Nov 22, 2009 -
Though I've never loved the expression, there is some truth to it — there is, in fact, more than one way to skin a cat. It may seem irrelevant in an office job where it seems there's a procedure or a rule book for every task, but thinking outside the box may just be your ticket to getting noticed and working your way up — even in this economy.
Just take a cue from Pat Lencioni, a consultant who crafted a novel approach to writing a business guide — literally — by authoring an unconventional business book, that uses characters and a plot line to get the point across.
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Nov 20, 2009 -
Spinning your wheels at the office might earn you a paycheck, but it's unlikely to put you in line for a raise or give you much satisfaction. Fulfilling your responsibilities is good; trying harder can make you great. Step up your work game by putting in more effort in subtle ways that may just get you noticed.
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Nov 17, 2009 -
A successful career. A loving marriage. Well-loved and well-behaved children.
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Nov 13, 2009 -
If there's one professional trait that I admire beyond bounds, it's an entrepreneurial spirit. It's hard not to be wowed by those who take charge, go out on their own, or create their own course when opportunity presents itself. That being said, taking career risks — whether a risky decision, move, or project — can be tricky and dangerous.
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Nov 11, 2009 -
Chances are you’ve taken a personality test at some point in your life — a Myers-Briggs for fun, a Caliper or other employment test for a new job — but have you ever thought about how the results might impact your career choices?
Nancy Ancowitz, author of Self-Promotion For Introverts, recently wrote an article in the New York Times about how her introverted personality affected her career path. Ancowitz had always assumed her need to work alone and her aversion to large meetings were character flaws.
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Nov 11, 2009 -
I finally dished out $10 (well, $24 if you count my popcorn, candy and soda!) to see This Is It, and while it was fascinating to see Michael Jackson's backstage persona on the job, I was particularly struck by the awe his backup dancers had for him. The documentary opens with an emotional scene of the crew sharing their audition tales — shot before MJ's death — and throughout the film we see the chosen few standing stage left grooving to Michael's sound checks. It's clear from their tears, stories, and smiles that the dancers worship his professional history.
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Nov 08, 2009 -
Remember when you used to dream about what you were going to be when you grew up? By age eight you probably knew exactly what you wanted to do with your life, but for many of you those career convictions changed quite a bit over the years. Since you've basically been weighing your job options since you can remember, you should know which job is cooler, right?
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Oct 28, 2009 -
Personal experience and news reports might tell us that nobody is hiring right now, but Fortune says to think again. The magazine recently released its 40 Under 40 — a list of the hottest rising stars in business — and many of them are looking to expand their teams. To see who these entrepreneurs are and what they’re looking for, read more.
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Oct 26, 2009 -
Working closely with others has its challenges. Sure, teamwork is rewarding and it's helpful to have someone you can bounce ideas off of, but cubicles can get crowded quickly. You've asked me a series of smart and challenging questions about co-worker relations that I've had the pleasure of answering to the best of my ability.
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Oct 25, 2009 -
When it comes to workplace drama, Mad Men has it all: high-stakes accounts, employees fighting for promotions and power, interoffice affairs, drinking on the job, and professional talent clouded by shenanigans, secrecy, and even sexual harassment. Whenever I watch the show I am both captivated by the saucy situations and characters and thankful for how far we have come as professionals since the 1960s. Obviously, the characters' antics spark all kinds of career questions for us modern women.
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