Are you Managing Your Career?

Remember how you felt at the start, when you were looking for your first job? All you wanted was a toehold, a way in, a chance. But it felt like everyone else had control of your future. I got my first job out of college because I could type. And yes, I was taken aback when the hiring manager later told me the reason she interviewed me. Typing wasn’t supposed to be what got me a job—my BA in Spanish was supposed to be wildly appealing to the Pan American Health Organization! Years later, I ... Read more

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Would You Hire You?

Most employees hope to move up the career ladder to become a supervisor, manager, or administrator—in short, a boss. When that move occurs, you may be in a position to hire your own staff, or, at least, contribute to the hiring process. Finding and employing good staff is a significant undertaking. Sometimes you are successful; sometimes not. What would your boss say, if after your first year, you were able to ask her if she still thinks her decision to bring you on-board was a good one? ... Read more

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If You Want to Be Heard, Listen

You are in a staff meeting with your boss. She details a possible situation that might occur and is asking for ways to address it. You have an idea that you think might work. Your hand quickly goes up and you speak forcefully. Two of your colleagues begin shaking their heads “no.” As soon as you finish, the negative responses start. There are some things you hadn’t thought about—a couple of weaknesses in your plan, but you still feel the need to defend your idea. The ... Read more

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Use Your Difference to Your Advantage

Quick, think of a woman at work who is “different.” Why did she come to mind? What made her stand out? Is her difference positive or negative? Now think about yourself. What makes you different, and how can you use your difference to your advantage? Too often we put “difference” in a negative category. We note someone’s weight or other physical attribute (height, pink hair, tattoos) or what they wear (4-inch heels, sweatsuit, nose rings). Sometimes, we include ... Read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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