Someone recently asked me about doing “pointless” things….and whether or not that was ok. And what did it mean if she really loved being busy?  What I’ve realized about myself is that I was addicted to work. Continue reading →

It happens. You’re pretty happy with your work situation, and then someone gets hired…and you can’t stand them. Their tone is dismissive, they don’t do what they say, they hoard information, keep you out of key meetings. I know what you’d like to do…..but what should you do? Continue reading →

New York Magazine recently had an interesting article called “Get Happier” focused on a class taught at Yale by Professor Santos. She designed a course that focuses on positive psychology. It’s a great article for so many reasons…. Continue reading →

When people look to change jobs, often it’s staying in a similar role but changing the company. What if you’re looking to change industries entirely?  Someone asked me to do a mock interview with them, and here’s some of the questions to be prepared for…. Continue reading →

Lots of definitions about what culture is in a company. Here’s a definition from Investopedia:

Corporate culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company’s employees and management interact and handle outside business transactions. Often, corporate culture is implied, not expressly defined, and develops organically over time from the cumulative traits of the people the company hires.

Not bad. But I have an even easier definition. Continue reading →

I’ve tried lists. They don’t work for me. I need to keep things simple. So here’s my NYR…and I don’t plan on changing it. Continue reading →

Someone gently reminded me that it’s been awhile. I don’t know how I blogged when I technically am working less now!

I still get to hold a session now and then, and meet up with people to talk about careers and how they are navigating their way through the organizations. So what can I share?

1. You are who you are. I am always going to be impatient, have a sense of urgency, want to move quickly….it doesn’t matter whether I am full time employee or a part time consultant…who you are and how you work doesn’t really change.
2. The same people who bug you before will bug you now. I might have more insight into their character (e.g. being a debbie downer is an example of a person’s insecurity) but it’s still super annoying. And very visible to evveryone else.
3. People still don’t say thank you enough. I don’t really understand it…I don’t know if it’s habit, or culture, or what…but saying thank you still has as much power no matter where I go.
4. People size you up pretty quickly. You might come with a reputation, but people will still come to their own conclusion about you.
5. You reap what you sow. It’s amazing to me how many people cross my path from years ago, working at different companies. I had someone recognize me in the elevator based off a Lessons Learned session she had attended!

What I can tell you is this, at the risk of sounding corny. You will get to a point in your career where more money doesn’t materially change your life.  You have what you need. The best thing to motivate you is what authentically pushes you, excites you, wakes you up in the middle of the night, or is the brilliant idea in the shower. You can’t fake it, but once you find it, it’s hard to ignore. Our journey is finding that thing. Having the presence of mind and the instincts to recognize it. To have the courage to take a leap and do it. To know in your heart of hearts that it’s the right thing for you.  And that right thing has nothing to do with money or personal prestige, though both may come with it. It has to do with what you want your contribution in life to be.

When people are in the process of vetting a new role, sometimes it gets worse, not better as the process goes on. Yes, it’s great when you only get more and more excited about the new job. But sometimes, you start getting warning signals….which conflict with the appeal of a higher salary, promises, and the “new shiny” thing high. Here are some warning signs you should pay attention to: Continue reading →

Do you know someone who’s really special?  I mean, off the charts. I have, bar none, a totally amazing and awesome niece who’s unbelievably passionate and great at basketball (and many other things-we can talk about Grey’s Anatomy all day long). So, I saw this shirt and had to get it for her.

Sports is such a great way for girls and women to develop confidence, self-esteem, and learn how to perform under pressure. It teaches teamwork, discipline, graciousness, tenacity, and how to appreciate your body, not for how it looks but for what it can do.  I love that she has a sport that means so much to her.

So encourage our daughters, nieces, friends to find a sport they love. Sure, talent is important, but my brother and sister-in-law are with her every step, play, and game, and that is what makes the difference.

So sometime in your career you will have the very flattering moment when someone you’ve worked for in the past wants to hire you away.  If you already have a job, this becomes riskier because you’re leaving to go somewhere else…so you want to be wise. A couple of things to keep in mind: Continue reading →