Holiday office etiquette: The dos and donts of the season

The holidays are a wonderful time, but when it comes to the office, there are some dos and don’ts you should definitely follow. Before you buy your boss a gift, put that nativity scene on your desk, or have a third glass of wine at the office party, watch this!

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? And how does that play out in the workplace? Find out what you are and how you can work it to your advantage in this week's "Let's Talk Live" episode.

The five keys to success in the new economy

It's still a very tough market out there. But there are five keys that can help you succeed: Accept change, develop strong networks, advance diversity, play well with others, and take responsibility. This is the A.D.A.P.T. model of success, and workplace guru Mary Abbajay walks you through it:

What to expect the first year of your new business

I'm not going to sugarcoat it: The first year in business is the toughest. But if you know what to expect you can sail through with success. Watch this episode of "Let's Talk Live," where we wrap up our Summer Business Series on how to start your own business with the final installment: What to expect the first year.

Why you shouldn't multitask, and 7 ways to stop

These days, everyone is a multitasker. We talk while we drive, we answer text messages or e-mails during meetings, we return phone calls while surfing the Internet, we work on different docs in different applications all at once, and we cook dinner while talking on the phone.

 But instead of being a hallmark of efficacy, multitasking is actually a detriment to productivity. In fact, research says that performance actually decreases when we do more than one task at a time. Multitasking is counterproductive, our work is poorer for it, and we have to learn to stop doing it.

 Now, this is tough, as we have all taught ourselves that doing only one thing at a time is somehow lazy, less desirable, or a luxury of some sort. Why just sit there reading a report when you could also be checking your e-mail? Why just sit in that meeting listening when you could also be sending texts? Sound familiar? Multitasking is a habit that’s hard to break, but there are a lot of strategies you can use to help you stop:

1. Answer e-mails only at a certain time. Don't check constantly throughout the day. If the little icon announcing a new e-mail is too tempting, close the program.

2. Answer or return phone calls at a certain time, as well. Only take a call if it is imperative to do so, otherwise, let it go to voicemail.

3. When you are on the phone, shut out other distractions, like your computer screen or paperwork, and focus on the phone call.

4. Make it easy to succeed by limiting distractions. When you are working on something, turn off, mute, or stow other gadgets, screens, projects, papers, reports, etc.

5. Make sure your workspace is well organized and free of clutter. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, so you want to be sure your space lends itself to focused thinking and activity.

6. Same thing for your computer. Don't open too many programs on your screen. Keep your computer desktop organized, too. Try to keep it simple so you can focus.

7. Appreciate the bottom line. Understanding that shifting or splitting your mental attention actually costs you efficiency and time will help you stop multitasking. 

Multitasking is really just a bad habit that can be broken with a little understanding and a little discipline. You learned how to multitask, and you can learn to stop, too. Trust me, your work and your mood will improve.

Mary talks vacations (and why you should take one!) on News Channel 8

Everyone needs a vacation, and in this segment on News Channel 8, Mary talks with host Bruce Depuyt about the importance of taking a much-needed break from the office.

Why you should take a vacation

Did you know that more than 1/3 of working Americans will not take their allotted vacation time this year? And if they do, half of the time they take work with them? What kind of vacation is that? What gives?

With so much economic uncertainty, plus high gas prices and a tough job market, many workers reason that they can't afford to take a vacation, financially, career-wise, or both.

That's a mistake, and here’s why: taking a vacation is a proven way to reduce stress and rejuvenate yourself. Vacations are an absolute physical and emotional necessity. You may be afraid to take one, but you will be better for it.

Studies show that vacations—appreciable time away from the demands of work— reduce stress, promote creativity, stave off burnout, strengthen personal and familial relationships, and help job performance. They are restorative—we sleep more, eat better, try new things, engage in favorite activities, and maybe even exercise a bit.

Management gurus say it all the time: taking frequent breaks from work promotes better brain activity and creative thinking. When someone is exhausted, stressed, and overworked, their mind shuts down and they are no longer productive or effective. Breaks are essential to productivity. Many forward-thinking companies have this figured out, like Zappos, which is why they feature lavish and funky break rooms with baristas, couches, scooters, massage therapists, and video games to help their employees disconnect and recharge.

