Workplace relationships

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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.

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7 Ways Women Can Achieve Happiness & …

To most of us, career growth and success are life goals that are right in line with marriage, a mortgage, kids, and two bright and shiny new cars in the driveway. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. In many cases, well-educated people are stuck in jobs that they're overqualified for and they're blocked for promotions by senior team members.

When it comes to career success, if you're not growing, you're dying.

Here are five things that you can do to improve your career growth prospects and be happier and successful at work:

1. Learn New Skills

If you're passed over again and again for promotions, it might be time to start learning new skills in order to make yourself more valuable to the company. Taking online courses and getting professional certifications can go a long way to help you advance with your current company or look more attractive to another company should you decide to leave.

It's important to remember that it's not your employer's responsibility to advance your career. You must develop your own plan for career growth and hold yourself accountable.

2. Stop Schmoozing Co-Workers

Coworkers have fun in the office and take a selfie

It's great to have friends at work but your job isn't a country club aimed at enhancing your social status. Being friendly and courteous is important in the office, but being friends with everyone is not. This is not to say that you shouldn't attend social events or engage in some water cooler talk from time to time, but remember that your peers may one day be your subordinates.

This often leads to workplace hostility. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that you have friends outside of work and that remaining friendly, but not too friendly, is the best course of action.

3. Set Personal Goals

Confident young professional on laptop brainstorms some professional goals

When it comes time for a promotion or a raise, you're ultimately going to be judged on what you do to provide additional value to the company.

Corporate goals are great, but setting personal goals to push the envelope a bit further is great for overall career growth and gives you great talking points when you're met with a review for a raise or promotion.

4. Build A Network

Young professionals at a networking event

Networking is no longer an option; it's the norm. Attending these events puts you in contact with people who not only could provide opportunities later but could also help you at your current job. Need a new HR person? You probably know someone. The IT department is looking for a new leadâgreat, you can call the guy you met at happy hour.

These contacts allow you to not only be on the lookout for future opportunities but to also be the person in your current position who has the contacts they need to get things done.

5. Be The Solution

Happy man on laptop thinks about solving problems at work

If there's one thing that bosses hate, it's the person who brings problems to them to solve. Problems happen, and sometimes you don't have any other choice but to bring it to your boss, but you'll be looked at in a far more favorable light if you bring solutions when you present the problems.

"This is a potential problem, but I've done some research and it appears that this would fix it"âsounds a lot better to your management team than just being the guy who is constantly complaining.

If these tips don't help and you can't seem to get ahead no matter what you try, it might be time to look for a new job. There's no shame in trying something and then moving on to something else when it doesn't work.

No matter what position you're in, there are always ways to keep moving up the corporate ladder. Don't give up. Remember to seize every opportunity and work on your career a little bit every day. You'll be out of a career rut in no time.

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If You Do These 10 Things, You’re Probably A TERRIBLE Co-Worker

One of the best things about work is that you get to collaborate with your co-workers. However, in offices all over the world, there are co-workers people would rather NOT work with every day.

Co-workers can get labeled as terrible for multiple reasons. And that label can do some serious damage at work.

Here are a few habits a colleague can have that would earn them that bad reputation. Are you guilty of any of them?

Gossiping About Your Co-Workers

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It's important to build a team that has respect for one another in the workplace. One of the biggest things that kills respect among colleagues is gossiping.

If you talk about your co-workers behind their backs, there's no way they're going to trust you or respect anything you have to say. Plus, they won't want to work with you if you're talking badly about them. That could have a major impact on your work, especially if you have a project you need help on.

Gossiping could give you a brief moment of satisfaction, but it can really do some serious damage to your work relationships.

Having A Bad Attitude At Work

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We've all had bad days at work. We're human, it's bound to happen.

However, having a consistent negative attitude at work will have a tremendous impact on your relationship with your co-workers.

Multiple studies show that negative attitudes can spread quickly, especially in the workplace. That means people will want to stay away from those who generate negative energy. Also, having a negative attitude at work kills workplace productivity and puts a major dent in workplace culture.

With that being said, take a minute to reflect on your attitude at work. Could it use some adjusting?

Distracting Your Co-Workers While On The JobÂ

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Let's be realâeveryone needs a little break at work. It's good to take some time to get away from your desk, whether it's a five-minute walk around the office or a quick trip to the vending machine. However, constantly being distracted at work can lead to major problems that impact productivity.

A source of these distractions can come from co-workers.

Think about it. Is there a co-worker who is always talking, even when you're trying to work? Or is there a co-worker who blasts loud music at their desk throughout the workday?

These distractions may not be intentional, but they can cause other people to lose focus at work.

If you have distracting habits at work, think about how you can curb them. You'll be surprised by what it does for your office's productivity.

Taking Credit For Your Co-Worker's Work

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Working with a team at work has great benefits. You're able to collaborate with people and come up with ideas you may not have thought of on your own. That being said, giving credit to your co-workers for their contributions to the workplace is essential for maintaining good relationships with them.

If you're collaborating with a co-worker on a project and you want to expand on one of their ideas, be sure to give them credit where credit is due.

If you take all the glory and don't mention their contribution, it will reflect poorly on you.

Not Pulling Your Weight In The Office

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When you go to work, it's expected that you show up and actually do work. However, there are some people who do a lot of showing up...but not a lot of work.

When someone doesn't do their job, they force their co-workers to pick up the slack. That combined with the workload they already have could cause some MAJOR frustration in the office.

