These questions from a career coach can help. Need to find a new job in the new year, or reignite your passion for the one you have? Here we are at the end of 2014. The transition from one year to the next is a great time to reflect on your career to date and what you need to focus …
Personal-Branding Tips From ‘Shark Tank’
Ah, the great American dream! Quit your day job, roll up your sleeves and build a multi-million dollar business. Who wouldn’t want that, right? Below, sharks from the ABC hit show, “Shark Tank,” contestants who’ve been there, done that (and lived to tell) as well as a prime-time TV host share their career advice. It turns out their lessons about personal branding ring …
Your Brand… and The Office Party
Understand that the primary goal is not to have (stoopid) fun Will there be an open bar? Do I have to go? Can I bring my significant other? A few of the above questions may be dancing in your head when you receive the invite to your organization’s holiday party. These are reasonable questions — but if you want to …
Success is Built on Exceptional Professional Relationships
Professional success is important to everyone, but still, success can and does (and definitely should) mean different things to different people. But one fact is universal. Real success, the kind that exists on multiple levels, is impossible without building great relationships. Real success is impossible unless you treat other people with kindness, regard, and respect. After all, you can be a …
Another cover letter? Try a ‘Pain Letter’
“Pain Letters” rather than Cover Letters, Demonstrate That You’ve Done Your Homework – And Know How To Put Yourself In An Employer’s Shoes. Conjuring up a fresh, eye-catching, perfectly phrased cover letter feels like an exercise in futility after your fourth—or fourteenth—application sent to the void. Mired in a job hunt, all you really want to say is, “Hire me, …
Effective Performance Reviews – They Matter!
It’s performance review season, and you know the drill. Drag each of your direct reports into a conference room for a one-on-one, hand them an official-looking document, and then start in with the same, tired conversation. Say some positive things about what the employee is good at, then some unpleasant things about what he’s not good at, and end — …
Consistently Winning at Work
There is a right way to win at work It is always important to maintain a friendly workplace environment. Your co-workers are the people you are going to see for most of your waking hours, so it would be a good idea to get along with them. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to win at work and accelerate …
Why Your Employees Think They’d Be a Better Boss
A new survey offers some surprising insight into what goes on in your employees’ minds. Ever wonder what’s really going on in your employees’ heads? A new University of Phoenix survey of more than 1,000 working adults may provide some insight into what those who work for you are thinking–but not saying out loud. The results are surprising. You might guess that …
Turning Temp into Permanent
A contract, temp position is often the best way to get employed When companies need short-term workers, (or if they just want to “try before they buy,”) they’ll hire temporary employees—also known as “temps,” consultants, freelancers or contract workers. There’s no guarantee those positions will parlay into permanent ones, but it is possible if you play your cards right. “If you are …
Career Stuck ? – Digging Out
A successful career is one of those life goals that is right in line with marriage, a mortgage, kids, and two bright and shiny new cars in the driveway. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. More often than any time in history, well-educated people are stuck in jobs that they’re overqualified for and feel blocked for promotions. So, why not …
Employee Engagement – DaVita Style
Nobody washes a rental car. People will go the extra mile only if they feel they have ownership. It’s much the same in the workplace. Employees who take ownership of their work — and who feel that what they are doing matters — are far more likely than others to feel engaged on the job. You can have great talent that is appropriately teamed. …
LinkedIn Profiles – Simple Ways to Make Them Epic!
Like all social media, LinkedIn can help you, hurt you or have no effect at all. Used the right way , LinkedIn is an essential part of your professional brand and consequently has a direct effect on your career – one way or the other. This is where people you meet or are about to meet will check you out …
Successful Steps to Fearless Mondays!
Those first few hours after a Colorado weekend are critical. Start your week off right. Monday mornings are the most critical time of the workweek, as they set the stage for the day and week ahead. “Because you’ve stepped away for a couple days, these back-to-work mornings are the most memorable for the rest of the week,” says Lynn Taylor, …
Friday tips – for starting Monday right
Instead of just waiting for the work week to end, use those last few hours and these tips to make next week start out fantastic. Most people get excited that Friday is here, especially if the week has been hectic and packed. But often Fridays can seem like a waste (especially before holidays). Your brain, in anticipation of the time off, …
Leader… or Boss?
The distinction between being a boss and being a leader may seem small, but it means the world to the people who work for you. Being the boss does not necessarily mean you are leading. Here is a list of 10 characteristics that will help you determine if you are having a positive impact on your employees. A Boss: knows …