Have you ever had a supervisor whose communication skills made things… difficult? Alas, I have, and I can tell you that it’s no dang picnic. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make a challenging relationship like that a little easier. Unfortunately, that does usually mean more work for you, but I…
DetailsOf the complaints levied against Millennials, one of the most persistent one is that they need constant praise. So let’s tackle that first, with science! First off, according to a 2016 Gallup study, only 19% of Gen Y workers get regular feedback, but there they are, adulting along with the rest of us. Second, as…
DetailsAre Millennials really that bad? In 2013, Time magazine called Millennials the “me, me, me generation,” and cited studies that seem to indicate that these young ‘uns are more narcissistic and entitled than any previous generation. When you simply say the word “millennial,” people respond with things like “disloyal” and “special snowflake.” Well, I’m a…
DetailsLBGTQI+ discrimination is still a very real issue in 2019, so what can you do if you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity? The good news is that some of those 26 states with weak antidiscrimination laws states are under federal circuits that interpret existing gender discrimination laws to…
DetailsIf you identify as LGBTQI+, the world of work can be even more daunting and complex than otherwise. What are your rights at work? Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to that question. Your legal protections vary by state and type of employer. As of this writing, there are still 26 states that offer no explicit…
DetailsAccording to Grammarist, a vocation is a calling, an occupation, or a large undertaking for which one is especially suited. It can be roughly synonymous with career or profession, though vocation connotes a seriousness or a commitment that these words don’t always bear. Keep reading at shorturl.at/nqvwT An avocation is something done in addition to one’s…
DetailsOkay, I’ve outlined some major reasons for bad bosses, and I’m sure there are dozens more, including just the fact that some jobs are stressful and that we all have different communication styles. But enough about that! Let’s get to some strategies to help you manage a bad manager. First of all, it’s important…
DetailsDo you hate your boss? I’ve certainly been there—I suspect most of us have! And just to warn you, I have a lot to say here, so this will be a 4-part series. Be sure to check Thursday and next week for all my tips on surviving a bad boss. Work is hard enough…
DetailsDo the holidays make you feel stressed and anxious? You’re not alone! Here are some tips for getting through the season. Take a few seconds to breathe. Inhale slowly and deeply, exhale slowly and deeply. I find it most effective to do three or 4 times. Repeat as necessary. Investigate a mindfulness practice. Some apps…
DetailsOn Tuesday, I talked about changing perceptions of acceptable professional presentation. But while I’m certainly seeing some improvements in acceptance of self-expression some arenas, some are sadly still lacking. For instance, having hair that’s “too Black” can be a major barrier to success, particularly in more conservative fields. (See, for example http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/04/13/what-perception-professional-hair-means-black-job-seekers/) People who are…
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