Make sure you're doing your job when you're at work. It can be so easy to get distracted, but you have to stay on track and do what needs to get done. Doing your share of the work will give you a lot of satisfaction and your co-workers will appreciate your contributions.

Immediately Shooting Down Co-Workers' Ideas

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Your co-workers will have ideas they want to share with the team from time to time. You may not like these ideas and, as a result, you may shut them down before the team even discusses them.

There are multiple reasons why this is a bad habit in the workplace. For starters, it could give the impression that you're not open to hearing new ideas. It could also give the impression that you don't care about your team's opinions.

So, before you shoot down a co-worker's idea, take a moment to really think about it and have a discussion with them about it instead of immediately expressing your distaste for it.

Bringing Personal Issues Into The WorkplaceÂ

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It's important to have a good work-life balance. However, bringing too much of your personal life into the workplace can cause some rifts in the office.

You may have co-workers you can talk to about your personal life. But you may also have co-workers who wish to maintain a strictly professional relationship with you.

If you vent about your personal life at work, you risk compromising your relationships with your co-workers.

As a worker, you are a business-of-one, which means you want to market yourself the best you can. Bringing a lot of your personal baggage into the workplace is not a good thing, and will make it harder to market yourself as an employee and co-worker.

Stinking Up The Whole Office With Your Lunch

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You know exactly what I'm talking about here.

There are certain rules of office etiquette that go unspoken. One of those rules is not to stink up the entire office with your food. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this rule.

There are some people who have no problem heating up their leftover fish at lunchtime. It may be in the microwave for only two minutes, but its impact lasts much longer.

Stinking up the office with your lunch is distracting.

Seriously, it's an issue if the only thing your co-workers can focus on is how your lunch smells.

Being Passive Aggressive In The Office

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A workplace culture should be built around mutual respect and trust among co-workers.

Once in a while, you may disagree with your colleagues, and that's okay. Disagreements happen, but how you handle it says more about you than the disagreement itself.

If you're passive aggressive toward your co-workers, it will cause some tension in the office.

Being passive aggressive means you aren't being direct with your co-workers about your issues with them. If you aren't direct with them, then how are you going to work past the issue you're having?

Passive aggressiveness will take its toll on the workplace if it isn't nipped in the bud. The best way to curb this is to be direct with your colleagues and have a professional discussion about the issue at hand.

Constantly Showing Up Late To Work

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Everyone is late to work once in a while. However, it's an issue if you're constantly late to work.

Showing up on time is a sign of respect in the office. It shows that you care about your work and getting in on time to get your work done.

If you're always showing up late, it shows that you don't respect the work you do. Also, running late can impact your co-workers. If they need your input on a project, but you're running late, it makes them crunched for time. That can lead to a stressful work environment.

Showing up to work on time reflects on you as a worker. So, show up on time and be ready to put your best foot forward.

Not every co-worker will be your friend, but it's always important to respect others in the workplace. If you're guilty of any of the habits mentioned above, try your best to be a better colleague today. Your co-workers (and career) will thank you.

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If You Do These 10 Things, You’re …

Executive Spotlight: How To Effectively Resolve Conflict At Work

Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. Whether it stems from differences in personalities, varying work styles, or competing interests, the ability to effectively resolve conflicts is a critical skill for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment. What can managers and team members do to effectively resolve workplace conflicts and foster a culture of open communication and cooperation?

We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips on how to resolve conflict at work.

Here are their responses...

Melodie Turk, Learning Experience Executive

Here are a few of my tips for successful resolution:

Donât wait to deal with conflict. Waiting creates the opportunity for passive-aggressive behavior (on both sides). It also creates the opportunity for the conflict to increase in its negative impact.
Reflect. Getting clarity with yourself on what you understand the conflict to be, the questions you may have for the other party, and the solutions that may help resolve the conflict will help ground the emotional side and prepare you for a resolution conversation.
Deal directly. Talk with the person or persons you are having conflict with. Talking with a colleague or supervisor may seem easier but can produce faulty interpretation and miscommunication. It also is an easy path to gossipy behavior.
Be accountable. Once you hopefully resolve the conflict with another party, give yourself reminders, acknowledge new behavior publicly, record yourselfâdo whatever it is that you need to do to show the other party that you are taking the resolution seriously.

Melodie Turk is a learning experience executive with a unique background in the learning and development arena as well as change management. She is passionate about bringing change to the workplaceâchange that is meaningful and change that will last.

John Schembari, Senior Education Academic And Operations Executive

Woman tries to resolve a conflict at work

In line with what Melodie is saying, communication is key in resolving conflict. Communication can come in many forms.

Did we first align our individual goals with an organization's through the development of a strategic vision? Do we need to reground ourselves around/remind ourselves of our common goals?

Do we have established norms of communication? Have we as a team considered how we will address conflict before it even happens?

Having formal organizational processes for discussing conflict can also be helpful in ensuring that we focus our disagreements on policy implementation rather than on people themselves.

John Schembari is a current K-12 teacher/school leader academic improvement coach and former school building and district administrator. He loves to draw, travel, swing dance, and read nonfiction.

Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist

Woman talks to a coworker to resolve a conflict

Resolving conflicts at work is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Here's a systematic approach to managing and resolving conflicts:

1. Acknowledge the Conflict:

Recognizing there's an issue is the first step. Ignoring or avoiding conflicts can exacerbate the situation.

