In the Observer, writer Isaac Morehouse made a provocative proposition: the habit of grabbing coffee with colleagues or partners “just to chat” is killing our productivity.“Let’s grab coffee and chat.”According to Isaac Morehouse, those five words can be damning. Morehouse’s opinion is that when you become known for doing interesting things, like starting a business or writing intriguing articles, lots of people want to hav...

Sometimes it's the casual conversations that bring you the most insight. Of course, it doesn't hurt if you're talking about finances and your friend happens to be an expert in the field. Chuck Conrad, senior financial planner for Szarka Financial, describes to Tim Muma the type of practical tips he shares with his friends. Chuck touches on where to starts, what to slash, and how to determine what's important. The infor...

By the end of 2015, 82 percent of organizations had adapted a cloud strategy, up from 74 percent in 2014. Cloud computing adoption is expected to hit $250 billion by 2017, but where is this segment of the IT industry going? We compiled a list of five major, influencing trends to keep your eyes on.Trend #1: Cloud Automation Last year, business-level automation of the cloud emerged, being driven by what Joe Kinsella at Cloud...

For several years, I’ve performed what some might consider an unusual daily ritual.At a pre-arranged time, I get a phone call from a person who I have hired solely for the purpose of listening to me report my scores on a brief self-test. The questions, which I wrote myself, function as a simple checklist of my main priorities. For instance, have I done my best to exercise, set goals, have positive interactions with others,...

When even the bankers and accountants are dressing down, you know that casual dress is here to stay as a workplace norm. JP Morgan and PricewaterhouseCoopers are the latest to hang up their suits. While business casual is hardly news in most circles, having such traditional, buttoned-up industries jump on the casual train represents a true sea change. It also adds complication for workers who are unsure what is appropriate...

Don't worry if you don't know what this position entails, as that's why LJNRadio brings on experts in each field and career. Tim Muma is joined by Dr. Marcus Nashelsky, vice president of the National Association of Medical Examiners, to discuss the ins and outs of being a forensic pathologist. He breaks down the long educational path and what it's really like on a day-to-day basis, often contrary to what TV and movies depict.

We’ve all faced days at the office where we’re just not feeling motivated. Off days happen to everyone and it’s tough—if not unrealistic—to constantly do your best work. There are bound to be times when you procrastinate too much, lack focus, or struggle to start important projects.You may react by getting down on yourself, wondering where your determination has gone. It can be disappointing to feel like you’re not living u...

I have a good friend who’s an experienced data architect. Since I write about IT project management all the time, I recently asked him if he’d ever consider a PM job. To this he replied: “No way.”I probed further about his rationale, and we came up with these five reasons why he dislikes project management and project managers and tries to steer clear of the profession whenever possible.Project Managers are too structuredWh...

Every company and leader wants the answer to this “Now what?” question. Engaged employees translate into a productive and successful organization, which is the goal of most every leader and organization I know. And, engagement also translates into a great place to work, which is what employees want.As a Fellow in the National Academy of Human Resources, the highest award that can be given to an HR professional in the US, I’...

Change management is difficult, especially when it involves a complex structure like an organization. But some techniques are better than others, and here are a few you’ll want to avoid next time around.Driving from the bottom instead of the topAny successful change strategy requires the enthusiastic involvement of managers and employees on the ground, and bottom-up goal setting is terrific for innovation and morale. Howeve...