Competence is more important than creativity Creativity is great, but companies also need people who can actually get the work done, writes Art Markman. "In general, companies function most effectively when they have a lot of conscientious people," he notes. Fast Company online (5/16)How to overcome imposter syndrome Former musical theater major Storm Hurwitz says he suffered from imposter syndrome with his early-career success as a data analyst, but overcame it reflecting on what drove his life decisions. It helps to realize others experience these feelings and to discuss them, while keeping a weekly list of accomplishments, he says. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/15)
Create a Culture of Well-being How can you improve the health and well-being of employees at work, home and in their communities? Learn to build a culture of well-being that boosts performance and enhances the employee experience. Explore the five pillars of behavior change today.
ADVERTISEMENT
Making the Connection
Creating relationship capital requires time, organization Many executives credit their success to a strong professional network, scheduling time daily or weekly to connect with people, says Zvi Band, founder of Contactually. Developing a database dedicated to your network allows you to prioritize and remember contacts and information about them that will enhance future conversations. CNBC (5/17)
The Landscape
Feds increase collection of past-due student loans The US Treasury Department brought in $3.3 billion during the first six months of fiscal 2019, which started on Oct. 1, 2018, as the government has started collecting more on delinquent student loans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports it has received 2,475 complaints from borrowers about the government's new aggressive collection procedures. Bloomberg (tiered subscription model) (5/13)
Your Next Challenge
Negotiation tactics from the offer to your counter An enthusiastic "thank you" is all that's required when you first receive a salary offer, writes career coach Rebecca Andersen. Request the offer in writing while determining market trends, your value and compensation needs, she writes, explaining what to do if the employer won't budge. Medium (tiered subscription model) (5/14)
Balancing Yourself
Personal time is not just for parents Single employees often work long hours believing their claim to work-life balance is less valid than working parents, writes Sarah Todd. They should develop interests that commit them to leaving work at a reasonable time to avoid burnout. Quartz (5/18)
Philanthropist and investor Robert Smith surprised Morehouse College graduates during his commencement speech on Sunday by announcing he will pay off all the student loans for the class of 2019. The gift is worth an estimated $40 million, and Smith urged the graduates to "pay it forward" and possibly reciprocate for future graduates. CBS News (5/20)
If you're aware and you're high-energy, the ball will eventually bounce your way and you'll be able to make plays.
