Using the word "just" while offering advice can make you sound condescending, Kat Boogaard writes. It's better to provide specific, actionable advice that's worded sympathetically.

Hard work won't lead you toward a promotion if you aren't taking credit for your accomplishments, writes Sarah Greesonbach. It's also important to avoid burning yourself out.

If you want to impress others when meeting them for the first time, practice describing what you do in a concise manner, writes Amna Shamim. Always try to listen more than you talk by using well-timed questions to redirect the conversation when you've been talking too much, Shamim writes.

Lyft President John Zimmer became a leader at a young age, and he's learned to hire people who offset his weaknesses, giving them room to grow and preaching "be yourself." "If you're going to manage people or lead people, you have to be able to walk in their shoes and understand them," he says.

Vacation is a good time to evaluate how happy you are with your job, writes Art Markman. Consider where your career is going and what might be missing from your work experiences that could make you feel more fulfilled.

Former US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps lost to a computer-generated great white shark in a 100-meter race. The contest was staged off the South African coast, with Phelps wearing a wet suit and specially designed monofin to improve his speed.