The yearly two-week vacation is the equivalent to the fifteen-minute break in the workday; it is an essential component to one’s mental and physical health and the hallmark of a productive person.

But not all vacations are created equally. You have to make sure you choose the right vacation for you. That may sound obvious, but it’s not. Some vacations may actually cause more stress. Like to lie around and do nothing? Then a beach house is probably preferable to an ambitious trek through the cathedrals of Europe. Conversely, if you are a type A who loves to go-go-go, then two weeks at a remote lake house may make you crazy. The vacation you take should match both your interest and your energy level.

Whatever you do, don't take your work with you. Unless you are running your own business where you might need to stay connected, you are not getting paid to respond to e-mails and voice mails. So leave the work and the gadgets behind.

However, for some people, just knowing that they can stay connected might help them alleviate the anxiety of even taking a vacation. In that case, by all means, take your gadgets with you. Remember: the point of a vacation is not necessarily to do nothing. The point is to disconnect and disengage yourself from your work, so that you are recharged, refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to reconnect, both at work and at home.

So, what are you waiting for? Happy vacation!

20 networking tips

Networking is a critically important component of career and organizational success. Being well connected and having strong relationships both within and outside your organization is a cornerstone of success, in any industry and any field.

In a nutshell, networking means building a robust and diverse group of peers and colleagues who can support your personal and professional success and the success of your organization. It is important to take networking seriously, and remember that it isn't about schmoozing; it’s about developing real relationships. 

Here are 20 tips to help you network the right way:

1. Sincerity is the most important aspect of successful networking. You have to keep it real.

2. Cultivate a deep appreciation for the people you meet. This means showing genuine interest and being a good listener.

3. Make a positive first impression. Use open and positive body language, good eye contact, a good handshake, and a positive attitude.

4. Smile, smile, and smile!

5. Wear your nametag (left side, please).

6. Introduce yourself properly and clearly.

7. Develop a great (and short—20 second) elevator speech that tells people who you are and what you do. 

8. Remember people’s names. If you forget, just ask again politely.

9. Don’t scan the room for better opportunities.

10. But your focus on the other person. Ask engaging questions, be a good listener, and try to be a good conversationalist.

11. Be memorable. Express yourself well, and be someone who others are glad to see.

12. Don’t give the impression you are tying to use, sell, or get something out of people. 

13. Introduce people to other people. Smile and invite others to join your group. This is also a great way to learn and remember names.

14. Develop relationships with people, not their titles. Don’t dismiss people you meet because their title isn’t right or because you don’t think they are worthwhile or high enough up the ladder.

15. Attend as many professional and social events as you can, and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

16. Don't drink too much. Drunk never makes a good impression.

17. Find ways to add value and do favors for others.

18. Say goodbye with warmth and graciousness.

19. Follow-up with people you like and cultivate relationships. Send an e-mail, use social networking, meet for coffee, etc.

20. Don’t expect instant friendships. Friendships take time to develop. Don’t overreach early on. Developing a network takes time!

Finding the right business partner

In the second of my three-part Summer Business Series on News Channel 8's "Let's Talk Live," I talk with host Melanie Hastings about how the right business partner can make or break your business, how to tell if you really need a partner, and then how to pick the right one.

Ageism in the workplace: Five ways to keep pace and keep your place

Ageism in the workplace is a very real problem. Older workers, who make more money and receive more benefits, are often the first to be let go, and older workers are not rehired at the rate of younger workers. Here are a few ideas to help you keep pace and keep your place in the working world:

Look modern.

1. Look modern. Many companies want to present a contemporary, vibrant image. Unfortunately, many older workers can be perceived—fairly or not—as outdated. It’s essential that seasoned workers consciously combat this perception by looking modern. This means updating your physical appearance. You want to look like you belong in 2012, not 1974.

Obviously, you want to dress appropriately for your age, but that doesn't mean you have to wear outdated clothes. The key is to look stylish, polished, and professional. Go to a good store—like Macys or Nordstrom—and ask for help. Update your hair, too. Maybe it’s time to lose the sideburns or get rid of the bun and go for a bob. And don’t forget your shoes, make-up, and jewelry. The point is to update your look so you stand out (and fit in!) in a good way. First impressions are still powerful. Make yours a modern one.

