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Personal Development

How to make a difference: 5 powerful action steps

How to make a difference: 5 powerful action steps

When you ask most people if they want to make a difference in the world, the answer is almost always, “yes.” How to do that, however, isn’t quite as obvious—and many people can become discouraged if they feel like they haven’t fulfilled their purpose or made an impact. The world is a big place and it can be hard to know where to start. 

Photo of Kat Boogaard F4S contributing writer
Observation skills: How to improve them (starring a clown, a gorilla and some scientists)

Observation skills: How to improve them (starring a clown, a gorilla and some scientists)

Normally we begin these guides with a series of statistics related to the topic, but when discussing observation skills, statistics don’t even do it justice. Instead, something common from the mouths of parents and caregivers might work: “You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason.” The implication is that you should listen roughly twice as much as you speak, although we know from general life observation that’s not true of most people. 

Ted Bauer
How to convince people in the workplace: 8 persuasive tips

How to convince people in the workplace: 8 persuasive tips

From hiring freezes to stagnating wages,¹ many organizations are at a standstill as they attempt to make sense of these challenging times. It goes without saying that this state of inertia is preferable to periods of chaos marked by layoffs and company shutdowns. However, in a time when many leaders are stuck in survival mode, asking for what you want feels like a tall order.

Photo of Emma Noris F4S contributing writer
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Are you detail-oriented? Common traits & ways to improve

Are you the type of person who notices the little things that others miss? Do you pride yourself on your ability to spot even the smallest errors or inconsistencies? If so, you might be detail-oriented. But what exactly does it mean to be detail-oriented, and how can you sharpen this skill to unlock your full potential? In this blog post, we'll explore the key traits of detail-oriented people and provide practical tips to help you take your attention to detail to the next level.

Photo of Kat Boogaard F4S contributing writer
What are career goals? How to define yours with confidence

What are career goals? How to define yours with confidence

You don’t need a five-year plan to answer the big questions about where you’re headed. But you do need clarity about what motivates you—and what kind of work lights you up. Whether you’re preparing for an interview or simply mapping your next move, this guide will help you define career goals that feel personal, powerful, and doable. With real-world examples, expert advice, and a step-by-step approach, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to shape your path with purpose.

Photo of Amy Rigby F4S contributing writer
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Big picture thinking: develop your innovation and ambition

Most cutting-edge innovations we enjoy today are the result of big picture thinking. For example, you may be reading this article from a smartphone. The development of this type of device is an example of big picture thinking. Rather than add more bells and whistles, Apple CEO Steve Jobs reimagined what a phone could be. He pictured a future in which phones could run any app. Under his leadership, Apple released the first iPhone in 2007.

Masooma Memon
Attention to detail: Why it's vital and how to improve yours

Attention to detail: Why it's vital and how to improve yours

Attention to detail is a critical skill that separates the exceptional from the ordinary. Whether you're an ambitious professional seeking career advancement or an organization striving for operational excellence, mastering this invaluable soft skill can be the key to unlocking new levels of success. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into attention to detail, exploring its definition, significance, and practical strategies to develop and showcase this essential skill.

Photo of Kat Boogaard F4S contributing writer
Assertiveness Training: What it is, plus 7 tips to get you started

Assertiveness Training: What it is, plus 7 tips to get you started

You said "yes" to yet another responsibility at work that you don't have time for. You let your friend borrow money, even though she never pays you back. You didn't tell the waiter that they got your order wrong, so you ended up with a meal you didn't even like. If things like this keep happening to you, you might wonder if you'd benefit from assertiveness training.

Photo of Amy Rigby F4S contributing writer