Savvy Professional Career Wisdom by Caroline Dowd-Higgins
Reframe Obstacles to Find Career Clarity
When it comes to our plans, life can often have other ideas. That scenario has certainly been playing out as the whole world has been turned upside down by the ongoing Covid pandemic journey. So often we have very specific ideas about how our lives are supposed to unfold – feeling like we have control […]
An Entrepreneurial Mindset is Essential for Leaders
In my work as an executive leadership coach, I often help candidates prepare for job interviews. Even seasoned leaders are asked to define their leadership philosophy and give examples of their management in action when vying for a new role. While every role will require nuanced experience and subject matter expertise relevant to the opportunity, […]
Design Your Career Destiny So It Doesn’t Happen by Default
While unemployment rates are deceptively low, job layoffs, company re-organizations, and downsizing are ubiquitous. Perhaps you are pursuing a new opportunity to align with a better work culture or a higher salary. As the Greek philosopher Herclitus said, “The only thing that is constant is change.” My question to you is, are you ready for […]
Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses to Find Career Alignment
We hear it often…it’s better to play to your strengths rather than trying to fix your weaknesses. While that may seem like a no-brainer, especially when it comes to work and career, it’s surprising how many continue to work against their own proverbial grain. We’ve all heard about the challenges of trying to fit square […]
Radical Candor: Getting Real with Developmental Feedback
Leaders often need to give feedback that can be hard to deliver, as well as hard for those on the receiving end to hear. In her book Radical Candor: How To Be A Great Boss And A Kick Ass Citizen, author, coach and former tech exec, Kim Scott, advises that the more straightforward and honest […]
How Time to Think Can Help You Do Your Best Work
The pandemic induced work style of back-to-back meetings without transition time and overworked and overwhelmed employees has dangerously normalized into the status quo. I hear from clients, friends, and colleagues that the daily meeting blitz leaves no time to do the work. Evenings and weekends are spent catching up on the mountain of email and […]
Brave Not Perfect: Taking Bolder Risks
With social media permeating our daily lives at every turn, things can seem pretty flipping perfect out there. In this Instagram world where photos are filtered and flawless, and family and friends seem to always be having the time of their lives, it’s easier than ever to fall into the “perfect” trap. In her book, […]
Let Curiosity Be Your Career Guide
“I wonder…” Whenever I hear coaching clients start off a sentence with these two words, I feel heartened. It means wheels are turning…intuition is kicking in, and mobilization is in the offing. It means my clients are curious, and ready to move past what is safe…beyond the known. It signals that they’re ready to step […]
Grit and Resilience Will Help You Survive Career Challenges
Grit is defined as firmness of mind or spirit – an unyielding courage in the face of challenge. The career world is changing so fast that grit has also become a sought after competency for hiring and a necessity for entrepreneurs and innovators. The emerging research indicates that grit can determine success or achievement far […]
Advance Your Career with a Sponsor
In today’s world-of-work, you need to get into the career game and redefine your distinguishing strengths and value-add so you can be seen, heard, and considered for the new opportunities you seek. Adjust the career lens through which you see the world. It’s time to get into the driver’s seat and be strategic about how […]
