Homework for Sale?

As a college instructor, certified academic coach, and tutor, I know students don’t always do their own work.  While some copy from others’ work, others have the money to buy their assignments. Students use online homework services for several reasons: 1) they are under-prepared to do the level of work required and get the grade […]

The Informational Interview

We’ve all been on job interviews, and many of you have interviewed others for a job. Are you familiar with an informational interview?  With this powerful research and job search tool, the roles are reversed.  The job seeker is the one conducting the interview, with several goals in mind.  First is to learn about new […]

Mental Rehearsal is Easy and Effective

A favorite inspirational Olympic story I love to share with clients is that of Laura Wilkinson’s 2000 Olympic diving gold medal.  Laura had been injured and unable to dive for three months earlier in 2000.  I remember watching the competition with my daughters and telling them she didn’t have a chance when she was in eighth […]

The Power of Recognition

Twice I’ve been recognized by Rio Salado College as one of its Outstanding Adjunct Faculty members in the Business Department.  Fewer than 5% of the 1100 adjunct faculty are awarded this honor, so I am proud and excited about this accomplishment.  I work very hard to help my students in every aspect of their learning, […]

Demonstrate Your Readiness to Lead

You’ve put your time in, you’ve been paying attention, and you’re ready for something bigger.  You’ve noticed which managers keep you growing and motivated and which ones no one cares to follow, including you.  Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “If only I ran this department…”  Perhaps you’ve applied for a promotion and been turned down.  […]

To Err is Human

We’ve all heard it said: to err is human; to forgive is divine, but just how often is this platitude practiced in the workplace?  What if you’re new in your job?  Just how does one recover from a mistake, especially when it involves others? I faced this very question myself years ago when I made […]

Finding the Right Fit

Someone recently made the observation that companies are now ranking how well candidates fit with their organizational culture above how strong their skillsets are and asked me why I thought this was so. I replied that hiring based on fit with the organization’s culture makes sense because a company’s brand is closely associated with its […]

Networking Tips for New Grads

Networking is the most effective way for college graduates to begin their career, not only to secure that first position after college, but also to start building their professional network.  It’s essential that they think of the long term and start establishing relationships that will carry them forward.  They’ll want to remember that as a […]

Giving Effective Praise

While it’s great to shower employees with cash bonuses, gifts, and other tangible rewards, there are many ways to let people know we appreciate their efforts.  Employees often long to be recognized and praised.  To illustrate this point, motivator and speaker, Roger Crawford, describes a scene of a child on a diving board calling out […]

Overcoming Staff Reluctance (Or Our Own)

How do we help reluctant staff learn new technology?  What if it’s we who resist embracing new ways?  How can we “get with the program”?  The first thing to consider is that emotions affect the brain’s ability to learn, think, and remember.  Self-doubt, fear, and resistance prevent the brain from doing these things, whereas confidence […]