How to stay productive when you feel overlooked | Smithsonian chief explains his philosophy of leadership | The one key question that will help you connect with others
If you feel you're not respected enough at work, take the opportunity to look for ways to develop your skills, writes Christine Porath. Monitor your stress levels when you're not happy at work and seek quality relationships with co-workers who will give you the respect you're after. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (6/22) Smithsonian chief explains his philosophy of leadership David Skorton, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is an advocate of servant leadership and rarely makes unilateral decisions on important matters. "It's important to go as slow as possible without slowing down the whole process, and to honor the knowledge of the people who have been around longer," he says. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (6/17)
Making the Connection
The one key question that will help you connect with others "What do you love best about your job?" is the best question you can ask when looking to network with others, writes Geoffrey James. The question will not only serve as a great icebreaker, but reveal ways in which you can strengthen your connection with the other person, James writes. Inc. online (free registration) (6/22)
Employees spend an estimated $3,300 every year getting ready for work, commuting to the office and being at work, according to a CareerBuilder study. The study examines expenses in categories including child care, food, transportation and pet care. BusinessNewsDaily.com (6/20)
Your Next Challenge
Why your cover letter should never be an afterthought Instead of being an afterthought, cover letters should include proof of the research you've done and open a dialogue with the reader, the Young Entrepreneur Council advises. Use your cover letter to show how your skill set will address the company's needs, but make sure it doesn't read as if a robot wrote it. TheMuse.com (6/22)
Voltaire, philosophy and lottery winner Voltaire might be famous for his writing, but he made his fortune playing a French lottery after figuring out a way to buy up every available ticket. Voltaire and his syndicate netted vast sums of money before the government shut down the lottery. Lapham's Quarterly (Summer 2016)
I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.
