Should Work Be ‘Fun’? The Concept is More Retro Than You Think
“Work isn’t supposed to be fun. It’s called ‘work’ for a reason!” Sound familiar? I’ve certainly heard comments like this from curmudgeonly colleagues over the years. I frequently hear people criticize millennials for wanting work to be “fun.” And the media likes to bombard us with millennial-bashing images of immature young people who expect a […]
Why Transparency Matters: Your 3-Step Guide to a More Transparent Workplace
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” If you thought this quote came from a millennial start-up founder, you’d be wrong. None other than the Dalai Lama shared this belief on how transparency can yield success. But transparency can be a scary concept for managers. After all, Gen Xers […]
How to Be ‘The Most Interesting Man (or Woman) in the World’
One of the golden rules of networking is to “be interested” — to ask open-ended questions and listen well. But what about the flip side: How can you be interesting, too? It’s a trait that can make any conversation flow more easily, whether you’re meeting new people or interacting with colleagues or clients at work. […]
Pure Gold: Workplace Lessons from the 2016 Olympics
The explosive power of gymnast Simone Biles. The incredible determination of swimmers Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps. The feats we see at the Olympics are the result of discipline, grit and hours and hours (and hours) of practice. They showcase teamwork, focus, communication and dedication – coincidentally, all traits that make for a great employee. […]
5 Things Every College and Employer Should Know About Gen Z
Just when we start to figure out millennials, everyone starts looking ahead. Don’t get me wrong: I still spend the majority of my time helping leaders think about millennials and the opportunities and challenges they bring to the workplace. But, more and more I’m getting questions about Gen Z, the generation that comes after millennials. […]
The New Normal of Recruiting: Online Company Reviews
When was the last time you booked a vacation, made a restaurant reservation or bought a new appliance (or even a pair of shoes) without checking online reviews? I’d bet it was quite a while ago, since most of us these days are inclined to check into absolutely everything before we make a move. This […]
Can Bosses and Employees Be Friends? How to Navigate the Work Friend Zone
Are you one of the lucky people who loves your boss? Maybe she’s everything you aspire to be one day. Hanging with the team for happy hour. Turning the hallway into a putting green. Giving you solid client insight from her years in the trenches. Or maybe you’re a boss overseeing the employee of your dreams. […]
Hit the Road! Why Vacations Matter
As the dog days of summer approach, many employees flee the heat and humidity of August for a shady mountain or breezy beach. I’m counting the days to my upcoming vacation in Maine. Is it possible, though, that summer vacationers like me are actually in the minority? In stark contrast to media reports touting the […]
Why Do We Study Generations?
How can you take 75 million people and say they have anything in common? In other words, how can you take one “generation,” with each person having individual likes and dislikes, quirks, history and background, and treat them as one big, uniform group? You know where I’m going with this: I’m talking about millennials. In […]
Mentoring Alternatives: A New Approach to Professional Advice
I’ve always been a huge fan of mentors. My own mentors have helped me shape my career. They’ve smoothed my path and taught me countless valuable lessons, large (how to structure my business) and small (the best shoes to wear as a professional speaker). But as I reflect on the mentors who’ve made a difference, […]