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

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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

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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

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What is a Work Hour Worth?

In daily life, we seldom give much thought to the value of one hour. We can easily fritter an hour away checking text messages, posting on Facebook, or playing video games. On the other hand, we can multi-task and fill an hour with frenetic activity such as running on a treadmill while listening to a web cast. What about the value of an hour at work? Those 35-40 hours each week are, theoretically, to be set aside for specific work-related activity. Yet, research tells us few people actually ... Read more

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What Goes Around Comes Around

One negative memory that I hold from the last Presidential election is that of Michael Flynn leading crowds in the chant of “Lock her up!” He was, of course, referring to candidate Hillary Clinton. Just recently, the same Michael Flynn (who, for a short while, served as the National Security Advisor) pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, a crime that can carry a five-year jail sentence. There are days I want to be that proverbial “fly on the wall.” Was Hillary watching ... Read more

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Power and Sexual Misconduct

Today the media is filled with pundits talking about sexual misconduct. Examples drawn from Capitol Hill include Roy Moore (Senate candidate from Alabama), Al Franken (Senator from Minnesota), past Presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush, and current President Donald Trump. Former Congressman Anthony Weiner recently started a 21-month prison sentence for sexting with a minor. We also watched Fox News terminate CEO Roger Ailes and political commentator Bill O’Reilly for their ... Read more

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Being Bold (Part II)

You recently began a new professional position and you are feeling a bit intimidated by your more experienced colleagues. You may be a bit uncertain about workplace protocols. You don’t want to be overbearing, but you don’t want to appear mousy or shy either. How bold should you be? You do need to make an effort to become integrated. The first step is to take the initiative to introduce yourself to others whenever you can. Don’t assume they know who you are. This includes ... Read more

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Being Bold (Part I)

Recently, when walking through a makeup section of a store, it was apparent that the color palette for this season is bold, bold, and bolder still. There were advertisements for bold nail polish, bold lipsticks, bold eye shadow, even bold hair colors. They looked lively and fun, but It made me wonder about the average woman and when and where they would use such colors. Casual settings would be fine, but would they be appropriate for the office and board room? The answer is it probably ... Read more

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You Can Find a Job, But Can You Find a Career?

There are times when individuals can’t actually find a job—any job—but more often, they can’t find a job they want to do or which relates to the career path they are trying to forge. If you are in this position, it may be time to take a hard look at whether or not you are being realistic. Do you actually have the needed skills and experience for the job you desire or are you hoping to grow into a position once you secure it? Are your salary demands in line with your experience ... Read more

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Electronic Books Now Available

We are pleased to announce that our books, 100 Ways to Start Smart and Get Ahead in Your Career and 100 Ways to Stay Smart and Keep Your Career on Track are now available in e-format on all major platforms (iBooks, Amazon, and Nook). Quick and easy tips to succeed in your career are only a click away! Join thousands of women in learning how to lead and succeed in nonprofit organizations. 100 Ways to Start Smart and Get Ahead in Your Career You work for a whiny boss, your co-workers are slow ... Read more

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