Experience helps leaders develop the courage to stand by their convictions and drive innovation, Sarah Robb O'Hagan writes. Also, deep knowledge in one area can help you gain the confidence to wade into problems when you have little expertise, she writes. TheMuse.com (3/10) Strategies for addressing difficult issues with co-workers When discussing delicate topics with a co-worker, keep your points fact-based and devoid of emotions or generalizations that could put your co-worker on the defensive, Caroline Webb writes. "Before the conversation, ask yourself: 'What outcome do I really want for my relationship with this person?' " she writes. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (3/10)
Making the Connection
How to be more engaged in meetings To show you're listening to the speaker at your next meeting, maintain eye contact, smile and nod when the speaker makes a good point, writes Andrew Griffiths. Make an effort to remember the details of the meeting while summarizing viewpoints back to the speaker at key moments. Inc. online (free registration) (3/10)
The Landscape
Amazon gets aggressive against on-the-job theft Amazon is trying to reduce theft from its warehouses using digital bulletin boards that highlight former staff fired for allegedly stealing. "The types of methods used by warehouses and fulfillment centers are only limited by your imagination and whatever the law allows," says security consultant Pat Murphy. Bloomberg (3/7)
Your Next Challenge
A guide to interacting with recruiters If a recruiter reaches out to you, let him or her do the selling instead of worrying about pitching yourself, Megan Santos writes. Don't make rash decisions but aim to leave a positive impression, even if you decline the offer. Financial Post (Canada) (3/10)
Balancing Yourself
How to prevent career burnout A good strategy for avoiding burnout is to find the root causes of your stress and address them by building new habits, Joel Garfinkle writes. "Depending on your situation, you might ask to be dropped from certain projects or committees, or you might ask for short term help to clear out the backlog," he writes. Career Advancement Blog (2/29)
The Water Cooler
Pet-friendly workplaces make employees feel warm and fuzzy Some companies looking for an edge in employee recruitment and retention offer pet insurance and discounts at pet day care centers, and many let employees bring their pets to work. GoDaddy believes allowing dogs at work is important for employee mental health, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Fortune (3/8)
