Finding Authenticity at Any Age

It must be a terrible burden to live “in the public eye.” Every time you leave the house, your appearance is noted and scrutinized. Every wrinkle and sign of aging is documented. Popular magazines have sections devoted to catching stars without make-up, or when they are wearing sweats, or when their hair is less than perfect—when they look like most of us do on the weekends and in our daily lives. This fits right in with our “gotcha” approach to celebrity. Given ... Read more

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It Was Your Idea. Why Is He Getting the Credit?

I recently saw a cartoon about a woman sitting at a conference table with a group of men. The caption said, “When will Lisa’s suggestion be heard?” The answer was, “When Jeff repeats it.” Does that happen in your workplace? Do you ever hear yourself saying (usually quietly), Didn’t I just say that?” Would it make any difference if your boss were a woman (or vice versa)? What can you do to be more of a force at a meeting? What would it take to be ... Read more

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Don’t Overlook Office History

You have just begun a new job. While it is new to you, several other individuals have held the position previously. All that’s left of their efforts and time of employment are a few file drawers of old documents and some files stored on the hard drive. You are anxious to get settled in and make the office space your own. You would like to get rid of the saved files. Can you just toss them, or can they be put in a file box and stored somewhere? The leftover files may be useless—or they ... Read more

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Wishing Won’t Make it So

For the next few days, count the number of times you hear others use the word “wish.” “I wish I could take tomorrow off.” “I wish I had time to go to the gym.” “I wish I had this report done.” “I wish I could take a really nice vacation to Europe.” “I wish my mom would stop harping about the way I dress.” Also make note of your own use of the word “wish” as well as what you are wishing for. Do you use ... Read more

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Joining a Board of Directors (Part 2)

You finally were asked to serve on a board of directors for your favorite cause. You are excited to have the opportunity, and you want to do a good job. What do you need to know and do to stand out. First of all, recognize that a board does not manage the day-to-day activities of the organization. That is the job of the staff. The Board’s role is governance (setting overall direction), fiscal oversight (are the donations being used for the proper purpose) and evaluating the executive. ... Read more

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Joining a Board May Advance Your Career (Part 1)

Many women volunteer for good causes. Perhaps you belong to a group that raises funds for a local food bank or women’s center. Maybe you help organize the winter coat collection for those in need, or head the group that will run in a mini-marathon to support cancer research. You may serve on a committee at your child’s school or help send packages to those serving in the military. There is no shortage of needed participation. Volunteer service is important to your career. When ... Read more

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Ten Interview Questions that Might Surprise You

If you are on the market for a new job, you have probably thought about, discussed with friends, and rehearsed answers to probable interview questions. You know the routine: What’s your greatest strength? Answer: I’m a hard worker. Or, I’m a team player. Or, I’m loyal. Or, choose any other of the usual cliches. What’s your greatest weakness? Answer: I tend toward being a perfectionist. Or, some people think I’m a bit of a workaholic. Or, I don’t ... Read more

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Are You Tired of Shape Shifting at Work?

Do you have a different personality at work than you have when you are at home? Would your work colleagues fail to recognize you on weekends? I don’t simply mean what you wear or a lack of make-up, but are you nicer, more fun, calmer, or more energetic on Saturdays and Sundays? If so, why can’t you carry those positive weekend personality traits over into the work week? What causes you to transform from the real you to the work you, to slip into your work persona, every Monday? ... Read more

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Transfer of Power and Transfer of Responsibility

Regardless of political affiliation, many women, especially those age 50 and above, were disappointed that Hillary Clinton wasn’t able to crack that glass ceiling once and for all. It’s an effort that has been underway since Shirley Chisholm ran for President in 1972. It’s easy to say, “We’ll get it the next time,” but we all know that’s a long shot. As we watch the transfer of power in Washington, perhaps it is also time for a transfer of ... Read more

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Managing Everyday Problems

In health care, there is a concept called “Activities of Daily Living.” It’s a measure of whether someone is capable of self care and includes activities such as bathing, dressing and eating meals. On patient charts, this is abbreviated as ADLs. Perhaps a similar concept is appropriate for managing “problems in living” or PDLs. We all have them, and many problems we face are unexpected—things like a flat tire or car trouble, sickness requiring high co-pays for ... Read more

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