When a performance action plan is a setup for termination | Change your work mindset with a little introspection | Research: US labor market not as tight as jobless rate shows
Holding out for your dream job where you love absolutely everything about it is not a realistic pursuit for most, writes Tracy Brower. There are, however, a few steps you can take to shift your mindset about your work, such as asking yourself what trajectory this job puts you on, whether you can change energy-draining duties and how much time you spend on things you enjoy. Fast Company online (5/31)
Making the Connection
Assertive or aggressive? It's all in the context Sounding assertive at work instead of rude is a matter of taking a few moments to express your reasoning politely by using phrases such as "Thanks, but I think I need some more time," and "I'm afraid I have to disagree with you," writes Albert P'Rayan. He also offers suggestions to convey yourself assertively, but respectfully, using other verbal and nonverbal cues. The Indian Express (India) (6/1)
The Landscape
Research: US labor market not as tight as jobless rate shows The US labor market is "considerably less tight" than the unemployment rate indicates if people who want to work but are not seeking jobs or are employed part time are factored in, according to research meant for the Federal Open Market Committee. That could be the reason the labor market isn't putting more upward pressure on wages and prices, the research says. Market News International (6/3)
Your Next Challenge
5 ways to test a career change If you're unsure about how to proceed with switching your career, try job shadowing or asking your supervisor for a stretch project that tests new skills, writes Jill Cornfield. Consult people in your network about fields you're interested in and expand that network by checking out the alumni section on your college's LinkedIn page. CNBC (6/4)What's behind the "tell me about yourself" request
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When interviewers say, "Tell me about yourself," they want your perspective of your career path, writes Alison Green. Prepare by thinking about how to explain your work's purpose as well as your talents and achievements that set you apart in less than a minute. The Cut (tiered subscription model) (6/4)
Balancing Yourself
Are you prone to burnout? Here's how to manage your risk Burnout is a complicated syndrome involving a "prolonged response to chronic interpersonal stressors on the job," and certain people may exhibit characteristics that predispose them to burnout. Recognizing that you have workaholic, perfectionist or people-pleasing tendencies can help, writes Rachel Montanez, and she suggests strategies for each personality type to guard against burnout. Forbes (6/3)
After going to the North Korea side of the demilitarized zone of the Korean peninsula last week, 21-year-old Lexie Alford has become the youngest person to visit every country in the world. Alford had to provide the Guinness World Records with plane tickets, passport stamps and witness statements to prove that she went to all 196 sovereign nations. United Press International (6/4)
What would life be like if we only did what is necessary?
Andreas Nikolaus "Niki" Lauda, three-time Formula 1 racing champion
