You can create a better network through LinkedIn if you're willing to reach out to others, accept connection requests and make use of the groups feature, writes William Arruda. He suggests customizing your connection requests and regularly reviewing LinkedIn's suggested connections for ideas. Forbes (2/5)
The Landscape
Senate committee hearings will address federal workforce issues The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs' federal workforce subcommittee held the first in a series of hearings on workforce management and discipline, with a focus on hiring. "You don't have as many issues with firing and with oversight if you have good hiring," said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla. FederalNewsRadio.com (2/9)
Your Next Challenge
A few short sayings can go a long way Leaders can help employees feel better about their job and performance through simple phrases used in conversation, writes Joel Garfinkle. These include: "You have what it takes," "I'm impressed" and "What is your vision?" Career Advancement Blog (2/6)
Balancing Yourself
Why you should avoid the word "can't" Avoid telling others that you "can't" do certain things when you know that you'd rather not do them even if you could, writes Kat Boogaard. Instead, take a firmer stance by using "don't" in those instances so your intentions are clear. TheMuse.com (2/10)
NASA narrows 2020 Mars rover landing site choices to 3 NASA scientists have narrowed to three the number of potential landing sites for its 2020 Mars rover, which will pick up soil and rock samples and attempt to return them to Earth. The sites are the Jezero crater, Northeast Syrtis and Columbia Hills. Nature (free content) (2/11)
