By Lynne Curry Question: I left a senior position in a large practice when the pandemic and four children at home forced me out of the workforce. At first, my now ex-husband and I thought I’d take a month off, get the kids settled and return to on-site work. But COVID-19 dragged on, and I couldn’t see leaving the kids at home to fend for themselves while I returned to … [Read more...] about How job hunting changed: You have leverage you never had before
Your career
4 day workweek: Is it in your future?
By Lynne Curry If you’re an employee, you’re immediately interested. If you’re an employer, you’re doubtful—yet you keep hearing about this new strategy that might make a significant difference in your company’s ability to survive and thrive. It’s the four-day workweek, though not the compressed 4/10’s workweek that oil patch and similar companies used. Employers … [Read more...] about 4 day workweek: Is it in your future?
Recession: Get ready for new employer-employee reality
By Lynne Curry The talent war seemed like it would last forever. Employers desperate to fill vacancies but unable to find solid job candidates; applicants receiving multiple job offers; employees expecting more from their employers and using their newfound leverage. Both employees and employers gained as a result. Employers developed compelling value propositions to … [Read more...] about Recession: Get ready for new employer-employee reality
Use all four stages of effective communication
By Doug Thorpe Managers face a constant struggle to improve communication within their work teams. Besides being able to accurately articulate any technical aspects about the work (every industry has its key phrases, terms, and buzz words), business leaders have to be ever-mindful of some very basic principles of effective communication. We usually think about communication … [Read more...] about Use all four stages of effective communication
7 dining rules every manager should follow
By Cheryl Toth You know this guy. He’s the loudest talker at the table. He waves his fork around when he tells a story or joke. Or occasionally punctuates the air with it to indicate he has shared something very important. Don’t be this guy. Whether you are having lunch with your team, dinner with the partners, or you’re attending the annual gala, good table manners … [Read more...] about 7 dining rules every manager should follow
The art of subtle self-promotion
By Julie Perrine As an administrative professional, you’re used to working behind the scenes. Your job is to make your executive look good in the spotlight, not to shine it on yourself. You may even feel more comfortable behind the curtain than on stage. And that’s OK…most of the time. However, to keep your career moving forward, you need to practice some … [Read more...] about The art of subtle self-promotion
How to stay afloat when the office pessimist tries to drag you under
By Lynne Curry Pessimists come at you with negative words such as “you’re wasting your time” or “that will never work.” If you’re not careful, this onslaught can snuff out your enthusiasm, leading you to give up on ideas, adventures or opportunities that might power your career or work life forward. Here’s how to avoid letting a pessimist’s negativity drain your … [Read more...] about How to stay afloat when the office pessimist tries to drag you under
Zoom hiders: Camera shy or disengaged?
By Lynne Curry Question: For our mandatory manager meetings, I show up on time so my attendance is noted, and then get through the meetings by multi-tasking. It’s easy enough to hear what’s said as I get other work done. I cover this up by always making a positive comment on at least one of the manager’s proposals. I leave my video off, though, and when the manager … [Read more...] about Zoom hiders: Camera shy or disengaged?
Changed jobs: What have I done?
By Lynne Curry You expect to feel angry when fired from a job you enjoy. You expect to feel scared when laid off from a job at which you felt secure. You don’t expect to feel rotten one week after you intentionally make a career move from a job you’ve outgrown to one that promises to be challenging and rewarding. So why are you so rattled during your first week on this new … [Read more...] about Changed jobs: What have I done?
8 simple steps to improve virtual presentations
Today’s hybrid workplace means you may have to conduct training and information sessions for remote staffers. You need to know how to best present yourself and your material virtually, using tools such as PowerPoint slide shows. Consider these tips to ensure your audience gives full attention to your presentation without being distracted by glitches. Format your virtual … [Read more...] about 8 simple steps to improve virtual presentations