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5 Traits Of People Who Are Respected At Work (And Get The Most Career Opportunities)

I had a sad career coaching call with an extremely successful woman recently. When she told me her career story, which I have all my clients do, her story was riddled with a highway of situations where she was taken advantage of, where she wasn't given the respect that she deserved.

As a career coach, I have each person tell me their career story because I can always tell, based on the story, where your sticking points and roadblocks are. And for this woman, it clearly was getting herself into situations where they wouldn't respect her. She was almost in tears while telling me this, but she was still so professional, and then she said, "What is it going to take, JT? What is it going to take for me to get into one of these environments and not be taken advantage of?"

I didn't want to give her a pat answer, so I said I was going to sleep on it and then come back and tell her the traits I see in people who are respected at work and, therefore, get the best career opportunities. I want to share those five traits with you because I think it's important that everyone hear them.

1. They See Themselves As A Business-Of-One.

The first trait I see in people who are respected at work is they always see themselves as a business-of-one. They don't work for a company. They work with them. They partner with them. Therefore, right out of the gate, there's mutual respect. Then, if they start disrespecting you, you can have a conversation and tell them that they're either going to get this right or you're going to go find a new partner because you're not going to be treated that way. You're not going to allow yourself to be treated that way. It's about setting boundaries and addressing the disrespect before it gets out of hand. Respected employees are able to communicate these boundaries without being harsh.

2. They Aren't Complainers; They're Curious.

Professionals listen to a friend talk to help him through a career challenge

The second trait is they aren't complainers; they're curious. Nobody likes to work with complainers. The people who are respected at work don't walk in and dump a problem on a manager's desk. Instead, when they see a problem, they meet with people and they get curious. They ask questions. They try to understand. In fact, one of their favorite phrases to use is "help me understand." They ask clarifying questions to get to the source of the problem so that hopefully the people they're talking to can realize the problem, but if not, it gives them permission to then point it out and have a conversation.

3. They Ask Questions Instead Of Bossing People Around.

The third trait is they get really good at "ask, don't tell." They don't boss everyone around. They don't tell everyone what to do. They know how to ask questions so that things become other people's ideas and they get permission to then share their points of view, their ideas, and their perspectives. It's how they get buy-in. It's how they get consensus. And, again, it's how they gain and keep people's respect.

4. They Talk About Their Results, Not Their Character.

CMO talks to his marketing team during a meeting

The fourth trait is they talk about their results. They don't talk about their character. You know that you have to be your biggest self-advocate in the workplace, and you're hired to save or make money. You're hired to solve problems and alleviate pain, so when you're talking about the results that you were able to get, when you're talking about what's actually valued, not that you were a great team player, etc., you'll stand out and be respected for the value that you create on the job. You're going to have to find strategic ways to talk about your results without bragging or sounding like a narcissist to make sure that people understand the quantifiable impact that you've had on the company, and the people who are respected at work do this well.

5. They Never Initially Disagree With Someone.

Coworkers talk to each other in the office

Lastly, the people who are respected at work never initially disagree with someone. This might be a hot take, but whenever they clearly disagree with someone, they don't say "I disagree." That's not how they lead the conversation. What they do instead is they find a commonality with the person, something they can agree on, and then they talk about that. These people know how to disarm somebody by talking about what they agree upon first before they discuss where they have differences or disagreements.

I'm sure there are more traits you could add to this list, but when I really looked at the people who are the most respected at work, who are incredibly successful and seem to get all the opportunities they want, they're doing these five things consistently in their careers. They have these five traits. And it's having an incredible impact on their brand.

If you're struggling with getting respect at work, I can help. Sign up for a Work It DAILY membership today (FREE for 7 days!).

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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5 Traits Of People Who Are Respected …

3 Things You Should Do When You Get A Bad Performance Review

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article that talks about the fact that people can expect harsher performance reviews going forward, and I have to agree with them. Therefore, I want to tell you three things that you should do if you get a bad performance review to help you protect your career.

1. Don't Take It Personally

When you get a negative performance review or you get a performance review with a lot of constructive feedback after getting great, positive performance reviews in the past, it might be due to shifts in the market.

I always tell my clients that problems trickle down in the workplace. Many companies are tightening their belts right now. They're changing strategies and trying to figure out what's going on, and so those problems become headaches to the leadership team and they're not just going to take the brunt of that themselves; they're going to push it down to the people that they're paying to help solve those problems and alleviate that pain.

Consequently, more people are going to be told that what they've been doing in the past isn't good enough anymore. Their company needs more from them. That's the trickle-down effect. Now, I want you to have the right frame of mind around this. Don't take it personally. This is business, and your "customer" that owns the business, that employs you, is telling you they've got changes and they need you to support them in those changes. So, try to stay objective when you get a bad performance review out of nowhere.

2. See How Your Boss Is Treating Other People

The second thing that I want you to do is see how your boss is treating other people. If you got a bad performance review but other people aren't getting that same feedback, if you're not hearing that other people got negative performance reviews, then I need you to be really careful because this could be the company starting to single you out for a restructure, layoff, or firing.

These types of situations are happening more and more now. What was good enough before is not good enough anymore. So, take a look around. Is everyone getting the same feedback? Or do you feel like you're being singled out? Because if you are, there's a good chance that your job might be at risk and I don't want you finding that out later. I want you to be more proactive, which leads to my last tip...