2. Open Communication:

Initiate dialogue: Set up a meeting with the parties involved to discuss the issue.
Active listening: Ensure that each party feels heard. Listen without interrupting and ask open-ended questions to understand the core of the issue.

3. Identify the Root Cause:

Often the visible conflict is a symptom of a deeper issue. It could be related to:

Unmet needs
Differences in values or perceptions
Miscommunication or misunderstandings
External work pressures or stress

4. Stay Neutral and Objective:

If you're mediating the conflict, it's essential to remain neutral. Do not take sides, and avoid making judgments based on personalities or past incidents.

5. Focus on Interests, Not Positions:

Positions are what a person says they want.
Interests are the underlying needs, desires, and fears.
Focusing on interests can lead to more collaborative and creative solutions.

6. Generate Solutions:

Encourage the involved parties to suggest ways to solve the conflict. Brainstorming can often lead to a mutually acceptable solution.

7. Negotiate a Compromise:

It's rare that one side will get everything they want. Aim for a solution that addresses the most crucial concerns of all parties.

8. Document Agreements:

Once a resolution is reached, document the agreement. This serves as a reference and ensures accountability.

9. Follow Up:

Set a date to review how things are going after the resolution. It ensures the agreed-upon changes are being implemented and provides an opportunity to address new concerns.

10. Seek External Help:

If internal efforts fail, consider mediation or conflict resolution specialists. Sometimes, an external perspective can provide new insights or methods of resolution.

11. Establish Clear Boundaries and Expectations:

Ensure that job roles, responsibilities, and expectations are clear to prevent future conflicts.

12. Provide Training:

Offer conflict resolution training for employees and managers. This equips them with tools and techniques to manage and prevent conflicts proactively.

13. Promote a Positive Culture:

Foster a work environment based on respect, open communication, and collaboration. Regular team-building exercises can enhance team cohesion and reduce conflicts.

14. Personal Reflection:

If you're directly involved in the conflict, reflect on your own actions and behaviors. Self-awareness can help in recognizing and addressing personal triggers or biases.

15. Know When to Escalate:

Some conflicts may require intervention from higher-ups or HR. Recognize when an issue is beyond your capacity to resolve and escalate appropriately.

Remember, conflicts are a natural part of any workplace. The key lies in addressing them constructively and ensuring they lead to growth and understanding, rather than persistent issues or negative environments.

Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."

Michael Willis, Sports Business Operations Executive

Woman yells at a coworker without trying to resolve the conflict

In the dynamic workplace environment, conflicts can arise from time to time. However, leaders must approach this topic with an optimistic and open mindset. Thereâs no one-size-fits-all here. Each conflict resolution must be met on a case-by-case basis. The first step in any solution is to identify the conflict.

1. Listen Actively:

Encourage open communication within your organization.
Create an environment where employees feel comfortable raising concerns.
Pay attention to what employees say and actively listen to their perspectives.

2. Review Complaints and Feedback:

Regularly review feedback channels such as suggestion boxes, surveys, or anonymous reporting systems.
Look for recurring themes or patterns in the complaints and feedback.

3. Meet with Key Stakeholders:

Schedule one-on-one meetings or group discussions with employees involved in or affected by the conflict.
Ask open-ended questions to understand their viewpoints, concerns, and emotions related to the conflict.

4. Communication Conflicts:

Conflicts can arise when team members misinterpret messages or fail to communicate effectively. Optimistically, these conflicts can encourage improved communication skills, better understanding among colleagues, and the development of more robust relationships.

5. Task Conflicts:

Disagreements about how tasks should be completed or allocating responsibilities can occur. Such conflicts can lead to creative problem-solving, innovative task approaches, and a stronger sense of teamwork as individuals work together to find solutions.

6. Personality Conflicts:

Differences in personalities, working styles, or values can lead to tensions. When handled constructively, these conflicts can foster diversity of thought and perspective, resulting in more well-rounded decision-making and innovative problem-solving.

7. Resource Conflicts:

Disputes over resource allocation, such as budget or equipment, can arise. These conflicts can prompt organizations to reassess their resource management strategies, potentially leading to more efficient and equitable allocation of resources.

8. Leadership Conflicts:

Conflicts related to leadership decisions or management styles can allow leaders to engage in open dialogue with their teams. This can lead to improved leadership practices and a more engaged and motivated workforce.

By following these steps, you'll understand the conflict's nature, causes, and context comprehensively. This information will be a solid foundation for developing strategies to resolve conflict effectively and create a more harmonious workplace environment. Remember that open and empathetic communication is critical to resolving disputes successfully.

Michael Willis has 18+ years of experience working with accounting & sports organizations and has managed P&Ls of $10M - $125M+ with budgets of $3M-$50M+. He worked for the NFL for 22 1/2 years, mainly with the game officials working on the financial/accounting side of the business.

Lynn Holland, GTM & Rev Gen Consultant

Man listens to his coworker during a meeting and tries to resolve a conflict

Conflict in the workplace is the worst! Despite wearing a team playerâs jersey, we can find ourselves experiencing sleepless nights, dreading Monday mornings, and feeling exhausted by stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil due to an office disagreement that we didnât go looking for.

