Graduation season is coming. For some, it’s exhilarating. After 16 or more years of education, they are finally done. All their hard work has paid off. They have a job lined up and are excited to launch their career. For others, graduation seems terrifying. The familiarity of school will soon give way to the unknown. … Continue reading Advice for New Graduates: A Recap
People want to work with those they know, like, and trust. That’s true whether you’re self-employed or on a payroll. It’s critical when you’re interviewing and it stays relevant on the job. So how do you build rapport and credibility? Follow up and follow through. If you don’t follow up, you’ll be forgotten. If you … Continue reading Follow Up and Follow Through
Dear early careerists, When writing emails, please get to the point. Cover relevant details, but don’t overexplain yourself. I understand the challenge. Years of schoolwork have conditioned you to cite the literature, describe your methods, address counterarguments, and fill the page. But work isn’t school, and emails aren’t essays. Be concise. Your colleagues will appreciate … Continue reading Write Less, Say More
“1876 was the greatest year in human history.” The man paused for someone to ask why—or perhaps just for dramatic effect—and explained: “Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone that year.” Our director of sales was fond of sharing this piece of trivia. In his profession, phone calls are vital. Emails and website content may offer … Continue reading Pick Up the Phone
My Myers-Briggs type decisively ends in the letter J. For the uninitiated, Myers-Briggs is a personality test and J connotes that I “prefer an orderly way of life.” Sticky notes line my desk. Checklists keep me on track. As a strategist, I pride myself on thinking through all possible options. I hate the idiom “we’ll … Continue reading Take One Step at a Time
Cultural wisdom tells us that money doesn’t buy happiness. We hear this in movies, on TV, and from friends. We read it in books and on motivational posters. We’ve seen the lives of the rich and famous unravel. Still, most people are inclined to test this hypothesis for themselves. Below are my recent reflections on … Continue reading Practice Gratitude
Citing our fast-paced lifestyles, we often pay a premium for convenience. Home delivery subscriptions now exist for everything from groceries and meal kits to clothes and razors. Mobile ordering and payment apps are ubiquitous. We have Amazon Echos, Keurigs, and Roombas. Yet we’re still busy. Saving time just allows us to pack more into our … Continue reading Live Out Your Priorities
Networking—the word makes many cringe. Some think that it’s disingenuous. They envision smooth operators and politicians wheeling and dealing. For others, networking is too forced and awkward. The introverts among us would rather curl up with a book at home. Still a number are content with their circumstance and don’t feel the need to network. … Continue reading Give and Connect
There’s no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Behind every successful individual are mentors—teachers, coaches, advisors—who have supported and invested in them. Basketball players have free throw coaches; pop stars, voice coaches. Even CEOs seek guidance from executive coaches and more experienced CEOs. You need a mentor (or several) as well. Mentors are … Continue reading Seek Out Mentors
Job seekers are too easily dazzled. Some jump at the prospect of working for a well-known brand. Others are delighted by open floor plans and whiteboard walls. Still others are thrilled by onsite gyms, free lunches, employee discounts, and so on. All of these hold value, but their novelty soon fades. The top determinant of … Continue reading Find the Right Boss
