Resolve to Become a Better Communicator

By Caroline M. Cole Wrapping up one year and launching into another, many of us will spend a few moments reflecting upon the successes and challenges of the past 12 months so as to identify ways to make this new … Continue reading

How to Mentor with the Greatest Impact

By Caroline M. Cole The post “How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Meaningful Relationship” discusses how we might find and work with mentors to achieve professional and personal goals with greater ease. On occasion, however, we may find … Continue reading

How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Mutually Rewarding Relationship

By Caroline M. Cole The first recorded use of the word “mentor” appears in Homer’s epic tale The Odyssey, which focuses on the final days of Troy and Odysseus’ attempt to return to Ithaca after the war. Readers learn that … Continue reading

Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection, in Communication

By Caroline M. Cole A beautifully plated appetizer, justifying a chef’s reputation or a restaurant’s multi-star rating. An elegantly designed smart phone or tablet that prompts consumers to wait in line for hours or even days. An impeccably executed pas … Continue reading

Performance Reviews, Part II: How to Write Self-Evaluations that Generate Support and Respect

By Caroline M. Cole “Performance Reviews, Part I: How to Write Evaluations that Serve Employees and Organizations Alike” examines strategies for assessing others but, on occasion, we may need to evaluate ourselves. Self-evaluations, for example, are increasingly common in organizations … Continue reading

Performance Reviews, Part I: How to Write Evaluations that Serve Employees and Organizations Alike

By Caroline M. Cole In the coming months, organizations may see an uptick in the number of employees stepping up their game; adopting their best behaviors; and working to make the strongest impression on supervisors, coworkers, subordinates, and clients—sure signs … Continue reading

How to Dazzle During an Interview

By Caroline M. Cole Many applicants know what they should do during an interview, and most can identify what they should not to do. Unfortunately, the conventional do’s and don’ts list applicants use when preparing for interviews configure these discussions … Continue reading

Setting Boundaries to Increase Productivity, Sanity, and Good Will

By Caroline M. Cole You’re working on a report that’s due by the end of the day and the phone rings; it’s a client you haven’t talked to for a while, wanting to discuss an idea for a new campaign. … Continue reading

Bypass Slogans and Develop a Mission Statement to Build and Pitch Your Reputation

By Caroline M. Cole DeBeers claims a “diamond is forever,” Exxon wants to be “a tiger in your tank,” Timex “takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” Energizer “keeps going and going and going,” and “Like a good neighbor, State … Continue reading