How to make better use of LinkedIn Many LinkedIn users don't take full advantage of its features to build a personal brand, writes Brook Zimmatore. To maximize LinkedIn, customize invitations when reaching out to others, avoid overused buzzwords such as "passionate" or "driven," and engage with your network by publishing articles or joining discussions, he writes. Full Story: Business 2 Community (1/29)
Use career mistakes to grow Making a mistake can be a great learning experience if you recognize and acknowledge what went wrong, says Karen Burns. "Don't forget to consider whether your original goal was reasonable or attainable in the first place," she writes. Full Story: The Seattle Times (tiered subscription model) (1/30)
Evaluating soft skills -- self-awareness, empathy and honesty -- can be ambiguous, so Emma Brudner asks job candidates to consider a co-worker they clashed with and asks, "How do you think that person would describe you?" Brudner, a director of people operations, explains what the answers reveal and how to frame the question effectively. Full Story: Inc. online (1/27)
Poll
Poll results: Do you have imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are not qualified or smart enough to do your job or be able to handle new job duties that come with a promotion. It's tough to find the balance between underconfidence and overconfidence. New poll question on Monday.
Sometimes
50.82%
Yes, all the time
33.96%
Never
15.22%
The Landscape
Survey: Employers fail to act on employee feedback Employee surveys can be a useful way to understand employees' feelings about the workplace, but many employers fail to follow up on the feedback they receive, according to an Emplify survey. Many employers also fail to communicate regularly with employees, as a third of survey participants said they meet with their managers just once per month or less. Full Story: HR Dive (1/30)
How cohesive workplace cultures help companies thrive Workplace cultures should help employees understand their value and make them feel like they belong, says Troy Hall, chief strategy officer for South Carolina Federal Credit Union. "When cohesion is present, it has a positive impact on performance," Hall says. Full Story: Workforce (1/29)
Balancing Yourself
Guide to breaking a bad stress cycle If you find yourself stuck in a stress cycle, consider working with a coach to figure out what parts of your life need adjusting, such as diet or work relationships. "It can be really helpful to have a coach in your corner, someone who is educated and knowledgeable about what you're going through," says stress researcher Kelly Turner. Full Story: Forbes (1/30)
Now here's a job with views: glacier groomers spend 10-hour days keeping ski runs safe and in good shape by clearing trails and bulldozing snow, which is especially important in the Alps where skiers train. "This (work) was for us like the heavens,” says Manfred Hochmuth, on-slope manager at the Hintertuxer Gletscher. Full Story: Adventure Journal (1/29)
Editor's Note
Updates to Privacy Policy We want to make sure you are aware of changes to the SmartBrief Privacy Policy, effective Jan. 1, 2020. You can find our updated Privacy Policy here. Some key updates include: New privacy features for Californians' consumer privacy rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. Additional information regarding our use of advertising networks and advertising tags. Thank you for being a valued SmartBrief subscriber.
I was smart enough to go through any door that opened.
Joan Rivers, comedian, actress, writer, producer, television host
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