We work in a contemporary world. A world where things are changing — whether it's when and where employees are working, how employers are handling their human resources or the constantly changing trends — the world of work is moving and shifting. And as wacky as that world can be sometimes, it's also fascinating if you have the right guide.

This blog is designed to be just that — a companion on your journey through the changing world of work. Here you'll find tips, tools and information on topics as diverse as the workforce itself: the aging workforce, working women, professional etiquette, generational diversity, the talent crunch, and more. So whether you're an employer or an employee, and whether you're beginning or close to finishing your career, I hope you find the information here useful for navigating the contemporary world of work.

Thanks for reading and have fun!

Melanie

We talked a few days ago about how meetings would be better if the people calling them did a few simple things.  Well, the ‘caller’ isn’t the only one with responsibility for a good meeting.  If you’re a ‘callee:’

• Show up on time.
• Come back from breaks promptly.
• Turn off your cell phone — even a vibrating blackberry can be very distracting.
• Do your homework — if there is pre-reading, have it completed.
• Come armed with questions.
• If you want to criticize an idea or what is being discussed, make it constructive criticism.
• Be respectful and honest.
• And don’t take anything personally — this is business.
• Finally — one of my pet peeves — avoid those side-bar conversations.  They are rude and disruptive.  If you have something to say, say it to the whole meeting.

Like them or not, meetings are a fact of life.  If we all were a bit more thoughtful about our behavior in meetings, the time would be better spent.

I enjoyed a recent article on CareerBuilder.com that listed the Worst Things To Say At Work.  While I totally agree with everything listed — particularly ‘that’s not my job’ — I have a few of my own to add:

• I forgot.
• Let me get back to you on that (and then you don’t).
• Did you hear about … (gossip)?
• I overslept.
• I was at lunch.
• My dog ate it.  (Not my Hannah!)

 Do you have any to add?

I have a ‘novel’ idea that will set you apart from the rest — in this competitive world of work.  Write a thank-you note!  With a pen.  On stationery.  Using your own words.  And send it using a bona fide stamp.

We’re all in a hurry and our busy lives leave very little time for what you might think is an extravagance.  But when a thank you is appropriate, for…

• an interview
• a referral
• a favor
• a meal
• a gift, or
• whatever

…invest a bit of your precious time to write that personal, sincere note.  You’ll be noticed and it will pay off!

I was recently interviewed by the The Christian Science Monitor for a helpful article called Resume Advice for the Over-50 Crowd.  I can’t add anything to the article because it is comprehensive and quite good. 

So if you fit into the ‘over-50′ category and are looking for a job, take a look.  You might learn something.

I taped the Super Bowl so I could fast-forward through the game to see the commercials (don’t scoff — I’m sure I’m not the only one who did that).  I didn’t understand some, I wasn’t impressed with a few and several were terrific.

The Tide To Go ad was one of my favorites because it deals with something I feel strongly about.  Fair or unfair, we are judged by our appearance and if we are sloppy, dressed inappropriately or have stains on our clothes, the impression we make won’t be a good one.

So before you go out — particularly if it is to a job interview — make sure you are dressed appropriately, well put together and there are no visible stains on your clothes.

How much time do you spend in meetings every day?  If you’re like most of us, it’s a big percentage of your time at work.  Is all that time worth your while?

Here are some tips for the person calling the meeting — to make meeting-time more meaningful:

• Only invite the people who really need to be there.  You probably don’t need a cast of thousands — especially when many are not even sure why they are there.
• Clearly state the purpose of the meeting in your invitation.
• Prepare a detailed agenda — with time-boxed subjects, expected outcomes and the responsible party for each item.
• At the start of the meeting, repeat your objectives then be specific and explicit about what you hope to accomplish.
• Either appoint a facilitator to keep you on track, or be very disciplined — stick to the subject, keep to your time table and don’t waste time.
• Take notes so you can follow up with outcomes as well as any action items that need attention.
• End the meeting on time or, better yet, a few minutes early.  Shorter is definitely better than longer!

Like email, I don’t think we can avoid meetings.  But if they are efficient and well-run, they can be time well spent. 

I was not planning to write more about Celebrity Apprentice but I can’t resist after last night.  For those of you who didn’t watch — the men sent Vinny into the women’s team to spy.  He was to hear their ideas and their plan, then report back to the men.  They thought they would be sure to win. 

Turns out their plan didn’t work.  In spite of the inside information, the women FINALLY beat the men and won a challenge — and they deserved it.  That big Croc was cool! 

But win or lose, is cheating okay?

• Piers sure thinks so.
• Ivanka said espionage was acceptable.
• But Stephen finally stopped eating long enough to come to his senses and feel uncomfortable about the plan.

I so don’t agree with Piers and Ivanka.  I believe companies that sustain their success have a clear set of values.  They reward integrity.  And individuals who play by the rules are the ones who feel good about themselves and about their jobs. 

Cheating may help you win, but is a hollow victory worth the price?  What do you think? 

We’ve all had those stressful days — too many emails, too many phone calls, too many meetings, too many issues to resolve!

How do you de-compress when you find yourself in that stressful place?  Do you…

• take a break?
• eat chocolate?
• take a walk?
• call someone who loves you?
• take a power nap?
• gut it out?

Some employers are creative about helping their employees handle stress.  You’ve all read about innovative work environments at some of the up-and-coming dot.coms and other trendy companies.  But there are well-established companies who offer creative outlets as well.  Example:  here at our headquarters we have ping-pong tables on every floor — so staff can get a bit of exercise, release some energy and channel their competitive tendencies.  (But we’re not quite this good — see some real ping pong!)

What creative stress-relievers have you seen?

Good question.  My hunch is that for most of us we don’t work just to pay the bills.  What gives you the energy to get up and face every day at the office?

• Is work simply a necessary obligation for you?
• Is your profession your creative outlet?
• Is your current job a stepping-stone to your career ambitions?
• Will your job help you reach your dream?

Why do you work?

I just read a good article on DiversityInc.com that lists 5 Job Interview Do’s and Don’ts.  Good advice for anyone and everyone getting ready for a job interview.

I’d like to stress tips number 1 and 5:

1.  Do your homework.  When I think about candidates who impress me the most, they are the ones who know about my company and my industry.  That shows they took the time to research, they are interested in this specific job at this specific company and they are thinking in terms of a career — rather than someone who is looking for ‘any old’ job.

5.  Do ask questions.  When I’m interviewing someone, I plan to ask lots of questions.  And I expect truthful (tip #2), upfront (tip #3) and not over-personal (tip #4) answers.  But I also judge the interviewee by the questions he or she asks.  Are the questions thoughtful?  Does the candidate show an interest in my company?  My industry?  Does he or she show good listening skills?  Communication skills?

All of DiversityInc.com’s advice is good — and I recommend you follow it.  And don’t forget to do your homework, then translate that knowledge into good questions that will impress the interviewer.