Rather than letting it linger, drawing in co-workers to take sides, or blowing it up with management, Iâve found four steps to be helpful to proactively pursue and achieve a resolution:

Acknowledge that you are in a disagreement or conflict in your workplace.
Pursue a conversation with the person who disagrees, stepping back from your position and asking for them to share their viewpoint on the process or project in question while genuinely listening with an open mind to where they are coming from.
Recognize that you want whatâs best for the organization and assume they do as well.
Ask yourself how you can put their ideas and your ideas together and present them for execution to get an even better result.

Following these steps can help resolve the disagreement without drama, make the co-worker feel heard, and achieve a better outcome that is in the best interest of the company.

Lynn Holland is a business development, enterprise sales, and marketing executive with 18+ years of experience, the last five years in technology, developing, taking to market, and selling directly and through partnerships, B2B technology solutions, technical products, and services for companies up to $5 billion.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

Woman listens to a horrible coworker without trying to resolve the conflict

I recently worked at a start-up where an individual was so upset with a colleague and felt justified to let them know by screaming at them in the hallway, where everyone could hear until they stormed out of the building. This incident taught me several valuable lessons about conflict resolution in the workplace.

Stay Calm: In the midst of conflict, maintaining composure is vital. By staying calm and removing emotion, you can take an objective step back to evaluate the situation effectively and find constructive solutions. Most importantly, it will make the people around you feel safe, secure, and confident in your leadership.

Be a Great Listener: Why is this so important? Eighty-six percent of employees and executives cite workplace failures for ineffective collaboration and communication. Listening is critical for conflict resolution because people want to be heard. Let them talk and allow them to express their frustrations. Understanding their perspective is essential. Here are several questions to help you seek to understand the driving motivations behind the issues, whether you are directly involved in the conflict or not:

Can you tell me more about your perspective?
What would you like to see happen, and what does success look like for you?
What steps are necessary to move forward, and how can we achieve them?
Consider your involvement in the conflict and how you can improve the relationships and communications through changes in your actions.

Foster Collaboration: Promote a collaborative problem-solving approach to demonstrate that you have their best interest at heart. Once the underlying issues have been identified, bring everyone together to brainstorm the best path forward. This approach encourages collective ownership, enhancing the likelihood of successful solutions.

By staying calm, actively listening, and fostering collaboration, organizations can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth, creating a harmonious and productive work environment for all. If you found this helpful, I invite you to explore my book How to Develop a Brand Strategy and insightful brand marketing articles.

Lisa Perry helps companies drive revenue by using consumer trends, insights, and data analytics to innovate their approach to marketing.

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Executive Spotlight: How To Effectively Resolve Conflict …

We've all received an email that rubbed us the wrong way. This may not have been intentional, but it still happened.

Email is an essential part of the modern workplace, but it can be a tough way to communicate. You're not talking to someone face-to-face, which means they can't read your body language or hear your tone. This can lead to a lot of misinterpretation.

What you're trying to say in an email isn't always received in that way. Certain phrases that you use to mean one thing could mean a totally different thing to your recipient and, as a result, your message could be lost in translation.

To avoid any misinterpretation, make sure you eliminate these phrases in your work emails...

"Per My Last Email"Â

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Do yourself a favor and erase this phrase from your email vocabulary.

While you may use it to reference something in your last email, it comes off as SUPER passive-aggressive. You're essentially saying, "Hey, I addressed this in my last email, and you should have looked at it before emailing me a second time." That's not leaving a good impression on anyone.

There are MUCH better ways of getting your point across without coming off as passive-aggressive. For starters, you could simply state your point again, instead of saying "per my last email." That way, you address the situation directly and your message doesn't come off the wrong way.

"Please Advise"

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Now, some people may not see this phrase as negative...but hear us out.

Using this phrase (especially at the end of an email) can give your email the wrong tone. It could come off as a challenge rather than a request. It could also come off as passive-aggressive in the wrong context.

For example, if you're elaborating on an issue and put "please advise" at the end, you could come off as saying, "Here's what I'm doing to try and fix the issue; however, I can tell you don't agree with it, so tell me your opinion on what I should do." That's not a good tone to set with anyone.

Grammarly offers some great alternatives to this phrase. See if you can use one of those in an email instead of "please advise." However, if you must use it, be sure to set it up properly and set the right tone.

"To Reiterate"Â

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This phrase is simply unnecessary and can come off as a bit rude, especially if you put it in the first email to someone.

Think about it. If you're typing "to reiterate" in an email, it's because you assume the recipient didn't understand your message the first time. When you use this phrase, you're basically saying, "I know you didn't understand this, so here it is AGAIN."

This phrase can rub people the wrong way, especially if you use it in the first email to someone. Give them the chance to read your email before assuming they won't get the point. If they have questions, they'll send a follow-up email. THAT'S your chance to (nicely and professionally) explain your point again.

"Prompt Reply"

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Look, we get it. You're a busy person, and sometimes you need a fast reply.

However, there are other ways to get a fast reply from someone without saying "prompt reply" in your email. How would you feel if you got an email from someone saying, "I look forward to your prompt reply"? You would feel like you're on the spot, right? It also implies that your matter should take priority over your recipient's other matters (and that's not always the case).

At the end of the day, this phrase can rub people the wrong way. If you need a fast reply from someone, try giving them a call or sending them a message on your company's instant messaging system instead of emailing them. Chances are, they'll get back to you faster since your message isn't stacked in their inbox.

"Just Checking In"

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LOTS of people use this phrase at work. People tend to think this is a lighthearted way to check in on things.

