Negotiating is more than a skill set Successful negotiations rely on certain personality traits, such as flexibility and persistence, as well as skill in persuasion, writes career coach Caroline Ceniza-Levine. People will have better outcomes if they're willing to consider other proposals and wait for the information and terms they requested. Forbes (8/11)Successful referrals make you look good A successful hire that results from a referral you made boosts your profile at work and within your network, so improve the candidate's chances by offering insights into the company and role, writes Stacy Pollack, human resources professional. Be selective about who you help and don't pester the hiring manager once the resume is submitted. Glassdoor (8/19)
Making the Connection
How to tactfully beg off after-hours socializing It's easier to turn down an invitation to socialize after hours if you respond cordially but decisively to avoid awkward, repeated requests, says etiquette expert Diane Gottsman. If pressed for a reason, saying "I have other plans" is an honest response since "going home to watch a TV show on your couch" suffices as other plans. Medium (tiered subscription model) (8/20)
The Landscape
US officials reportedly discuss payroll tax cut Officials in the Trump administration are talking about temporarily reducing the payroll tax to boost spending and to head off an economic downturn, sources say. The White House says "more tax cuts for the American people are certainly on the table, but cutting payroll taxes is not something under consideration at this time." The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (8/19)
Your Next Challenge
Advice for avoiding bad career decisions Too often people allow a higher salary, concerns about the unknown or an overestimation of their talents drive poor career decisions, writes Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, chief talent scientist at ManpowerGroup. "In order to land the job you really want, you need to be clear about what you are good at, what the job in question is really like, and de-emphasize financial incentives to fulfill other values and career drivers," he writes. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (8/20)Work attire can make or break a career
(Yohan Bonnet/AFP/Getty Images)
Senior executives consider attire when choosing people for promotions, but employees have to understand the nuances related to the messages they send with their choices, writes Lydia Dishman. Team leaders should dress slightly more professionally to signal authority, while new hires don't want to alienate coworkers by dressing too formally. Fast Company online (8/13)
Balancing Yourself
A seasoned road warrior shares tips for stress-free travel Rob Enderle spends about half his time on the road, so he knows what he's talking about when it comes to travel. His advice includes traveling light and using laundry services if necessary, signing up for Clear or a trusted traveler program, dressing for comfort and making sure you have plenty of chargers and power banks for your favorite electronic devices. TechNewsWorld (8/19)
