Looking for guidance or inspiration? The Now What blog is packed with free advice, tips, and real-world insights to help you navigate work and life with confidence.
As one reader shares, "Amanda embodies what an ideal HR professional should be—empathetic, understanding, and solution-focused. She stands out by prioritizing needs while creating a truly unique and supportive approach."
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The Value of a Trusted Consultant
In today’s fast-paced professional world, having a trusted consultant can make all the difference. As someone who has spent over a decade in HR, I’ve seen firsthand how pivotal guidance and support can be in shaping one’s career.
The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth
Early in my career, I realized how invaluable mentorship was to my growth and success. Mentors have shaped my journey in countless ways—some were people I knew personally, others were thought leaders I admired from afar. Some came from my professional circles, some from my family, and others I met serendipitously along the way.
The Importance of EQ at Work
Did you know that most people achieve success in their careers because of their Emotional Intelligence (EQ) rather than their IQ? This initially surprised me. Like many, I assumed that technical skills were the ultimate keys to success.
Strategic HR Leadership in Scaling Organizations
I once wrote an entire thesis on how Human Resources (HR) contributes to company growth. Lucky for you, I revisited this topic and distilled it into key insights! With my firsthand experience in scaling HR departments, here’s what I’ve learned.
Performance Reviews and Compensation
As the end of the year approaches, many companies are gearing up for performance reviews and compensation adjustments. Whether you’re anticipating a review for your annual performance or preparing for a discussion about your compensation, being well-prepared can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Networking Strategies for Introverts
You’re in a dilemma: You’re an introvert and you’re registered for a networking event. Now what? As a fellow extreme introvert, I can deeply relate to the mix of anticipation and anxiety this brings.
Leading and Influencing Without a 'Leadership' Title
One of the most common mistakes young professionals make early in their careers is underestimating their power to lead and influence, even without an official "leadership" title. Many assume they must wait for a promotion to a position like "manager" or "supervisor" before they can step into leadership roles. However, the truth is that leadership begins long before any formal title is granted.
Effective Time Management For Career Success
One of the keys to career success is setting strong boundaries. If you need a refresher on how to establish these, check out our blog, “Boundaries That Work, at Work.” Once you have clear boundaries in place—like when you will and won’t be working—you can focus on maximizing the time you do spend working.
Determining What you Are Worth
Throughout my career, I’ve had employees come to me with their resignation, catching me completely off guard. It’s always frustrating when someone decides to leave without giving us a chance to discuss their concerns or preferences. In many cases, their reasons for leaving were issues we could have addressed or at the very least discussed.
Building Resilience In Your Career
Resilience is a characteristic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—especially when it comes to career development. Some people seem to have it naturally, while others develop it over time. Some harness resilience as a superpower to navigate challenges, while others struggle and risk losing their drive altogether.
Curiosity Matters
As someone who has spent years in HR, I’ve witnessed firsthand how leading with curiosity can transform interactions and improve outcomes. Here’s why fostering a curious mindset can make a world of difference in your professional life and how you can cultivate it.
How to Get Buy-In
Gaining buy-in for a new idea, project, or change is a critical skill in the workplace. Whether you’re pitching a new project, proposing a significant change, or trying to secure support for your latest initiative, the ability to effectively garner support is essential for success. Here’s a strategic approach to ensure you gain the buy-in you need to make your ideas a reality.
I Don’t Know What I’m Doing
Growth happens by doing, not by planning. If you’re always waiting to be ready, you’ll never accomplish anything. Call it imposter syndrome, a lack of confidence, or just being human—whatever you name it, I don’t think I’m alone in feeling like I don’t know what I’m doing most of the time. There are days when I look around and think, “How did I get here?”
You Think You’re Underpaid—Now What?
Feeling underpaid can be frustrating and demoralizing, especially when you’re confident in the value you bring to your role. However, addressing compensation concerns requires a strategic approach. Handling this situation with the right tactics can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the conversation about your pay.
Building Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand is one of the most valuable assets you have. Think of it as the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. It’s about how you’re perceived based on your actions, interactions, and overall presence.
Apply To The Job
I have a secret to share with you: you don’t need to have all the qualifications listed on a job posting before applying. Recently, I met with a client who was excited about a job opportunity but felt discouraged because they didn’t meet every requirement. My response? Apply to the job!
I'm Thinking of a Career Shift - Now What?
Are you considering a career shift? Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current job or have a burning desire to pursue something new, it’s important to navigate the transition thoughtfully. Let me share my story.
Thanks for the Feedback
The most recent piece of feedback I received stopped me in my tracks. First, I was embarrassed. I knew my delivery wasn’t my best work but it was even more mortifying to realize that others noticed it as well. It felt like leaving the house on a bad hair day, hoping nobody would notice, only to find out it was worse than I thought.
Navigating Social Media Connections in the Workplace
Your social media profiles serve as windows into your life, so as you start creating a professional reputation for yourself, you need to think carefully about your social media presence online: who can see it, what you are posting, and what kind of message you are sending to the world.
Mastering Your Individual Development Plan
In moments of uncertainty, I recognized the importance of a roadmap – an IDP. It would have provided clarity and direction, helped to articulate my aspirations, identify areas for growth, and craft actionable strategies to achieve my goals.