Saying No Tactfully

Saying no to the requests of others can be done with diplomacy and tact.  Here's how to protect your time and priorities from other people's emergencies.  

Lessons from Dubai: Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

I get onto the elevator at the Burj Khalifa. It takes nearly a minute to ascend to the top of the tower. This is the tallest building in the world at hundred and sixty three stories. I step out onto the observation deck and there is nothing below my feet but a piece of Plexiglas as I'm a half mile in the air.

As a person who's not fond of heights that was uncomfortable for me. Nevertheless, I knew if I would make the most of this experience I had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. I didn't know what to expect at any point on this journey to the United Arab Emirates. I didn't know what the food would be like, how the people would respond to Americans, or how I would adjust to some Middle Eastern customs. One thing I learned was this:

if you're going to get the most out of a journey or experience, accept that there are no guarantees.

if you're going to get the most out of a journey, or experience, accept that there are no guarantees. No one can promise you that it's going to be perfectly comfortable, easy, and familiar every step of the way. If you are risk-averse, just remember that everything uncomfortable is not necessarily dangerous. Just because you don't know what it will be like doesn't mean it will be bad. Think of something that you really enjoy now but didn’t always like. It could be a food, a sport, a hobby, or even a person. Before you initially tried it, you didn't know you were going to like it.

It won't always be comfortable but at the end it will be worth it.

But you tried it and found out that you did.  Life offers many experiences that are similar. And, you'll have to ask yourself: Am I willing to give up a comfortable job to start my own business? Am I willing to give up an hour of sleep to study for my exams? Am I willing to give up time with friends to go to the gym? Am I willing to give up my favorite leisure activity to save up for a house?

Whatever it is you want to achieve; they'll be something you need to start doing or stop doing to achieve it.  It won't always be comfortable. Nevertheless, at the end of the process it will be worth it.

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A Better Way To Reach Goals: The One Word Resolution

Be Your Best Despite Your Boss

I recently read an article about the importance of a supportive boss.  Having a supportive boss can transform your workplace experience.  It can make a difference in productivity as well as engagement.  When you are engaged you have a sense of belonging, connection and value in an organization. I have had neglectful bosses who ignored me and kept secrets.  I have also had bosses who were quite friendly and kind, but didn't handle managerial responsibilities like performance issues,  clear goals, and distribution of work.  Neither of these is an ideal type of manager to have.  Nevertheless, its possible to have an engaged, productive and satisfying work experience without a supportive  boss.  If you find yourself in a situation where the boss doesn't provide direction; is inconsistent; or even non-responsive, here are some things you can do to manage yourself.

Find a mentor.

A mentor will be a good sounding board and source of advice.  This should be someone who doesn't have a stake in your career (like your boss does).  They should be in a position at a higher level than yours. And, your mentor might work in your organization or another one; they might even be retired.  Your mentor is a person with whom you can be candid and who in return will be candid with you.  A mentor can provide valuable advice, recommendations and resources.  Your mentor could help you learn how to best navigate a tumultuous environment and share their experiences with you.

Find a workplace peer.
You should have at least one close relationship within your organization.  This should be an experienced, trustworthy individual with whom you can discuss your concerns.  Because they have institution knowledge, they'll have a good understanding of the organization and be able to give you relevant perspective.  If you are trying to figure out how to resolve a conflict or solve a problem, this colleague could be a valuable resource. When you're seeking that promotion, your peer might be able to share valuable insights and/or warnings.  If nothing else, your colleague in the workplace can be a good sounding board when you need to vent. 

Join a club.

In every field there are industry-specific or even role-specific associations you can join.  In these organizations you have the opportunity to build relationships with others who do the same thing you do for a living.  They may have already experienced some of the situations you are experiencing.  Since association members are generally from many different companies, they can provide a wide variety of perspectives.  This kind of association could also keep you abreast of best practices, trends, and other pertinent developments in your field.  Staying in the know can help you be more effective at work, work smarter, or prepare you for your next promotion/role.

Ask.

There is an old saying that closed mouths don't get feed.  If you don't verbalize what you want and need you probably won't get it.  Schedule periodic meetings with your boss to discuss progress on assignments, obstacles you're facing and concerns you have.   Ask specifically for things you need to be successful, such as resources, training, information, or help solving a problem.  You may not already get what you request.  But, you have a better chance of getting your needs met, if you express what those needs are.

As you prepare for success in this new year, don't let your un-supportive boss be your excuse for not achieving what you want to achieve.  Don't give him/her all the power in your career.  Take proactive steps and take control of your professional life.

Growing Like A Garden: Your Development Plan for 2019

Holiday Survival Tips

Three easy and fun ways to make this holiday season merrier.

Click to watch our 90 second video.

Happy Holidays!

Oh... To Be Young Again

Have you ever wished you could turn back the hands of time?  What year would you go back to?  What was so great about that time and that version of you?

Here's one woman's perspective...