Steve Langerud: Guidance, Advice, Direction

Grace Under Pressure

Critical comments at work can cut deep. Here's how to respond when you're unexpectedly under fire.

By Dawn Klingensmith
CTW Features  

 

 

 

Quoted in Forbes.com

Today's 'Secure Job' is a Stable Career

by Jenna Goudreau and Vicki Salemi

Redefining the meaning of security in today's job market.

 

NPR Story on Displaced Census Workers Includes Comments from DePauw's "Career Coach"

End Of Census Sends Temps Looking For Jobs by Sarah McCammon

Listen to the story on

How to Avoid Job Search Burnout by Victoria Phillips

Staying motivated through a long job hunt is tough work. Follow these ten tips to keep positive, move forward and streamline your efforts.

Assertiveness Skills for the Workplace

By Paula Hartman Cohen

© 2010 Achieve Solutions

Summary

• Shy people can and do succeed in the workplace.
• Accept yourself.
• Build networks.
• Learn new ways to share your strengths.

Can a shy person excel—or even survive—in today’s competitive workplace? The answer is a resounding “yes,” according to career counselors, psychologists and executive coaches.

Improving Performance: Motivation, Appreciation and Feedback

Question:  How do you motivate, appreciate and give meaningful feedback to employees? 

Answer:    When in doubt... ASK them! 

This was from a discussion with a client asking about communication and performance at a staff retreat.  Specifically, we were talking about the three things we do least well as supervisors (motivation, appreciation and feedback) and how to engage employees in a conversation about how to better meet their needs. 

Here are a few simple questions to use with your colleagues and staff to improve communication and performance in the workplace.

Motivation:

What is the best thing I can say or do to motivate you at work?

What is the worst thing I can say or do to motivate you work?

Appreciation:

What do you wish to be appreciated for at work?

What is the best way for me to you my appreciation for your work? 

Feedback:

How do you prefer that I give you feedback about your performance at work? 

Everyone has preferences for how they are treated by supervisors and colleagues.  Unfortunately, we rarely ask what they prefer.  This simple technique can be used either individually or as part of a group session. 

Finding volunteer trips that actually help

(CNN) -- The idea of volunteering away from home seems like a win-win to many travelers: a way to experience and help another community at the same time. But without a solid, well-designed program and reasonable expectations, volunteer travel can do more harm than good.

Showing up in parts unknown, hoping to make a big difference in a small amount of time, is likely to leave travelers and hosts disappointed.

"You're not going to change the world in a week or two. You're not going to eradicate poverty in a village. You're not going to teach a kid how to read," said Doug Cutchins, a former Peace Corps volunteer and co-author of "Volunteer Vacations: Short-term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others."  Read more...

Ignorance about pay disparity at work may be bliss

From ABCActionNews in Tampa, Florida

Living a Liberal Arts Life: Finding Your Calling in Work, Service and Leisure

Here is a workshop for the DePauw University alumni reunion program on June 12, 2010:

How do you craft a life of meaning, significance and service? No matter our age or experience we are always seeking more focus, direction and satisfaction. This session will help participants work through the discernment process, articulate a vision, and develop an action plan. Join Steve Langerud, Director of Career Development (www.stevelangerud.com), in exploring the next phase of your liberal arts life.