Get with it technologically.

2. Get with it technologically. Make sure you are up-to-date on the latest gadgets, software, and social media. You don't have to tweet and post every two minutes, or read all your papers on an iPad, but you must have a good working knowledge of what is out there. Ask for help from a young person, and have them give you a run through of the different platforms, sites, and strategies. You don't have to become a tech junkie, but this is a crucial part of today’s business and social world. Technology and social media are the zeitgeist, and those who ignore them will be left behind.

3. Update your resume. It may have been years since you’ve needed one, so do an Internet search for current styles. And you may need to tweak the copy depending on the job you are applying for. If you appear overqualified, it may hurt your chances of even getting a foot in the door. Be ready to tailor your resume to the job.

4. Brush up on your interview skills. It may have been a while since you’ve interviewed. Chances are, the person interviewing you is young enough to be your child or grandchild. This is weird, I know. But don’t panic. During the interview, it is inappropriate to say, “Yes ma’am” or “No sir” to someone much younger than you. Simply treat them as you would a colleague. Don’t talk down to them or treat them as a youngster. And don’t be obsequious or overly solicitous. Just be respectful.

Play up your experience.

5. Turn being “overqualified” into perfectly experienced. During or after an interview, you may be told that you are overqualified for the job. This means they think you’ll be bored or disgruntled doing work that is “beneath” you or that you’ll leave the minute a better opportunity comes along.

They might think you’d be a pain, using your experience to try to change the way things are done or complaining that that’s not how you are used to doing things. You can’t blame the employer. Lots of times, this is exactly how overqualified people act. Your job is to convince them otherwise.

If you are told you are overqualified, ask them what they mean by that and why that is a concern. Find out what their fear is and allay it. You have to convince them that you are perfect for the job because of your experience, that this is exactly what you want to do, that you have worked your way to the top and now you simply want to do the part that you loved best.

Here’s an example: Say you owned a store. You closed it, and now you are applying to be the manager at a franchise. The interviewee says you are overqualified and is afraid you’d be bored managing when you used to own. You want to convince them that you will be happy at this level. Tell them you are done climbing the ladder and do not want the pressure of ownership. You want to stay at the managerial level where you are happiest. Make your experience work for you, not against you. Remember, when push comes to shove, employers want the best talent they can buy. Sell yourself as such.

Memory tips: How to remember someone's name

Memory tips come in handy when networking, especially when it comes to remembering someone's name. It's flattering to someone when you remember their name, and it helps you put them in your mental database of contacts.


Here are six tips to help you remember someone's name:



1. Repetition, repetition, repetition. When first introduced, repeat your new acquaintance's name. First, repeat it directly. "It's nice to meet you, Tom. How do you do?" Then repeat it twice during the course of your conversation. Using their name while conversing will help cement it into your memory—but don't overdo it, or you'll seem odd.


2. Association/Mnemonics. Anchor their name to a particular feature. In your mind, a simple "Tom" might become "Tom with the eyebrows," "Tom wearing blue," or "Tom with the crazy hair." Next time you see them, that feature will remind you of their name.


3. Rhyme it. Try making a simple rhyme out of their name. This can be as silly as you like because, remember, it only needs to make sense to you. Tom could be "Tom went to the prom."


4. Ask someone else. If you forget, discreetly ask a mutual friend. You needn't be embarrassed. It's far better to do this than to call them by the wrong name.


5. Introduce them to someone else. Introduce your new acquaintance to a friend to prompt them to give their own name: "Have you met Peter? He's a good friend of mine from the polo club." Hopefully they will introduce themselves, giving you the opportunity to hear their name again.


6. Just ask. If all else fails, simply ask them again. Politely say, "I'm terribly sorry, I've forgotten your name." Everyone forgets names from time to time, so don't be embarrassed, and don't make a big deal of it.

How to be a good intern: Nine tips for the successful intern

Internships are a great way to test the waters of a particular field or company. Internships are also a great way to network and make contacts in your field. Plus, internship experience is great resume fodder. More and more organizations consider internships an integral part of career development, sometimes even more so than other summer jobs.


