Seek out sponsors who can help you advance To advance in an organization, you must identify who has power and influence and look for a sponsor at least two tiers ahead of you who can provide new opportunities, writes Bonnie Marcus. "[I]t takes both great performance and political savvy to get ahead," she writes. SmartBrief/Leadership (8/15)Should you worry if others are leaving your employer? Sometimes people think the departure of a few coworkers signals trouble with the business, so ask them why they're leaving, writes Arden Davidson. If generally satisfied with your work, it's best to learn how their exit will affect your position before deciding if you should follow suit. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (8/16)
Making the Connection
Keep your message simple and short Be clear and concise in your communication, avoid jargon and provide a summary of your main points to hold your audience's attention, writes John Millen. "Whether your communication goal is influencing, informing, educating or entertaining people, you'll be more successful if you seek to be understood," he writes. John Millen blog (8/15)
An analysis from the Economic Policy Institute has found that between 1978 and 2018 CEO pay increased about 1,000% while typical worker pay increased 12%. The pay ratio between workers and CEOs is 278 to 1, and the analysis' authors say the increase has contributed to the country's worsening wealth gap. MarketWatch (8/15),Forbes (8/15) Poll question: How much has your wage gone up? Just in the last 10 years, about how much has your wage gone up? (Hint: old salary divided by new salary.) Poll results on Friday.
Why the traditional resume objective statement is obsolete Hiring professionals agree the top of a resume is most beneficial when it concisely lists industry-specific career highlights and includes must-know information, such as a willingness to relocate, writes Maryalene LaPonsie, who provides a few examples for mid-career professionals. Instead of traditional objective statements, which focus on career aspirations, recruiters want to learn how you'll meet the employer's needs. U.S. News & World Report (8/16)
Balancing Yourself
Dwell on temporary positives to permanently improve your mindset A series of debilitating depressive episodes led Julie Potiker to study how we can capitalize on neuroplasticity to rewire our brains to a better place. "Notice when you are feeling good and let it sink in, pushing the positive mental state to a neural trait," writes Potiker, founder of Mindful Methods for Life. Thrive Global (8/16)
A wet, snowy winter has made Lake Tahoe a wonderland of California tortoiseshell butterflies this summer. The higher number than usual of the butterflies are drawn to the abundant vegetation and have turned the area into a "symphony of butterflies," says one hiker. United Press International (8/16)
Certainty is a closing of the mind. To create something new you must have doubt.
