Executives often stall in their careers at a level or two below the C-suite, author Cassandra Frangos writes. Competition at this level is often fierce, and many executives opt to join smaller firms in order reach the C-suite. Fast Company online (4/20) Plan ahead to achieve your goals Have a clear set of long-term goals and break them down into monthly, actionable steps, career coach Dan Dowling writes. Make a weekly plan before the start of each week, prioritize your tasks in order of importance and stay focused on the task at hand. Entrepreneur online (4/19)
Making the Connection
Tips for positive communication with your manager Don't complain to colleagues if you're unhappy with something the boss is doing, entrepreneur Tony Delmercado writes. Talk through the situation with your manager and offer solutions. Glassdoor (4/18)
Walmart is trying a dress code at some stores that lets employees wear bluejeans for the first time. The relaxed standard, which also lets staffers wear shirts of any solid color, could give the retailer an edge in a tightening labor market. Bloomberg (free registration) (4/19),Fortune (4/20)
Your Next Challenge
How to look for a job without being obvious Schedule job interviews during your lunch break, at the end of the day or when you're working from home to avoid raising suspicions by your current employer, Alyse Kalish writes. Work on your applications at home and refrain from talking about your job search with colleagues. The Muse (4/19)
Balancing Yourself
Watch for these warning signs of burnout Signs of burnout include feeling a lack of control over your schedule, and even physical pain or tightness, experts say. Try to maintain a positive outlook and take care of yourself by getting a good night's sleep. CNNMoney (4/18)
Colo. woman reports $500 fine for bringing apple through customs A woman from Colorado said she was fined $500 for bringing a free apple, which she received on her Delta Air Lines flight from Paris, through customs. A Customs and Border Protection spokesman would not comment on Crystal Tadlock's specific case, but did note that "all agriculture items must be declared" at the port of entry. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (4/22)
You can't just ask customers what they want and then try to give that to them. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new.
