The Thin Red Line. Fight Club. American Psyco. These are films that solidified Jared Leto‘s success as an Oscar-winning actor. Then, as his star was rising, he basically stopped making movies. “I think it was about focus. I knew that I needed to commit everything to music at that point in my life,” said Leto. Fast Company interviewed Jared Leto and …
If you’ve been in the workforce for 20+ years, you probably grew up thinking working longer hours meant you were more productive, or helped you advance your career. I spent many years arriving at and leaving an office in darkness. Microsoft has put a bit of data behind the fact longer hours do not equate to higher productivity (or happiness). …
Starting anything new is a bit daunting. A new exercise program. A new school. Sporting a new hairstyle. The internal questions of “Am I ready for this? Will I make friends? Is the “Rachel” really back?” will bubble in the pit of your stomach. Starting a new gig, especially a leadership role, builds even more intense emotions. Starting a new …
I attended an awards luncheon where the nominees were asked the question, “What would you have expected to have given up by now?” Answers involved a lot of childhood sweets, biting nails and imaginary dogs (that was not mine). Slap that question on the HR profession and I have a few ideas around the answers. Some are common sense and …
“Fast Times at Ridgemont High“. One of the all-time greatest flicks with almost as many life-affirming lines as “The Big Lebowski“. Sean Penn played the iconic Jeff Spicoli, who more than once was late for class, causing Mr. Hand great frustration. Mr. Hand: Mr. Spicoli, what’s your reason for your truancy? Jeff Spicoli: I just couldn’t make it on time. …
I have a young daughter who, like most, is a non-stop source of energy and fatigue for me and my husband. Between school, camps, athletics, UIL, Girl Scouts, CAD class, and the guitar gathering dust in the corner, there is a significant shortage of downtime. Add to the mix aging parents, geographic distance, two demanding jobs, and a 90lb rescue …
The person who gave me my start in HR also gifted me with a book, “Managing Transitions” by William Bridges. At the time I was going through a professional change and my organization was in flux–the book was much appreciated. Fast forward almost 28 years (yes, I started my career at 12) and I still revisit that book whenever I …
I live in Austin, home to many awesome live entertainment venues. In the past month I’ve been able to see many musicians and some wanna-be musicians for the first time. Going to see an artist for the first time is like the first few weeks with a new hire. You’re excited and probably nervous at the same time. What if …
I’m a college basketball fan, so the NCAA Championship this week was fun to watch. OK. Maybe not the first 5 minutes when no one could hit the broad side of a barn–but the overall tournament and the championship game did not disappoint. Take Virginia and Texas Tech–two defensive-minded teams who made it to the championship game for the first …
Nothing like a juicy scandal involving prestigious universities, wealthy parents, and vlogging teenagers to tank workplace productivity this past week. Come on. You know you were watching Olivia Jade showcase her luxury Christmas haul vs. banging out that metrics report! Here’s the deal. More and more there are discussions around the “value” of a 4-year degree to both graduates and …
