Personnel changes can occur quickly and abruptly. So it makes sense to obtain letters of recommendations before you need them.

Being powerful doesn’t mean you’re brazen, pushy or trying to control anyone or anything. It simply means you stop focusing on how little power you have in a situation, and instead tap into your talent and determination to influence others to create better outcomes. Start using your skills to make your office or home better for everyone.

Do you find yourself watching time pass and still not beginning—let alone completing—what you say you want? Well, there’s no magic formula that allows others to succeed while you don’t. It all boils down to daily discipline.

Can you hear a colleague mention your name three cubicles over while in the middle of a task? If so, you can thank your Reticular Activating Center (RAS), which is similar to a big filter at the base of your brain. It’s up to you to program it for its highest and best use.

Have you been taught to “sandwich” constructive criticism be­­tween two positive statements? I think this is a distasteful way of delivering feedback and here’s why:

Never before have decision-­makers looked more closely at their return on investment, but I believe the greatest return you will ever receive is from the investment you make in yourself. Here’s why:

Some of us have had that un­­comfortable moment with a co-worker—an unwelcome ad­­vance, an inappropriate joke, or a colleague who just doesn’t seem to accept your consistent “no’s” to lunch or happy hour invitations. Here are five tips to fend off unwelcome behavior.

When I ask the question, “Do you validate?” I’m not referring to my garage parking stub, but rather do you take the time to make others feel worthy? Do you validate co-workers’, colleagues’ and clients’ feelings regularly? Learn how to validate others to truly create a positive connection in the workplace—and you’ll walk away feeling validated, too.

Wanting to be “right” can often take your career in the wrong direction. You become unlikeable. There’s a clear distinction between being an informative and engaging individual (very likeable qualities) and someone who always expresses her opinions as fact and needs to have the last word.

Landing a new position at a company can be thrilling, but the opportunity often comes with new-job jitters. What to do when you’re the new kid on the block? Follow these strategies to build your confidence and maximize the moment: