The invisible rules of success

High-flyers seem to intuitively understand how to gain access and how to enhance and sustain their leadership positions. They're aware of the hidden truths that fast-trackers have used for ages, rules which, if used correctly, can rock your professional world.

Help me confront my bullying boss

Anita's CEO is an arrogant bully who makes life for most of her staff a living hell. Staff turonover is sky high, yet no-one seems able or willing to deal with her. So short of quitting herself, is there anything Anita can do?

Why a best-fit career can be so elusive

It's often suggested that knowing what it is that drives your values, work preferences and passions will automatically lead to exciting, viable work possibilities. But as anyone who has struggled with changing their career direction can tell you, this is not the case.

A career management poster child

In spite of daily evidence of its wisdom, pro-active career management is still rare. It is easier to take the path of least resistance and hope for the best. But there is a compelling ROI for always being ready.

Employee engagement: What exactly is it?

The notion of employee engagement is causing a big buzz in management circles at the moment. It's a topic that employers and employees alike think they understand, yet often can't articulate very easily. So what exactly is it?

When reality bites, bite back

So you want a career change and you want to pay your bills and operate in the real world without living hand to mouth. You want work you care about and the capacity to earn a good living. Here's how to achieve it.

Five steps to reinvent yourself

For most of us, making significant career change doesn't just happen, it emerges as a result of thoughtful work executed in a meaningful sequence.

Stand apart with a personal brand

Imagine you have a reputation so strong - and convey it so well – that rather than look for new opportunities, the marketplace comes to you. In our new world of work, your reputation, or personal brand, is the currency that sets you apart.

How to nail your transition job search

Let's be honest here. Job hunting is about as enticing as going to the dentist. And for career-changers, it is even worse. How do you convey why you spent 10 or 20 years doing one thing and are now intent on doing another?

The allure of scarcity

Buddhist poet, Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote: "People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar." Now if that doesn't describe lot of other corporate professionals, I don't know what does.

Inspire yourself: craft a work-life vision

If you want to do more than just dream about having a completely different type of life, you need to start with a well-crafted vision that brings your dream into focus and under your control. Something like this . . .

Beliefs that hold you back

Have you noticed that people who believe that they can do something tend to succeed, and those who believe they can't, tend to fail? Whether you realize it or not, you hold many beliefs about your working life. Some of these will have served you well. But others have been holding you back.

Finding purpose: don't let it get you down

We workers are getting another kick in the pants. As if managing our lives and careers weren't challenging enough, we now have one more mountain to climb: finding our life purpose.

Finding an organisation worth working for

Hidden behind the endless talk of organisational values are profit-driven, high-pressure labour camps trading paychecks - and diminishing perks – for your soul. All of which means that uncovering a company's corporate culture is a critical task for today's job searcher. As important as the job itself.

Crafting your resume? it's all about image

Your resume needs to be much more than your work history. Every title, phrase and verb you use causes a potential employer to make assumptions about you that either detract from, or add to, your image.

Sad truth: career changers live in hope

There is a clear distinction between "wanting" something and "being ready" to do the work to achieve it. Unfortunately, this applies to many new career seekers. Let this be your call to action!

Get ahead of the corporate curve (ball)

Business life is full of stresses and none carries a bigger whammy than being laid off. Downsized. Rightsized. Restructured. It doesn't matter what it's called - it's all the same sting if you are on the receiving end of the pink slip.

How valuable are career assessments?

Career Assessments may not reveal startling secrets…but they are worth every penny spent. They help you tap into, and articulate, work that is most authentic and meaningful to you.

The confident seeker

Self-confidence can make or break a job or career search. With it, you trust your own abilities and have a general sense of control in your life. Without it, you're frustrated and stuck – until you learn that having – and keeping it – is really within your own control.

Square peg, round hole?

Does your natural work style fit into the culture you work in? If so, your career will thrive; if not, career fulfilment is likely to remain an unattainable dream.

Transitions: the old, the new and the bridge in-between

Professional transitions come in many flavours – downsizing, promotion, career change – but underneath it all, the same dynamics are at work.

Does your desire for change itch or burn?

All of us have career itches at one time or another. But that's a very different thing from career burn, when making a career change is not an option – it's a requirement.

A sane, satisfying working life?

As a corporate professional, you pay dearly for your paycheck and perks – you pay with your soul. Here's a look at the underlying forces that cause you to settle for this relentless grind – and seven straightforward steps to craft a better working life.

Professional discretion - or boorish behaviour?

This is a true story about an event that occurred in July, 2005 in a major city in the northeastern United States. The names have been changed for privacy purposes. Was this a wise managerial call - or an indication of the challenges that continue to confront professional women?
About Patricia Soldati

Hi…I'm Patricia Soldati, and I believe that work is meant to be a personally enriching experience--one that makes you bound out of bed each day, eager to make your particular contribution to the world.

For 27 years I wore corporate shoes just like yours - sales, marketing, business development and strategic planning. Designed and launched new businesses. Held leadership roles with U.S. Leasing Corporation, AT&T Capital, and ultimately, President and Chief Operating Officer of KeyCorp's high-technology equipment finance unit.

In 1998, my career collided with my changing values. I wanted more personal time and to be passionate about my work again. I closed the door on corporate life and committed myself to helping business professionals gain greater fulfillment from their working lives.

Whether that means climbing up, job searching or a more radical career change - my experience as a former executive, now seven years certified career and branding specialist, give me an unparalleled perspective on how to manage your career most effectively.

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