprofessional, and even mean. Even not volunteering for a project can seem like a sort of crime. Even so, it’s important to be realistic about your bandwidth – refusing to take on extra projects prevents you from making promises you can’t keep. Saying …
It is widely known that women make less money than men. Many people, including economic and political commentators, claim that this is due to women tending to be in lower-paid careers. Of course, the pay equality complaint is that women are paid less than men for the same work, but the conversation should also include the fact that women do tend to be …
My co-worker sent me an email I found disrespectful, but when I pointed that out, he said I was being too sensitive. I have to work with him on a daily basis. How do I navigate this situation? – Leslie in Jackson, MS Answer: There are two parts to tackle here: the email communication and a crucial conversation. First we …
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with your best friend? You may envision the two of you dominating those workplace projects, enjoying lunch breaks together, and sharing inside jokes about your other co-workers. Working with friends or family can be a great experience, but it isn’t for everyone. Not all friendships do well when dropped …
From time to time, no matter where you work, there are bound to be some co-workers with whom you have a hard time collaborating. This may be due to different personalities or simply not knowing each other well enough. This can lead to misunderstandings or resentment when you’re not on the same page. Sometimes these divisions can seem to be …
Are you working hard… or working too much? In a society that encourages long hours and dedication to your career, it can be hard to know when you’ve crossed the line between ambitious employee and workaholic. While the former suggests goal-driven hard work in the name of career success, the latter is an unhealthy addiction to work. A workaholic is …
Can an introvert be an effective leader? – Leslie in Grants Pass, OR Answer: Yes, of course introverts can be and are effective leaders. Personality types do not define capable leaders. Compelling leadership is born out of our beliefs, behaviors, and actions. There are four core components I believe are essential to be an effective leader: the ability to create …
Nearly everyone has to write for their job. Written communication is one of the most ubiquitous aspects of any professional, and it is often the only medium through which agreements can be made formal. All of this is to say that you need to know how to write professionally! Are you confident in your writing abilities? If the answer is …
How often do you ask people how much they earn? If you’re like me, that’s a question you’ve been taught to never ask. The common consensus is that questions about a person’s salary are “rude” and therefore off-limits. Divulging your salary can make you feel self-conscious because you’re afraid that people will either pity or envy you, and neither of …
My boss is wrong but thinks he’s right. How do I tackle this? – Johnnita in Norfolk, VA Answer: Before you tackle this dilemma, you’ll first need to evaluate the situation. Is your boss actually wrong, or is it a matter of perspective? Let’s start by examining whether your boss is truly incorrect, or if there’s something you haven’t yet …
To get the job you deserve, you have to know your worth. You know what your skills are, you know what your education is, and you know where your strengths lie. Your resume should already reflect all of this, but sit down and make a list of all of the things you’ve accomplished and what you’re good at doing. Don’t …