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The Grind
Productivity Advice From White House Deputy Chief of Staff
There's no denying White House Deputy Chief of Staff Mona Sutphen is a busy woman. She works for Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, coordinating the president's public-policy priorities, a position that makes me tired just thinking about it. The multitasking maven shared some of her proven productivity secrets with this month's Self magazine.
6 Simple Tips to Boost Creativity and Kick-Start Your Career (and Your Week!)
Though I've never loved the expression, there is some truth to it — there is, in fact, more than one way to skin a cat. It may seem irrelevant in an office job where it seems there's a procedure or a rule book for every task, but thinking outside the box may just be your ticket to getting noticed and working your way up — even in this economy.
Just take a cue from Pat Lencioni, a consultant who crafted a novel approach to writing a business guide — literally — by authoring an unconventional business book, that uses characters and a plot line to get the point across.
How-To: Step Up Your Game at Work
Spinning your wheels at the office might earn you a paycheck, but it's unlikely to put you in line for a raise or give you much satisfaction. Fulfilling your responsibilities is good; trying harder can make you great. Step up your work game by putting in more effort in subtle ways that may just get you noticed.
I'm Asking: Did You Have Help Picking a Career or Just Know?
Picking a major in college can feel like the biggest decision ever, but it's hardly a lifetime commitment to a certain field or profession. Of course, it's not easy to see that when you're weighing career options and envisioning what the future might hold for you professionally. Did you have guidance and encouragement from teachers, family or counselors when it came time to pick a career path, or did you access your skills yourself and make a plan from there?
10 Ways to Improve Your Resume Right Now
Your resume might be a single piece of paper, but that document is an extension of you. It's one of the first ways employers evaluate your potential to fill an open position, so even if you're confident in your interview abilities, you won't get an invitation to show them off unless your resume is compelling. Think you've done everything you can to create a solid resume?
How-To: Explain Why You Were Laid-Off
You're probably sick of talking about why you were laid-off and how your job search is going, and unfortunately those questions will keep coming until you've found a new job. Potential employers will certainly want to know the reasons behind your unemployment, meaning you'll have to discuss what happened during a situation in which you're already vulnerable. Learn how to handle the sensitive interview question so that you're not left stuttering through an answer.
Grind Tip: Catch Up on Tracking Your Accomplishments
The majority has spoken, and 87 percent of you plan on looking for new jobs when the economy takes a turn for the better. Be prepared for a stronger job market by taking stock of your accomplishments now.
Keeping an up-to-date resume is the best way to stay on your toes during any job market.
Would You Let Someone Take Over Your Business?
Every week on Tabatha's Salon Takeover, hairstylist extraordinaire Tabatha Coffey takes control of a flailing salon and whips it into shape. Although I'm an avid viewer, I'm not quite so sure how I would react to real-life Tabatha in my work space — taking total control of my company's policies and the people I work with.
Some of the highlights include a full-out interior design makeover of the salon studio, and a complete revamping of lackadaisical company policies.
Ask Savvy: How Should I Critique My Co-Worker?
Dear Savvy,
Today, my manager called me asking me to write up a report about a fellow co-worker. I had mentioned that she was having some difficulties adjusting to the workplace, that she was rude to us, and where she was getting better but that she still often isn't on task. I told her that I would, but I just sat down to write it and have no idea what to say, how to say it, etc.
I'm Asking: Do You Take Career Risks or Play by the Rules?
If there's one professional trait that I admire beyond bounds, it's an entrepreneurial spirit. It's hard not to be wowed by those who take charge, go out on their own, or create their own course when opportunity presents itself. That being said, taking career risks — whether a risky decision, move, or project — can be tricky and dangerous.
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