The new emphasis today for management is to find individuals who are passionate about their work. This really has always been true. In fact, you can tell the person who is passionate about their work and commitment to high standards. It comes natural to them. They are always looking for ways to innovate. 

I know that the job market is tough. And getting promoted within companies has become even tougher because of competition. This is why it is important to find the right professional fit. You want to release your passion so your job does not become work. 

How do you determine what creates the passion for you? Begin with two columns on paper. In one, write down every time you do something that resonates with you (brings you joy). In the other column log the things you do that you don’t like.

Maintain this log for awhile. You will see as you begin to review it over time that it will clearly show what you are passionate about.

A smart break in a pant leg both for women and men depends on two things: the person’s height and whether they are in a conservative or in a fashion forward environment. The break will also insure the length of the pants is not too short or too long.

In many of the magazines you will see men wearing pants where the legs puddle around the shoe. This is a fashion statement, not the traditional way to wear the slack.

For women, the trend is a light break. You can determine this with your tailor. If you are not sure if it is the right length, walk a few steps. If you see the pant waving without brushing the shoe it is too short. The right break in a pair of pants will always have the wearer appearing elegant and polished.

In today’s business climate, with unemployment at all-time high, you can run the risk of trying to be someone else. Judy Garland said it the best, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of the second rate version of someone else.”

Begin to take inventory of what is it that you want and how you want to come across in an interview. The basics do not change. They are to engage your interviewer and be honest in your communications.

If something does not sound right, ask a question to confirm you understand what is being said. In other words, what you hear is what it means to you. Keep these things in mind and you will be a first rate version of yourself.

Many times if we could reframe a situation or picture it differently it will change perceptions. So think of reframing is having a different attitude or perspective.

This is especially important if you feel you have been treated unfairly. Recently a client was given notice that his position would not be needed. So, for a few days he walked around with an attitude like he was wronged and the organization owed him.

However, once he reframed his attitude, began to smile, say hello to people and not talk about how poorly he had been treated, he felt better and so did those around him. This also helped him when he interviewed for a position in another organization. He got hired in a more senior position and with better compensation.

It amazing how many folks do not realize how important the smile is. A smile engages those around you. It adds warmth to you and gives warmth to others. It changes the perception of who you are.

The Definition of Smile

As a verb: Form one’s features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up: “smiling faces.”

As a noun: A pleased, kind or amused facial expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed.

Remember the expression, when you are smiling the world smiles with you and when you are crying you cry alone.

When you are attending an event as couple, the person who has the tie-in to the event is the one to determine when to leave. The rule of thumb is that the time to exit and who suggests it to the host should be discussed before the event.

Also, do not depart in a herd. This means to wait and give the host space to properly say good bye. Follow these guidelines and you will always exit gracefully.

Carrying personal calling cards appears to be a new practice for many. But, what should be on it? Should it be a simple card or contain a design? If you have a second career or hobby should the personal card reflect it?

A card also provides information so the recipient of the card has information on how to contact you. Miss Manner’s recent advice is that the simpler, the better. Design the card with the end in mind.

If you use the card for contact information only, you can choose a different color paper or ink to jazz it up. Of course, or you can never go wrong with black print and white stock. A quality appearance is important.

If the card reflects something you are promoting, it should contain information about the product or service. The bottom line is that a personal calling card should describe what you want the recipient to know about you.

Recently, a CEO had to resign because of a resume embellishment. Time and time again we hear about high ranking executives not being honest about their backgrounds, usually regarding educational degrees.

If the person is not performing and has not built relationships a company will find something to use to get rid of you. The truth always comes out. So, honesty it is always the best policy.

Asking questions is critical to understanding any issue. In order to clarify the question, always begin with the end in mind. What is it that you want to understand? And what is the message in the answer?

Too often, another question gets asked without the questioner completely digesting the previous answer. So, a key to understanding is listening to the previous answer.

Seek to understand then to be understood.

The definition of harmony: “Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole.”

Irene Rosenberg, CEO of Kraft Foods, who was recently recognized for her leadership, spoke about harmony. Everyone is always talking about balance. Sometimes balance does not bring the results you want. Harmony does not necessarily mean balance. However, it does connote a sense of calmness and stability in the situation.

You can’t always have balance but you can strive for harmony in any circumstance.