However, using this phrase when following up at work can do more damage than you think. When you use it, you're basically saying, "Hey, I noticed you haven't done your part yet." You're checking in on them in a (seemingly) nonchalant way, but trust us, the recipient of your email will see through it. It could really rub them the wrong way, especially since you aren't being direct about what you want in your email.

There are plenty of other ways to follow up via email without using the phrase "just checking in," so please, use one of them next time you're looking for a status update.

At the end of the day, it's important you set the right tone in your work emails. Using the right words in the right context can save you from coming off the wrong way. Having a clear and direct message in emails is crucial for workplace communications, and by eliminating these phrases from your email arsenal, you'll be a better communicator.

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5 Email Phrases To Avoid Using At …

How To Become The Boss Everyone Loves And Respects

Do you want to be the boss or manager that everybody loves and respects? Someone they don't walk all over, but they feel like you get them and want to go to the moon for you?

Becoming the boss everyone loves and respects is a big deal right now because you're hearing about everybody working their wage and quiet quitting. But we know that when teams are inspired, when they love their leaders, they're happier at work, too. Not only do they want to do the work, but they're happier at work and it's a better vibe.

So I'm going to show you how to make that happen...

Understand 2 Important Things About Yourself

Becoming the boss everyone loves begins with understanding yourself in two specific areas, and then training yourself to understand your team in these two specific areas.

The first one is your communication style. I actually call them interaction styles in the workplace. It's how we interact with one another. You're going to have a dominant style and the people around you are going to have different styles. Some styles are easier for you to understand and motivate than others. It's those styles that are polar opposite of yours that are going to require you to do more work to connect with those individuals.

The second one is about creating value. All of us like to work in certain ways, and there are eight main ways that people create value in the workplace. But if you can tap into their top ways, the way they prefer to create value, they will feel insanely productive and satisfied. It also means you can start dropping people in the right roles so that their work feels easy to them, but they're completely exceeding expectations. And now you look like a rock star.

As a manager, you understand people and their needs. You're communicating with them in a style that they need and you're putting them in roles and making them successful based on their strengths and how they create value.

If that makes sense to you, then there are two free quizzes that you can take. I have trained many a manager on this and they completely change how they interact with their team, how they leverage their team strength, and how they motivate individual team members. And again, they become beloved.

When you're loved and respected, you know your team is going to go to new heights and they're going to be happier. It's a win-win situation.

Right now, with the current work environment, it's very important that we as leaders pay more attention to this and we build relationships based on these two vital things that we must understand about the people who report to us. I promise you this is going to make it fun and easy for you to bring your team together and get them to the next level.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Become The Boss Everyone Loves …

6 Ways To Be Confident On Your First Day Of Work

Congratulations, you got the job! It's not always easy to get a job these days and, understandably, you want to make a good impression.

Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking for a lot of people, but try to enjoy your first dayâit is meant to be an exciting time! Here are six ways to be confident going into your first day at work:

Remember Why You're At Your Company

Happy young businesswoman on laptop getting set up for work on her first day in a new office

If you're feeling really nervous about this new job, remember why you're there. You've been selectedâamong many other candidatesâas the best person for the job. Your employer wants you to succeed!

Plan Ahead For Your First Day

Smiling young female worker walking into work on her first day at a new office

It is a good idea to check what the office dress code is. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the officeâthere is nothing worse than being late on your first day in a new job.

Also, learn as much as you can about your new employer to become an expert on your organization even before your first day.

Have A Positive Attitude In The Office

New female employee having a positive attitude while being shown around the office by a coworker on her first day at work

Having a positive attitude will definitely influence people's first impression of you. Show your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organization and leave your personal problems at home.

Make Introductions And Remember Names

Man shakes someone's hand while networking at his new job

Your manager will likely introduce you to your colleagues but feel free to introduce yourself to others you come across. Even if they work in other departments, you might have to work with them in the future. It is always good to be friendly anyway!

Make it a priority to learn the names of all of your new team members. I know this is hard, so if you forget a person's name, simply apologize and ask again. People won't mind especially if you've met 50 people in a day!

Ask Questions On Your First Day

Young male office worker happily asking a question during his first day at work.

No one expects you to know everything when you first start a new job, so feel free to ask questions or ask for help when you need it. It's better to ask for clarification at the start of the task if you're not 100% clear on what to do or how to do it.

Also, show your appreciation to everyone who helps you learn about the business during your first days on the job. Showing your gratitude will definitely help in making a good first impression.

Enjoy Yourself And Your New Job

Your first day should be enjoyable. You won't have a lot of work to do yet and you'll be able to get to know people and learn what the next few months of your working life will hold for you.

Don't be so stressed that you forget to have fun! Starting a new job can be daunting, but managers understand it takes a bit of time to settle into the new job role and some people adapt faster than others. Be you, listen, and take time to learn.

Before you know it, you'll feel confident and part of the team and you'll be set up for a successful career in your new organization.

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6 Ways To Be Confident On Your …

Food Allergies In The Office? What You Need To Know

As someone with severe food allergies, I know how difficult it can be to address your food allergies with new co-workers and peers in an assertive yet informative wayâespecially when starting a new job in a completely unfamiliar environment. How can your place of work be inclusive of employees with severe food allergies?

What Is A "Severe" Food Allergy?

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Severe food allergies are called severe for a reason. They're life-threatening and should be taken very seriously. When someone with food allergies ingests food that contains the triggering allergen, they can go into anaphylaxis. If not administered epinephrine (an EpiPen) in time to treat the anaphylactic reaction, the reaction can be fatal.

