5 strategies for making a strong first impression | How to discover and unleash your professional superpower | You could be a great leader ... and a terrible manager
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It's easy to bring up the leaders-to-be at work who are shining stars, but good leaders also work to nurture those who are just as talented but not as obvious, writes Joel Garfinkle, author of "The Invisible Leaders: How to Find Them and Let Them Shine." These individuals tend to be strong workers who hesitate to disagree, shy away from speaking up, and clearly aren't comfortable among boisterous colleagues, Garfinkle says.
First impressions are a key factor in hiring decisions, and they begin even before face-to-face meetings, writes career and leadership coach Caroline Castrillon. Candidates can ensure they make a positive first impression by cleaning up their social media profiles, tailoring their resumes, preparing for the interview, doing a practice run if the interview is virtual and following up after the interview, Castrillon advises.
Identifying and unleashing your professional superpower can help you reach maximum performance and productivity. There are several ways to discover that superpower and use it to make your mark in the workforce. "To define your superpower, pay attention to how your direct reports, peers, and manager compliment you at work," says Frances Weir, a career coach.
Being a good leader and a good manager take different skills, says Claire Hughes Johnson, corporate officer and adviser at Stripe, with leaders setting a compelling vision and managers organizing teams to achieve clear goals. "If you think about management into leadership, management is more comfortable. Leadership is a little less comfortable. That's a way to start bridging the two," Hughes Johnson says.
Later afternoons and early evenings, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., have become something of a dead zone at many companies that offer flexible working arrangements. Employees cut out early for appointments or personal time and the end of the workday is less productive as collaboration stalls and colleagues become unreachable. Many bosses lament the change but workers value the freedom to set their own schedules, and striking a balance is crucial for employees and employers.
The competing goals of saving for retirement and college expenses are causing many to delay retirement, save less in retirement accounts and even take early withdrawals, a Society of Actuaries survey found. Financial advisors can help clients plan for both and may be aided by a new rule that allows for penalty-free 529-to-IRA rollovers.
Brian May, the legendary guitarist from Queen, was asked a series of questions about the songs in the band's library. Questions like:
Which song doubles as Queen's thesis statement? Which song he wishes wasn't eclipsed by the hits? What is his most spectacular guitar moment? Which song always reminds him of Freddie Mercury?
The big brain on Brian:And since May holds a PhD in astrophysics, it makes perfect sense that he tackles: Which song was most influenced by physics?
Companies that prioritize sustainability are making the world a better place, and their customers often appreciate their efforts -- and show that appreciation by shopping or partnering with them. However, reaping the business benefits of sustainability initiatives depends on getting the word out. In this episode of Sustainability SmartPod, Mike Hower, founder of Hower Impact and one of the premier thought leaders on environmental, social and governance and sustainability communications, outlines best practices for sustainability messaging and shares examples of companies that are doing it right.