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Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Mentorship Is Key To Career Success Today And How To Cultivate It
Connecting with supportive mentorship throughout your professional life is one of the most powerful tools for career advancement, yet many professionals hesitate to pursue it. Whether it's fear of rejection, a sense of unworthiness, imposter feelings, or uncertainty about how to approach potential mentors, these barriers often prevent people from accessing the guidance and support they need to thrive. But there are numerous ways to connect with great mentors and sponsors who want to be of help—when they're approached in the right way. Research from The Center for Creative Leadership highlights that mentorship not only accelerates mentees' career growth in powerful ways but also improves job satisfaction and retention rates for mentees and mentors alike. Yet, according to a 2023 Gallup study, only 40% of professionals have a mentor and even fewer (23%) have a sponsor - an individual who actively promotes growth, provides access to opportunities at work and/or advocates for career advancement. Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever In today's fast-changing workplace, mentorship is no longer just a nice-to-have — it's essential. Great mentors can provide much-needed guidance on advancing your skills and impact, and also the social capital that opens doors to new opportunities that you're not able to open on your own. Studies, including one from The National Bureau of Economic Research, show that mentorship can significantly improve career outcomes, particularly for underrepresented professionals. In addition to professional insights, mentors offer psychological support, helping mentees navigate workplace challenges, build confidence, and sustain motivation over time. Having access to someone who has already navigated the terrain you're traversing can dramatically shorten your learning curve and help you avoid common pitfalls. To help you overcome these barriers and build empowering mentorship relationships, here are five key strategies, supported by research and real-world insights, to connect with mentors who genuinely want to support your growth. One of the biggest mistakes people make is reaching out to strangers with a generic request like, 'Will you be my mentor?' or 'Can I pick your brain?' This approach rarely works because effective mentorship is built on trust and mutual respect first. Sheryl Sandberg, in her book Lean In, humorously compares this approach to the behavior of the baby bird in Are You My Mother?, who asks everything and everyone the question, 'Are you my mother?' The answer is always a resounding 'No!' Instead, start by reaching out to people you already have some form of connection with—colleagues, former bosses, industry peers, past educators, or individuals you've met through networking groups or conferences. In coaching hundreds of professionals globally, I've seen firsthand that mentorship relationships tend to be most successful when they stem from existing professional connections. When mentors have seen direct evidence and results of your great work ethic, character and abilities firsthand, they'll be far more inclined to help you. If you admire someone who isn't yet in your network, don't immediately reach out to ask for help or mentorship. Instead, find ways to engage with their work and add value to their professional endeavors. For example: A study published in The Journal of Vocational Behavior found that mentees who actively contribute to their mentor's goals and projects are more likely to develop strong, lasting mentorship relationships. By consistently showing up in a positive and supportive way, you create natural opportunities to build a mutually-beneficial relationship and connection. Before seeking mentorship, ask yourself: Would I want to mentor me? Great mentors want to invest their time in people who are proactive, open to feedback, and eager to learn and stretch. To become an ideal mentee: Mentees who show initiative and a willingness to grow are more likely to achieve significant benefits through mentorship, including gaining access to leadership opportunities, career mobility, better rewards and higher compensation, increased adaptability when facing new situations, and more. One of the biggest turn-offs for potential mentors is a vague or overwhelming request. Instead of saying, 'I need help with my career,' narrow your focus. Get very clear on the specific insights or guidance you need at this time. For example, if you admire a writer and blogger in the entrepreneurial/business growth space and want to start your own blog, you might say: 'Hi [Name], I hope this finds you well. I've been following your blog for two years and truly love your insights on entrepreneurial and business growth and find them so helpful. I'm working toward launching my own blog in the next several months focused on (X), and would very much appreciate just a few minutes of your time, if you're available, to hear how you approached your first year of thought leadership and content strategy, and any key tips and suggestions. I'd be very grateful to learn what worked best for you.' This approach is effective because it: Whenever you're unsure about how to reach out to a potential mentor, ask yourself: If I were in their position, how would I want to be approached? Successful professionals are often inundated with requests for help. To stand out: Mentorship isn't a transactional request—it's a rewarding, often long-term relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual effort and benefit. Approach mentorship with confidence and self-worth, and conduct yourself as someone worthy of high-level guidance. Start today by identifying one person you admire and taking the first step to connect. It might be uncomfortable at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. And remember, if the response you receive the first time isn't what you hoped, don't despair and give up. There are a myriad of reasons why someone may not engage at the time you reach out. Learn from every interaction and refine your approach, and keep at it. Your next career breakthrough could be just one conversation away. Kathy Caprino is a LinkedIn Top Voice, global career and leadership coach, 2x author, speaker and host of the podcast Finding Brave, supporting professional growth, success and impact.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
