Blog

Mindfulness

On Tuesday we covered mindful breathing and mindful observation.  Today I’ll give you a couple more techniques and some general tips for handling that unhealthy chronic stress. Mindfulness technique #3: Attention Think of something you do every day but don’t think about like eating. Next time you begin to eat something, really stop and pay…

Dealing with Stress

The modern world leaves us habitually stressed, and while acute stress can lead to accomplishments and decisive action, chronic stress is really bad for us.  According to the Mayo Clinic, it leads to: Anxiety Depression Digestive problems Headaches Heart disease Sleep problems Weight gain Memory and concentration impairment A few months ago, I presented on…

Your first 90 days

Your first 90 days in a new role are key to gaining the confidence of your colleagues. On Tuesday we talked about the first two months.  What do you do in month three? The third month You’ve already made some good progress, so now we seal the deal.  Keep that log of your accomplishments updated,…

How to Kick Butt in Your New Job

Many career experts believe that your first 90 days on the job are the most important to set the tone and become a trusted voice. So how can you make sure you get off on the right foot?  A little bit of planning will show your new colleagues that you’re a rock star.  It’s important…

Difficult Coworkers, part 2

On Tuesday we talked about working with someone who had poor boundaries, but what can you do if someone you work with is simply a jerk? Unfortunately, this is a much more difficult situation, in large part because the other person is quite possibly not even well-meaning.  So the first thing to do is simply…

Dealing with Difficult Coworkers

Managing a Difficult Manager, part 2

Now that you’re in the habit of emailing your supervisor after each meeting the two of you have, let’s take managing your manager to the next level. Step 2 of this project is going to be your weekly report.  (Yes, I know, again it’s more work for you!  I’m sorry.  Some people just really suck…

Managing a Difficult Manager

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…

Oh, Those Millennials!

Of 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…

Are Millennials Really that Bad?

Are 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…