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Put the Father of the Year award on hold.What would an 11-year-old child have to do to bring forth such rage?  That's a question Alec Baldwin's camp is already bobbing and weaving around.In case you're under a rock, listen to the audio here.Why am I writing about this on a career-related blog?  Because I propose a new entry into the American pop culture dictionary.Baldwin (verb) - An act of ragePut it this way, it's a step before going postal.Of course, you might recall from the movie Clueless that a "Baldwin" was a good looking guy.  Whatever.He's displayed plenty of anger before.  Whether it's a political screamfest or picking on service industry folks, this creep has displayed this type of behavior over and over and over again.  "You don't have the brains or the decency as a human being."Man, it almost sounds like Alec was looking in a mirror and talking to himself.  So, next time someone loses their temper at work, just let them … [Read more...] about Alec Baldwin Is a Rude, Thoughtless Pig

It seems a week doesn't go by without reading or hearing a reference to how playing golf with the "big boys" will advance a career.  Well, in my experience, I'd like to offer a resounding "no."  In fact, I've never even been asked to play.  I'm hardly a high-powered corporate exec, but I have certainly spent enough time around some business "heavy-hitters."  Yet, the opportunity to tee off has never presented itself.I'm not throwing out the entire play-golf-and-get-ahead-theory, cause maybe this is the exact reason my career has not taken off the way I once planned.  Are deals really made on the golf course?  More so than on the tennis court?  Or softball field?I get the part that it's a slow moving sport that allows conversation to unfold, but bowling hardly moves at lightning speeds.  Or billiards. Or bocce ball.Why is golf synonymous with career advancement?  Sure, it's expensive and an elitist sport, … [Read more...] about Golf + Networking = Bull?

And you thought your job was an accident waiting to happen!                   … [Read more...] about 6 Workplace Dangers Caught on Film

Holly over at Worksona (a great Web site which we will talk more about in the future) tipped me off to a sweet interview with real-life astronauts Cady Coleman, Chris Cassidy, and Marsha Ivins.  If you're under six feet tall, can resist passing wind in a spacesuit and enjoy time alone - this might be the job for you!In episode #51 of the Working Podcast we spoke about how much money a year astronauts rope in.  But this interview on "This American Life" reveals, from the space cowboy's mouths, what it's like to be on the NASA payroll in the highly coveted job.  Among the things you'll learn:- Yes, they have business cards.  And yes, they say "astronaut."- Almost 50% of active astros have never been to space.  Talk about being benched!- Just like you and me, they are forced to attend a lot of meetings.- They admit that being an astronaut is "not rocket science." It's a nice interview and worth checking out.  As you guys know, if … [Read more...] about Being an Astronaut Is Not Rocket Science

Remember all those 80's sitcoms that drilled that "No means no" message into our skulls?  By simply uttering the two-letter word we were supposed to circumvent danger.  Now while we might not be experiencing rape, violence and drugs at work (unless of course you work for a major media company), the word "no" can still be a valuable tool.  We can say it in our minds over and over again, but when push comes to shove, many of us chicken out.Saying "no" at work might seem like a career killer.  But fear not you cube dweller, there's hope ahead!  The American Management Association is offering a FREE one-hour Webinar that will help you tell your boss to buzz off - all while keeping your job!Learning to say “no” effectively and at the appropriate times, is a critical skill that can move your career forward and build your professional credibility.  Covered topics will include:- 20 different ways to say "no" - 5 … [Read more...] about Free Webcast: How to Say "NO" at Work!

BONSAI: A living plant transferred into a pot or tray that can continue to live semi-permanently. It is often said that there are four disciplines that must be mastered to successfully grow and care for a bonsai tree: horticultural, technical, artistic and philosophical.  I propose that the elements to perfect your career are really no different.   Here's how: Ongoing Relationship - Sure there's birth and death, just like there's hiring and firing.  However, the in between is an ongoing process that will always be in a state of flux.  Unlike other things that happen in your life, you must remember that pleasure in your career  will not come from completing work, but rather from the act of making it fruitful and worthwhile.  Just like the bonsai, your job is a "living sculpture."Nature vs. Nurture - Bonsai growers often develop a deep relationship with their tree.  Not only does this result in a great feeling of … [Read more...] about Your Career Is Like a Bonsai Tree