15 Things You Shouldn't Share In A Workplace Environment
In the sophisticated yet chaotic dance of professional life, knowing what to keep to yourself can be just as important as mastering your craft. While the office is a space for collaboration, sharing too much can sometimes turn your workday into a theater of discomfort. Here, we unveil the things you should firmly keep under wraps, lest they unravel your polished professional persona. Discussing your salary with colleagues can transform an otherwise calm office into a simmering pot of envy and resentment. Even though transparency can promote fairness, sharing specific numbers can lead to unwanted comparisons and tensions. Financial conversations are best reserved for discussions with your boss or HR, where context and discretion are guaranteed. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, salary transparency can sometimes backfire, leading to decreased morale and productivity among employees. When you divulge your earnings, you might inadvertently create a hierarchy among peers, leading to unnecessary competition or hard feelings. It can also distort perceptions, as people often equate salary with value, which is not always the case. Remember, your paycheck is a private matter and should be handled as delicately as your professional reputation. Keep these matters confidential to maintain a harmonious work atmosphere. In today's polarized climate, political discussions can ignite fiery debates, even in the most congenial workplaces. Sharing your personal political beliefs can make you a lightning rod for controversy, drawing unwanted attention and possibly alienating coworkers. It's crucial to maintain a professional focus and steer clear of topics that can fracture workplace unity. Delivering your political opinions can be akin to opening Pandora's box—once it's out, it can't be put back. While it's natural to have strong political views, the workplace is not the ideal arena for advocacy or persuasion. Instead, focus on building professional relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals. Conversations that veer into political territory should be deftly redirected towards common interests or work-related topics. Keep your political inclinations private, ensuring the spotlight stays on your professional contributions. Everyone has personal issues, but your workplace isn't the right venue for airing them. Discussing personal problems can alter your colleagues' perceptions of you, shifting focus from your professional capabilities to your personal life. Save these conversations for friends or family outside the office who are equipped to provide support and understanding. Psychology expert Dr. Susan David emphasizes the importance of emotional agility, suggesting that separating personal issues from work can enhance your resilience and productivity. Bringing personal drama into the workspace can not only distract you but also derail team dynamics. It can blur the lines between personal and professional relationships, potentially leading to awkward situations. Your colleagues aren't trained therapists, and burdening them with your troubles can be unfair. Preserve your professional image by keeping personal matters personal. Engaging in gossip may seem like a harmless way to bond with coworkers, but it can be a double-edged sword. Participating in or spreading office gossip can damage trust and create a hostile work environment. Gossip tends to morph and amplify as it travels, potentially harming the subject and tainting your reputation as well. It's vital to rise above petty rumors and focus on maintaining a professional demeanor. Instead of indulging in whispers about who's doing what, channel your energy into constructive conversations that benefit your team and projects. Avoid getting caught in the web of hearsay, as it can lead to unnecessary conflicts and a toxic atmosphere. Choosing to be a reliable, trustworthy colleague will earn you respect and reinforce a positive workplace culture. So, keep the grapevine at bay and opt for integrity. While it's essential to communicate about significant health issues with your employer, sharing every detail with coworkers isn't necessary. Over-disclosure about health can lead to uncomfortable situations and might even impact perceptions of your ability to perform your job. Discussing health concerns should be limited to necessary disclosures with HR or your manager, where confidentiality is assured. Dr. Lorna Dyche, a workplace health expert, suggests that maintaining professional boundaries regarding health can prevent unnecessary stress and preserve your work relationships. Too much information about your health can result in colleagues viewing you through the lens of your illness rather than your professional contributions. It can inadvertently create a sense of awkwardness or pity, which could negatively affect team dynamics. Protect your privacy and ensure that your work is what defines you in the professional sphere. Share thoughtfully and only when it's pertinent to job performance. Criticizing management can be the quickest route to a dead-end career path. Negative remarks about bosses or company