The soft skills deficit Five years ago, while teaching full-time as an English instructor at a community college, I became painfully aware of my students’ lack of soft skills. When I walked into class, I greeted my students. Many times, only a few would respond. The rest stared blankly at their smartphones. When I passedContinue reading “Feeling the pain: Employers respond to the soft skills deficit”
Tag Archives: soft skills
An interview with Siddiqi Ray: A vision for entrepreneurs
Each business owner discovers the road to entrepreneurship differently. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing my friend, Siddiqi Ray, about her unique path to successful entrepreneurship. Siddiqi Ray is an internationally acclaimed photographer, speaker, and coach. Prior to stepping out on her own as an entrepreneur, Siddiqi garnered experience in editorial photography, marketing, customerContinue reading “An interview with Siddiqi Ray: A vision for entrepreneurs”
Higher ed: Branding your campus
Recently, my family and I traveled across two states to the Gulf Coast to visit the beach. My daughter is still at that wonderful age of resisting the notion of “potty breaks.” Half an hour after a pit stop, she insisted on stopping again–immediately. We passed two exits, no buildings or signs indicating businesses inContinue reading “Higher ed: Branding your campus”
The bravest thing a leader can do
What is the bravest thing any small business owner, leader, or manager can do? What is the boldest question a leader can ask? I propose that it’s this: “What’s my part of the problem?” If the video isn’t playing properly click here. Recently, a lifelong friend and small business owner contacted me for help withContinue reading “The bravest thing a leader can do”
Learning from everyone in the workplace
I once joined a professional organization with a diverse membership. We met weekly and discussed industry-related research. Every member sought to grow professionally; most attended at least one yearly conference hosted by the organization so the members grew pretty close. But one of the members drove me nuts, honestly (isn’t that always the case?) SheContinue reading “Learning from everyone in the workplace”
Branding yourself in your best light
Transparency. Isn’t it lovely? Unless we’re talking about bra straps or Scotch tape, not necessarily. No one wants to see (or smell) your dirty laundry. I promise. While transparency certainly has its place in the world of business and marketing, it doesn’t translate well to personalContinue reading “Branding yourself in your best light”
Before an informational interview
You might need to learn more about a career field to determine your degree path in college. Maybe you want an “in” with a particular company. Or perhaps you’re considering changing careers or seeking a promotion into a career zone that’s unfamiliar. Whatever your reasons, requesting an informational interview can feel pretty intimidating. Here areContinue reading “Before an informational interview”
Why manners matter
Have you ever met someone who made a terrible first impression? Chances are, this person practiced manners poorly and lacked communication skills. He may not have had a firm handshake. Maybe he avoided eye contact with you (or worse yet, ignored you while interacting with others). Perhaps the person was attempting to sell you somethingContinue reading “Why manners matter”
How to own your career journey and keep peace with your helicopter parents, too
I spoke to an incredibly bright, hard-working, promising senior in college yesterday. She told me about her summer internship with a major corporation in northwest Arkansas. She seemed excited about the possibilities of applying for graduate school and working full-time after graduation, too. With a solid GPA, plenty of leadership experience in athletics and extracurricularContinue reading “How to own your career journey and keep peace with your helicopter parents, too”
How do you make decisions about your career?
When contemplating changing jobs, applying for promotions within your company, quitting a job to spend time with your family, or other major career changes, how in the world do you make those big decisions? And how do you make major career decisions without undergoing stress and anxiety? Here are seven steps I go through when makingContinue reading “How do you make decisions about your career?”
