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…

Your lunch hour is "me" time, so enjoy it. But don't fall for the notion that you can't put it to good use "working" for yourself to reduce stress by taking care of small chores, errands, and to-dos that will free up time after work. If you tend to eat for 15 minutes and zone out for 15 to 45 more, see if any of these ideas whet your appetite for a different kind of lunch--a power lunch that buys free time so you have better days, more pleasant evenings, and fewer weekends bogged down with…

Romantic relationships between coworkers are legendary for their unique stress. While your feet are still on the ground, consider a self-analysis to empower you to make the right choice before beginning a romance at work. Start with the following questions: Will the relationship adversely affect either of your professionally? Depending on your positions, is the relationship ethical? Will you keep it secret? This often increases stress. Could the relationship force a transfer to another part…

You have essentially two ways of dealing with unpleasant interactions with others at work. You can "respond", or you can "react". Learn the difference between the two and you'll experience few conflicts while having more control over everyday communication. You'll be happier and feel less exhausted when you go home. If you're a "reactor", it will take practice to make the shift to being a cool responder. Your goal is to remain in control of what you say so that your communication goals are…

The word "competitive" gets a bad rap in the workplace because it often describes pushy or manic or aggressive behavior. But there is another type of competitive employee--the one who champions reaching for the gold in healthy ways. Healthy competitiveness is a learned skill and an energetic approach to work that shows you are proactive, focused, and positive. You seek to top your best, not that of others. Employers are clamoring for employees with a healthy competitive spirit because they are…