by Solange Lopes | May 3, 2015 | Career
Happy Sunday everyone! It’s a gorgeous week-end on this side of the blogosphere, and as we’re sipping on our #morningcoffee, here are the news that made our week (some more than others):
- Last Tuesday was International Worker’s Day, and many on Twitter celebrated by revealing how much they make using the hashtag #talkpay. CNN Money tells us more about it;
- Business Insider came up this week with the full list of the best companies to work for in America, and also shares with us the 10 best jobs for introverts;
- While we’re speaking of company, the Huff Post asks (and answers in a compelling way), if people want or need to work at your company. And we’re so excited that in the future, there will be less emphasis on needing to work at a company, vs. wanting to be there in the first place;
- Do you have the same old resume you had five years ago? It’s time for a change. Forbes tells us why resume key wording is a must for job seekers;
- Considering an MBA? Fortune tells us about a CEO who believes an MBA is worthless (and it’s worth the read);
- Fast Company reports about four women leaders who are making the case to advance women’s careers and keep them from leaving corporate jobs to start their own businesses;
- The Washington Post reveals millenials are the slowest in any U.S. generation to have babies (and you can blame the economy for that);
- Newsweek shares the not-so-good news that women’s colleges have plummeted from 230 in 1960 to 47 last year (and we’re shaking our heads at that);
- Levo League lists 10 body tricks that will do wonders for your career (#2 is my favorite);
- The Harvard Business Review suggests making some strategic typos in your emails, as well as a series of do’s and dont’s that will change the way you write emails for the better;
- Huff Post Business informs us work wellness programs amy soon include genetic testing;
- Last but not least, Daily Worth writes about how much women need to harness the power of Linked In.
Happy Sunday!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | May 1, 2015 | Career |
Ankle Pants – Photo credit: oldnavy.com
I love these polka dots ankle pants from Old Navy. They add a classic yet relaxed twist to regular slacks, and are a perfect alternative to your favorite (and a bit tired) jeans. Polka dots are coming back this Spring, and we love them on contemporary, cool pieces like these ankle pants. They are (drum roll please) $27 at Old Navy!
For a week-end vibe, I’d pair them with these adorable, and oh so versatile, color-block pointed toe flats, also from Old Navy!
Psstt….Old Navy is having a 50% off EVERYTHING sale, yes you heard right, 50% off EVERYTHING!
Happy Friday everyone!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | May 1, 2015 | Career
I’m an introvert, and a proud one at that! So are many of the most prominent leaders out there, including the Bill Gates and Marissa Mayers of this world. They are the “quiet leaders” of a professional world that has falsely advertised tooting your horn and bragging about your not-so-accomplished accomplishments as signs of success for the longest time. They are exceptional leaders not in spite of their introversion, but because of it. Meanwhile, many an introvert at work is actually being punished for their introversion, while extroverts seem to thrive even more in the workplace.
The reality is, introverts make up one-third to one-half of the U.S. population. They are hailed as lacking confidence, mostly among the women group, which appears to be plagued with a blatant, and harmful, ” confidence gap“. Yet, it’s more and more apparent, especially as online, service-based businesses are becoming the way of the future, that introverts not only make outstanding leaders, but that their style of leadership is paving the way of the future economy.
Here are 7 powerful ways in which introverts lead successfully (and quietly) at work:
1. They shut up, and actually lead! If you’ve ever spent your day going from one boring, ineffective meeting to another, you know what leadership does not feel like. Introverts may not be as outspoken, but actually put in the work, ideas to produce results than can be implemented on a large scale.
2. They’re not actually afraid of speaking publicly! There’s a false myth around introverts fearing public speaking, and living in their heads most of the time. If you ever want to hear the power of an introvert in words, replay one of Steve Jobs’ speeches, or listen to Bill Gates! Introverts are great at speaking in public, because their ideas have been thought about and mulled over many times over! It may take us some practice, but once we’re on a roll, we’re unstoppable…
3. They manage their energy effectively! One of the quiet strengths of introverts is smart energy management! I need time alone to wind down and recharge, away from people’s constant energy. And no, it doesn’t make me anti-social, it only allows me time to replenish my reserves to come back stronger, more inspired, and less prone to make errors of judgment! Did that sound a bit like bragging, because it kinda was…
4. They are amazing listeners! Introverts know how to listen, not just to reply, but to understand their counterparts’ needs and motivations. In a business and virtual world where we we have to be more and more in tune with the customer, this is an invaluable resource!
5.They are innovators! Eureka! The most famous introverts were also idea machines. All this time spent reflecting and contemplating is not in vain. In a world that can’t stop talking, introverts are devising new plans, ideas and approaches.
6.They Take Time to Gain Perspective! The recent financial instability and crisis was largely created by the greed of leaders who took rash decisions on behalf of others. How things would be different in our economy if the leadership had taken time to gain perspective, and considered the best alternatives!
7. They Have Empathy! In a professional world that seems to favor extroverts, introverts have had to develop empathy, if only as a reflection of the bias they themselves can be victims of. It’s been proven empathy is one of the most important leadership qualities, one that is sorely missing from a large part of our profit-centered economy. “Quiet leaders” are also leaders who can tap into their empathy reserves to create businesses that serve the greater good (instead of depleting it).
How do you lead as an introvert at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 30, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: brooks brothers.com
Loving the sale at Brooks Brothers, as well as their amazing initiative to offer 10% of your purchase price to the Make a Wish Foundation! So today my Work It pick is this non-iron (can you say that again?) floral printed shirtdress, on sale for $99! The floral pattern is elegant, the fabric breathable and comfortable, and the style perfect for days at the office or relaxing on the week-end!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 30, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: susanliddy.com
Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being the boss. Sitting in a cubicle as an individual contributor, not having direct reports, or the title that says we can lead, ought not to keep us from displaying leadership at work.
Here are 10 ways you can be a leader at work, all the way from your cubicle corner:
by Solange Lopes | Apr 28, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: forbes.com
Displaying leadership at work, especially when you’re not the boss, can be a challenge. So can you enlist some help from your colleagues or even managers to help you be more of a leader at work? Or is leadership like your favorite pair of jeans, you can’t quite share it and have it fit the same?
My $0.05: I think just like assertiveness, or emotional intelligence, leadership skills can definitely be acquired. Some of us are born with it, while others may have to put in the work to develop it. Yet all in all, it’s out there for the taking.
So if you’re thinking of approaching your boss, or a trusted colleague about leadership opportunities at work, you definitely should! Just thinking of it and doing it already makes you a leader…
Are you comfortable asking for leadership opportunities at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Apr 28, 2015 | Career
Photo credit: macys.com
Macy’s is having its Friends & Family event until May 4th! And since I love good sales and beautiful work fashion, today’s pick is this Nine West open-front blazer in blush! The color is perfect for Spring and Summer, the stretch fabric keeps your lunch under wraps (literally), and the versatile shawl collar adds an extra dose of oomph! It’s on sale for $69.99 (with an extra 25% off is you use the code FRIEND online).
I would pump up the color factor of this elegant blazer with a pair of floral pumps like this Carolinna Espinosa Socialite pair (here’s a more frugal, and just as schnazzy alternative, also from Macy’s).
The Corporate Sis.
