by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2014 | Career

Would you tell on a co-worker to advance your career – Photo: fakingnews.firspost.com
I wrote earlier about women being able to work together without competing with each other. Oftentimes, and very much unfortunately, it’s not the case, hence generating generous (and unproductive) amounts of unjustified betrayal and backstabbing in the workplace. And this happens not just in between women…
Actually, what with this precarious economy and competitiveness at work, it seems even purpose-oriented millenials are willing to lie and cheat at work to advance their careers. Granted, there are certainly instances when reporting a co-worker’s inappropriate behavior is justified. However, tattling on a co-worker can be unhealthy at best, and even flat-out dangerous!
My $0.05: Telling on a co-worker, whether to the boss or to other colleagues who may be inclined to repeat the information, is a serious matter. Check your motives! If you’re spewing out potentially career-damaging information about your co-worker to make yourself look better, think twice! You may be causing irreparable damage to him/her, and to yourself by appearing like the office tattle-teller. If you are reporting a concerning situation with possible legal and/or ethical ramifications, seeking Human Resources’ advice first, and possibly consulting with your boss, is best!
So, did you ever tell on a co-worker? Would you?
[polldaddy poll=8406875]
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2014 | Career

Via Spiga Faux Leather Trim Front Zip Coat – $209.90 – Photo: nordstrom.com
I have a fashion crush on this Via Spiga Faux Lather Trim Front Zip Coat from Nordstrom. I actually tried it on, and the fit is superb! Loving the sophisticated glam of the stand collar, along with the faux leather inserts on the shoulders and waist. Who needs a nip and tuck when you have a coat that flatters every inch of your silhouette. This beauty is $209.90 (down from $315.00) at Nordstrom!
Just imagine how amazing this coat would look over these glam high-waisted pants from Ann Taylor (pssst…Ann Taylor is having a 60% sale for a limited time)! I’d add these killer cutout peep toe booties when the weather permits, or these suede cap toe heels!
Seen a great fashion pick? Email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 28, 2014 | Career

women-working-together – photo: theceomamma.com
As women, two of the things we are often faulted with at work is being overly emotional, and competing against each other. While terms such as competitiveness and aggressiveness tend to be associated more with male characteristics, females have since the beginning of times battled to attract a suitable male by promoting youth and physical attractiveness.
As we’ve evolved from primitive intra-sexual competition to the most compelling feminist theories, and now to the fight for gender equality and equal pay for equal work, the fear at the root of competitiveness between women is still very much alive. Fear that there is not enough room for all of us to have meaningful careers. Fear that one woman’s success diminishes others’.
So much so that, according to a recent Pew survey, more women admitted they’d prefer working with men, than men did. Not to mention the fact that according to the Workplace Bullying Institute, more female bullies (53.7 percent Vs. 39.9 percent male) engage in sabotage at work! And it seems women at higher levels are not particularly inclined to help other women get ahead! Reminds you of high school?
Yet in the same token, it appears competition may make women less effective at work, as it kills our creativity. If we are so much better than men at working in teams and collaborating, why are we still undermining each other? Will we ever be able to work together and nix the unhealthy competition that brings us all down?
I believe so. I do think we have some ways to go, myself included. Yet more and more women are starting to realize that promoting other women, seeking other more successful, powerful women, as threatening as it may initially seem, gives us a leg up. For women to band together and create powerful networks, we must realize the pool of opportunities is as endless as we make it. And that one woman’s power and success is a reflection on all of us…
Do you think women can work together without competing?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 27, 2014 | Career

Photo: girlfriendphilosophy.com
I’ve written before about your network, especially at work, really being your net worth. Yet, considering how much time we spend at work, and how much we interact with co-workers, bosses and managers, it’s kinda hard to avoid creating meaningful relationships. Oftentimes, our work buddies end up being our best friends. And even we don’t end up necessarily fostering life-long friendships at work, these relationships still impact us in some way or another.
In any case, whether you’re a loner or the office “popular girl”, who you hang out with at work matters! Not just for your own well-being but also as related to how you’re perceived by both your peers and higher-ups. Hanging out with Pookie n’em at the watercooler will certainly not make you well-perceived (quite to the contrary)…
My $0.05: Your network is really your net worth. Hanging out with unprofessional co-workers will make you appear unprofessional as well, no matter how friendly they may be. Besides, in work as in life, choosing friends and acquaintances from whom you can learn is always a plus. So pick wisely!
Do you choose who you hang out with at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Oct 27, 2014 | Career |

A-Line Dress – $89 – Photo: bloomingdales.com
This dress is the epitome of “functional simplicity”. Loving the clean lines on this Karen Kane 3/4 sleeve, A-line dress! With a ballerina neckline and an always flattering A-line silhouette, this dress looks perfect any day at work or after-hours! The dress is $89 at Bloomingdale’s.
I’d layer this dress under a stylish, colorful blazer like this wool blended one, or break up the A-line silhouette with this tweed jacket, and voila!
The Corporate Sis.