How to guides

How to Deal with a New Boss – What to Do and Not to Do

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new boss

Getting a new boss can be nerve wracking, since a new boss can impact how you like your job going forward. Many things could stay the same or change. It’s that uncertainty that can unnerve you. While you may not be able to control how getting a new boss will change your work life overall, there are things you can do, and not do, to put your best foot forward with this new boss. By following the tips below, you can build a great first impression with your new boss, and set a good foundation for a positive relationship going forward. ...  read more

How to Network without Using Small Talk – 5 Tips

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Most people agree that networking is critical to business and career success.  You can find unadvertised job openings and business partners through your network.  Knowing networking is important is one thing, knowing how to do it is another.   This may be in part due to stereotypes about networking.  A recent conversation I had with a colleague highlights this stereotype. ...  read more

Managing Upwards – 8 Tactics for Managing Your Boss

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managing-upwards

Managing upwards is a skill that you won’t find in any job description, but it is core to your job if you want to do well. What is managing upwards, anyway? Well, managing upwards is mostly about how to manage your boss.  To manage upwards effectively, you must take repeated actions to proactively manage your relationship with your boss, as well as shape his perception of your work.   (Note: For simplicity, I am using the pronoun “he, his, him” to refer to either a male or female boss.) ...  read more

Active Listening Skills – 4 Tips to Practice

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active-listening-skills

Developing active listening skills is essential to improving your communication skills. How often do you find yourself zoning out or thinking about what to say next during a conversation, instead of listening? If you are anything like me, then the answer is probably everyday, even if it’s just for a few seconds. ...  read more

Don’t be a Perfectionist

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“What’s your biggest weakness?”  This is a question often asked in an interview.  One of the most common answers given is “I am a perfectionist.”  You may think yourself clever when you provide that answer, as it’s often thought of as a good, subtle way to talk about another strength of yours in the guise of a weakness.  Comments that follow may include “I work too hard, and may obsess about details…” ...  read more