3. Get Your Job Search Tools Ready

The moment you see a shift in how others are treating you after a bad performance review, you need to increase your networking efforts and get your job search tools ready. Any good business knows that if they start to see a customer who's not satisfied or who's acting like they're not satisfied, you do what you can to make that customer happy again, but you also remember that customers have life cycles and this may be the end of the life cycle.

You don't want to be left without a customer. You don't want to be left without an income for your business-of-one. So, it's important that you update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Get ready to do informational interviews and start networking with people who work at companies you might want to work at. Just get that ball rolling. You never knowâa great opportunity might come along and this might be the push that you need to make that change. But you want to be prepared. You don't want to start looking for work when you suddenly don't have a job, and for a lot of people, that's what's happening right now. I want you to protect yourself from that.

So, to recap...

Change your frame of mind. Don't take it personally. Understand that problems trickle down.
See how your boss is treating other people. Is this you being singled out as a performance problem? Or is everybody getting this feedback, and what can you do to fix it?
Protect yourself. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Increase your networking. Do some passive job searching. Whatever it takes to protect your business-of-one so it always has an income.

I hope this information helps if you suddenly get a bad performance review at work. Remember these tips, and you'll protect your career.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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3 Things You Should Do When You …

Top 3 Reasons Why People Want To Change Careers (And Tips For How To Make The Transition)

There are many reasons why people want to change careers. But can you guess the top three reasons why a professional might consider a career change today? What is the driving force behind making such a big life decision?

A recent FlexJobs survey announced the common reasons why people are changing careers. Here are the top three, and tips for how to successfully make a career change.

Why People Want To Change Careers

Based on the FlexJobs survey mentioned above, these are the top three reasons for wanting to change careers:

Better work-life balance (56%)
Higher pay (50%)
More meaningful or fulfilling career (49%)

Better Work-Life Balance vs. Higher Pay: What Would You Choose?

Man holding laptop happy at work after changing careers

If you want to make a career change, you're probably doing so for at least one of the top three reasons listed above. What's most surprising about this survey is that the top reason professionals are changing careers is because they want a better work-life balance, beating out the desire for higher pay by 6%.

Another interesting finding is that two out of the top three reasons why people want to change careers aren't based on money or benefits or any other career advancement factors. They are based on personal growth and fulfillment.

Even though we are often told throughout our lives that money can't buy happiness, it seems as though more and more people are taking this advice to heart and are realizing that a higher salary would not make them happier; having the time and space to do what they truly love and focus on what really matters would.

Think about it. If you wake up in the morning feeling miserable and dreading work, it's most likely because you do not have anything in your life that excites youânothing that sparks joy or gives your life meaning or purpose. When you think about the day ahead, you're not looking forward to anything. How do you solve this problem? Well, if you change careers, you could achieve a better work-life balance, which would give you time to pursue hobbies and interests outside of work. You could also find a job that excites you, working for a company with a mission you're passionate about, where the work has a purpose and it feels fulfilling. Does a higher salary have more value than that? Most career changers say no.

So, why are you (or why would you be) motivated to change careers? For better work-life balance? Or for higher pay? If you had to pick one, which sounds more appealing?

5 Tips For Successfully Changing Careers

It's important to have a strategy in place when you decide to change careers. Making a career change isn't easy, but there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are five tips for successfully changing careers:

1. Inventory your skills

What are your transferable skills? What other skills do you have that are in demand in your target career and industry? Write them down, and make sure to include them on your LinkedIn profile.

2. Create a bucket list of companies that you want to work for

Are you passionate about a company's product or service? Do you connect with an organization's mission or values? What companies would you love to work for? Write those down too. This is your interview bucket list, and it is essential for all job seekers, not just career changers.

3. Make new connections

It's true. In your job search, it's all about who you know. If you want to successfully change careers, you'll have to step up your networking efforts. Connect with people at your dream companies from your interview bucket list and start a conversation with them on LinkedIn. Then, be sure to consistently offer value to your professional network. You never know who will contact you with a job opportunity.

4. Update your resume

Write a targeted resume with your ideal career in mind. Focus on your transferable skills and quantifying your work experience. Also, be sure to customize your resume for each position that you apply for. An optimized resume is invaluable, especially for career changers.

5. Be ready to tell your story

The most important tool in your job search as a career changer is a disruptive cover letter, which will allow you to tell your story and stand out to employers. Storytelling is incredibly powerful. In order to successfully change careers, you need to connect with the companies you're applying to and the people who work at those companiesâand the best, most effective way to do this is by telling a compelling story.

As a professional, you've probably thought about changing careers at some point in your life, either seriously or just out of curiosity. Nowadays, most people are making the change because they want a better work-life balance. If this sounds like you, follow the five tips above to get started on your career change today. A better career (and life) awaits!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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6 Ways To Celebrate Valentines Day At Work

While cupid's arrow shouldn't be aimed anywhere near the workplace, there is a fun and appropriate way to celebrate this holiday of love. Here are some great ideas to spread love, cheer, and perhaps some dessert in the office this Valentine's Day.

Some view this holiday as cringe-worthy, but there are a lot of positive ways to celebrate Valentine's Day that not only inspire your fellow co-workers but also do good in the community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your co-workers how much you appreciate them, and to lift spirits in the workplace, increase positivity, and foster a caring environment in the office.

Bring The Food, They Will Come

Food is the fastest way to anyone's heart and there is no better way to become the office hero than to bring in some tasty treats. Why not share the love by bringing in a special breakfast or planning a potluck dessert social hour?

