The No-Slime Method for Building Your Professional Network – Part 2
We take the next steps from mapping your network, to making your request for a meeting, what to say in the meetings, and how to follow-up.
Career
Past The Comfort Zone – Learning to Let Yourself Grow
Researchers call that area right outside our comfort zone a state of optimal anxiety. It’s not too overwhelming, but it’s not too easy, and it’s where we often do our best work.
When Data Remains Data
Have you ever used something once and then put it aside where it only collects dust? Unfortunately, data often has the same type of journey. Typically data is collected and then put aside, never to be used again. Jeff Neal, Senior Vice President of ICF International, sat down with Christopher Dorobek on the DorobekINSIDER programRead… Read more »
3 Reasons Why You Need a Happy File
I’ve learned the importance of having and maintaining a happy file at work, and I’ve found it so beneficial that I will always make it a priority to keep an updated happy file.
Multitasking Doesn’t Help
If you were to come by my desk early Wednesday morning, you would have found me listening to the GovLoop State and Local Government Innovators Virtual Summit on my iPhone while I was working on a presentation and messaging with a colleague about an event we were planning. I was also answering emails in betweenRead… Read more »
Become Your Office’s Sherlock Holmes by Leveraging the 5 Why’s
You don’t treat a bullet wound with a Band-Aid. You don’t take a bald head to the beach without sunscreen. And you shouldn’t take all issues within your office at face value. A common technique for getting to the root cause of an issue is called the “5 Whys,” and it can be a great… Read more »
A Baby Boomer’s Advice to New Employees
After years of hiring freezes and budget cuts, we have been able to finally back-fill behind people who have retired years ago. And with work load increasing, and a decent budget, we are also able to hire some “entry level” positions to off-set our aging workforce. Often, our job openings are filled by others fromRead… Read more »
Overcoming Technical Work Hurdles
“It’s part of life to have obstacles. It’s about overcoming obstacles; that’s the key to happiness.” – Herbie Hancock System updates..upgrades…capabilities…permissions. I prefer not to hear those terms anytime soon. I met with some tech-savvy staff every day this week. I have not reached the finish line, but I am closer to my goal. MyRead… Read more »
Got Enough Drive to Advance Your Career? 5 Lessons from High Achievers
Yesterday, I had the privilege of closing out GovLoop’s State and Local Innovators Virtual Summit with a video chat that covered career advice for government professionals. In preparing for the chat, I reflected a bit on the traits I’ve observed in the most successful people across my 20-year career. The main distinction I’ve seen isRead… Read more »
Why You Need to Develop a Workplace Mentoring Program
A common characteristic of all successful companies is that they know how to attract and retain an engaged and qualified work force. Mentoring is one tool they use to ensure their employees are constantly learning to facilitate improved performance across the board. Below are several benefits of building and implementing a strong and effective workplaceRead… Read more »