The Future of Freelancing: Five Things Managers Can Do
There’s a seismic shift underway in the workplace, and if this “future of work” trend hasn’t affected you yet, it will. It’s the current fluctuation from full-time employment to freelancing. In fact, the “Freelancing in America: 2017” research from Upwork and Freelancers Union found that more than 57 million Americans are freelancing today, representing 36 […]
Why “One Size Fits All” Leadership Styles Actually Fit None
Have you ever tried on a garment labeled “one size fits all” and thought, “Uh, really?” Well, over the years I’ve found the term “one size fits all” doesn’t translate any better in management than it does in tank tops or Halloween costumes. And yet, leaders often fall into the trap of trying to manage […]
“We Didn’t Give Ourselves the Trophies” — Millennials
If I had to vote for the most unfair cliché to describe the supposed problem other generations have with millennials, I’d say it’s the concept of young people being the “trophy generation.” Although many of today’s twenty- and thirtysomethings did receive trophies and praise more than other generations, here is why I believe the stereotype […]
Multigenerational Workplace Challenge: Develop Healthy Conflict Resolution Skills
Disagreement in the workplace is inevitable, particularly when you are passionate about what you do. Add in generational differences and discord can become all but certain. But here’s the thing: Conflict needs to be respectful. Always. Losing your temper or being overly stubborn can mar your professional image. Mastering the art of healthy debate and […]
Want To Shed the Millennial “Snowflake” Image? This Quality Will Help
Grit. This word has recently jumped into our business vernacular, sparked in large part by the revealing book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth. When millennials are falsely described through stereotypes like “snowflakes” or “trophy chasers” or as being constantly hovered over by “helicopter parents,” what detractors are really saying is […]
Communication Secrets of Great Leaders
Have you ever worked for someone with exceptional communication skills? Whether they have a knack for simplifying a complex topic or inspiring a team with just the right message, gifted communicators are able to instantly win over their audience in any setting — from a large conference audience to a one-on-one meeting. The good […]
ICYMI: My Post on Helicopter Parents Struck a Chord
Wow. People feel strongly about helicopter parents in the workplace. It seems my July 26 post on helicopter parents in the workplace definitely resonated. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and thought I would share a few of them in case you missed the lively discussion… Twitter Buzz on Helicopter Parenting I appreciated […]
The Best Career Advice Quotations
One of my favorite questions to ask successful professionals is, “What is one thing you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?” (For me, it’s learning to reach out for help when difficult situations arise, rather than thinking I have to solve everything myself.) Surround Yourself With an Awesome Team […]
Corporate Too Casual? Men Wearing Shorts to Work
If there’s one multi-generational work topic that never goes out of style, it is surely the question of appropriate work dress codes. And, summer…I’m looking at you. In fact, The New York Times ran an article Aug. 2, 2017, titled, “Blame the Millennials? For Men, Shorts at Work Is a Thing.” Two things struck […]
Are You Guilty of Micromanaging? (Or Is Your Manager?)
It’s an affliction that affects so many managers, and often they don’t even realize they’re doing it. See if you can spot yourself — or your manager — in any of these statements: Can I read that email before you send it? When will you have that report to me? Did you call the client, […]