Why trying to be too nice can backfire Being perceived as a nice person is important to most workers because they want to work in an enjoyable environment and think kindness helps their careers, writes Stephanie Vozza. However, niceness can backfire if it means sacrificing honesty. Fast Company online (8/21)How to calm a chaotic work environment If your workplace lacks organization, descending into panicked decisions on a daily basis, start modeling how to prioritize and plan tasks more effectively, writes Karla L. Miller. Use email to get all the stakeholders on the same page, asking questions that place the onus on the people requesting help to determine if the situation is truly an emergency. The Seattle Times (tiered subscription model)/The Washington Post (8/20)
Making the Connection
Contribute your expertise to developing countries as a consultant Recruiters with global development organizations, such as the World Bank, which helps countries develop their health, infrastructure, IT and other systems, are looking for contract consultants, writes Emma Smith. These positions are rarely advertised via traditional channels, and this video offers insights for connecting with hiring managers. Devex (free registration) (8/20)Poll question: Have you ever worked outside the US? As the pace of the global economy quickens, more opportunities to work outside of the US have risen. Have you ever worked outside the US -- either by relocating through your employer or taking a job with a foreign company? Poll results on Friday.
What you should know about the Social Security disability program About one-quarter of adults report having a disability, and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits can help. To make the most of these benefits and raise overall income, consider a trial month of work and have your physician be very specific about what you can and can't do. U.S. News & World Report (8/21)
Your Next Challenge
Be concise and emphasize fit in a job interview Candidates can shine in interviews if they make their responses concise and focus on how their skills and experience fit with the organization, writes John Knotts, president of Crosscutter Enterprises. Candidates should be prepared to ask questions about the organization and be ready to share solid examples of collaboration and problem-solving in past jobs, he recommends. Forbes (8/22)
A higher salary isn't always the answer to enjoying work, as research finds we hit a "happiness plateau" at $75,000, writes Alex Palmer. Focus on other ways to brighten the work day, such as walking or biking to work, journaling successes or redecorating your workspace. CNBC (8/20)
Being an elite athletes can lead to bad teeth Researchers have found that despite taking better care of their teeth via brushing and flossing than the general population, elite athletes still have higher rates of oral disease. The culprits include sports drinks, energy gels and bars the athletes consume more often than the general population, which are known to damage teeth. University College London (UK) (8/23)
We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
