We’re supposed to pretend that we don’t care what people think, especially at work – to do otherwise would be to admit that we’re weak, that we lack the conviction and courage needed to get the job done. Reality, however, might be quite a bit different. In this week’s roundup, we look at why other’s people’s opinions of you are still their business, and their business only – plus, tips on branding with a less-utilized social network, and what you absolutely shouldn’t do if your employer shows you the door.
(Photo Credit: Paul Stevenson/Flickr)
Marc Chernoff at Marc and Angel Hack Life: 5 Ways to Stop Worrying About What Everyone Thinks of You
Are you your own worst critic? If so, you might be holding yourself back, professionally and personally. (Of course, the good news is that you’re not alone. Many, if not most of us, have struggled with career-impacting insecurity at one time or another.) Marc Chernoff has insight – and answers:
The biggest problem is we tend to forget that people judge us based on a pool of influences in their own life that have absolutely nothing to do with us. For example, a person might assume things about you based on a troubled past experience they had with someone else that looks kind of like you, or someone else who shares your same last name, etc. Therefore, basing your self-worth on what others think puts you in a perpetual state of vulnerability – you are literally at the mercy of their unreliable, bias perspectives. If they see you in the right light, and respond to you in a positive, affirming manner, then you feel good about yourself. And if not, you feel like you did something wrong.
Bottom line: When you’re doing everything for other people, and basing your happiness and self-worth on their opinions, you’ve lost your moral center.
Lindsay Shoemake at That Working Girl: How to Build Your Brand With Pinterest
When entrepreneurs talk about branding on social media, Pinterest often gets short shrift. But just because it’s seldom talked about as a tool, doesn’t mean you can’t use it to your advantage. Shoemake explains:
Just a place to save recipes and DIY projects, no longer. Pinterest has become a staple for brands and their social strategies, serving as a visual haven for brands to show their followers what they’re all about.
Back in November 2014 when I began strategizing the January relaunch of That Working Girl, I quickly realized that Pinterest was the “weak link” of all of the site’s social properties. Sure, I had a presence of the site, but not one that was well-thought-out or well-maintained. Over the last four months I’ve learned a ton about effectively managing a brand’s presence on Pinterest, and how to boost your follower growth quickly.
Want in on a few secrets? Read on…
Alison Doyle at About.com Job Searching: 10 Things Not to Say (or Do) If You’re Fired
“Getting fired can be very traumatic,” writes Doyle. “Being let go from a job can generate a number of negative emotions including shock, anger, sadness, worry, and fear about the future. Actions that you might take during the stress of being fired can be rash and have negative consequences if you aren’t very careful about what you say and do.”
Among her tips of things to avoid? Talking smack about your soon-to-be former boss, forgetting to save records of your work from your computer, or losing faith in yourself.
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