You can beat the urge to procrastinate by finding a good starting point for a difficult project and limiting your nonessential tasks to focus on what's more important, writes Travis Bradberry. Don't worry about failing when embarking on a tough task, because "procrastination itself is failure," adds Bradberry. Inc. online (free registration) (6/29) What most people get wrong about gratitude When expressing gratitude toward others, compliment the other person instead of framing everything according to how it benefited you, writes Heidi Grant Halvorson. This approach will help you further your work relationships, Halvorson writes. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (6/29)
Making the Connection
How to break the ice with new networking contacts If you're looking to start a conversation with potential networking contacts, ask them what they like about their job or how they got started in their industry, writes Lolly Daskal. If you're familiar with the person's work, compliment them on their successes to quickly build rapport, Daskal writes. Inc. online (free registration) (6/29)
The Landscape
Public-sector union dues case won't get second chance at high court California teachers who are not union members are likely to continue paying union dues, as the Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to reconsider their case. The high court deadlocked in March, allowing a lower court's ruling in favor of public-sector unions to stand. NBC News (6/28)
Your Next Challenge
Don't just show hiring managers you can fit in You should demonstrate to hiring managers your ability to contribute to the workplace culture instead of just showing them you can fit in, writes Heather Huhman. Research the company and focus on its values before developing an action plan you can unveil at your interview, writes Huhman. GlassDoor.com (6/29)
Balancing Yourself
Simple ways for asserting a proper work-life balance You can ensure a healthier work-life balance by avoiding email and electronic devices during certain parts of your day, writes Becca Caddy. Avoid taking work home with you or multitasking during your workday, which can increase stress and decrease productivity. Lifehacker (6/30)
The Water Cooler
Browser the library cat sparks debate in Texas Browser the cat, who lives in the White Settlement Public Library in Texas, found himself the topic of discussion for local officials this month. The City Council voted to evict him due to possible allergy concerns, prompting online campaigns and petitions, but plans to meet again Friday to revisit the issue. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (6/29)
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.
