What to know about discussing politics in the workplace | Now is the time to start planning for your 2016 bonus check | How to break the ice at networking events
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While employers are allowed to take stances on political issues or even endorse candidates, employees may have to be more careful about discussing their views since many First Amendment rights don't apply in the workplace, writes Jena McGregor. In many states, there's no legal protection from being discriminated against due to your political affiliation, says lawyer Debra Katz. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (10/21) Now is the time to start planning for your 2016 bonus check As the US job market improves, companies are likely to be more generous with bonuses this year in order to boost retention. Planning for how to spend the windfall now will help head off wasting the bonus money, experts say. CNBC (10/21)
Making the Connection
How to break the ice at networking events The best way to start a conversation with others at networking events is often to just say hello and introduce yourself, writes Eugene Kim. You can also remark on a participant's food or drink, compliment something they're wearing, or ask a question about the event to break the ice. Business Insider (10/23)
The Landscape
Minimum-wage measures are on the ballots in 5 states Voters in Arizona, Maine, Colorado and Washington will consider ballot proposals to raise the minimum wage. South Dakota voters, meanwhile, will be able to weigh in on whether to overturn a state law that established a lower minimum wage for workers younger than 18. The Associated Press (10/16)
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Weird things you might be challenged to do in an interview Young Entrepreneur Council members share some of the wackier things they've asked people to do during interviews, including playing table tennis and doing a Rubik's Cube. Personality tests and finding out how weird candidates think they are were also favorites. TheMuse.com (10/23)
Amazon patent imagines tiny personal assistant drones Miniature drones controlled by voice command are envisioned in an Amazon patent as future assistants for law enforcement and others. The drone would be equipped with a camera to give its users a bird's-eye view and help in situations, such as shoppers finding a car in a parking lot or military forces exploring a building that may contain hostile forces. Gizmodo (10/19)
I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.
