As the year winds down, it’s a good time to think through the ways you’ll make the next year even better. Although every day represents the possibility of a new journey, the new year is widely recognized as an important opportunity to think big and go big.   As Oprah says, “Your journey begins with […]

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Report after report reminds us how important it is to be self-aware. One of the foundational components of Emotional Intelligence, self-awareness enables us to know our triggers, and what it takes for us to open our minds to new and different experiences and people. To become more self-aware, regularly, take a few minutes to connect […]

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Increasingly, I find people are asking me what they can do to become more self-aware. I love to field such questions, because self-awareness is valuable. It’s a key foundation of emotional intelligence. One strategy I often suggest is to focus less on what’s going on around them, and tune in more to what is going […]

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As the job market heats up, it’s a good time to look at a study conducted by University of Texas at Austin’s David Pedulla. His findings indicate that people who accept positions below their skill level damage future job prospects. For research purposes, Pedulla submitted over 2400 fictitious applications for real openings in five US […]

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 While some people are great delegators, many struggle with trusting others to do as good a job as they do. Try looking at delegation as a teaching opportunity. According to the Harvard Business Review, here are some steps you can take in that direction. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed or going on vacation to […]

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When it comes to the genuinely confident, their journey is one of satisfaction and – yes – better pay.   That’s according to Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.” He says genuinely confident people earn more and are promoted more quickly. Part of their success comes from their ability to look within for inspiration. […]

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Since Baby Boomers began their careers, expectations have changed dramatically. Most companies no longer expect Boomers — or members of any other generation, for that matter — to stay for the full span of their work lives. The idea of loyalty to one company for the rest of your life is no longer the standard. […]

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Do you feel bombarded by information and opinions? Are you overwhelmed by the media, colleagues, friends, family, and sometimes total strangers imposing their point of view on you? We’re told how to think and feel about work, our wardrobe, our weight, the company we keep, politics, our extracurricular activities, and so on. Amidst the noise, […]

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 Forbes.com contributors David Sturt and Todd Nordstrom say that if you think you’re doing great at work, but others around you don’t agree, you may be undermining yourself without realizing it. Here are three surprising ways you might be sabotaging your reputation. You don’t take a breather. Are you constantly flitting about the office, […]

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 If your opinion of your effectiveness at work differs from your co-workers, forbes.com contributors David Sturt and Todd Nordstrom offer six reasons why. Here are three of them. You avoid expressing your opinion. If you’re a “go with the flow” kind of person, your team may see you as someone who doesn’t care enough […]

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We often focus exclusively on education and what we must learn to propel ourselves forward. Continual learning is critical for anyone who values keeping pace with the expectations of today’s business environment. But, just as there is much to learn, there are also many things we must unlearn to make room for real growth and […]

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“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” Those are the words of Lou Holz, former football player, coach and speaker. They’re also a great jumping off point for self-assessment. Take the time to ask yourself these three questions. Am I using my abilities […]

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Here’s a piece of good, practical advice from the late entrepreneur Jim Rohn. He said, “Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” We’ve become more relaxed and informal […]

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 Are you struggling to stay positive in what may feel like a negative world? Negative energy can manifest itself in damaging ways that we don’t always recognize. Here are some suggestions that might help you turn that negative energy into something more positive. If you’re engaged in a contentious conversation, avoid being critical of […]

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According to Merriam Webster, microaggression is defined as “a comment or action that subtly and, often unconsciously or unintentionally, expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group.” Often, the action is so subtle and habituated that the perpetrator does it without even realizing it. Microaggressions land hard on the people they’re being […]

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 In a recent TED Talk, Melinda Epler suggests that we can all become allies and supporters of co-workers who are the victims of microaggression. Epler, who helps tech companies address diversity and inclusion issues, advocates for allyship at work for people who are being marginalized through microaggression. She says that when someone interrupts another, […]

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It’s tempting to respond to someone’s angry rant or accusation with something even more incendiary.   But that will only lead to an escalation and move you further away from a resolution. Instead, it’s better to say, “Let’s talk later.”  Then, walk away. You’ll be giving the other person, and yourself, the space to breathe, calm […]

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Addressing performance issues is one of the most challenging aspects of managing people. The conversations are difficult, potentially explosive. Corrective action plans add another layer to your responsibilities and if performance doesn’t improve, a job is lost and moral is threatened. The situation is not only complicated on the surface, but there are hidden forces […]

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It happens to all of us. You’re cruising through your day, then suddenly something completely unexpected happens. The boss springs a new project on you, or an unforeseen crisis occurs with a customer. Anxiety amps up and angst sets in. Here are two truths to soothe your psyche. First, no one is promised a 100% […]

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 Increased innovation, the engine that keeps companies alive, is often touted as a benefit of diversity and inclusion. Yet many companies still struggle to make the changes needed to achieve diversity and inclusion. In a 2017 Ted Talk, Rocio Lorenzo, a telecommunications and media advisor, shares the results of research she conducted with the […]

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