Workplace Relationships

• Who is Your Least Favorite Co-Worker? [LinkedIn]
• Infographic: How to Find Motivation [Lifehack]
• How to Use Facebook to Land a Job Interview [Jobacle]
• Office Supplies Ranked [Lifehacker]
• Steps to Being More Fearless in Your Career [Forbes]

Let’s call her Alice. Alice is a nice lady. She is pleasant and energetic, yet you find yourself taking the long route to your desk just so you can avoid her. Why? Alice is a chatterbox, and running into her can set your well-planned schedule back at least 15 minutes.

Some people find happiness by being planners. They enjoy creating lists and checking off tasks. To them, scheduling activities or get-togethers in advance is a sign of respect, and they expect others to be on time and ready to participate.

Other people prefer a more spontaneous style. They like to go with their mood and the flow of the day rather than feel “stuck” by a premade schedule. Time isn’t so concrete to them, and abandoning one plan when a better alternative arises seems logical.

Today, we continue presenting thoughts from Daniel Steenerson, founder and CEO of San Diego-based Disability Insurance Services, on how any person within a company can take steps to become more successful. If you missed part 1, click here.

Embrace discomfort.

NBA center Jason Collins recently “came out” in an interview for Sports Illustrated – making the basketball player the first openly gay male athlete playing in a major American team sport. His action garnered a great deal of media attention and even a statement of support from President Obama. One question on many minds, however, is how other players will react. Just as in any workplace, teammates may not know what to say or do. Some may feel uncomfortable with the subject and avoid talking about it at all costs.

• 5 Reasons Informational Interviews are Important [Mashable]
• Why You Should Stop Eating Lunch at Your Desk  [Inc.com]
• 7 Ways Successful People Approach Their Work [Forbes]
• What to Do When Your New Boss is Incompetent [CBS News]
• Simple Ways to Promote Productivity with Your PC [Lifehack]

If you missed Reese Witherspoon’s interview on Good Morning America earlier this week, here’s a summary: She messed up, she knows it, and she’s sorry.

Yesterday, we discussed the hesitancy many workers have about asking questions. While managers usually see speaking up as a sign that you care about your work and want to be sure you’re doing the job right, there are some bosses who react in a less-than-encouraging manner. What can you do when confronted with such a person?

• Signs You Love Your Job [LinkedIn]
• The Risks of Lying on a Job Application [CBS News]
• Steps to Changing Careers and Getting the Life You Want [Psychology Today]
• Behaviors That Will Kill Productivity [Lifehack]
• How to Deal with an Awkward Co-Worker [US News]

• 10 Ways to Be Successful at Your New Job [LinkedIn]
• Survey: Americans Feeling Better About Their Jobs [USA Today]
• How to Cure Your Lack of Motivation [Lifehack]
• When You are Bored and Unfulfilled at Work [Psychology Today]
• Blind Spots Between the Sexes at Work [Forbes]