Look for heart-shaped bagels or pastries. Think pink and sprinkle in some candy hearts. Keep it healthy and bring in a fruit bouquet.

Bringing everyone together in the break room will give an opportunity to share a moment together, take a pause from work, and enjoy some tasty food. It is a delicious way to promote appreciation and increase morale in the workplace.

Spread The Love

This holiday is a perfect opportunity to lead by example and do something really positive. One way is to fundraise for an office charitable donation. There are so many wonderful organizations that accept office donations. Pick your top choices and let your co-workers weigh in on where the funds should go.

Take it a step further and organize a volunteer day. Get a group of co-workers together and volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen. Plant flowers and clean up a local park. It will not only encourage teamwork but will also have a positive impact on the local community.

Gratitude Valentines

The act of gratitude in the workplace has many positives. From higher levels of job satisfaction and less stress to fewer sick days, the simple act of gratitude can work wonders.

Create an office whiteboard of positive messages. Allow employees to write secret messages of gratitude and display them in a highly visible spot such as the kitchen or lobby. Giving people the opportunity to show their appreciation improves employee engagement and is sure to make a lasting impression.

Random Acts of Kindness

During the month of February, we recognize the National Random Acts of Kindness Day. What better way to celebrate than to organize a random acts of kindness challenge in the office? It is scientifically proven that kindness has a positive effect on our health. It can reduce blood pressure, lower levels of physical pain, and decrease stress and depression.

Inspire your co-workers by organizing daily kindness challenges. Have a sign-up sheet for employees to commit to a daily act of kindness in the office. You will soon find that kindness is contagious and creates a stellar office culture.

Thank-You Notes

Most only think about thank-you notes after an interview or receiving a gift, but the thank-you note is a powerful tool that is often overlooked. Research shows that the recipient of a thank-you note is happier and more engaged.

Use this holiday as a chance to distribute thank-you notes throughout the office and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

Through our constant communication through email and social media, the power of the written word is a lost art form. Taking the time to put a few personable thoughts of thanks down on paper is an effective way to show your appreciation and spread happiness and cheer.

Heart Healthy

February is American Heart Month. Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to throw a heart-healthy event. Bring in healthy foods and share informative tips on heart health. Perhaps even bring in an expert from the American Heart Association to lead a discussion on heart health.

Do you work in a competitive office? You could organize an office activity that will get the blood pumping such as a softball or kickball game. This is an excellent opportunity to put a focus on health and well-being in the workplace and institute habits in the office that promote good heart health.

There are lots of ways to celebrate Valentine's Day at workâyou just have to get creative! Have some office fun this February by trying out the ideas above.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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6 Ways To Celebrate Valentines Day At …

Why Companies Fire People To Save Money

There are a lot of companies that will choose to fire employees instead of laying them off. Let's walk through the instances when this happens so you can better prepare yourself.

Placing The Blame On You

Lots of companies right now are deciding to make significant cuts. They aren't making their numbers. They're not feeling financially secure. Whatever the reason may be, the biggest expense is people, so the fastest way to save money is to cut staff.

Now, most companies will be transparent about this and admit that it's a layoff. They didn't perform well. They need to make changes. They're laying you off through no fault of your own. It stinks, but nobody's blaming you. However, there are companies out there that will say that it's a firing instead.

When companies fire employees instead of laying them off, they're saying it's not their fault. It's not their fault you're suddenly underperforming and, therefore, they're going to fire you. How ironic is it that you were getting great performance reviews, everything was going fine, and then all of a sudden you're having a performance issue?

What normally happens is the company has figured out that they can get somebody to do your job for a lot cheaper. There are a whole bunch of people in the job market who will do your job at a lower pay. But if the company lays you off in order to save money, there are laws around discrimination that you could cite and then file a charge of discrimination against them.

Some companies want to avoid any risk of this, so instead they suddenly decide you're not performing and they document that and gather the paperwork to be able to prove that you're not performing (you're the problem) so they can fire you. This is how they avoid lawsuits. And when they fire you, they can replace you and hire somebody for less money.

You can never take your eye off the ball as long as you are working. If you're making a wage that you want to keep making, you need to watch your market conditions because if you're not growing, you're dying in your career.

Way too many people get into kind of an autopilot situation where they're not really growing and evolving with the market. And it's not just about amassing more skills. It's about strategically understanding the direction your career needs to go in so you stay relevant and in demand. You can have all the skills and experience in the world, but if you don't know how to package that up and market it correctly to employers, you're not going to differentiate yourself in the market and stay competitive.

Please be on the lookout for this situation in your career. The moment your company realizes they can have someone do your job for less money, you're going to become a performance issue. It's easier to fire you than it is to lay you off. Remember that, and make sure you know your unique value add (UVA).

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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Why Companies Fire People To Save Money

Unlocking Connection: Proven Strategies For Tackling Remote Work Loneliness

As we navigate the evolving landscape of remote work, shifting from traditional office settings to decentralized home-based work has brought advantages and challenges. In the wake of the global pandemic, employees across industries adapted to a new normal, juggling professional responsibilities amid the chaos of family life and virtual schooling.

Four years into this transformative journey, the flexibility of remote work has become a lasting aspect of our professional lives. While the benefits include increased productivity, reduced commutes, and enhanced work-life balance, there's a lingering challenge that demands attentionâremote work loneliness.

