Make the most of that conference
At your next professional conference, balance the time spent in formal sessions with informal time talking to others in your field. Three ways to reap the benefits of a conference, beyond the tracks:
Category: Career
Employees gripe, but they don’t quit
While many people gripe about their jobs from time to time, few are converting words into action. When it comes to hunting for a better position elsewhere, most of us don’t bother, according to a survey by Accenture.
The heart of the organization: you
Frances Hesselbein, who led the Girl Scouts of the USA from 1976 to 1990, believes that anyone can be a leader, no matter where he or she finds themselves in an organization.
Take control of your own training
If there’s one thing employees have learned from the recession, it is not to rely on the bosses to keep their skills sharp. Fortunately, there are many more ways to stretch your skills.
Can you be fired for the way you look?
Can employees be fired for being too fat? Can a job candidate who is missing her front teeth be turned down? Is it OK to hire or fire someone because of personal grooming or appearance? Most likely, the answer is yes.
Stand up for comfort–and more energy, too
Standing up—not only when you take a break but also while working—can keep you comfortable and energized throughout the day. Studies of people using sit/stand workstations in the past few years indicate that the ability to shift position easily several times a day can reap many benefits:
Lateral steps aren’t always missteps
Don’t limit your career choices to staying in place or climbing the ladder. Sometimes, a lateral move represents the best—or only—option. Here’s when to accept a new position at the same level:
Spring cleaning means dusting off those New Year’s resolutions
Research shows that, by May, most New Year’s resolutions are gathering dust. If this has happened to you, resolve now to use the energy spring fever gives you to get back on track. Here’s a step-by-step plan for turning those worthwhile resolutions you made back in January into your new habits of today.
1-Minute Strategies: April ’11
Network by sharing online content, using the appropriate “share” buttons … Try this radical solution to unproductive meetings … Unhappy with what shows up when you google your name? Build your profile on business social-networking sites … Be explicit when asking for a favor …
Is co-worker paid more because he’s a man?
Question: “I used to have the same salary as my male co-worker ‘Chuck,’ but I recently learned that he now makes more than I do. I have more work experience, but he gets more face time with our manager. Our boss is frequently in Chuck’s office discussing ordinary issues that everyone encounters. He seems to be her pet. In my area, I try to handle problems myself so as not to trouble her with them. Since we have exactly the same duties, I believe Chuck has been given more money simply because he’s a man. I love my job and don’t want to leave, but I feel this is wrong. What do you think is going on?” —Sherry