Work Spaces And Food Allergies Don't Always Mix

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There are about 32 million Americans with food allergies. And with reports that food allergies in children increased by 50% between 1997 and 2011, they won't be going away anytime soon. Two children in every classroom will soon mean two people in every office. So, what is it like to work in an office with food allergies?

To start, it may mean not having a piece of cake at that upcoming office birthday party. Lunchtime always keeps them on guard, and they usually opt to brown-bag-it, using caution in the cafeteria and shared office kitchens. Maybe they're thinking about skipping the office outing to an unfamiliar restaurant on Friday, not sure if they'll be comfortable eating there. Every day in an open office plan could bring anxiety, as they worry about airborne allergens and lack of safe, allergen-free spaces.

If you have food allergies, chances are you can relate to at least one of these things. But if you don't have severe food allergies, you may be wondering: What does this really mean?

What The Law Says

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In the U.S., based on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the definition of "disability" has been modified to include those with severe allergies. This is due to the fact that severe allergies are "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities" (eating, breathing, and major bodily functions related to the immune, digestive, bowel, and respiratory system).

To sum it up:

"No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation." 42 U.S.C. Â§ 12182.

Anyone with food allergies knows these laws are not widely enforced or known to apply to food allergies (think peanuts being served at baseball games or on airplanes). So, even though everyone in the U.S. with disabilities is entitled to the same rights as able-bodied people, people with severe food allergies often encounter their food allergies in these public spaces and at work and cannot fully partake in whatever activities are going on at these places. More importantly, their health and well-being could be at risk.

Most places of work are considered public placesâby legal definition meaning "any enclosed indoor area used by the general public or serving as a place of work containing two hundred fifty or more square feet of floor space." Therefore, the two laws mentioned above apply, or should apply, to your place of work.

What Employers Should Know

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Good employers want to be as inclusive as possible. Yet it can be hard to be inclusive of those with food allergies if you're unaware of who has food allergies in your office.

The best way to be inclusive and considerate about food allergies is to ask new and current employees if they have any severe food allergies. And if any do, ask them what you can do to make their work environment safe and comfortable. This shows employees you care, and by acknowledging food allergies as something serious and very, very real, it already establishes that foundation of trust that is so hard to gain in the first place.

Consider what it's like trying to decide when to tell an employer about your food allergy. When asked if you have a disability on a job application, food allergies are not listed. If there's a space to check "other" and write in a different answer, you may consider, for a split second, writing in your severe food allergy.

Does your disability require reasonable accommodation?

Yes and no. It's not a physical disability, in the sense that you can't visually tell who does or doesn't have a food allergy. Yet your arrival at a new company could require them to change their policies and culture.

As you can see, it's not easy explaining food allergies at work when there's no system in place to deal with them. That's why, as an employer, you should come up with a system that works for your company. After all, it's your job to make sure all of your employees feel safe and included.

What YOU Can Do

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If you're someone with a food allergy, you probably have lots of experience navigating the world with your condition. But the professional world can be a bit tricky.

When starting a new job, it's best to tell your boss about your allergy as soon as you can, if they don't bring up the topic first (you're responsible for letting them know, and you're entitled to reasonable accommodation!). Then, ask if you can call a meeting to explain your situation to your new co-workers. This will allow for an open dialogue about the subject, and those who have questions will be able to have them answered in a supportive and honest environment.

If you don't have food allergies, but work with someone who does, please be respectful of their condition. If you're unsure whether it's okay to eat something around them, just ask. Communication is always the right choice.

Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable work environment. And it's important to remember that no one chooses to have a food allergy.

If we all try to be more kind and considerate toward our peers, it will make work betterâfor everyone!

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Food Allergies In The Office? What You …

Being the newest member of an office can be pretty challenging. It's almost like in high school when you're the new kid on the block. Everyone's looking at you but you're not sure if they're going to be friends or foes.

So, you carefully gauge how to become part of the group. Keep in mind that you're joining a workplace that already has established dynamics. You can't just come in and say, "Hey, let's be friends. I can take over some of your tasks." You should get to know everyone first, observe how they interact, and decide on what you can do to earn your co-workers' trust.

We all know that things get done in a more efficient and pleasant manner when you get along with the people you work with. Being friends with your co-workers is a priceless benefit that could even spell the difference between you staying in the office for years or bolting for the door in just a few weeks.

Here are five ways to bond and connect better with your co-workers:

1. Make An Effort Outside The Office

Coworkers bonding outside the office at lunch

When you can, make an effort to mingle with your co-workers after office hours or during meetings. You can get a quick bite and talk about what happened at work that day. Ask them about their neighborhood ("Have you lived there long?"), their families ("How many kids do you have?"), and their interests ("Are you into snowboarding?").

Be curious about your co-workers, but don't be intrusive. They will share more information with you once you gain their trust. It also helps if you volunteer information about yourselfâbut nothing too intimate or too shocking, okay?

2. Stop Complaining About Work

Unless you're all sitting around releasing tension about the stress you all experience at work, it's best if you don't bring up negative things about the workplace.

You might be stressed but that's no reason to dump all your frustrations on your co-workers. There are different strategies for handling stress that don't involve annoying the people you work with. After all, you're all working for the same company. Even if you don't really like the way things are done, some of your co-workers may have different opinions.

3. Look For Common Ground

Two coworkers having a conversation on their break

A great way to find out more about your co-workers is to connect on social media. On Facebook, for instance, you can easily see what groups they're in and what shows they watch.

You can start a conversation during downtime at work about any of these things. You can ask, "Who's your favorite character on The Walking Dead?" or "Oh, your grandparents are from Ireland? Mine are too."

It may start out as small talk but it may also pave the way for a long-lasting friendship that goes beyond the workplace.

4. Collaborate On Projects

Coworkers bond while collaborating on a project

Obviously, you can't do everything alone. When working on a project, see which tasks you need help with. Seek out your co-workers' guidanceâthe senior staff members, especiallyâbecause they often have a better or faster way of doing things. Identify your co-workers' strengths and ask for their help on matters that need their expertise.

For instance, you can ask your office accountant to take a look at your financial report. You can say, "I need a fresh pair of eyes. Please have a look if you're not busy." Emphasize that you value your co-workers' input but make it clear that you're not totally dependent on them. You'll earn their respect if you show that you're capable and good at what you do.

5. Share Credit (Don't Hog All The Glory)

Happy coworkers connecting and working together as a team

Don't claim that you did everything, especially when you didn't. For example, when your boss praises you for a good idea that didn't actually come from you, you can say, "That wasn't my idea. It was Kelly's."

If you're still apprehensive about being accepted by your co-workers, just remember to do your job efficiently and promptly. Then, top it off with being nice and sincere. You certainly can't go wrong with that strategy.

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5 Steps To Easily Connect With Your …

Do you have friends at work? You don't have to be friends with everyone you work with, but making meaningful connections in the workplace improves collaboration, productivity, and job satisfaction. Also, your work environment becomes more positive and supportive when you have friends in the workplace. If you're starting a new job or simply haven't made any friends at work yet, what can you do to connect with others and make a friend or two?

We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips on how to make friends at work.

Here are their responses...

Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist

Making friends at work, especially in a hybrid work environment, requires a combination of social skills, communication, and genuine interest in others. Here are some expert tips to help you build strong friendships with your colleagues in a hybrid world:

Participate in Social Activities: Engage in both virtual and in-person social activities organized by your company or colleagues. These can include team-building events, online coffee breaks, virtual happy hours, or in-person outings. Participating in these activities provides opportunities to connect with your coworkers in a relaxed setting.
Active Communication: Make an effort to communicate regularly with your colleagues, both online and offline. Utilize instant messaging platforms, emails, and virtual meetings to stay connected with remote colleagues. In the office, take time to have casual conversations and get to know your coworkers on a personal level.
Express Interest in Others: Show genuine interest in your colleagues' lives, interests, and hobbies. Ask them about their weekend plans, hobbies, or any personal projects they are working on. Active listening and remembering details about their lives can help strengthen your connections.
Be Approachable and Friendly: Create an approachable and friendly demeanor. Smile, use positive body language, and be receptive to conversations with your coworkers. A warm and welcoming attitude can encourage others to approach you and initiate conversations.
Find Common Interests: Discover shared interests with your colleagues. Whether it's a hobby, a favorite TV show, or a sport, having common ground can serve as a great conversation starter and strengthen your bond.
Offer Help and Support: Be supportive of your coworkers and offer help when needed. Collaborating on projects or assisting with challenges can create a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Organize Informal Gatherings: Take the initiative to organize informal gatherings, whether it's a virtual game night, a lunch meetup, or a casual walk during breaks. These gatherings can help foster a sense of community among colleagues.
Respect Boundaries: While building friendships, it's essential to be respectful of colleagues' boundaries and professional space. Some individuals may prefer to keep their personal and professional lives separate, so be mindful of their preferences.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Acknowledge your colleagues' milestones and accomplishments. Congratulate them on their successes, both personally and professionally, and celebrate special occasions like birthdays or work anniversaries.
Be Patient and Consistent: Building meaningful friendships takes time, so be patient and consistent in your efforts. Keep nurturing your connections and be willing to invest in maintaining these relationships.

Remember, making friends at work in a hybrid world requires adapting to different communication channels and being proactive in reaching out to both in-person and remote colleagues. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, you can create lasting friendships that enhance your overall work experience.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive

Having that go-to work buddy you can rely on to vent about your boss or cheer for those big victoriesâitâs the best thing! Friends at work contribute to job satisfaction, collaboration, productivity, and well-being. According to a Gallup survey, women with a best friend at work are twice as likely to be engaged in what they're doing. Making friends with coworkers is a valuable skill that can enhance your career experience and create a positive work environment. Most importantly, it can make you happy!

Here are a few pointers, whether you're starting a job or wanting to make friends in your current role:

Foster Approachability & Positivity: Creating a welcoming and approachable demeanor is the first step to making friends at work. Great your coworkers with a warm smile, engage in small talk that conveys authentic interest, and steer clear of consistent complaints or engaging in office gossip to maintain a positive atmosphere.
The Power of Small Gestures: Begin by learning peopleâs names and incorporating them into conversations to create a positive impact right from the start. Next, invest your time in celebrating important milestones such as birthdays, work anniversaries, and personal achievements to show appreciation for your coworkers.
Participation Is Key: Embrace involvement in various activities from team-building initiatives and company-sponsored events to casual social gatherings, as these opportunities offer an excellent avenue for establishing meaningful connections with your coworkers.
Shared Interests as a Bonding Foundation: Seek out common areas that resonate with you and your coworkers. Whether itâs shared workplace challenges or mutual hobbies, these share elements can lay the groundwork for nurturing meaningful connections.
Extend a Helping Hand: Support your coworkers by lending a hand with projects. This collaboration effort underscores your teamwork capabilities and provides a platform to foster genuine workplace friendship.

