Why do I need a mentor? Fair question. On the surface there are plenty of people who achieved a very successful career on their own. Most of the “How to Succeed” books I have read usually don’t even mention a mentor. The hero or heroin may discuss all the attributes and skills they were either […]

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This morning I was up early and saw the sun rise on the New Year. It looked very similar to yesterday’s sunrise, but there was something different about it. Perhaps it was just my mental inference on an occurrence unchanged since the beginning of the universe. When we watch the sunrise, we are seeing, in […]

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I met a new friend with an interesting job situation. She is the sole representative of a foreign company in New York City. Being a long way from the home office has created some real challenges. First there is a lot of envy among her home office coworkers, which results in less than desirable support. […]

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The Christmas holidays are fast approaching, and already many offices are swinging into a holiday mood. Well almost everyone. The workplace demographics are changing, and those who celebrate Christmas are declining in number. While everyone likes a holiday, not everyone enjoy observing someone else’s holiday. “Political Correctness” the new buzzword governing so much of today’s […]

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The difference between zero sum and an expansion theory determines your view on competition. Some believe that rewards are limited and the more you share the less you get. This often demonstrated by dividing the proverbial pie. The more you share the smaller piece of pie. Others believe in the expansion theory, sometimes referred to […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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This too shall pass, is a very common mantra for those who work for a difficult boss. While conditions may very from a nuance to sever, the effects are very similar. Day-after-day the situation with the boss occupies the majority of the workday, and for most of us most of waking hours. Stress is difficult […]

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This week I responded to several question on Yahoo Answers.com regarding problems with difficult coworkers. The problems range to from mild irritations to potentially damaging situations. One of the key concepts to keep in mind is everyone in the workplace is there to make a living and get ahead as best they can. That is […]

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Although designed for use in the short interval when you have a captive audience in the elevator, an elevator pitch is also handy when you have just a few minutes to pass on information or make a favorable impression. While for the longest time, I thought that elevator pitches were shameless acts of self-promotion, and […]

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If you are unemployed and are looking for work you may consider volunteering to work for one of the presidential candidates. Almost everyone who volunteers is accepted, and it is a great way to build out your professional network with well connected and influential contacts. The political campaign for the next US President, like a […]

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I really believe most of our goals are achievable. What seems to derail us on our quest of success is the choices we make along the way. In looking at the popular advice on how to achieve your goals, most boils down decide what you want to do and do it. What could be simpler? […]

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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. […]

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This past week I spent at the beach. It was really nice weather the first couple of days and we played a lot of horseshoes on the beach. Although I have played horseshoes off an on over the years, I do not play often enough to be a real competitor. However holding true to my […]

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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 […]

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Most of were taught that self-promotion is rude and distasteful behavior. This is sort of funny because the whole time parents are trying to teach their children not to boost of their own accomplishments, the parents spare no opportunity to brag about their children. No matter how small the feat a child performs, it is […]

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It is only natural to take credit for our accomplishments. We work hard to advance our careers. However, we usually had some help along the way. It is good to recognize and thank those who helped us. When I think back over my career two areas spring instantly to mind; my accomplishments, and my difficulties. […]

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This week has been really one for the record books when it comes to bad financial news. The US slipped from it AAA bond rating for the first time, and many predict it is the first step down the slippery slope to complete financial collapse. This follows on the political shenanigans revolving around raising the […]

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When thinking of living within our means, the first thing that springs to mind is our bank account. “Don’t spend more than you make” the first rule of financial stability. Is the same true with our skills and talents? Don’t give more than you receive. Sound selfish? What about “you have to give before receive” […]

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This week I exchanged e-mails with a company interested in instituting a formal mentor program for new employees. The objective of the program would provide a formal structure for new employees to obtain advice and guidance from the senior staff outside of the usual management tract. In many organizations, the supervisor or manager has the […]

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