As employees continue to strike a balance between solitude for focused productivity and the need for social connection, this article explores proven strategies to address remote work loneliness and foster meaningful connections in a decentralized work environment. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or navigating the new normal, the insights shared here aim to enhance the quality of both professional and personal well-being.

Sharon Grace

It's 2024, four years past the "two-week shutdown and quarantine" at the onset of the pandemic. Many employees were quickly forced to transition to working from home with the rest of their family members, including kids trying to do virtual school. It was a crazy time!

I think companies have accepted the employees' desire to have flexibility and not have to work in the office every day if they do not want to. Like most things, there are pluses and minuses, and working remotely has both. We have learned more during these past few years about the effects of working remotely. For some, quiet thinking time is beneficial to productivity. Most remote workers feel they are less distracted at home and are accomplishing more. Not having a long commute or being stuck in traffic is a plus and adds time to their day to work out or cook dinner more often.

I mentioned that quiet time is thinking time and helps some of us focus. However, for others, it can bring a sense of isolation and loneliness. Some struggled coming out of the pandemic being accustomed to staying at home with little or no reason to leave. Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy warned of an 'epidemic of loneliness and isolation' (2023 advisory).

Today, most employees work in the office an average of three days a week. Most people I speak with want to get out of the house and connect with their colleagues in person again if they live close to the office. Many people have moved away from their employer's offices and can only work remotely.

How do we identify the need for quiet, thinking time for productivity versus feeling removed from social interactions? People who are extroverts and introverts can experience both.

Get to know yourself better and analyze your thoughts, actions, and how they relate to your social interactions and productivity.
Measure your workflow, productivity, and quality of work in your quiet, thinking time. Did it take longer to complete, and was the quality below your regular standards? Were you completing work to complete it, or were you fully engaged and lost track of time in it?
How is your mood during the day? Have you taken a break and stepped outside?

Try to tailor your workday around interacting with colleagues. Send instant messages or schedule a phone chat or a short video call to connect. Consider a morning meeting to discuss the day's projects, a lunchtime chat for a quick break to disconnect from work, or even an end-of-day happy hour to discuss the plan for the next day. If possible, planning offsites to meet in person is a great idea to bond and get together to collaborate or to socialize without discussing work.

If you are interviewing for remote positions, consider asking questions about how the teams communicate, bond, and frequency. Try to meet as many people as you can. Remote and hybrid work is here to stay and remember the value of human connection. We need it for professional and personal well-being.

Sharon Grace is a veteran search executive at Duffy Group who helps hiring leaders hire great people because of her proven track record as a strategic partner and advisor to recruit, identify, and assess talent.

Kristin Pozen

Man on laptop deals with remote work loneliness

As organizations adapt to flexible work arrangements, employers must now prioritize addressing their remote workforce's social and mental well-being. By understanding the unique challenges associated with remote work, employers can play a pivotal role in creating a supportive and connected virtual work environment.

Understanding and prioritizing combatting remote work loneliness is essential for maintaining mental well-being and productivity in the workplace. Employers must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect, regardless of where they are located. Be intentional about connecting employees outside of their teams. Make it a once-a-week event for casual connection and a once-a-quarter or annual event for more formal L&D or strategy planning.

Here are some employer strategies to tackle remote work loneliness:

Establish Regular Virtual Meetings: Encourage teams to schedule regular video calls with each other. This helps maintain social connections and provides a sense of belonging.

Provide Automated Collaboration: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or others allow for employees to stay connected throughout the day. Instant messaging can simulate the casual conversations that happen in an office setting.

Schedule Virtual Coffee Breaks: Informal meetings where you can discuss non-work topics that mimic the casual interactions that occur in an office environment.

Set Up Virtual Social Events: Organize virtual social events, such as virtual happy hours, game nights, or team-building activities. This helps maintain a sense of camaraderie.

Work From Co-Working Spaces: If possible, consider offering to work from co-working spaces occasionally. This allows for face-to-face interactions with others and a change of environment.

Offer Online Communities: Provide access to online forums or communities related to your company's industry. This can provide a sense of community and facilitate networking.

Evaluate Your Employee Mental Health Benefits: Are they being utilized? If not, ensure your employees know they are available and confidential. Do they need to be enhanced to provide more coverage or more access?

Make Onboarding More Experiential: Onboarding is a critical first opportunity to facilitate friendships at work. Since the pandemic, millions of employees have started new jobs and have never met one of their colleagues in person. Especially for early career employees, this can be incredibly challenging.

Make Recharging a Reality: We must take employee health seriously for human connection and friendship to thrive. We can start by supporting more generous family leave policies, child care, and elder care. Also, ensure that when taking time off, employees recharge by not answering emails and phone calls. They can truly check out for a week at a time.

Kristin Pozen is a research recruitment recruiter at Duffy Group and a former HR recruiter.

Colleen Neese

Woman working from home on laptop deals with remote work loneliness

In a world increasingly adapting to remote work, Duffy Group, a global recruitment firm based in Phoenix, Arizona, stands out with its 33-year history of successfully operating as a remote workforce. As pioneers in the field, company leaders have valuable insights on fostering employee success in the virtual realm, beyond the conventional steps of establishing a dedicated workspace and managing distractions. Duffy Group emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections and combating loneliness in the evolving landscape of remote work. The company showcases a holistic approach to maintaining a strong sense of community among its widely dispersed team, providing inspiration for other organizations seeking innovative ways to keep their remote employees connected.

