The New Job Didn’t Work Out: Now What?

For weeks you have been in the running for a new job. Things looked positive. You completed two or three interviews and you made the short list. There were a few negatives, but as the process moved forward, you tended to overlook that long commute or the fact that you would be back in a carrel rather than an office. There was a momentum that seemed to signify you would soon be moving on. Psychologically, you began to envision yourself in the new job. At the same time, you mentally ... Read more

Leave a reply

10 Ways to Introduce New Ideas at Work

You have been at your job for a few months. While things are going fairly well, you have discovered several areas that you believe would streamline effort (including your own) and help the organization save money and be more effective. You have mentioned some of your ideas to your immediate supervisor, and they were met with a lukewarm response. Now you are thinking of trying to get to the actual decision makers. Wouldn’t this help others recognize your expertise and value. The answer ... Read more

Leave a reply

Are you Really Unhappy at Work?

Individuals often speak about being unhappy at work? When they do so, it frequently is a broad statement that seems to incorporate and color all aspects of their job. If you fall in this generally unhappy category, it might be useful to consider how you are you defining your situation? What does the word “unhappy” actually mean to you? Take a few minutes and make three columns on a sheet of paper. Title one “Unhappy about,” one “Tolerable,” and one ... Read more

Leave a reply

Complaining at Work

During your career, you will probably experience some unfairness, some nepotism, and some favoritism. You will see employees who are considered “the golden girl or boy,” and others who are labeled negatively. It is hard to know what or how to do something about these situations. Note that I am not talking about issues like sexual misconduct or discrimination. Those are so serious that they require action with the help of your boss or human resource department. Instead, I am ... Read more

Leave a reply

Risk Taking is Worth the Risk

When was the last time you put yourself in a situation where you could fail? I don’t mean playing a game of tennis or playing a fun game of poker online. I’m talking about a potential failure with actual consequences. Maybe you’re thinking that you’re not interested in risk, that you like to “play it safe,” that you don’t want to “rock the boat.” Yes, you have heard the self-help advice about the importance of risk-taking. You’ve ... Read more

Leave a reply

Be Heard Over Male Chatter

Are there different communication patterns for men and women at your workplace? Are male and female voices given equal credit? Do men monopolize the conversations, using louder voices and talking over women? If so, you need to find a way not just to enter the conversation, but to get your ideas heard. The following are some suggestions that may help you become more visible and assertive, especially during meetings: •First, choose your timing. While you do want to speak in most discussions, ... Read more

Leave a reply

Company Loyalty is Still Important

Years ago, companies valued worker loyalty and rewarded it with gold watches for longevity, hams for the holidays, and company-sponsored family picnics. Today, employees face reduced or non-existent benefits, part-time work, furloughs without pay, and limited career paths. Often times, the only way to get ahead is to change jobs or even change fields of work. While job-hopping, or frequently changing jobs, used to be a red flag for hiring managers, it has become more acceptable, perhaps ... Read more

Leave a reply

The Role of Hope in the Workplace

Think how often you hear the word “hope” at work—I hope we win that contract. I hope we get bonuses this year. I hope the boss is pleased. Or, more negatively, that old adage, hope is not a strategy. Hope may not be a strategy; it is actually much more. Some people equate hope with wishing, but wishing lacks the critical components of hope. The Greek origin of the word “hope” means confident expectation, not merely wishing. The distinguishing factors of hope are a ... Read more

Leave a reply

Don’t Create Your Own Unhappiness in the New Year

How are you beginning your New Year? Are you energized, forward-looking, and excited? Do you have plans and goals and new ideas? Or are you dragging yourself into 2018 still glancing backward, filled with negative thoughts or regrets, perhaps even feeling some dread? Does it matter? You don’t really have any control, do you? You’ve heard all of the clichés—what you send out into the universe is what comes back; God helps those who help themselves; People are just about as happy ... Read more

Leave a reply

A Personal Talent Search

What’s your major talent? I’m not asking about a super power, but what are you good at? Are you recognized for that talent? Do you showcase it? Do others even know about it? Many people have hidden talents. Hidden talents may simply be skills you haven’t fully developed. For example, perhaps you have a nice singing voice or an ear for different languages. Maybe you like math, or write poetry. Or you have an expertise in yoga, or played ice hockey when you were younger. ... Read more

Leave a reply