Every week I check dozens of “career” blogs and other online publications, looking for things that will help you find a job, get promoted, develop your skills, and keep everything in perspective and balance. Here’s the pick of the lot for this week. I’m pointing you to items about civility, networking, career saboteurs, working with your boss, and why just because it’s right doesn’t mean it will be easy.

From the Washington Post: Workplace Success Starts With Civility

“Mary Bomar believes in civility and kindness on the job — and she believes it works for the success of herself and others. Bomar, director of the National Park Service, sees kindness easing the way through tough moments in her career, from dealing with questions about George Washington’s slaves to moving employees into new positions. She sees it as a strategic asset in a job hunt or promotion, too, especially when candidates highlight how it helps them achieve. ”

Wally’s Comment: When I was young, older people expected you to have manners and were surprised if you didn’t. Today those expectations seem to be reversed. That’s why being civil has become a career strategy.

From Fortune: Be a better networker

“Many smart professionals are flummoxed when it comes to figuring out exactly how to get such a network started, and how to make their network grow and flourish.

Wally’s Comment: If you’re “flummoxed,” this will be a great post for you. If you already know something about networking this will be a good review.

From the Wall Street Journal: Defending Against Career Saboteurs

“Ways to Protect Your Reputation — and Your Job — From a Boss or Colleague With Ulterior Motives”

Wally’s Comment: Yes, there are people out there who wish you ill. And yes, you can do something about it.

From 45 Things: Five Ways to Network With the Boss

“You may wonder why you need to network with the boss when a) you see him every day; and b) you see him every day, dammit.”

Wally’s Comment: Your boss is your most important relationship at work. Here’s a novel look at how to handle that relationship well.

From Escape from Cublcle Nation: Who says following your dreams shouldn’t be hard?

“I have come to the realization that we cause ourselves a lot of stress by believing that if we just choose the right business, or quit our loathsome job, or find the perfect internet marketing system, or get that book deal that things will become easy.”

Wally’s Comment: Even if you’ve made the right career choice, it won’t always be easy and you won’t always win.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 14th, 2008 at 7:34 am and is filed under Tools and Strategies for Success. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.