It is a challenge to remain upbeat after constantly reading about the unemployment rate and other negative news about the job market. Keeping a positive attitude is critical.

Four approaches may help you with this:

• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Maintain a balance between bad and good news.
• Keep current with your job skills (Stephen Covey’s habit about always sharpening one’s saw is critical; never become complacent in your professional development).
• Be grateful for what you do have.

A great story was recently in the New York Times
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/nyregion/04soldier.html) about Brendan Marrocco. He recovered from losing both his arms and legs.

This article highlights the four approaches above in a real life situation. One amazing aspect of Brendan’s recovery is his strong mental attitude while he worked on preparing his body for prosthetics and an arm transplant. Brendan’s positive attitude sets an example of why we all need to do the same.

Here are some tips:

Do for Women
• Your hairstyle must look current and be your every day style.
• Wear makeup that looks natural.
• If you wear glasses all the time wear them in the picture (be sure they are non-reflective).
• Wear appropriate clothing familiar to the audience.
• Go on the web to see how others in your industry look.

Do for Men
• Wear a touch of cover-stick to mask skin discoloration.
• If you have a mustache or beard make sure it is trimmed neatly.
• Chose clothing that creates the image your audience understands.
• Always wear either a jacket or collared shirt.
• If you wear glasses all the time, wear them in the picture (be sure they are non-reflective).

Don’t
• Choose a new style hairdo for the picture.
• Do a glamour photo.
• Overdo accessories (for example, dangling earrings).
• Wear patterns.

If you can follow these guidelines, the picture will connect you to your audience before you have even met them.

The dialog continues about the five generations in the work place and how each group possesses certain tendencies that set them apart. At times, the differences can cause unrest and friction in the office or factory. However, I believe the generations can learn from each other.

The one trait I admire the most is how the Millennials view camaraderie and collaboration as being critical to their success. They also value:

• Friendship
• Idea Sharing
• Trust
• A non-judgmental approach

Recently, I watched a group of Millennials work together for a week serving three meals a day and cleaning up for a group of 50. My observations suggested that they were happy to share responsibility and operate as a cohesive work group.

I also experienced this last year when I was interviewed for an article for a major university. The writer had several of her writer-friends review and edit the piece. I wondered if members of another generation would have done taken that approach.

Today, we have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from each other. And while each generation might view the world differently, we can all still join together to create a harmonious work and social environment.

Skirts are back this year in a very big way. Colors and patterns are more fashionable than ever. The question that comes up on a regular basis is how short and how long are considered acceptable?

These are the simple guidelines:

• A short skirt is never more than three inches above the knee. This is the acceptable rule of thumb for business.
• Straight skirts worn for business look best slightly above the knee.
• Use your judgment with straight skirts worn for casual use. Don’t allow your short skirt to be the first thing that is noticed.
• Long skirts for business can cause you to appear matronly unless you look like Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Long skirts are best worn with boots for a smart look.
• Long skirts worn for casual use, especially the flowing ones, look best with sandals.

You will always look smart and fashionable when you wear a skirt according to these guidelines.

Recently, Sara Lee’s CEO disclosed she had a stroke. The controversy is whether Brenda Barnes should have released this information sooner rather than later. We understand she has a commitment to the board of directors, her employees and stock holders because of her high profile status, but what should the average employee disclose?

It is important to be upfront if you have a long term illness especially if you know it will affect your ability to do the required work. But to be on the safe side, you might want to check with your HR department for guidance.

When disclosing personal health issues stick with the facts. Be careful not to put too much of an emotional burden on the person with whom you are sharing the information. Always thank them for their support. When you do this they will usually be more than willing to support you through a difficult time.

Civility is sometimes neglected due to the stress of work and life responsibilities. Sometimes we make comments that were never meant to be heard. We throw off looks that project dark thoughts.

