You have an impressive resume and tons of experience -- why aren't you being sought at work for your expertise? The answer is initiative. Initiative takers are seen as leaders, and your resume is secondary to how you are perceived by your actions in the workplace. Initiative takers naturally expand their own influence and value by being willing to take on new things. When they do this appropriately, without elbowing or appearing overzealous, managers and peers seek them for their opinions and…

Diversity awareness training isn't just about education; it's also about skills. Here are the five critical skills you need: 1) check biases (self awareness for habits of thinking that could demonstrate intolerance or disrespect); 2) practice inclusiveness (proactively seek to include others who who may otherwise be treating with indifference); 3) seek clarification (when in doubt of the meaning of a communication, take initiative to ask for clarification in order to avoid conflict or…

Being overly nervous before a speech or presentation can interfere with your confidence, but a measured dose of it is crucial for your best performance. You'll probably never eliminate nervousness, but you can make it work for -- rather than against - you. Prior to your presentation, read your material aloud four to six times while standing up. Mouthing, hearing, and repeating the content "internalizes" it, permitting more spontaneity and faster recall to help you appear more natural. Accept…

People who are catalysts make things happen. They're passionate about their jobs. But which came first - their passion or the ability to get things done? Learn to be a catalyst for change and you may experience renewed enthusiasm for your job: 1) Start by writing down three to five things that need improvement in your work environment over which you could influence correcting. 2) Next to each item, note ideas that'll lead to a solution. 3) From this list, choose one area of improvement where…