Career Archives

Best Career Resources: Blogs, Books, & Podcasts

Have you already decided what career path you want to pursue? Perhaps you’re considering a career change? Maybe you’re entertaining the idea of starting a second career? When it comes to career development, the struggle is real. There are so many paths to choose from, especially in the age of knowledge work. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of resources available to help you navigate this journey. Here are Shortfrom’s picks of the best career resources, including blogs, books, and podcasts.

Kindness in the Workplace: How to Use It Wisely

Does kindness have a place in the office? How can you be kind without being taken advantage of? Conventional advice regarding success contradicts itself in its recommendations surrounding kindness. Some people argue that being nice is for chumps, while others argue that being nice will get you far. So who’s right? According to peak performance expert Eric Barker, they all are. You can be both kind and successful—but you have to be smart about it. Here’s how to practice kindness in the workplace while keeping people from walking all over you.

Why a Sense of Purpose at Work Is Critical for Success

How does a sense of purpose at work make you more successful? What would having a sense of purpose in the workplace do for you? Discovering your unique purpose—your Why—and strengths helps you find fulfillment at work and in life. When you live in alignment with your purpose, you make better career decisions and inspire people to join you, whether as part of your team or supporters of your mission. Read on to learn how finding your sense of purpose at work will benefit your life, according to Simon Sinek.

Dealing With Unhealthy Competition in the Workplace

Is your organization rife with ladder-climbing sharks? Are people working together or against each other? According to Tribal Leadership, Stage 3 is the most common work culture, and it’s where most professionals spend much of their careers. Stage 3 features shark-like competition, office politics, and high-powered professionals striving to dominate their workplaces. Authors Dave Logan, Halee Fischer-Wright, and John King explain how to determine whether your organization is in Stage 3 and how to progress to Stage 4. Keep reading to understand unhealthy competition in the workplace and to learn how to move your organization beyond it.

How to Find Your Path in Life & at Work

Why are there so many different rules regarding success? Is there only one way to succeed? In Barking Up the Wrong Tree, peak performance expert Eric Barker explains that the key is often not whether the path to success is right but whether it’s right for you. Therefore, an essential key to success is to know yourself and act accordingly. Different things work for different people, so he outlines a way to figure out what type of person you are (your working style) and what you’re good at (your strengths). Keep reading for Barker’s advice on how to find your

How to Find Fulfilling Work—Simon Sinek’s 3 Tips

What is the best method for finding fulfilling work? How does understanding your life’s purpose lead to fulfilling work? According to motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek, taking the time to examine your life’s purpose will lead to finding fulfilling work. Sinek provides a proven method for discovering your Why, or purpose, and shows how purpose-driven people lead happier lives. Keep reading to find out Sinek’s steps for finding fulfilling work through living a purposeful life.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Quotes by Barker

What’s Barking Up the Wrong Tree about? What quotes from the book capture its essence? It’s hard to tell what the key to success is when so much success advice is contradictory. Some say you should be kind, while others say that being nice is for losers. Some believe you should spend every waking hour at work, while others advise you to focus on work-life balance. In Barking Up the Wrong Tree, peak performance expert Eric Barker examines the research on every option—and shares what he believes are the secrets to success. Keep reading for some of our favorite Barking

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: Book Overview

When it comes to success in life, are you barking up the wrong tree? Do you stick with the right things and quit when you should? How’s your work-life balance? In the book Barking Up the Wrong Tree, Eric Barker discusses why context is king—why the rules for success depend on who you are. He examines interpersonal relationships, reviewing the importance of kindness, networks, and your attitude towards success. He also shares his views on persistence and hard work, namely why you need to stick to some things and quit others and how you can achieve the ideal balance of

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle: Example for Leadership

What is Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example? How should leaders use Sinek’s model? Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example was introduced in his popular 2009 TED Talk. Aside from being a motivational speaker and author, Sinek also helped others find their purpose by working directly with individuals and organizations. Keep reading to learn about purposeful leadership using Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle example.

How to Write a Good Purpose Statement: Sinek’s Steps

What are the most important characteristics of a good purpose statement? How do you write a purpose statement? Motivational speaker and author Simon Sinek believes finding your purpose helps you make more persuasive appeals to people. Your energy and commitment to your purpose are contagious, so having clarity on it helps you pitch your ideas in a way that’s more authentic and enticing to others. Read on to learn Sinek’s proven steps for writing a good purpose statement and how to start creating your own.