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PayScale’s VIP Blog Roundup: How to Take a Stand Without Making an Enemy

Topics: Career Advice
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These are polarized times. Online, in your personal life and at work, it can be very difficult to take a stand without contributing to division and negativity. But, of course, if you never stand up for what you believe in, you can’t build a career (or a life) that means very much.

In this week’s roundup, we look at advice on how to take a stand without alienating coworkers, friends and acquaintances. That, plus an awesome example of a LinkedIn recommendation request and some tips on how to get ahead without working all the time, in our post.

Jesse Lyn Stoner at Seapoint Center: How to Take a Stand Without Polarizing Others

Stoner writes:

According to the JFK Library, one of Kennedy’s favorite quotes was based on Dante’s Inferno: ‘The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in time of moral crisis preserve their neutrality.’ Is it possible that the level of polarization today has become a moral crisis? If so, how can you stop contributing to polarization without compromising your views?

It doesn’t have to be either/or. You can do both – you take a stand for what you believe and also not contribute to polarization.

Here’s how.

Do You Know What You're Worth?

Donna Svei at The Avid Careerist: Awesome Request to Use for a LinkedIn Recommendation

“LinkedIn recommendations have become an essential part of your profile,” Svei writes. “Yet, it can be uncomfortable to ask your colleagues, customers, and clients to write recommendations for you. Because of that, when I see a great request, I like to feature it here.”

What makes this request particularly awesome? Clarity and graciousness — plus, it feels genuine, something that’s hard to pull off when you’re asking someone for a favor, especially over the internet.

Abby Wolfe at The Muse: How to Get Ahead at Work Without Working Overtime

Our culture encourages us to overdo it, whether we’re bingeing TV shows or putting in time at the office. Wolfe explains:

These days, many of us live in a world of excess, where more is definitely better. We heap our plates full with seconds when we’re already full, overstuff a drawer with t-shirts we’ll never wear again, and ensure that we own at least 20 mugs. (I know, I know—each of those mugs serves a very specific purpose.)

Often, we apply this “more is more” principle to our professional lives, too. Clocking in at the crack of dawn and logging off only when our eyelids can’t stay open anymore are often heralded as hallmarks of star employees.

However, Wolfe argues that this approach isn’t necessary — that in fact, it can be harmful to your career. Her advice offers a better way to get in good with the boss.

Tell Us What You Think

What’s the best career advice you’ve read this week? We want to hear from you. Share your tips in the comments or join the conversation on Twitter.

Jen Hubley Luckwaldt
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