Duffy Group is a national recruitment firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona; however, our recruiters live all over the country and work from home. We have been a remote workforce for 33 years, way before the pandemic and the recent trend that has led to many workers working from home either full time or part of the time.

Since we've been doing this so long, we feel like we've learned a thing or two that may assist other companies set their employees up for success when it comes to working remotely.

We all know the obvious first steps to creating a positive experience working from home such as:

Have a dedicated workspace
Clear distractions
Take breaks
Make plans after work
Take advantage of not being in the office
Consider getting a pet

But how do you ensure that your employees are connecting on a meaningful level and combating loneliness? We are in the people business, after all! Here are some of the things Duffy Group does to ensure our employees are staying connected:

Utilize technology! We meet regularly via video with each other, with our clients, and with our candidates. We have many company meetings via video that allow us to connect and share information. We also utilize technology to stay connected on various messenger apps. We have one that's 'Just for Fun' where we share silly memes or other fun things going on in our lives, we have one 'Just for Pets' where we love to share photos and stories about our furry family members, we have one for our healthy habits and fitness competition, and we have the ability to message as groups or one to one.
Recruiter Huddles â These are small groups of employees who have scheduled informal meetings on the calendars that allow for connecting on all topics.
We've created small groups to connect for those who want to connect on things that are not work-relatedâfor example, a Book Club and one where we share recipes and food prep tips.
Celebrate often! We have virtual meet-ups to celebrate all sorts of occasions, from winning awards to weddings and baby showers. My favorite was when we all celebrated our 30th anniversary and received a surprise box at our homes with food and drinks to enjoy as we celebrated virtually.
Provide a leadership coach who will work with all employees virtually and with those who want one-on-one coaching.
Strive to have in-person connections if possible. Once a year, we fly all of our employees to our headquarters in Phoenix, where we all stay at the same resort for three days of training, bonding, and community service. It's one of my favorite events, and the karaoke night has been a hit year after year!

There are many ways to stay connected as a remote workforce. Hopefully, some of the things Duffy Group has been doing for years will inspire you to implement new and creative ways for your employees to stay connected!

Colleen Neese is a practice leader at Duffy Group. She specializes in recruiting executives in non-profit and healthcare.

Need help recruiting talent for your organization? Check out Duffy Group today.

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Unlocking Connection: Proven Strategies For Tackling Remote …

1 (Sneaky) Question You Should Ask In A Job Interview

If you want to make a great, positive, lasting impression in a job interview, there is one question you should ask the hiring manager. It's also a bit of a sneaky question because it will reveal something about this person and what it would be like to work at the company.

"What's The Most Significant/Positive Thing That's Happened To You At This Company?"

When you get to the end of the interview and the hiring manager asks you if you have any questions, look them in the eye, smile, and say, "Tell me about the most significant or positive thing that's happened to you here at the company in the last year."

The reason why you're asking them about the most significant or positive or exciting thing that's happened to them in the last year is that any time we get to talk to somebody and share a positive experience, we tend to associate them with being positive as well. We end up liking them more and feeling more connected to them. So, this is a way for you to achieve this with the person who's interviewing you.

But if you ask them this question and they can't quickly answer, or if they hesitate, or if they struggle to think of something, what does that tell you about the company? Why is this person not thinking of something positive? It makes you wonder.

Asking this question in a job interview is a way to look under the hood and find out if the company might be a fit for you. It will tell you a lot about the organization's values, goals, and workplace culture.

Now, in order to have the opportunity to ask these great questions, you need to nail the job interview, and that means getting the behavioral questions right. If you want to know how to answer the 18 hardest behavioral questions, sign up for a Work It DAILY membership today. It'll be the best money you've ever spent on your job search.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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1 (Sneaky) Question You Should Ask In …

The 3 Types Of Work Everyone Should Know

There are only three types of work. You either have a job, a career, or a calling. I have been a career coach for over 20 years and I can tell you that after working with thousands of people what you do for work falls into one of these three categories.

What To Know About The 3 Types Of Work

@j.t.odonnell
THE 3 TYPES OF WORK ##IKnowWhatYouDid ##jobsearch ##job ##career ##calling ##careerdecoder ##careeradvice ##careertiktok ##joblife ##careertok ##work ##1
â¬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

As a professional, you either have:

A job â it just pays the bills and doesn't bring you a lot of satisfaction other than the fact that it's taking care of you financially.
A career â not only does it pay the bills, but you feel like you're leveraging some of your strengths, so it makes you feel a little satisfied.
A calling â you're leveraging your strengths, and it feels like it's what you were meant to do, and you're getting paid for it.

The Problem

Now, the problem with this is that over the years, society has convinced all of us that the only thing we should be striving for is the callingâthat we should be in love with our work. Everything we do should feel effortless and we should get a big paycheck for it. And that's not how it works.

Your life is forever changing. There are times in your life when a job is the only thing you need. It's the only thing you can handle. It pays the bills, and that's good enough. And every job is temporary.

Then, there's the career. There are times in your life when you feel like you're doing satisfying work and you're getting the paycheck.

Then, sometimes, people reach the calling; they find exactly what they want to do in life. But the thing about the calling is that you need to be willing to sacrificeâyou need to be willing to do it even if you can't get a paycheck. Most people don't have the strength or the resources to go after the calling.

Stop Looking For A Calling And Do This Instead...