Last week, I wrote about the importance and value of internship programs and how to run an effective one. This week, I want to offer some tips on how to make the most of your internship and how to be a good intern.

If you are entering an internship, here are some tips to make it worthwhile:

•Take your internship seriously—even if your employer doesn’t.

•Dress for success. Try not to look like an intern. Rather, dress as if you already belong there. Dress like you already have the job.

•Think of your internship as a 12-week interview. Stay focused and be professional.

•Be clear about your personal and professional goals for the internship.

•Find out about the company’s goals and find ways to meet them.

•Request meaningful work. Volunteer to work on big projects.

•Make connections. Network and socialize with colleagues and other interns. Take the time to really get to know a wide assortment of colleagues.

•Show appreciation. Write thank you notes and send emails.

•Stay in touch! Follow up with the company.

Summer interns: How to run an effective intern program

Interns can bring new energy and knowledge about the latest technologies into the workplace, and a solid intern program can be an incredibly valuable and important business tool. Summer usually sees an influx in interns, and managing them can pose a unique set of challenges. But with a little effort, you can ensure that your company’s intern program is valuable, effective, and worthwhile, for everyone.

A great internship program covers four elements:

1. Clear goals and purposes. Determine what you want to get out of the program. What are the goals and purposes? What do we want to get out of it? Is it recruiting and training new talent? Hiring cheap summer help? Marketing our company?

2. Structure and strategies to meet those goals. Structure and strategies to meet those goals: How are we meeting these goals? How and where are we recruiting? How are we onboarding, evaluating and tracking the program?

3. Management support and buy-in. Are the right people involved? Are the managers of the interns on board with the program? Do they understand the goals? Do they have the proper training and resources to create valuable experiences for both the organization and the interns?

4. The experience of the interns. Are we providing the interns with a valuable experience for them and for company? Did we meet their expectations? Did they have the experience that we promised in our recruiting? Would they recommend our organization to other interns or prospective employees? Remember, your interns are not just free workers or potential employees; they will also be broadcasting their opinions about your organization. So make sure they say the right things.

Great intern programs all have one thing in common: the organization takes it seriously. Great programs require a great deal of work, thought and follow through. Many organizations just kind of slap them together, but this is a mistake. Here are three common mistakes companies make and how to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Not ensuring your managers are in alignment with the program goals. It is often challenging for managers to take on the additional responsibilities of an intern, but the people managing the interns are key to your program’s success. Make sure you choose the right people to work with the interns, have trained them properly, and that they are on board with the program’s goals.

Mistake 2: Not providing meaningful work or professional development for your interns. This is not about simply fetching coffee; it’s about introducing young adults to the workplace in general and your company in particular. They want to feel they have made a meaningful contribution and they want to learn, so give them something real to do.

Mistake 3: All flash and no fire. This is when organizations spend the summer wining, dining, and schmoozing their interns instead of actually seeing if they would be a good match for the organization. Law firms are notorious for this. They throw boatloads of money at the summer associates trying to lure them. Sounds great, but they aren’t really getting much for their money—research shows that there isn’t much correlation between the money spent and the retention it inspires, and lots of firms are rethinking this practice. Find a way to make the internship meaningful to both parties.

Starting your own business: Six things to consider

Thinking of starting your own business? In part one of my three-part entrepreneur series for News Channel 8's "Let's Talk Live," I discuss with host Melanie Hastings the six things you absolutely must consider before leaping into entrepreneurship:

Summer office attire: Nine tips on dressing appropriately while still keeping your cool

When the heat and humidity strike, so does the temptation to dress down at the office. This is a big no-no. Whether it’s January or July, the rules are the same: You should always look professional, you should always look like you belong, and you should always be appropriately attired for your work environment.

At all times, even in 90-degree heat and humidity, your attire says everything about you. Does your look say, I’m gong to a luau or I’m ready for business? Here’s how to keep your cool without undermining your attire—and integrity—at the office:


1. Understand your corporate culture. What are the expectations for summer attire? What does HR say? Look around at the senior staff members—how are they attired? A suit and tie may be required year round. Sleeveless for ladies may be a no-no. Find out what is expected at your office and follow suit.


