About 15 years ago, I came to the realization that my career was going to be different than others around me. Not better or worse, but uniquely mine. … [Read more...]
Career Advancement: How to Take Notice and Harness the Changes Occurring Around Us
By January 5, 2010
There are ups and downs in everything, from careers to economies. All this oscillating action got me thinking that waves might be a nice metaphor for career issues. Turns out, it’s not so simple. For one thing, there are all kinds of waves – sound waves, optic waves, seismic waves and what I would call wave waves, which are found in water. … [Read more...]
Using Your Mind to Find Your Calling
By November 11, 2009
How do you feel about your mind? I mean really, not on those occasions when you can’t find your car keys or can’t remember why you went into that room… I think most people feel pretty good about their intelligence, and let’s say they’re right. I don’t mean to suggest that we live in a Lake Woebegone world, where everyone is above average, but let’s just assume that the visitors to this website are among the brightest colors in the crayon box. … [Read more...]
How Long Is Your Long Run? Four Tips for Long Term Career Success
By October 10, 2009
Did you know running experts say the “long run” is the foundation of training exercises for short and long distance runners? They say there’s nothing like jogging along at your regular pace for longer than your regular distance to build your over-all capacity. … [Read more...]
Running in Place & Career Plateaus
By September 13, 2009
Running in place doesn’t get a lot of respect. Many athletes think of it as what you do when you’re waiting for a light to change, or when you have absolutely no alternative. It’s virtually the fitness equivalent of spinning your wheels, and nobody wants to do that. Especially when it comes to their careers. … [Read more...]
Getting off on the Right Foot in a New Job
By August 31, 2009
Unemployment is high and companies are contracting rather than expanding. However, there are still some people out there being hired, changing jobs, and being added to staff rather than downsized. In this economy, and in fact during any time, how do you know when you’ve gotten off on the right foot in a new job? And what are some of the things you should do to make sure that you make the biggest impact in the short and long-term? … [Read more...]
Is a Management Role Right For You?
By August 1, 2009
The traditional business model propagates the idea that the individuals with the most potential to gain increased job responsibility and earnings growth are the ones with both intellectual and people management capabilities. This is because, as smart professionals know, all businesses are, in essence, people businesses. Employees need to be managed and motivated to perform, and those who can do the managing and motivating are often the most valuable to the business. But for those who have not … [Read more...]
Advice to New Managers
By July 20, 2009
If you’re in the early stages of your management career, there are some basic ideas that we want to pass on so perhaps you won’t have to learn the hard way how to provide leadership to the people who work for you. As a manager, whether you know it or not, you’re under constant scrutiny. Subordinates watch your every behavior and make decisions on department, team, or company values based on that behavior. Intense (but balanced) focus on the work and goals, seizing opportunities to learn … [Read more...]
Make Better Business Decisions
By July 7, 2009
According to leadership experts Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler, "Crucial Conversations" are those tough, day-to-day interactions in which the stakes are high, people have conflicting views, and emotions run strong. The surprising thing about these conversations is that they often occur when least expected whether in the boardroom or by the water cooler. Mastering them can transform businesses and careers, strengthen teams, increase productivity, and boost the … [Read more...]
Don’t Be Afraid, Ask For Work Assignments You Want
By July 4, 2009
“Silence is a source of great strength.” - Lao Tzu I suppose silence serves a purpose, but when it comes to work and getting assignments that you want, it’s not helpful at all. A great example was shared by a colleague of mine this past week. In this particular situation, one of the heads of department had been asked if they had any members of their team that they’d like to recommend for a short-term international assignment. Evidently, the director got busy (like that NEVER … [Read more...]