As a career coach, I want to manage people's expectations and I want them to be as happy as they possibly can be in the situation they're in. But to do that, everyone needs to understand that it's not one-size-fits-all.

Stop searching for the perfect calling in the big paycheck. Learn to assess where you are today. Understand what's currently going on in your life. Let's make a conscious decision about what type of workâa job, a career, and (maybe) a callingâyou need right now. And then let's work to improve that step by step.

They didn't teach us this in school. And, candidly, employers don't want you to know this because they want you to be forever stuck in a job, don't they? But there are good employers out there.

Good employers want you to feel fulfilled and satisfied. They can take you to the career level and maybe even the calling level. But they don't just grow on trees and they don't just fall in front of you. There's no magic fairy godmother to give you that calling or career. You have to figure out who you are and what your strengths are, and then we start to work with that and, like a puzzle, we piece it togetherâa beautiful, unique puzzle that is all you.

So, stop looking for a calling and simply focus on growing your career. If you "work it daily," you'll get to where you want to be in your professional life. I promise.

Want Help Finding Your Next Job, Career, Or Calling?Â

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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The 3 Types Of Work Everyone Should …

7 Ways Women Can Achieve Happiness & Satisfaction In Their Careers

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." âDalai Lama

Studies have shown that people who derive meaning from their profession or feel commitment toward their organization's mission are people who are much more resilient and satisfied in their economic environment. Average career professionals will work approximately 90,000 hours in their lifetime, so finding happiness and satisfaction is critical.

The good news is that life doesn't have to be perfect for you to find happiness at work. Below are seven ways women can achieve happiness and satisfaction.

1. Discover The Five Cs

Woman on laptop smiles while working from home

You must maintain high levels of confidence, commitment, conviction, and contribution, and choose a cultural fit.

With the five Cs, you will have a feeling of recognition, pride, and trust in your company.

2. Find Purpose In Your Work

Woman on laptop finds purpose in her career

Too frequently, we get caught up in the day-to-day grind of our jobs and forget to look at the big pictureâthe "why" or the reason that motivates us to work.

Tapping back into the true purpose of your job will make your daily tasks and accomplishments more meaningful. Discover ways that your work can improve the lives of other people.

3. Challenge Yourself

Challenging yourself is one way to intensify your "joy" factor. Why not offer to step in where you normally wouldn't be accountable? Why not ask your boss if you can shadow a colleague in another department to learn how various aspects of the company work?

This will create variety in your work (making it inherently more interesting) and you will score points for being a proactive employee who's ready to take on new challenges. It might even land you a promotion and/or raise.

4. Look Beyond The Corporate Ladder

Older woman on laptop happy in her career

Studies indicate that eight out of the 10 jobs that make people happiest in America are not on the corporate ladder. Instead, they were positions with perks like flexible hours or positions that offered high levels of independence.

These facts suggest that choosing work that aligns with your valuesâeven if those values take you further off the beaten pathâis a good foundation for career satisfaction.

5. Work Toward Your Goals

Happy woman on laptop and phone works toward her career goals

San Francisco State University's Ryan Howell co-authored a study in 2009 and found that working hard to improve a skill or ability may induce greater stress in the moment but also guarantees greater happiness on a daily basis and in the long term. "No pain, no gain," he says.

If tasks aren't enjoyable in the moment, the sense of accomplishment when the task is over changes that perspective. Howell found that reaching the goal isn't even necessary to increase happinessâthe process of trying and stretching yourself is enough.

Learning new skills may make you happier, but it also makes you more valuable to your current and future employers.

6. Develop A Social Circle

Group of happy women at work talk during a meeting

Having a strong social (professional) network is key. It's easy to hate your job when you don't know your co-workers and it is even easier if you continue to avoid them. If you hate your co-workers, the situation isn't going to change.

Don't let another day go by without learning about your co-workers. Reach out to them and be curious about their lives. Two people can't become friends without one of them starting the conversation.

7. Look For Opportunities For Growth

Young woman on laptop happy while working from home

If you feel like you're always on the defensive in your job, then take a deep breath and look for an opportunity instead. Take joy in the fact that there is always a new project to start in the workplace. It doesn't matter what you do or where you work, there is always something new that could be done.

Instead of punching the clock and settling into the same routine, take some time to search for new opportunities. Constantly defending yourself is draining for everyone involved. You'll find it much easierâand much more pleasantâto look for opportunities to grow instead of making excuses.

Most of us are happy when people say good things about us. When you do good things for other people, you create happiness for them and set the stage to receive it in return. For example, compliments are so simple to give that we often forget about them, but they are so powerful that we should always find ways to recognize others. Try spending a day giving compliments instead of criticizing.

Gaining respect and happiness in the workplace is easy to accomplish when goodwill is abundant. Finding happiness is as much about the decisions and actions you take as it is about having good things happen to you. Try some of the above strategies and put yourself in a better position to achieve happiness.

Remember, if you are not enjoying your life...change it! Doing the same thing today will create the same results tomorrow.

Not happy in your career? We want to help!

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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7 Ways Women Can Achieve Happiness & …

Decoding DE&I: How Candidates Can Assess Inclusion In Workplaces

In today's dynamic landscape, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) have become more than buzzwords. They're intertwined into the constitution of successful organizations, fostering innovation, driving productivity, and, perhaps most importantly, attracting top talent. But for job seekers, navigating the nuances of company culture and assessing its genuine commitment to DE&I can be tricky.

