Selfish Versus Otherish
It might be easy to assume that self- interest and interest in others’ well-being would be at opposite ends of a spectrum, but that turned out not to be true.
Category: Professional Development
Building skills on the job
Choosing Challenging Tools
In the 1950s, we imagined a future where robots and machines did all the work for us; we would only need to push a few buttons every few minutes, and watch as tasks accomplished themselves. We’re not quite there yet, but we certainly can accomplish a tremendous amount of work by pushing a few buttons.
Why Hobbies Matter
Gardening, home improvement, and crafts, of course. We still take on work for pleasure, of course, which is the definition of a hobby. Sometimes, we even monetize our hobby; Etsy is exhibit A. But for the most part, a hobby is something you do for love, regardless of how skilled you happen to be. But does what you do for fun matter to your career?
There is No Try
Yoda is a great career coach. In perhaps his most famous scene, he commands Luke Skywalker, fledgling Jedi, to raise a spaceship with his mind. Reluctantly, Luke agrees to “try.” “No,” interjects Yoda sternly. “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
The 4-Letter Word that Will Transform Your Day
I have a confession: I use a particular four-letter word at least 10 times a day. I’m not even ashamed to say it. In fact, I hope to persuade you to start using it too.
Write to Remember
The arrival of tablet technology (iPad, Samsung and others) has made it easier than ever to use your tablet as a one stop device. Many people use tablets to take notes in meetings or in class because typing your notes makes them more readable and easier to store, email, and share. But you may be … Continue reading Write to Remember
Why Empathy Matters
Empathy, or the ability to put yourself in another person’s place, to imagine what they feel, is one of the most important features of civilized people. Without empathy, we get bullying, violence, and “victimless” crimes. Lack of empathy is one of the definitive symptoms that separate a sociopath from the rest of us. Empathy matters.
How to Hack Your First Job
It’s graduate time, and thousands of young graduates will be entering the market looking for their first “real” job. Many of them (and their parents) find this time to be filled with anxiety. Will I be competitive? Will I get a job that inspires me (and pays the bills)? Will I make enough to move out on my own and start the life I’ve always dreamed of?
My best advice: relax.
Be a Weed
Hwang uses the metaphor of the rainforest to talk about innovation and creativity, and he starts by comparing it to the plantation, where crops are raised like a business.
Leaving a Job on Good Terms
Leaving a position, even one you love, is a difficult and sometimes emotional event.
