What to do when you truly want to improve Research suggests asking for advice, rather than feedback, helps you access insights you need to improve. This is because feedback tends to focus on evaluation, while advice is more about potential future actions. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (9/20)Telling an embarrassing story is good for generating ideas Writing or sharing a story about being recently embarrassed is better for idea generation than telling a story about a "prideful moment," according to research that included Leigh Thompson, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management. "So sharing an embarrassing story may actually counteract fears of future embarrassment by reminding us we're all human," she writes. Fast Company online (9/20)
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Making the Connection
Don't overuse exclamation points in work emails Find the right balance between professional and casual tone in your work emails, and try to stick to using just one exclamation point, says Betsy Mikel. Too many exclamation points might take away from your professionalism, but zero could make you seem brusque. Inc. online (9/19)
The Landscape
Study: 57% of candidates avoid companies with bad reps A study from Randstad USA found 57% of job candidates elect not to apply to companies that receive negative reviews online, but managers seem unconcerned about this trend. Two-thirds of managers said they do not believe negative reviews affect their ability to attract quality talent and just 34% of HR managers say they believe these reviews matter. Forbes (9/22)
Job hunters need unique game plans for different kinds of interviews be they via text, Slack, video or before a panel of recruiters, some experts suggest. Just like in traditional interviews, candidates should have a list of their own questions and remain focused on how they are the best fit for a job. New York Post (9/22) Be strategic when following up after a job interview Give employers the benefit of the doubt if you haven't heard from them a couple of weeks after an interview and reach out to colleagues or hiring managers to inquire about progress, writes career coach Stephanie Sarkis. "Make the contact short, and again express that you are interested in the job," she suggests. Forbes (9/22)
Balancing Yourself
Five myths about procrastination Common sentiments about procrastination include myths such as getting it done early is better than procrastinating; you can beat procrastination with self-imposed deadlines; and procrastination is a time management problem that can slow down work, says Anisa Purbasari Horton. "If you do force yourself to push through, what you'll end up doing is focus on the same bits of information, but when you procrastinate and do something else, you're giving your brain time to process and make new connections," she writes. Fast Company online (9/23)
Leaders in France have launched an initiative to breathe new life into shuttered cafes across the country. The closing of cafes is small, off-the-beaten path has left locals with few alternative locations to socialize. The Associated Press (9/23)
Live up to your convictions. You walk in grace or you walk in fear. You can't have it both ways.
Carlos Santana, Mexican American guitarist, musician National Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15
