I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review Marion McGovern’s new book Thriving In The Gig Economy (How To Capitalize And Compete In The World Of Work) Marion McGovern has been at the forefront of the evolution transforming the workplace from permanent employment with a company to a free-lance, contractor-consultant, based on […]

I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review Mile Figliuolo’s new book The Elegant Pitch. One key element of a successful career is the ability to convince others. Often called “The Pitch” how we sell our ideas, skills, products and services determines the level of our success. Learning to effectively pitch our […]

I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review Scott Miller’s and David Morey’s new book The Leadership Campaign. At last there is a book that bridges the separation between political campaigns and business. The Leadership Campaign by Scott Miller and David Morey is a must read for all of us who are […]

No matter where we work unless we are hermits you will share work space with coworkers. It could be physical space at the office, hyperspace as in telecommuting or virtual office. Without fail, there will always be a difficult coworker or difficult boss who challenges your people skills and ability to cope with difficult people. […]

“The Next Gen Leader” –Cutting Edge Strategies to Make You the Leader You Were Born to Be- by Robert C. McMillan – The PracticaL Mentor’s book review I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review: “The Next Gen Leader” – Cutting Edge Strategies to Make You the Leader You Were Born to […]

I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review: “They Don’t Teach Corporate In College” Third Edition – A Twenty Something’s Guide To The Business World – By Alexandra Levit. Ask a college student what they want most, and the majority will talk of graduating and having a stellar career in their chosen […]

There are many of us still reeling from the economic recession, which by all news accounts is over. I talk to so many people who are still unemployed or under employed, and many of them are beginning to believe that some how it their fault. If you listen to the news, and political rhetoric the […]

What career should you choose? The reality is that there is more to any job than just the part you may like. How do you balance everything to choose a career you will like, make a good salary, and stay employed? There is a lot written about pursuing your passion in the job market. Like […]

Did you ever have a challenge or an issue, and you had no one to talk it over with? You may try talking with friends or coworkers, but they just don’t seem to get it, or their advice seems tainted with self-interest. Usually by the time we have started our careers, we are beyond our […]

This is a common question on a host of topics from being late for work to quitting a job. I look at Yahoo.answers almost everyday, and respond to questions it the Career and Employment Category. There are a variety of questions related to the workplace and careers, but it seems there are large percentage of […]

Unless we work for ourselves, most of us have to cope with a boss. What makes a boss more challenging to cope with than other authority figures? Why is more important to learn to cope with your boss? For one thing the circumstances of working are much different the environment in which we were raised. […]

go to buy now. Chapter 1, Difficult Bosses Are The Norm. There are countless pages written on how to deal with a difficult boss, but none seem to provide real solutions to the problem. At least they never did for me. I consider myself average, and it is easier for me to count the good […]

I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review: The Titleless Leader-How to Get Things Done When You’re Not in Charge – By Nan S. Russell. One of most challenging situations in the workplace is to have responsibility without authority. No matter what your position, your success greatly depends on your ability to […]

Its Not You Its Your Boss! The PracticaL Mentor’s Guide On How To Cope With A Difficult Boss has something for everyone. Go to Buy Now There are few jobs where there is not someone in a supervisory capacity overseeing the work. Even if you are a supervisor you have someone supervising you. More often […]

The other day a friend sent me a Chinese parable that I think is worth sharing. It illustrates several concepts we experience in our thinking and careers. When you read my paraphrased short version of the parable think of situations, which you faced that parallel the parable. In addition, there are three people involved in […]

Graduation is almost here. If you are graduating from high school there are several decisions facing you. Do you plan to go to college? Get a job? Stay at home? Move out on your own? If you are graduating from college are you going to go on to grad school? Get a job? Move back […]

Book Review I am thankful for the invitation from Career Press to review the revised edition of: How To Work For An Idiot – Survive And Thrive Without Killing Your Boss In his revised version of “How To Work For An Idiot”, Dr. John Hoover PhD has added all 10 types of bosses that he […]

Many of the tactics discussed in this article by Lynn Taylor have been mentioned in previous Practical Mentor articles. The idea is to present the information in as many forms as possible or maximum effect. In addition, Psychology Today is an outstanding source for workplace information and strategies. As you will notice there are common […]

Are you plagued by the statistics that seem to fill the headlines regarding personal success? There are the classics that say you cannot reach the top unless you go to an Ivy League school. Another states that unless you are in the top 5% of your class in grade school you don’t have a chance. […]

According to the news, Labor Day is the second most popular day for resetting career goals. It seems fitting on the day set aside to honor worker’s contribution to society that our thoughts naturally focus on our own contributions, and careers. While we all want to contribute to society, our main career goal is to […]