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The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on leadership qualities, and especially thinking about what skills make an effective leader. One thing that keeps coming up in my mind is emotional intelligence (EQ), and its immense impact on effective leadership. When you understand what emotional intelligence really is and how you can leverage it to be a better leader, it’s a game changer. When I started my career, I thought being a good leader was all about technical skills, strategic thinking, and decisiveness. Don’t get me wrong, those things are important. But as I’ve grown in my career and experience and have taken on more leadership roles, I’ve realized that EQ is what…
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10 Ways to Master the Art of Self-Promotion Without Feeling Icky
As someone who isn’t exactly the poster child for loving self-promotion (thank you, introverted nature!), I’ve learned that it’s crucial whether you’re building a business or climbing the career ladder. The trick is getting your skills and achievements out without sounding like you’re bragging. Here’s how I’ve managed to do it—without the ick factor. 1. Use Content Marketing My favorite self-promotion method, hands down, is blogging and sharing tips on social media, focusing on problems I know people are itching to solve. This has been a game-changer for building trust. Plus, when you help someone through your content, they see your value without you waving it in their face. 2.…
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How Your Individual Circadian Rhythm Impacts Productivity
As an early riser, I’ve always felt that my brain fires on all cylinders in the morning, slowly declining as the day goes on. And I’ve been fascinated by how different times of the day affect my productivity and mood. So I did some digging and I ended up down a rabbit hole of research into circadian rhythm, productivity, and work schedules. Here’s what I discovered. Understanding Circadian Rhythms Circadian rhythms are internal clocks running in the background of our brains, cycling between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals. These rhythms are not just about when we go to sleep or wake up; they influence all aspects of our physiology…
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A Personal Journey: Overcoming Setbacks with Grace and Grit
Life, as they say, is full of ups and downs. As someone recently faced with the challenge of being laid off, I understand the sting of unexpected setbacks. But in the whirlwind of uncertainty, I’m leaning fully into online authenticity, which for me means being transparent about my experiences and emotions. I’ve gathered some personal insights on bouncing back and overcoming setbacks, which I’d love to share with you. Embrace Vulnerability One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned is the power of vulnerability. It was incredibly tough to admit my layoff’s emotional and professional toll. However, embracing vulnerability has not only allowed me to acknowledge my feelings but also…
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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…
