How does the new generation of workers transform itself into leaders? In her new book, Becoming the Boss, Lindsey Pollak offers Generation Y readers advice to help them grow from team members to team leaders not only in the organizations they work for or the startups they run, but also personally, in managing their own careers. Pollak is here to share some of that advice, with special angles for introverts.NA: What got you to write Becoming the Boss?LP: I wrote my previous book, Getting from College to Career, to help young professionals succeed in landing their first jobs out of college. I ha... view article details

In the first part of this interview, Barbara Rubin, a theater director as well as a dialect and vocal coach, offers insights and tips for introverts about finding their true voice and using it with power and presence. In this second part, she shares more about physical techniques you can use to enhance your speaking voice and manage performance jitters.NA: Many introverts need to quietly collect their thoughts before sharing them, which can be stressful in work environments that value more talk sooner, rather than more thoughtful talk a little later. What vocal and even theatrical techniques d... view article details

Are you as satisfied with the work you do today as you were a year ago? Do you have fun doing your job? Do you work in a creative environment where coworkers trust and nurture one another? Are you proud of the work you do, and the products or services your company sells? Does your employer put the customer ahead of all else? If you're looking for a job, will you settle for less than a job that brings you joy?As contrary as it may seem, most people in the U.S. workforce have some choice in what they do for a living and where they work. That means most workers can hold out for a job with some de... view article details

Dress to Get Noticed Even If You Don't Like the Spotlight Some people think it’s a waste of time to worry about their appearance. Yet we can’t really see ourselves -- and every day we’re subject to snap judgments just based on how we look.'When you meet someone for the first time, or walk into a house you are thinking of buying, or read the first few sentences of a book, your mind takes about two seconds to jump to a series of conclusions,' says Malcolm Gladwell in describing his bestseller Blink. What conclusions do people jump to when they set eyes on you? Let’s look at how you can ... view article details

Just like an interview, a job offer can tell you a great deal about a potential employer. An offer can reveal how serious the employer is about the offer, how valuable you are to the company, and most importantly, whether you should make the move. Jobs are customarily offered over the telephone or in person. The employer should offer more than just, 'Congratulations, you've got the job.' He or she should explain the offer in detail and answer your questions.It is appropriate to respond to a job offer within two to four days. Rarely would an employer expect you to accept a position on the spot.... view article details

This Year's Survey Results are In If you saw the number of workers looking for new jobs has risen, you’d probably think it’s because employees are unhappy where they are. But you’d be wrong.An annual survey by Salary.com found there was a sharp increase in employee satisfaction in 2013, yet the percentage of people looking for new jobs continued to rise. This new information is part of Salary.com’s annual “January Job Hunters” survey, which was taken by more than 1,200 people regarding their current jobs as well as plans to search for a new job in 2014.Read on to see what this year’s ... view article details

Form a Game Plan The kind of hat you wear can speak volumes about you, and set you apart from the crowd. A trendy fedora might mean you’re a Brooklyn hipster or a big Don Draper fan. Perhaps you don the type of pork pie hat that Justin Timberlake often rocks. A knit skullcap might keep you warm in the winter, or send another message if you wear it year-round. And even the brim of a baseball cap is polarizing: flat as a board or curved like an upside-down U.Sometimes however, wearing many hats in the workplace – figuratively, doing several different jobs – can make it a challenge to di... view article details

Networking is Essential Industry conferences offer outstanding opportunities for networking. They’re ideal places to meet new people, catch up with those you already know and -- if you plan it right -- introduce yourself to your next employer. But that's easier said than done, especially if you're new to the conference scene or you've never been taught any networking skills. But whether you're an extrovert who fits naturally into any situation or someone who has a hard time meeting and talking to new people, networking is a necessary skill if you're looking to get ahead.With that in m... view article details

"Politics" is Not a Dirty Word The politics of Obama, Romney & Co. are on everyone’s lips these days as the challengers and incumbents in the race for the highest office in the land battle it out on a global stage. Alas, the commentary’s rarely positive.  These days the term politics has become a four-letter word for many, in part because it represents a fraternity that spends more time defending itself than abiding by its dictionary definition: activities which are associated with government. The word has evolved to mean: the relational dynamics associated with influencing and govern... view article details

Got your eye on a cute coworker? You're not alone. Roughly half of all Americans have hooked up with a colleague, with a third of those admitting to steamy episodes in the office itself.  It's no surprise, given that most of our waking hours are spent at work.The good news is: A quarter of these office romances lead to long-term commitment or marriage. The bad news: Many more end up on the rocks. Here are some simple guidelines to help you navigate love without losing your cool at the office.1. Choose wisely First and foremost: Do not randomly hook up with a colleague at the company C... view article details