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: Emailing Effectively

“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: Mastering a Lost Art

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: Networking Demystified

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

Many 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 … Continue reading Find the Right Boss—Yes, It Really Matters

I always admired peers who knew what they wanted to do. Many entered college resolved to become doctors. Unlike me, who entertained half a dozen majors, they had a clear destination from the start. As a group, they dreamt big and worked hard. Research, internships, volunteering—whatever might give a competitive edge for med school applications—they … Continue reading Be Focused but Flexible