5 Creative Ways to Reach Your Professional Development Goals
In a recent blog post, I discussed a common trait I find among most successful professionals: They are committed to continuous learning and development. As you contemplate your goals for 2017, I urge you to put professional development on your own to-do list as an “essential.” And if you’re a manager, remember that training and […]
The Importance of Saying ‘No’ at Work
Nope, this post isn’t about my “word of the year.” (If you haven’t read about the word I chose for 2017, get the scoop here!) Instead, it’s about another word I believe everyone should employ to be more productive – and quite likely more sane. That’s the word “no.” You could barely turn on the […]
5 Career Tips to Make This Your Best Year Ever
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to advance your career? Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or a new position altogether, you can cultivate habits to help you stand out as you push your career to the next level – or just shine as a star performer right where you are. Try these simple […]
The Holiday Lull: How to Be Productive When Pretty Much No One Else Is
What do you think about the time period between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2? If “vacation,” “food coma” or “spending my holiday gift cards” come to mind, you’re in good company. A 2015 survey from Robert Half found that more than a quarter of U.S. workers intended to take that week as vacation, and of […]
#Goal: To-Do List Zero
Some productivity zealots are obsessed with “inbox zero,” but you might also be looking to conquer “to-do list zero.” Whether you’re a to-do list app aficionado, a “write it down so you can cross it off” type, you’ve jumped down the “bullet journal” rabbit hole, or you’re super Type-A like me and buy graph paper […]
It’s Holiday Party Time! How to Find the Perfect Mix of Work and Play at the Company Celebration
‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings, including the company holiday party. It’s likely your employer will have some sort of celebration: More than 90 percent of businesses held one in 2015, up from 75 percent in 2014, according to executive search firm Battalia Winston. Many organizations today are more likely to have frequent social events […]
Never Stop Learning: Why True Masters Are Lifelong Students
As I talk to successful professionals I admire, I am often struck by one commonality: They are committed to always studying their craft. To me, it’s lifelong learning separates those who will continue to rise in their fields from those who are content to just float along. No matter what stage of your career, having […]
A Pause For Giving Thanks: Why Gratitude Is Totally Work Appropriate
It’s nothing new to give thanks for our loved ones on Thanksgiving. But as we think of our family and friends, it’s also a good time to reflect on the people who have helped us in our careers. The mentor who supported you from the start. The boss who, in retrospect, taught you more than […]
Beyond the Humblebrag: How to Own Your Success Without Feeling Braggy
“I have no place to put my new award! I’m running out of wall space in my office!” “So don’t love my new haircut, but three people told me it makes me look younger. Are they lying?!” We’ve all rolled our eyes at similar “humblebrags,” whether they’re comments made in meetings or posted on social […]
The Ultimate Work/Life Blend: The Business + Leisure (aka “Bleisure”) Trip
Have you heard the term “bleisure?” Combine the ongoing conversation about work/life blend with our need to replace the term Brangelina and this is the result: a new way to talk about combining personal travel with a business trip. I can’t say I love the word, but I do like the concept. If you’re headed […]
