Studies increasingly show that self-awareness is more valuable than smarts alone. Research shows that leaders who are more self-aware get promoted faster and are awarded more responsibility. Like many qualities, self-awareness is not a fixed trait. But you can learn and cultivate it intentionally. If you’re looking to boost your EQ, there are a number of ways to understand yourself better. Start a daily mindful...

We hear it often…it’s better to play to your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. While that may seem like a “no-brainer,” especially when it comes to work and career, it’s surprising how many of us continue to work against our own proverbial grain. We’ve all heard about the challenges of trying to fit square pegs in round holes. If you’re in a job where you find...

Have you ever watched a toddler over the course of several hours? They’re amazing! After taking their very first step, they plow forward with such intensity you might think they’re going to break into a run. Instead, they stumble and drop to their seat. Without crying or skipping a beat, they try it again. No overthinking or blaming. Fall down? Get up! Simple. Why then, when faced with obstacles, do adults of...

It’s the fourth quarter of the year. That means that salespeople are scrambling to get deals signed, finance people are getting ready to close out the year, and that the dreaded self-appraisal is upon us. The self-appraisal is a common performance management practice. Ostensibly, an employee’s self-appraisal and rating should give the manager valuable data on the quality of an individual’s performance. It...

“What’s your biggest weakness?” You’ve probably heard that it’s no longer considered a wise move to respond to this common interview question by saying, “Well, I’m a bit of a perfectionist”. Being organized and self-disciplined—once considered a desirable quality—has become somewhat of an insult, even a warning sign to employers. But while it’s true tha...

One month into my new job, I’m incredibly excited thinking about the positive inroads I’ll be able to make for my organization. To say that I’m energized, and ready-to-go is an understatement. At the same time – as a Type-A personality and recovering workaholic – I’m also doing my level best to calm the racehorse wanting to burst full-speed out the gate – knowing that my desire to &...

Here is a quotation that I share in my training programs on generational diversity: “I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today.” In what era do you think this was written? This week’s Economist? A political speech from the 1960s? The Roaring Twenties? The late eighteenth century? In fact, these words are attributed to the poet Hesiod, all the...

Even if you love your job, an occasional bad day is par for the course. Everyone has those days where no matter how many happiness hacks or positive mantras you try, you just can’t shake a glass-half-empty attitude. A bad mood can ruin your productivity, putting the kibosh on your motivation and draining you of your creative energy. The secret to recovering from a bad day is learning how to move forward despite it....

As part of my continuing experience as the “new girl” after my recent career change, I am grateful to have an opportunity to look at my work environment through a fresh lens. I’m in an open concept workspace, which is brand new for me. I will admit that the spacious cubicle, even with an automated standing desk feature, at first threw me for a loop. I have always had an office with a door that closed....

My speaking engagements frequently take me to college campuses, where I have the opportunity to connect with professors and administrators about the hot topics on their campuses. For the past few years, I’ve been struck by the number of times leaders at a wide variety of colleges and universities have talked to me about the overwhelming mental health needs of today’s Generation Z students. Recent statistics...