Therefore, how can the candidates confidently step into an interview and try to assess a company's DE&I commitment but also amplify their own contribution to an inclusive environment? Here are some key lessons I've gained throughout my career:

1. Do Your Research

Serious woman on laptop researches a company's DE&I

Before the interview, delve deeper than the company website. Look for news articles, social media posts, and employee testimonials that paint a picture of the company's DE&I initiatives. Are there leadership development programs specifically for underrepresented groups? Actively search for evidence of their commitment beyond statements.

2. Ask The Right Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and, especially, don't shy away from directly addressing DE&I. Prepare beforehand and skip the generic, "Are you an equal opportunity employer?" Ask about specific policies, programs, and metrics they use to track progress on DE&I. Inquire about their approach to unconscious bias training and their commitment to creating a psychologically safe space for all employees. Use the data you gather to your advantage during the interview process.

3. Observe The Interview Panel

Man looks at hiring managers during a panel interview

Pay attention to the composition of the interview panel. Does it reflect the company's stated commitment to diversity? If the panel is homogenous, it might be a red flag. However, remember that a diverse panel doesn't automatically guarantee an inclusive culture. Look for genuine interaction and respect among the interviewers, regardless of their backgrounds.

4. Trust Your Gut

Woman thinks about the company's DE&I during a job interview

Pay attention to the overall tone of the interview. Do you feel comfortable expressing your opinion? Are you being listened to with respect? Are the interviewers genuinely interested in your unique value proposition? While a single interview can't give you a complete picture, your intuition can be a valuable tool in assessing the company's DE&I landscape.

Assessing a company's DE&I is about seeking an environment where you can thrive, contribute your authentic self, and feel valued for your unique perspective. By doing your research, asking the right questions, and sharing your own story, you can not only gauge a company's commitment to DE&I but also amplify your own contribution to creating a more inclusive workplace for everyone.

We must always strive to build a future where every voice is heard, every talent is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Decoding DE&I: How Candidates Can Assess Inclusion …

3 Ways To Improve Your Professional Happiness Using Your Career Decoder Results

The Career Decoder Quiz unlocks your professional strengths and potential. I'm going to walk you through three ways you can use your results to improve your own career happiness, success, and satisfaction.

I built the Career Decoder Quiz back in 2015 and, as of today, hundreds of thousands of people have taken the quiz. When I first shared it with our members and followers, I got a comment from someone on LinkedIn with a PhD in psychology who said their results were spot-on accurate. It truly made my day because I always knew that this information was important and accurate but it's very validating when you hear other individuals saying that as well.

How To Use The Career Decoder Quiz To Unlock Professional Success

The Career Decoder Quiz is all about your workplace personas. Your workplace personas explain how you like to add value and how you like to create value and results for your employer when you're doing work. And this is important to understand because you're not an employee. You're a business-of-one, and you're selling your services to the employer. You want to be able to sell services that you enjoy providing. That's how you find satisfaction in your career.

I've worked with thousands of people over the last 20 years. I've been a career coach for a long time, and I know that the number one reason people are so unhappy is that they're not internally motivated by their work. The technical term is "intrinsic motivation." It means it's work you desire to do and that's exactly what the career decoder results reveal. You're going to feel more satisfied naturally when you're doing the kind of work your results say you should do.

When we work with people inside the Work It DAILY platform, when our career coaches help our members, what we normally find is that they're doing work that is not leveraging their top two or three workplace personas. The Career Decoder Quiz is going to tell you you're top personas. When you get your results, anything that scores 20% or higher means it's a strength of yours. It's a persona that you prefer to leverage. Some people only have one. Some people have a couple of them. But you can't be all eight, so you're going to see what you prefer to do and how you prefer to deliver that value.

The first way (and probably the most important way) you should be using the results of the Career Decoder Quiz is to get very clear on the kind of work you want to do.

We had a client take the Career Decoder Quiz. He was a very successful executive. In his current role, he was known as an Optimizer. (That's one of the eight workplace personas.) He was very good at looking at problems in the company and fixing them. But he wasn't fulfilled in this work. When he took our quiz, it turned out that his top three workplace personas were Mentor, Visionary, and Educator.

What he preferred to do was coach others. He preferred to share a vision, help people connect the dots, and see things that they couldn't see on their own. He also wanted to close gaps in knowledge and information.

So what we did was work together to quantify his skills and abilities in these three areasâthe ways he preferred to workâand then he went to his leadership team and expressed the fact that he really wanted to find work within the organization that allowed him to leverage these three areas. And, lo and behold, the executive team said to him, "We've been waiting for you to say this." He was shocked. They were very happy with him in the Optimizer role and he seemed to be happy in the Optimizer role, so why would they've changed things? It wasn't until he expressed his desire to do work that was in line with how he felt satisfaction that he was able to get results.

I see this every single day inside the Work It DAILY platform as we coach people on their careers, helping them better understand themselves, and this is just one of the ways that we do it.

The second way you need to leverage the results you get from the Career Decoder Quiz is to use them in all your career tools (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, etc.).

As a business-of-one, you have to market yourself to employers, and the way you market yourself is with things like your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, answers in your interview prep, and elevator pitch when networking. A lot of people tend to have the "everything and the kitchen sink" mentality where they put everything they've ever done in all of these career tools. They want to present themselves as a Jack or Jill of all trades. That is a fatal error. You need to brand yourself as a specialist, and, more importantly, as a specialist doing the kind of work you want to be doing. The Career Decoder results are what enable you to do that.

