Does meeting new people and mingling at a summer party make you nervous? It is normal to feel nervous meeting people, but try beating social anxiety with these tips: Before going to an event, practice positive self-talk--imagine people being happy to meet you; talk to the mirror and practice engaging. This will build a positive mind-set. This practice is no different from people rehearsing a speech six times or actors getting their character before going on stage. It works, and others will…

Control your emotions--don't let them control you. It sounds simple, but it's not. Still, it is one of the most important skills you can learn for managing workplace stress. Three feeling states dominate negativity at work: anger, disappointment, and frustration. When you experience any of these, be capable of practicing the art of detachment. Don't lose patience, mope at your desk, give people the silent treatment, or withhold information--these are unhealthy coping tactics. Detachment may…

If you have a reputation for reluctance to admit you're wrong, a few insights can motivate you to improve your ability to practice this acquired skill. You'll also enhance your workplace relationships. The key for what some feel is a seemingly impossible task is recognizing the benefits you derive from it. Admitting you're wrong when necessary demonstrates guts and willingness to be vulnerable. Practicing the skill also demonstrates high self-esteem and lack of need to cling to something to…

Networking is the most common method for finding a job, but it's much more than heading to the hors d'oeuvres table to collect business cards. It's about developing a personal strategy of long-term and synergistic engagement with others with whom you can mutually share resources and opportunities. If you're a new graduate, begin now to build this list of contacts. Nuture it by sending a short, heartfelt note of well wishes once per year--in writing via a real postage stamp. This powerful…