2. Lighten up. Put away the heavy fabrics and colors and lighten up, literally. Think linen, cotton, and silk, rather than tweeds, wools, and blends. Choose lighter colors, too.


3. Choose the right dress for success. For the ladies, sundresses are perfectly appropriate in the summertime as long as they are cut conservatively and paired with a sweater or jacket. Sleeveless may or may not be appropriate, but revealing spaghetti straps is not. Dresses should fall at or below the knee. As always, you should never show any cleavage.


4. Ugly toes are a no-no. Open-toed shoes may or may not be appropriate at your work; again, look around and see what senior staff wear or check with HR. If open toes are permissible, be sure your feet are well groomed. Ugly toes are an absolute no-no. Pedicures are a must, and make sure you choose a conservative color.


5. Professionals never wear flip-flops. In the summer, the temptation arises to slide little things in. A flip-flop here, a tank top there, a little more skin overall. Don’t do it. Here is what professional men and women never wear, even when it’s 100 degrees outside: Flip-flops, midriff-baring shirts, tank or halter tops, spaghetti straps, mini skirts, low-cut shirts or blouses, see-through blouses, jeans, short-sleeved shirts with ties, Hawaiian shirts.

And don’t buy-in to what fashion magazines say—shorts are never appropriate for the office. It doesn’t matter how tailored they are, shorts are not suitable for work. Furthermore, if you are a professional workingwoman, your bra strap should never be exposed. In fact, if you are having trouble finding a bra for a particular shirt or outfit for work, you are wearing the wrong thing.


6. Casual Fridays doesn't mean shorts. Or anything listed above. Find out what management specifically means by casual Friday. What does the boss wear? You don’t want to be a stick in the mud and wear a suit when everyone else is in khakis, but you should still observe a conservative, professional rule. If you are a man, you may be able to wear a short-sleeved shirt, but think polo rather than Hawaiian. Unless you're Magnum P.I.


7. Interview outfit rules remain the same. Even in warm weather the same rules apply for interview attire: Dress for the job you want, look like you already belong, and dress even more conservatively than you normally would. You want to make a good impression and you want to do it by looking like you belong, by looking as polished and professional as possible, and not by looking summery, sexy, or casual.


8. Check your smell. We’re all a little sweatier and stickier in the summertime, so make an extra effort to check your hygiene. After that sweaty walk from the Metro, pop into the bathroom to freshen up. Maybe even keep a little dopp kit in your office with deodorant, powder, etc. Runny make-up and sweat stains are never a good look.

Career advice for college grads: Five tips for career readiness

Congratulations, graduates! Now the hard work of getting into the working world begins. Though there are many different areas to focus on, there is a simple prescription for a successful and smooth entry into the workforce, and it starts here:

1. The all-important resume. Resumes should tell a story about who you are and what your skills and talents are. Clearly, a 21-year old is not going to have the same resume as a seasoned veteran, but employers know this, so don’t worry about impressive credentials. Just do the best you can with your experience so far and find things that highlight your strengths and applicable skills.

2. What to put on your resume. Any kind of job, internship, volunteer work, or affiliation needs to go on your resume. The most important thing about “starter” jobs is to show that you were given responsibility -- If you were a lifeguard, put it on (that’s a position of great responsibility). If you worked in an ice-cream shop, put it on. Did your manager give you tasks that reflected a level of responsibility, like locking up at night, opening in the morning, making deposits, running the register? Also highlight those jobs or activities in which you were part of a team and helped lead it or had responsibility of some sort: Did you hold any leadership positions in clubs or sports team? Did you help with fundraisers or special events? Did you do volunteer work? Whatever you did or were involved in that reflects leadership and responsibility should go on your resume.

3. What the resume should look like. Don’t get fancy. Resumes should be simple, easily readable, and written in a standard format. Google "how to write a resume" to get a sense of what is standard. Don’t go over one page (unless you have had  a lot of jobs) and don’t use fancy fonts or colored paper. Pink paper and unreadable type are annoying to an employer. You want to stand out because of who you are, not because your resume is kitschy. And always, always, always spell check. Nothing sinks a candidate quicker than misspelling liaison.

4. Use your college. Your college wants you to be a successful alum, so use their career center. Many colleges offer career counseling, job fairs, and internship programs. Some will set up real or practice interviews for you and help you with your resume. Many offer personality and skills tests that can help you focus on your career choices.

And use your school's alumni network! Most alums registered with the career center are more than willing to help new graduates. Usually, they are broken out by profession and can be counted on to provide information about a certain field, advice on getting into it, and will review your resume. They may also off internships, informational interviews, and invaluable contacts in your field. Don’t be shy—this is networking, and it is one of the best ways to get a job. Use your friends and professors, too. Does someone have a parent, sibling, or associate in your field? Again, don’t be shy. This is what networking is all about.

5. Think before you take the summer off. While it may be true that this is your last summer of “freedom,” you need to remember that there are millions of other graduates who are getting out of the gate and into the market. Look at the hiring cycle of your desired profession or industry. If you want to enter one that actively seeks college graduates, then taking the summer off is not a good idea. In other professions, entry-level jobs open up all the time, so taking one last summer off may not be a big deal. But remember: this is not the same economy as five years ago; jobs are scarce and the market is tough.

Bad apples: Six strategies to deal with nightmare co-workers

Every company has at least one bad apple. These are the people who don't respect the organization or their coworkers, are negative, don't carry their own weight, or sabotage the work of others.

A bad apple is like a bad virus -- their attitude can affect morale, trust, and productivity. If not addressed, people can quickly become resentful, jaded, and unproductive. So, how do you deal with these people? If the bad apple is a co-worker, try these six strategies:

1. Avoidance. Try not to interact with this person any more than necessary.

2. Humor. Try to look at this person as funny/absurd. Not the most gracious approach, but sometimes if you can find the humor and the innocence in a situation, it can help you get through it (sexual harassment, of course, is not funny).

3. Consider the political landscape. Is this person really connected? If so, the reality is that you may have to work a bit harder to find a way to deal with this person.

4. Empathy. Most jerks are jerks because there is something deficient about them. Try to find that part of you that would befriend something that is wounded. Try to find some glimmer of humanity. Think Michael Scott from “The Office” -- quite possibly the most lovable office jerk of all time.

5. Try to help. Peers and co-workers can play a big role in turning the bad apple around. If the bad apple is a peer, and you feel comfortable doing so, find a way to address the problem tactfully but directly. Explain what you see him doing and your concerns about it. Express that you want to see him succeed but that you are afraid his current behavior may not be the best way to reach his goals.

6. Send it up the chain. If you have the difficult conversation and you continue to see the ill effects of this behavior, then you must send it up the chain. If you’re a manager or supervisor and one or more of your employees comes to you with complaints or feedback about a troublesome employee, and you know with certainty that the complaint is valid, you must take action immediately. There are five steps to take:

Step 1: Confront the person directly. Tell the person exactly what your concerns are with his behavior. Cite examples. Do not make it personal or single out who complained. Don’t say, “Carol complained about you.” Make sure you do your homework and use “I” or “We" statements.  Say: "I am not happy with the way you are treating your co-workers."

Step 2: Describe the impact of the behavior. Use specifics: “When you call your co-workers white trash losers you destroy our teamwork and morale,” or “When you don’t do your weekly reports it adds more work for the rest of your team.”

Step 3: State the change you want to see. Again be specific. Link to corporate values. “I need you to stop that behavior immediately. You must never denigrate a co-worker again.”

Step 4: Be explicit about the ramifications. And don't hedge: “If you continue with this behavior, you will be terminated. This is your one warning.”

Step 5: Follow up. If the behavior is modified then make sure you acknowledge it. Remember, you get what you reward. If the behavior doesn’t change, then you must terminate.

A note about termination: When you get rid of a bad apple use it as an opportunity to teach and reinforce your corporate value system to the rest of your employees. Jack Welch said if you terminate someone for not exhibiting corporate values then you should make that explicit when you speak of the termination. Don’t soft-pedal it by saying, “Carol wanted to spend time with her family.” Instead, say, “Carol was asked to leave because she was unable to be a good team player.”