Posted in December 2011

New Year’s Resolution: Volunteer


If your job search is going to extend into the new year, here’s a resolution that will make a difference: look for a meaningful volunteer job. Volunteering always makes a difference, of course, in the community and for the people nonprofits serve. It’s good to know that you can make a difference to others and make a difference in your job search at the same time.

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Connecting with the Mission


If you’re working, (or looking) do you know the mission and vision of the company? Does it resonate with your personal values? Do you feel that the work you’re doing makes a difference? If you can’t answer yes to any of these questions, you may be in the wrong place, even if you’re doing a good job. Continue reading »

What Would Martha Do?


So I wondered: what would happen if she focused on job search techniques? What would the woman who once wrote a whole blog post on cleaning your handbag (and sewing a labeled drawstring bag to store it properly in your closet) and who penned the immortal words: “Group table linens by size — all tablecloths together, all napkins together. You can further group them by season (all holiday items together) or formality (casual linens on top, formal linens underneath).” This was from her “simple tips” list. You don’t want to see the “advanced tips” list. Trust me. Continue reading »

Hope Springs Eternal


One of the characteristics that set humans apart from most other creatures is our ability to see into the future; to travel ahead in time. It’s what helps us plan. We can for instance, make a decision to go grocery shopping even though we just eaten a big meal; we know we’ll be hungry later, and we’re out of eggs, so we shop. Continue reading »

The Theory of Relativity


The Relativity Theory was first identified by Ernst Heinrich Weber (June 24, 1795 – January 26, 1878) a German physician who is considered to be one of the founders of experimental psychology. His work measured our ability to perceive differences in weight (that is lifted or held) and found that your ability to perceive change is relative to what you start with. Continue reading »

How GUTSY are You?


Cottle has been featured in motivational books, and her GUTS formula for success is a popular topic for her presentations to groups. I caught up with her by phone to ask about her coaching process. She says it took her about ten years of observing successful people to come up with the formula. She has worked with people all over the world (she’s currently coaching clients via Skype from as far away as Hong Kong and Belgium) and sees a pattern in the way they manage their lives and careers. Continue reading »

Make the Most of Holiday Parties


December is one of the busiest social seasons of the year. Arguably, we attend more parties this month than any other. That can be a blessing and a curse if you’re in a job hunt or thinking about changing jobs next year. Here are some tips to help you survive – and perhaps thrive. Continue reading »

Taking it Personally


It’s not all about you. Really. Sometimes, it’s not even a little about you. Yet taking things personally is one of the most frequent causes of conflict in the workplace – and in life. It’s easy to fly off the handle when someone gives you a hard time. After all, you fume, it’s not like I haven’t had a bad day / bad year / bad life myself. Who is she to snap at me when I ask a simple question? Before you give her a piece of your mind, take a deep breath and ask yourself these questions.

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