Now, a lot of people get their results and suddenly change their LinkedIn headline to "I'm a Builder, Mentor, Superconnector," or in their resume they write that they are an Educator or Warrior or Researcher. That's not what I want you to do. That's actually pretty hokey and that's not what this was intended for.

Instead, take a look at your top personas. You'll realize those personas are really verbs. So if you're a Builder, then you want to go through your tools and quantify your experience building things: "I've built X systems." Or if you're an Educator, "I've taught X number," or "I trained X number of people." Or if you're a Superconnector, "I've connected X number of customers/vendors."

You want to look at how you move the needle in your career. You want to quantify your accomplishments and work experience using the terms that align with your top workplace personas. Quantifying these things and branding yourself this way is how you're going to send the message that this is your specialty, this is how you like to create value, and you can prove it.

The third way you can leverage these results and improve your professional satisfaction is by understanding or getting familiar with your co-workers' personas.

It's important that you know how to leverage the strengths of other people. And let me explain why.

When you know what your strengths are, you're going to have more confidence, and when you know the strengths of others, you know how to tap into them and collaborate better. This is what companies are looking forâtheir top resources working well together and creating much better results.

By recognizing the talents of others and knowing to leverage them in concert with yours, you're going to gain a lot of trust, respect, and credibility within the organization.

I see a lot of people plateau in their careers because they get so focused on what they're good at and how they win that they lose sight of the fact that in order to get to the next level in their career, they need to partner with others. They need to be able to leverage the strengths of others. You can't be all eight personas. You're going to need all eight of those personas in the workplace. So if you want to get ahead in your career you need to put your ego aside. You need to leverage your own strengths, your own personas, and you need to leverage those of your teammates. Your credibility, the trust and the respect that you're going to get, is gonna skyrocket. And, of course, that's going to make you much happier on the job.

Those are the three ways you can leverage the Career Decoder results. Discovering your workplace personas is so empowering. And we don't just use the Career Decoder Quiz with job seekers and professionals. We also use it with employers. They use it with their staff to help them better understand their teammates. And if you're a leader, not only should you take this quiz, but you should also give it to all of your employees and learn their results so that you can tap into their strengths and make sure they're happy on the job.

I hope this free quiz helps you, your coworkers, and your leaders. If you want to work one-on-one with our coaches and learn more about your results, join us inside Work It DAILY today. Let us be your guide toward a happier, more satisfying career.

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Ways To Improve Your Professional Happiness …

Staying active at work can be a real challenge. It's easy to get sidetracked with projects and meetings and not even realize you've been sitting for a couple (or more!) hours. So, how can busy professionals be more active during the work day?

Thankfully, there are a few simple ways you can change your daily routine so that it is more active and you are less sedentary. We all know how important it is to be active throughout the day so we are expending energy, moving our joints, working our muscles, and staying flexible. With that in mind, here are four tips to be more active at work today!

Track Your Steps & Calorie Burn

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A post shared by Work It Daily (@workitdailyinsta) on Nov 19, 2019 at 10:02am PST

Our first tip is to have something to track your steps and calorie burn throughout the day. You can use an Apple Watch, a Fitbit, or just a pedometer so that you have something monitoring your activity level and telling you that you're moving enough.

Plus, it feels like a real accomplishment when you know you've met your goal of 10,000 or 20,000 steps!

Park Farther Away From Your Destination

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It's all about squeezing more activity into what you already do. When you're running errands or going to work, for example, instead of looking for one of the closest parking spots, try to park as far from the door as possible (if it's safe!).

Just think how many more steps you'll walk if you do this all day long!

Take The Stairs

via GIPHY

Our next tip is stairs, stairs, stairs. Wherever you areâat work or at homeâalways take the stairs.

It may take you a little longer, and you may be out of breath at the top, but it's worth it. Taking the stairs is so beneficial to your overall health and cardiovascular system. Make it a goal to take the stairs at least once a day, if not two, three, or four times.

Start now, and see how much easier it is to walk up the stairs in a month's time.

Add Activities To The Ones You Already Do During The Day

via GIPHY

Lastly, try adding some type of activity to activities you already do.

For example, we all go to the bathroom. So, before or after every visit to the bathroom, do something. Whether it's squats, lunges, push-ups, or another body weight resistance exercise, you'll be sure to get moving if you make it a goal to do so!

We hope this motivates you to add a little more activity to your busy workday. If you don't have time to go to the gym, you can still incorporate physical activity into your existing daily routine.

Over time, making these small changes to your daily routine will make a big difference!

Like what you learned today? Be sure to follow Amber on Instagram @AccentuateWellness, or like her Facebook page to discover more fun workouts, healthy recipes, and helpful lifestyle tips!

Download her FREE at-home workout guide now!

Note: Individuals should always speak to their physician before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes.

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

We hope this motivates you to add a little more activity to your busy workday. If you don't have time to go to the gym, you can still incorporate physical activity into your existing daily routine.

Over time, making these small changes to your daily routine will make a big difference!

Like what you learned today? Be sure to follow Amber on Instagram @AccentuateWellness, or like her Facebook page to discover more fun workouts, healthy recipes, and helpful lifestyle tips!

Download her FREE at-home workout guide now!

Note: Individuals should always speak to their physician before making any significant dietary or lifestyle changes.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship