Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back At Work?
As autumn sets in, my social media feed is becoming clogged with #FallLovers waxing eloquently about PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes for the uninitiated), chunky sweaters, boots, football, fires and, well…comfort. (And the Brangelina divorce, but we digress…) While finding your fall comfort zone at home is a definite “do,” staying in one at work is […]
Simple Ways To Build “Brand You”
Faithful readers of my blog know that I am a big advocate of proactively building “Brand You” — that is, your personal brand — or as you may prefer to call it, your professional reputation. Simply put, your personal brand is how people see you, and that image can directly impact your career. Managers, mentors, […]
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 […]
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, […]
Mind Your Mobile Manners: Smartphone Etiquette Is Always in Style
Pot, meet kettle. A new survey out from Bank of America found that less than 20 percent of adults think they are on their mobile phone too much, yet more than half believe others are. And, only 10 percent of respondents believe they are “tuned out to the world” when they are on their smartphone, […]