Dear Colette, A former colleague sent me a request for a recommendation on LinkedIn. However, I really don’t want to give a recommendation because in my experience, this person didn’t fulfill even the most basic requirements of his position. How do you suggest I handle this? – Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Dear Don’t Ask,…
Dear Colette, I am starting a new sales position that requires full-time travel in my car. You mentioned during one of your presentations you’re a recovering control freak, so curious if you have any strategies to stay organized on the road and maximize my time. – Numb Bum Dear Numb Bum, That’s a pretty hysterical…
Have you ever worked with someone who couldn’t benefit from gaining advice on their career? How about gaining awareness of a behavior that’s getting in their way? I didn’t think so. Why then is it so difficult to both ask for and receive quality feedback? Although people say they want to learn and grow, everyone…
Be honest, now. Are you seriously and selflessly dedicated to your job? Are you willing to always be there for your employer, even if that means working after hours, on weekends, or being on-call 24/7? If you are, you are not in the minority. According to research published in this month’s Harvard Business Review, the…
Many of us have heard that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Three weeks of conscious effort…no problem! Right? Well, not exactly. If this were true, all of us would be in better shape…financially, mentally and physically! Interested in the origin of this myth? Learn more here. Here’s the truth. A research…
Dear Colette, I’m determined to advance my career in 2016 which requires changing positions. Fortunately, I’m also attending numerous holiday parties and plan to use my network to get the word out. There will also be a few individuals in attendance I don’t know, but would like to approach. Any advice? -On the Move Dear…
Dear Colette, I’m at my wit’s end with my position. As others in my office have been let go due to decreasing budgets, my workload increases. I understand the situation and have taken more on without complaint. Yet, other managers within the office often come to me asking for support as well. I know better…
When visiting my parents years ago, I watched my then 90-year-old father’s oversized, arthritic fingers carefully push the phone buttons to re-order medicine from the VA. I smiled and told him what a rock star he is for adapting to technology. A Baby Boomer friend, who reluctantly learned to use her bank’s mobile app for…
Do you feel exhausted before the day is even half over? Stress drains us of our energy, weakens our focus, our immune system, and our brilliance. Research shows prevention is still the number one way to reduce stress beating out even exercise and meditation. Stop the stress from happening in the first place to start…
Dear Colette, I’ve been asked to manage a low-priority, on-going project amongst my colleagues. Having been a team member on other projects, I’ve overheard the grumbling when a project manager assigns tasks to the team. Therefore, I decided to take a different approach in hopes of getting the team to enjoy the project more.…