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How Humor at Work Enhances Professional Relationships
Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling as a stand-up comic. Okay, maybe I’m not quite that funny, but I think I’m pretty clever. Witty, snarky, facetious… call it what you will, but I have a knack for making people laugh. I mean, if I can get a smirk or even a suppressed giggle out of my angsty teenagers on a regular basis, I think we can consider this proven fact. My relationship with humor has not only helped with raising kids and in my personal life, but it’s an integral part of forming relationships with my clients. And no, adding some levity does not detract from your professionalism.…
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How to Find a Third Place When You Work From Home
I recently wrote about the concept of a “third place,” which is a space that helps you transition from work to home. But what happens when you work from home? Sometimes, it isn’t feasible to leave your house, travel to a third place, and then come back home. So unlike traditional office workers who have clear physical separation from work, home-based professionals must create this separation mentally and physically within their living space. The Challenge of Working from Home The primary challenge of working from home is the tendency for work to infiltrate every corner of your life. Without the physical commute and change of environment, distinguishing between “work time”…
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What Is a Third Place and How to Find the Right One
In the relentless pursuit of work-life balance, we often juggle the demands of our professional and personal lives, striving to excel in both realms. Amid this balancing act, the concept of a “third place” emerges. It is a vital yet frequently overlooked sanctuary that can significantly enhance our overall quality of life. So, What Is a Third Place? A third place is neither your workplace nor your home. It’s a unique space where you can relax, engage in hobbies, or simply be yourself. Here, you are free from the pressures of work and domestic responsibilities. This concept, originating from sociologist Ray Oldenburg, highlights the importance of communal spaces outside of…
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How Modern Leadership Roles Transform Traditional Businesses
Let’s face it: traditional leadership roles aren’t enough anymore. To stay competitive in an era of rapid technological advancements and swiftly changing customer expectations, businesses must embrace modern leadership roles. This evolution is crucial not just for maintaining agility, but also for aligning with contemporary business practices. Clinging to outdated models can hinder progress, leaving companies trailing behind. Instead, adopting modern leadership roles is key to successfully navigating these constant changes and staying ahead in the market. Meet the New Innovators To navigate these shifts, forward-thinking companies are embracing modern leadership roles by adding some innovative titles to their executive lineup: Modern Leadership Roles Drive Change Modern leadership roles are…
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Mastering Delegation When Being a Doer Is In Your DNA
If you are a roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-it-done doer like I am, this topic might make you twitch a little: delegation. I know, I know, doing things yourself can feel like the fastest (maybe even the only) way to get things right. But here’s the scoop: mastering delegation can be a game-changer, boosting your productivity and setting you up for continued career growth. Let’s break it down and see how you can become a pro at delegation, even if every fiber of your being screams to do it all yourself. What’s the Real Deal with Delegation? Think of delegation not as dumping tasks you don’t want, but as a strategic move to better…
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Work-Life Balance: 12 Tips to Find Harmony
I know first-hand how maintaining a healthy work-life balance can seem like a juggling act that often ends with lots of balls on the floor. With the lines between office and home increasingly blurred, especially when you consider remote working, it’s crucial to establish boundaries that allow for productivity, personal growth, and relaxation. Let’s dive into some practical work-life balance tips to help you find that sweet spot between your professional and personal life. 1. Prioritize Your Time Time is the currency of life. To achieve a work-life balance, start by identifying what’s most important to you. Create a list of your top priorities, both at work and home, and…
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What Is a Fractional CMO? Let Me Explain
Have you heard of a fractional CMO? A fractional Chief Marketing Officer allows you to have a top-notch marketing expert in your corner, without the need for a full-time commitment. Let’s dive into this concept and see why a fractional CMO is becoming a must-have for businesses, big and small. What’s a Fractional CMO, Anyway? Imagine you could hire an expert marketer for just a part of their time. That’s what a fractional CMO is all about. We’re seasoned marketing professionals who split our time across different companies, offering our experience and skills without the full-time price tag. This way, smaller or growing businesses can get a slice of the…
