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Is the Art of Good Conversation Lost in the Age of Constant Communication?
“Ah, good conversation—there’s nothing like it, is there? The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing.” So wrote Edith Wharton, the Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist and a keen social observer of the early 20th century. Wharton wrote about the intricacies of privilege in novels like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth….
How to Self Promote Without Bragging
We all know that person who brags endlessly about themselves and their accomplishments. You know, the coworker who goes on and on about her recent promotion or the family member who posts photos of his brand new car on Facebook. For these individuals, self-promotion comes naturally although for most of us, talking about ourselves can be uncomfortable. Before we go into detail about self-promotion, first understand that talking about yourself and your accomplishments is a natural aspect of managing your profile and, in turn, your career. Most people cringe at the thought of having to promote themselves, particularly at work, but this needs to change. You are your greatest product, and you need to make sure you advertise your brand to the right crowd at the right times.
Creating an Inclusive Space and Safe Environment at Work
It goes without saying, diversity and inclusion are strategic organizational imperatives in today’s business landscape. There are publications, job titles, and events that illustrate the importance of these concepts. But what are some actual ways you can begin creating an inclusive and safe environment at your company?
First and foremost, your company needs to understand the relationship between diversity and inclusion. Diversity can exist at your company without inclusion, which can be difficult for some to understand. As Anna Beninger, senior director of research and corporate engagement partner at Catalyst, says, “Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice.” When employees do not feel they’re included, costs related to absenteeism, unproductivity and low morale can add up. Research has shown that when diversity and inclusive leadership work together, however, innovation and growth naturally occur.
When Does Hiring for “Culture Fit” Cross the Line of Discrimination?
Making the perfect hire is an art. It requires the ability to properly assess a candidate through an unbiased lens using a delicate balance of factuality and human emotion. With the company’s best interest at the forefront, three fundamental aspects come to mind when I think about what comprises the right person for the job.
- Talent: Some candidates just have the “it factor” more than others. We each hold an array of individual talents that make us who we are; such as an accountant naturally good with numbers or a writer with wordplay that easily flows from their fingertips.
- Credentials: A candidate with extensive study and training displays a proven work ethic and fundamental knowledge in the field through a rigorous ability to facilitate learning. Hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
- Experience: Extensive success in past employment positions displays consistent reliability, an ability to grow and a well-versed skill set that wholly qualifies them for the position.
Why Does Captain Marvel Matter?
Marvel’s latest box office hit, Captain Marvel, experienced an opening weekend for the ages. It not only earned positive reviews from movie critics across the globe but we witnessed moviegoers supporting the film at a rate of $153 million domestically and $455 million worldwide in its opening weekend at the box office.
But why am I writing about the most recent Marvel movie on LinkedIn? Representation is important, especially in media. This is the first solo film led by a female character released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe amongst its nearly 20 movies.
Explaining the Outrage of Blackface
By now, we have all seen the headlines.
Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam first apologized but subsequently denied being one of two men, one in blackface, the other wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe/hood, prominently featured on his 1984 medical school yearbook page. While he denied being either individual in the image, he did admit to wearing shoe polish on his face to darken his skin to portray Michael Jackson in a dance contest.
Italian fashion brand Gucci announced a major push to step up diversity hiring as a part of a long-term strategy to build cultural awareness at the luxury fashion company following an uproar over an $890 sweater that resembles blackface.
Several celebrities — Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, Ted Danson, and Jimmy Fallon — are under fire for their views on or poor judgment donning blackface.
Once considered acceptable stage makeup, blackface went the way of the N-word in terms of igniting controversy. At this point, we all should know that wearing blackface is offensive and wrong, but where does this practice originate from, and why is it so offensive?
Five Habits of Highly Successful Leaders
With the start of a new year, developing healthy habits are atop everyone’s mind. By now, we’ve all set our resolutions with a new hope to achieve goals both at work and home. In light of this tradition, as I continue to refine my own leadership style, I have pulled together common threads and habits of what literature sites as common habits of successful leaders. Forming new routines in our daily lives can be a challenge, but small changes make a huge difference.