Predictability can deter your career advancement Though being predictable is often associated with being reliable, it can hurt your career if you are merely a comfortable and desirable option, says Roy Osing. "The best result can sometimes be achieved not by following the prescribed direction exactly, but by following your gut -- though that requires risk-taking and the conviction of your ideas," writes Osing. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model) (9/23)Are you valued at your company? Determine whether you're being valued, appreciated and fulfilled at your job or if you're disconnected, says Judith Humphrey. If you're positively engaged, emotionally supported, and able to be open with your superiors, you're in a good place. Fast Company online (9/26)
Rock icon Iggy Pop prepares for shows by spending time in silence, clearing his mind and visualizing a successful night, which are tactics presenters can adopt for themselves, writes Nick Morgan. Before a speech, take time to care for your voice and your body, connect with your emotions and envision yourself succeeding. Public Words (9/24)
Poll
Poll results: Should middle school be eliminated? Is the answer to middle school antics and poor performance to eliminate middle school? Researchers are considering whether adding a year or two to elementary school and then moving students right into high school would improve test scores.
No
56.16%
Yes
43.84%
The Landscape
Kaiser: Premiums top $20K for employer health care The average premium for families with employer-provided health insurance coverage is $20,576, with employees paying an average of $6,015 toward the cost, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Average deductibles also have increased from $1,573 last year to now $1,655. Forbes (9/25)What's trending in the workplace? Author and entrepreneur Caroline Stokes writes that there are seven trends shaping workplace practices, including flexible hours and focusing on financial, mental and emotional wellness of employees. Freelance workers, an aging workforce and use of artificial intelligence also are trends, Stokes asserts. HR People + Strategy Blog (9/24)
Your Next Challenge
Why you should never lie on your resume If you're caught lying on a resume, you will more than likely be immediately eliminated from the candidate pool, says Ray Bixler. Be honest about your credentials, and don't shy away from applying from a job because you don't have every qualification on the job description. U.S. News & World Report (9/24)
Balancing Yourself
Stop checking emails while you're on vacation Before you leave for vacation, take measures to handle your inbox so you can enjoy your time off of work and be truly disconnected, says Suzanne Rowan Kelleher. Let your boss and coworkers know you won't be checking emails throughout the day; turn on your vacation responder; and practice email batching or the pause function. Forbes (9/25)
The Water Cooler
Best US airports ranked J.D. Power is out with its annual North America Airport Satisfaction Study and some of the airports that topped the list might surprise you. With its food trucks and extensive beer options, Portland has been a crowd-pleaser for years. But who knew flying in and out of the Motor City was such a good time? Forbes (9/26)
You are perfectly cast in your life. I can't imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, lyricist, singer, actor, playwright, producer National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15
