Are you someone who’s known for showing initiative? If not, you may be negatively impacting your ability to be promoted or secure a new position. Initiative is, “the ability to assess and initiate things independently” (OxfordDictionaries.com). Stand Out From Your Peers Applicants for new positions are commonly asked to describe an example of a…
Use Perseverance to Create the Life You Want
Life can bring us tremendous joy and satisfaction. It can also bring us the most daunting challenges—some of which we wonder how we’ll make it through. When it comes to the deliberate pursuit of goals, everyone has a different approach. The approach you will take in pursuit of your goals can impact the success you…
3 Things I Will Always Be Thankful for Professionally
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with a large, diverse group of talented people. I have learned a great deal from them and I have also had the opportunity to provide guidance and support as well. There are many experiences that I am thankful for but here are three key things…
A Surprisingly Simple Tactic for Improving Employee Success
Managers Can Help Improve Employee Success It goes without saying that employees need information, training and support to perform their jobs. Yet even the best organizations struggle with ensuring communication is consistent and timely and that employees are made aware of important information. Unfortunately, when communication is lacking for whatever reason, employees become frustrated and…
Who Else Wants a Job They Love? Use Your Strengths at Work
According to Gallup, 70% of U.S. employees are not engaged at work. It’s difficult to be engaged and love your job if you aren’t able to use your strengths or tap into your interests. Yes, there are people who just want a job that meets their most basic of needs or preferences and aren’t concerned…
Navigating Organizational Politics
Learning about your organization’s culture is key to understanding what’s required politically to achieve your goals. Current practices, particularly on behalf of those in leadership positions, are good indicators of what’s expected and rewarded. I’ve known professionals throughout my career who detested the thought of having to participate in organizational politics. They believed that their…
Detroit Lions’ Ryan Broyles is Owning It!
Broyles Uses Road Maps to Achieve Goals I first learned of Ryan Broyles when I read an ESPN headline about him being financially frugal early on in his career in anticipation of his future. I’ll admit that I know very little about football but I’ve heard of the perils of athletes who are paid well.…
What Managing Without Guidance Costs Us
Hiring, training and attrition can cost us a lot but managing without guidance costs us as well – much more than we might think: First, it can cost us our jobs. We may think because we’ve acquired a certain level of experience and education that we’re somewhat insulated from cutbacks or outsourcing but that’s not…
Your Career Success Begins with You
Focus on Your Professional Development Each of us has a choice, accept what happens in our careers or take actions that position us for success. Your career success begins with you. While this is obvious to most, to some it isn’t and they approach their careers by passively accepting their careers, rather than taking a…
Stay Engaged to Increase Opportunities
While it may seem to go without saying that you can increase the number and quality of the opportunities you receive by staying engaged with others some fail to realize the importance of this seemingly simple concept. Successful professionals realize the importance of staying engaged and active with their networks and ensuring time is built…