Journal

Are you sending mixed signals to diverse job candidates? Here are the pitfalls to avoid.

Are you sending mixed signals to diverse job candidates? Here are the pitfalls to avoid.

Whether the goal is to be more representative of the population at large, or to acknowledge the increasing body of evidence that diverse companies outperform those that are homogeneous, diversity is a hot topic at many companies. But the issue of diversity is complex—as layered as the business case to support it—and the time, effort, and resources being poured into diversity initiatives can be undermined by oversights or missteps.

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Focus-group moderators patiently draw out respondents’ attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and reactions. Managers should, too.

Focus-group moderators patiently draw out respondents’ attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and reactions. Managers should, too.

I recently dusted off my focus-group–moderator shoes in order to run a few sessions on behalf of a big client. As I was preparing, I found myself jotting down a quick script with ground rules to help things go smoothly—things like:

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Immigration may well be the issue that defines this election, so we’re breaking down the extreme contrasts in the candidates’ positions.

Immigration may well be the issue that defines this election, so we’re breaking down the extreme contrasts in the candidates’ positions.

At this point, after over 14 months of relentless campaign coverage, what is left to say about Donald Trump’s immigration platform, arguably the cornerstone of his campaign? Plenty, actually, judging by the candidate’s multiple stances on the issue this week and the criticism of his views by Hillary Clinton.

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Ropes courses can take teams to new heights, but experts advise researching ahead and being prepared for surprises.

Ropes courses can take teams to new heights, but experts advise researching ahead and being prepared for surprises.

Imagine being blindfolded and silenced, yet still expected to express yourself. Now imagine that you have to do this with a coworker that you barely know. That’s exactly the situation Lee Esmond, vice president of integrated marketing at Mosaic, an experiential marketing agency, found herself in during leadership training on a ropes course at Soderquist Center.

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Being outgoing can boost your career. Here’s what happened when this shy writer faked it ’til she made it.

Being outgoing can boost your career. Here’s what happened when this shy writer faked it ’til she made it.

I’ve always been shy. I tend to keep to myself, and I’m rarely the first one to talk to a stranger. I also hate talking in large groups; I usually just listen, and only give my opinion when asked. I’d resigned myself to the fact that I was an introvert and shyness was part of my personality, but I’ve always envied people who are friendly and outgoing.

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