Some of the biggest monsters and cold-hearted executive sharks still soften up around the holiday season, so not taking advantage of their vulnerability isn’t very smart. I would like to share some ideas on making Christmas work for you. Identify your targets It’s the end of the year and a perfect time to reassess your […]
When Facebook was becoming popular it started out very innocent and playful: we used it to watch our old classmates get fat or stalk our exes. Over the years, whether we like it or not, FB has become an integral part of our reality. There is a social expectation that if you don’t have a […]
I often see the most hardworking and diligent IT professionals get passed up on for promotions in a large corporate setting. Eventually they get discouraged as they watch their less productive colleagues progress rapidly and show off their new fancy titles… How does this happen? Actually, there is a simple explanation. Adding value is a relative term. […]
By Jason Akai, guest contributor Process improvement is everywhere. People talk about the need to improve processes or procedures. There are jobs that are devoted solely to reviewing processes and procedures. I think most people I know learn the value of Visio through their first Swim Lane diagram. Hours of meetings, training, review, new meetings, […]
You’ll want to bookmark this article — trust me. Last week I had a coffee meeting in Oakbrook with a person I respect very much, Janet Godbey. Janet has been a human resources manager with Newell-Rubbermaid for the last several years, and throughout her career she’s dealt with every kind of crazy employee issue imaginable. […]
Why do we get so excited about a job offer that we agree to accept a role we barely know anything about? Candidates disappointed in their new gigs often report accepting a job without a thorough understanding of the role or the internal structure. Some can even pinpoint a few red flags they chose to […]
You just started a new gig and you absolutely hate it. Well, “hate” may be a strong word, but being disappointed and even a bit remorseful after changing jobs isn’t uncommon, you are not alone. Being miserable 40+ hours a week is no way to live, but before you throw in the towel, there are […]
Give up the holiday time bliss Let’s face it, December at the office is never taken seriously. With many decision makers out on extended holiday vacations, others find themselves in limbo with their work, while waiting for directions or approvals from the MIA management. Dark offices and empty cubes promote a relaxed atmosphere and it’s […]
A candidate asked me if volunteering for charitable causes or community work would help his career. I began by explaining that these kind of issues are more significant as you move towards senior executive roles, where displaying great character matters most. Public companies especially tend to look for a positive image in their key players. […]
Help desk is a starting point for many IT professionals, however some stay in this role for many years. This often under-appreciated, but very important role can be rewarding for those who like to help people, however, has a low ceiling when it comes to compensation. So many of my candidates ask; how do you […]