Yep, I didn’t believe it either. In their book, Made to Stick, Chip Heath and Dan Heath report an experiment in problem-solving.
Students were divided into 3 groups.
Group 1, the control, just thought about a problem.
Group 2, the “past,” was asked to go back and re-live the history of the problem. What gave rise to the […]

In todays Jobs column, I see Nick the headhunter warns readers: When dealing with a recruiter, ask for a written agreement. Clarify where your resume will be used. You might even want to approve every single destination where your resume will be sent.
No written agreement? Find another recruiter.
One point I hadn’t considered. Your recruiter might […]

Today’s WSJ includes a retirement living section. It seems that some of the over-60 set can’t handle all that leisure and they need help figuring out what to do.
One woman sought help from a career counselor who administered the Strong Interest Inventory and the notorious Myers-Briggs. The WSJ article included helpful tips on taking […]

You’re interviewing for a job and the interviewer wants to pick your brain. You sense they want your expertise without paying for it.
“Real” consultants run into this challenge all the time. Most of us learn to charge for “diagnostic” or “test-drive” challenges.
When interviewing, you may feel more constrained, especially if you need or really want […]

So…what was Omarosa doing on this show in the first place? She’s not a celebrity. She’s not going to be anyone’s apprentice when the show is over. What does she have to gain from this exposure?
She may be a difficult personality but it’s still tough to watch. She wasn’t invited back because she was so […]

1. Don’t listen to folks who discourage your move. Sometimes the grass really is greener.
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s people who say, “If you can’t be happy here, you won’t be happy anywhere.”
Not true.
2. Do tons of research - and take nothing for granted. Talk to people who actually live there.
Recently […]

An employee “Bill” varied his arrival time at work. When Bill was late, his boss yelled at him. When Bill was on time, the boss offered praise.
Sure enough, Bill responded. The day after the boss yelled, Bill was on time. And the day after the reward, Bill slacked off and arrived late. So, concluded the […]

A reader sent me this question:
Q. I basically want to sell all of my things, pack up the car and move out west with nothing. I am looking for a resource on how to do just that. Most specifically, how to sell my items off to help finance the move. I don’t […]

“So why are you pursuing a degree?” Ask a handful of students in programs targeting adult learners (also known as “mature students,” “returning students,” or “non-traditional students”).
Often students write things like, “If I get more education, opportunities will increase.” Or, “To get a better job.” A few wrote, “My company won’t promote me unless I […]

A few weeks ago I went to hear legendary author Natalie Goldberg read from her newest book, Old Friends from Far Away. While waiting to get a few books signed, I fell into conversation with Theo Nestor, author of a new memoir, How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed.
Nestor just sent me a copy […]