I am always impressed when folks take the time to be sensitive to those around them. Here are some examples:

• Allowing someone with only a few items who is behind you at a checkout line, to go ahead of you.
• Letting a car in front of you who missed a parking spot, back up and try again.
• Working for a boss who takes over when you are on deadline but need to go home early because of a sick child.
• Smiling when someone gives you a stern look.
• Being offered money to make up the difference when you are at the checkout and discover you don’t have enough cash.
• Calling someone by an incorrect name and the way you are corrected is to be gently reminded of the actual name.

The reason I recognize sensitivity is because these experiences have happened to me.

The main thing about organizing a closet is that it must work for the owner. However, I have seen many closets over a period of twenty years and am still surprised how disorganized they can be. Once in a while, though, I will come across one that is perfectly organized for the owner.

Here are some tips on how to organize your closet so it works for you.

If you love to mix and match your clothing:

• Arrange all the like items together: slacks, shirts, jackets etc.
• Arrange the like items by color, so all your black slacks are first, then brown, blue, etc.

This way, all the like items start with the same color arrangements.

If you tend to wear your clothes by outfit:

• Arrange your closet by outfits.
• Cluster your suits together with a top and accessories (tie or jewelry).
• Arrange your sweaters with the appropriate bottom.

The main thing about your closet is to arrange it so you can dress easily. You want to be able to look picture perfect without too much drama.

Sara Blakely’s Spanx began as the new version of a modern control tummy garment for women.They are the updated, modern version of girdles in many different forms. They have been wildly successful in providing products for women in helping them control their figures.

Now, Sara Blakely has designed Spanx for men. They come in two full tee-shirt and tank-top versions (http://www.spanx.com)and are gaining popularity in helping men keep their stomach’s flat In fact, the New York Times Sunday Style section just featured Spanx for men.

If you’re new to these garments, you might want to begin with the cotton compression tank. It’s easier to wear and does not feel so constricting. It will help minimize a slight tummy but it will not take more than two inches off your belt line. It is supposed to help flatten your tummy, improve your posture and support the lower back.

Women have had the advantage of Spanx for awhile, now. So, it’s about time men get to experience them.

Sleeveless tops and Capri pants are some challenges companies face because of the warm weather.

If you wear them, you might think that less clothing on a body will help you stay cooler. However, that’s not true.

The same reasoning goes if it’s cold outside and you want to stay warm. Wearing layers of clothing will not always keep you stay warm, either.

The key to staying cool or warm is fabric. Natural fabrics will help you stay cooler when it’s hot and keep you warm when you layer clothing.

Cotton and linen are great to wear when it is warm. Covering your skin in cotton will help retain moisture and protect you from the sun. The lighter the weave, the cooler it will be on your skin.

Layered heavyweight cotton will keep you warmer than polyester, rayon or viscose.

Cashmere and wool are also great fabrics to wear in the cold climates.

You can manage your temperature sensitivity by being aware of your fabric choices. When you do this you always be in control, no matter what the temperature.

We often see folks wearing jackets, sweaters and shirts that either should be buttoned or left unbuttoned. In the New York Times Sunday Style section, Bill Cunningham’s May 21st On the Street photos, showed men and women in cardigans, jackets buttoned and unbuttoned.

In the pictures you saw how some individuals buttoned their sweaters and jackets and some left them open. The following are some general guidelines to make sure you appear “fashion aware” instead of sloppy.

For men:

• Three button blazers: Button only the middle button.
• Two button blazers: Button only the top button.
• Double breasted blazers: Keep buttoned when walking but you can unbutton when sitting down.

For sweaters, leave the bottom button open, only button the top button, or do not button at all.

For Women:

• Jackets: Strategically button so that you look slim and smart.
• Sweaters: Whether they are long or short. cardigans, use the same strategy. Button them so you look slim.

Note: If you button all of the buttons on a sweater, always leave one open at the bottom.

When you button the correct number of the buttons on your jacket or sweater, you will look stylish and smart at the same time.