One of the biggest challenges in a career decision involves identifying your company’s real agenda, which may be out in the open, deliberately hidden or just not articulated clearly. For example: Recently “Bernard” was offered a truly amazing opportunity in a new company. His boss encouraged him to turn it down, setting up some compensation […]
Workplace Politics
Volunteering for Career Change
If you’re considering a career change, your career counselor or coach may encourage you to take a volunteer position in your new industry. Alternatively, you may be encouraged to take up volunteer work when you’re between jobs, as a way to update your resume. (1) Non-profit organizations often have a history of transitioning volunteers to […]
How To Handicap Your Career With Too Much Information
Today’s Wall Street Journal features an article on the dangers of TMI: sharing Too Much Info with colleagues at work. See When Oversharing Invades The Office by Elizabeth Bernstein. Some examples from people interviewed for the article: A young man shares that he shaved his entire body for a bike race. A woman blurts that […]
Getting lots of praise? Maybe that’s not a good thing…
Po Bronson’s latest book, NutureShock, raised questions about the value of praise for children. We need to praise children for effort, he says, not for talent. In other words, “You’re very smart” encourages children to rely on their gifts. When faced with a task requiring effort, they retreat: “If it doesn’t come easily, it’s impossible.” […]
Assumptions that Can (Very Quietly) Kill Your Career
“Harry’s” network came through. He got a face-to-face meeting with a manager who had authority to hire him for a new position. Then Harry blew it. At the meeting, he said, “I am very impressed by your new product, the Alpha gizmo.” Unfortunately for Harry, the Alpha gizmo had been around for a long time. […]
Volunteer for a furlough? Think about it.
The Wall Street Journal carried an article about companies who ask employees to volunteer for furloughs. They interviewed several advisors. Bottom line: Check out the political implications before you volunteer. Will you gain an advantage? Will your colleagues resent you? Frankly, I am opposed to asking workers to donate anything to a company. When you’re […]