Proactive employees must develop the office politics skills to successfully suggest changes and make sure they are in a work environment that welcomes employee input, write Andreas Wihler and Jon Jachimowicz. By seeking feedback from peers and supervisors, you can learn to better determine whether a proactive approach is appropriate.

It's normal to doubt yourself in your professional career from time to time, but you must present a self-assured attitude to eventually build your confidence, writes Debra Benton. If you don't face your fears regarding failure, you'll miss opportunities to become more confident and be seen as a leader in the workplace, adds Benton.

If you want to network with an influential person, set up a meeting while not asking for too much, says Sue Shellenbarger. Be specific in your email and assure the other person that you aren't looking to use a lot of their time, Shellenbarger advises.

The US manufacturing sector is having difficulty attracting software developers and engineers to bring big data and automation to the factory floor. Manufacturers say they can't match salaries and benefits offered in Silicon Valley.

Glassdoor has created a "know your worth" tool using the salary data the company has gathered over the last eight years, writes Stephanie Condon. The tool can be used to determine whether the salaries of professionals are in line with others in their field and how experience has affected their market values.

Stress in the workplace causes lower productivity and poor employee engagement, writes Travis Bradberry. A lack of empathy from bosses, little recognition for accomplishments and heavy workloads are major contributors to workplace stress, Bradberry writes.

Canadians have been paying close attention to the US election season and have responded by launching a social media campaign designed to comfort their southern neighbors. The "Tell America It's Great" campaign features a diverse group of Canadians politely reciting all the things they love about America.