How Andrew Luck Can Become Peyton Manning

by candacemoody

Just as Luck was promoted to Manning’s coveted spot, many professionals find themselves faced with the intimidating responsibility of filling the shoes of an all-star employee who moved up or out. This former employee was popular, respected, and (incidentally) great at his job. Although you may have been the king (or queen) of your old department, the fact remains that you are you, not the other guy who used to do the same job. Just not being him can be a liability, no matter how good you are.

Why We Drive Each Other Crazy

by candacemoody

The other day, I was in a small committee meeting with people I know, I like, and with whom I’ve worked for quite a while. Halfway through the meeting, and I found myself wanting to smack them all. The meeting had degenerated into a series of one way discussions, with neither side actually listening to the other. We were driving each other crazy, and the project we were discussing was probably doomed. How could reasonable, friendly people get so far apart in such a short time?

Your Evil Twin

by candacemoody

Geisler cites an example: suppose you’re a manager who believes in rolling up your sleeves and working alongside the staff. You happily pitch in on a project and give helpful feedback along the way. You see this as an egalitarian ‘Boss of the Year’ moment; your staff sees micromanaging interference. I’ve seen it myself; a boss who thinks he’s being deliberate and judicious in his decision making is perceived as dithering and indecisive by his staff. What’s a leader to do?

The Intern Queen Speaks

by candacemoody

Lauren Berger bills herself as the Intern Queen, and her book All Work, No Pay: Finding an Internship, BuildingYour Resume, Making Connections, and Gaining Job Experience is a practical guide to how and why to get an internship. In her experience, only about 20 percent of students pursue internships in and right after college. Here are the five benefits she attributes to internships, and why you should pursue on if you’re a student.

Guest Post: Pushing the Future: Job Prospects for College Grads

by candacemoody

There are only a few instances in your life where you feel completely thrilled and utterly terrified at the same time. Skydiving is one of them, and college graduation day is another. College grads are faced with many prospects and overwhelming emotions. There is promise of freedom from final exams and early morning lectures; there are also the looming threats of unemployment, student loan debt, and other “real world” issues.

Boundaries and Standards

by candacemoody

In the chapter entitled “Increase your Natural Power,” her advice includes how to set boundaries for yourself. “Boundaries, “ she writes,” are simply the things that people can’t do to you, lines that will protect you and allow you to be your best.” We all need them, but it can be hard to set them and stick to them, especially if you like to think of yourself as a nice person.

Keep Calm and Carry On

by candacemoody

Jim Moorhead is the author of “The Instant Survivor: Right Ways to Respond When Things Go Wrong.” He writes about how to survive a personal or professional crisis, using some of the tools and techniques that companies use for crisis management. The first step of his survival system echoes the “Keep Calm and Carry On” philosophy, proving that nostalgia for the idea of keeping a “stiff upper lip” is going strong after more than 80 years. (Unless you’re under 30; then I assume you are being ironic.)

Marking Yourself Indelibly

by candacemoody

According to Pew Research, nearly half of 26-40-year-olds (40 percent) and 36 percent of 18-25-year-olds have tattoos today. Twenty-two percent of 26-40-year-olds and 30 percent of 18-25-year-olds have at least one body piercing. Once associated only with sailors, bikers and people outside the mainstream, it’s now common to see people of all ages and lifestyles sporting body art or a piercing.