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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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

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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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