Incorporating these strategies into your workplace interactions can enrich your well-being, underscoring the significance of cultivating meaningful friendships at work.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

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Executive Spotlight: How To Make Friends At …

If you're an executive at a large organization or previously served in such a position, you likely have experience working in large groups or teams. When working in a group to accomplish a goal, have you ever thought about your decision-making style and how it impacts others?

Getting a better understanding of your decision-making style and its impact on others is a quality of a good leader. This subject was discussed in a recent Executive Office Hours session inside Work It DAILY. Executive Office Hours is available exclusively for Work It DAILY's executive-level subscription members.

Decision-Making Styles

There are four basic decision-making styles that people fall under in a team setting:

North - A person with this style likes to take action and figure things out as they go along.
East - This person is a little more pensive with their decision making. They like to look at the bigger picture and consider all options.
South - This person likes to get a better understanding of the team dynamic and make sure that everyone's feelings are taken into consideration.
West - This person likes to pay attention to details and is always interested in knowing the who, what, when, where, and why before acting.

Why It's Important To Know Your Decision-Making Style

If you want to be a good leader, it's important to understand your decision-making style. When leading a large team of people, you'll quickly find out that everyone views teamwork differently. By understanding how everyone makes decisions, you're able to set a direction for the team in which everyone feels includedâand potentially avoid clashes among group members.

When team members don't feel comfortable with the team's approach, they feel less engaged with the company, and that unhappiness often leads to staff turnover.

Understanding the four decision-making styles also allows you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. You can evaluate the strengths and limitations of your style, while better communicating your style with colleagues. You also get a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your colleagues' decision-making styles.

Your Decision-Making Style Is Part Of Your Executive Brand

If you're an executive looking for a new job, knowing your decision making-style is also a good way to see if you'll fit in with a prospective employer. If you get a sense during the interview process that the company's decision-making style process is the opposite of yours, it's something to consider before taking the job.

Ultimately, your decision-making style fits into your workplace persona, which makes up your executive brand.

If you're unfamiliar with your workplace persona, try Work It Daily's FREE Career Decoder Quiz. Understanding how your decision-making style and workplace persona work together will help you determine your professional strengths so you can market yourself more effectively to employers.

Topics like this and more are discussed every week in Executive Office Hours. In addition to a weekly presentation, each session includes personal stories and updates from other executives in the group.

Are you interested in having access to these private sessions? Check out our executive-level membership. Start working with career expert J.T. O'Donnell on your LinkedIn brand and image management today!

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What’s Your Executive Decision-Making Style?

In almost every office, there are "lucky" employees given formidable projects like setting up a new department or coming up with strategies for rebranding the company. Then, of course, there are those assigned to do the so-called "grunt work" such as alphabetizing clients' files, updating suppliers' contact details, and organizing meetings.

There's nothing wrong with doing grunt work, as these tasks are necessary for the business to operate efficiently. However, there comes a point when you want to move on to do more meaningful and challenging work.

Simply put, you want to get promoted.

After all, doing the same thing over and over again isn't exactly going to do anything for your career growth. That's why you should have the courage to ask for bigger responsibilities. Don't wait for your boss to hand that exciting project to youâyou must be proactive! Fight for it if you have to.

Here's how you can show everyone you're ready to move up in the world and finally earn that promotion:

Get The Tasks Nobody Wants To Do

Do the grunt work with enthusiasm. If necessary, over deliver. For instance, if you're tasked with alphabetizing clients' files, you can also make backup copies of the said files. If nobody wants to face a particularly difficult client, volunteer for the task. Doing so would prove that you're willing to do even the most difficult things to make your mark. This also establishes your reputation as a reliable member of the team.

Help Overworked And Stressed Co-workers

Woman stands out at work by helping her coworkers

Once you're done with the tasks assigned to you, you can help out any co-worker who's overwhelmed with their tasks. Don't be pushy, though. Let your co-worker tell you what to doâand then give it your best shot. Make sure you have your co-worker's permission before you tell your boss and other office-mates about the collaboration. Otherwise, people might think you're trying to take credit for their work.

Take Stock Of Your Skills And Learn New Ones

Woman writes down her skills while looking for a job

Make an inventory of what you can do. Find a way to highlight these skills. If you're good with words, you can offer to help your co-workers write their reports. You can also acquire more skills that will help you snag your target projects. For example, if your company has an office in Paris and you'd like to be assigned there, then learn French.

Ask Your Boss For A New Project

Woman talks to her boss about getting promoted

Get to know everything about your company. Immerse yourself in all sorts of information about the industry that you're in. Know the trends and other factors affecting your line of work. This information can help you suggest new projects and tasks to your boss. When you pitch a project, it helps if you present your skill set as well so your boss knows what you can do.

Remember: YOU control your career's direction.

You don't have to wait that long to get the project or position or promotion that you want. If you have the drive and will to succeed, then you can move forward in your profession at a much faster pace.

The trick is to do everything that you're assigned to do extraordinarily well and to keep improving your skill set. This way, you're always ready to take advantage of an opportunity for career advancement.

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