Tips for beating procrastination One of the best ways to avoid procrastination is to put your most difficult tasks at the top of your to-do list, writes Jeffrey Hayzlett. Whatever you do, avoid checking your social media accounts and even move to a quieter work space if necessary. Entrepreneur online (7/21)Develop complementary traits to balance out strengths Building traits that are positive opposites to your strengths can help you become a well-rounded leader and avoid going to extremes, writes Tony Schwartz. For instance, a strength such as confidence can turn into arrogance if overused, whereas practicing humility can be an effective counterpart. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (7/21)
The Ultimate Guide to Employee Recognition Want to learn how to create a meaningful strategy that will yield higher levels of employee retention and engagement? Read "The Ultimate Guide to Employee Recognition" to learn about the case for employee recognition, how to secure management buy in, how to create a recognition program road map and implement a program.
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Making the Connection
Think again before you use these phrases You might not mean to offend by saying "no problem," but the phrase can communicate that you're a little resentful about being asked to complete a certain task, argues Judith Humphrey. Other phrases to avoid around the office include "it is what it is," which is an empty expression that can suggest you're not engaged, Humphrey writes. Fast Company online (7/23)
CEOs of the 350 biggest companies in the US were paid 271 times more than what the average employee received in 2016, according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute. Companies will have to reveal their CEO-to-employee pay ratio if the Trump administration does not repeal the Dodd-Frank Act mandate. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (7/20)
Your Next Challenge
Easy resume changes that can pay dividends You can quickly improve your resume by highlighting important projects you've worked on or honors that you've achieved, writes Benjamin Snyder. Make sure to include a URL for your LinkedIn profile and include keywords that are relevant to the position you're applying for, Snyder writes. CNBC (7/24)
The Water Cooler
Chefs create new takes on hash browns Chefs are introducing new takes on hash browns, inspired by a wave of nostalgia for the classic potato dish. Variations include super-sized versions, hash brown tacos and crunchy croutons made from grated potatoes. New York magazine (7/23)
Editor's Note
Correction The summary "Use LinkedIn features to attract employers" in the July 21 issue of SmartBrief on Your Career included an incorrect attribution. The source article was written by John Nemo. SmartBrief regrets the error.
You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.