Soft Skills - Ask a Wharton MBA
Develop Soft Skills – Work Smart & Live More
During this month’s mental fitness connect, “Ashley” brought up an interesting scenario to get the group’s input. She has been at her new job for five months now. Last week, her manager approached her and asked what she wants to do next in her career. Ashley was both baffled and suspicious. ...
Moving from an individual contributor role to a people management position can be both exciting and challenging. As a new manager, your success depends not only on your hard skills but also on your ability to lead and inspire your team. I am glad this was a topic that was raised in our Mental Fitness Graduate reconnect session tonight. Here are five essential tips to help you transition smoothly and become a great people manager. ...
I recently made a decision that had me questioning my own sanity for a moment—a lavish $921 for a single night’s stay at a hotel. It took several attempts to muster the conviction to make this reservation, but looking back, I am glad I took the plunge. This wasn’t just any hotel stay; it was a deliberate step in my new philosophy of embracing the present rather than perpetually waiting for the “right time.” ...
Last week, I came across a piece of wisdom in a newsletter that struck a chord with me during a pivotal time in my life, and I felt compelled to share it with you, believing it might resonate with you too.
Recently, I embarked on a new journey in a strategy role, filled with uncertainty and undefined goals. The ambiguity of what’s within my control and what achievements are attainable this year had started to weigh on me. However, the story I’m about to share has offered me a new perspective on focusing on what I can influence rather than what’s beyond my reach. It’s my hope that this story might offer you a similar sense of relief and renewed focus in your endeavors. ...
It’s that time again. Most companies will ask professionals to set their annual goals by the first quarter. As I think about how to set mine this year by March 31, I wanted to share 3 tips that may also help you with yours. Even if you have already set your goals for this year, I recommend you still read tip #3 below. I bet you anything you forgot to set this one. It’s actually the most important one. I look forward to your comments and questions :-). ...
I grew up believing “If I cannot do it well, I shouldn’t do it at all.” Perhaps this is a typical Asian upbringing and teaching. I am not even sure my parents actually said that to me. However after receiving many “talks” from my dad about how I could have gotten a better grade on a test (e.g, 100 points vs 93), I think I told myself the above as I don’t want to “disappoint” my dad or get an extra long lecture. ...
This is what I told my six-grade daughter while I was driving her to school last week. She has been fretting about her science experiment presentation for about a month now. Last Tuesday was the day for her to present. She got up early and was preparing. She enjoyed doing her experiment and actually seemed to know her stuff. Nonetheless, she was still super nervous. She knows I have a lot of presentation experience, so I took the opportunity in the car ride to school to see if I can ease her nerves. ...