policies can easily reach the wrong ears, leading to strained relationships or even disciplinary action. It's crucial to address any genuine concerns through official channels rather than in casual conversations with colleagues. This approach not only protects your professional standing but also ensures issues are handled effectively. While it's natural to have occasional disagreements with management, airing these grievances casually can undermine your authority and professionalism. Taking the high road requires restraint and a focus on constructive feedback over idle complaints. Channel your energy into understanding management's perspective and finding solutions to any issues you encounter. By keeping criticism off the record, you demonstrate professionalism and maturity. Office romances are often fraught with challenges, and discussing them with coworkers can exacerbate the situation. When your romantic life becomes common knowledge, it can lead to gossip, jealousy, or even professional backlash. Maintaining a clear boundary between your personal and professional lives is crucial for preserving both relationships. According to workplace relationship expert Dr. Helen Fisher, transparency with management about an office relationship is essential, but discretion with peers can prevent unnecessary complications. Discussing your romantic life in the office can lead to perceptions of favoritism or unprofessionalism, potentially impacting team morale. It also risks turning private matters into public fodder, which can damage both your personal life and work relationships. Keeping your relationship discreet ensures that your professional identity remains untarnished. Focus on your work, and let your personal life flourish outside the office walls. Revealing your intention to leave the company or your future career plans can have unintended consequences. Even if you think you're speaking confidently about your ambitions, it can create uncertainty among your team and managers. Employers want to focus on their current assets, not on who's planning to jump ship. It's best to keep your career aspirations under wraps until you're ready to make a concrete move. Discussing future job plans prematurely can disrupt team stability and mark you as a flight risk. Colleagues might start treating you differently, and management could even begin distancing you from ongoing projects. Instead, focus on excelling in your current role, demonstrating your commitment and capability. When the time is right to move on, do so professionally and with tact. Sharing financial woes with coworkers can lead to pity, judgment, or even unsolicited advice. While it's normal to experience financial ups and downs, your office isn't a financial counseling center. Keep discussions about money to the necessary parties, like HR or financial advisors, who can offer solutions without compromising your professional image. Workplace relationships should be built on professional respect, not personal need. Bringing your financial struggles into the office can create an imbalance in how you're perceived and treated. Some colleagues might distance themselves, while others could exploit your vulnerability. Protect your dignity and professional stature by keeping such discussions private. Focus instead on creating opportunities to shine through your work, not your financial situation. It's astonishing how often people share passwords and security codes without considering the consequences. Whether it's convenience or trust, divulging this information can lead to significant security breaches. Even among trusted colleagues, maintaining the confidentiality of passwords is critical to protecting sensitive company data. Adopt strong security practices and ensure your access credentials remain closely guarded secrets. Sharing passwords can expose you and your company to risks, including data theft and unauthorized access to confidential information. In today's cyber-vulnerable world, maintaining strict security protocols is a fundamental responsibility. By keeping access information private, you safeguard not only your work but also the broader integrity of your organization. Be proactive in securing your digital footprint and encourage others to do the same. Discussing religious beliefs in the workplace can be as divisive as politics, leading to discomfort or even discrimination. While spirituality is an essential aspect of many people's lives, it's crucial to recognize that the office is a diverse environment with varying beliefs. Keep religious discussions for personal time, fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. Focus on common professional goals rather than personal convictions. Invoking religious topics can unintentionally alienate coworkers who may feel pressured to engage or reveal their own beliefs. Such discussions can create a climate of exclusion or privilege based on shared views, which is detrimental to team cohesion. Aim to ensure that all colleagues feel respected, regardless of their differing beliefs. In doing so, you contribute to a harmonious and productive work environment. While it's important to voice concerns about company policies through appropriate channels, casual criticism among peers can be damaging. It may seem harmless, but offhand comments can sow seeds of discontent and erode trust within teams. Discussing policies constructively with management is far more effective than mere venting. This strategy not only safeguards your professional image but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Casual criticism risks creating factions within the workplace, as colleagues take sides or feel pressured to agree. It can also negatively impact your reputation, portraying you as a problem rather than a solution-seeker. By engaging in constructive dialogue about company policies, you demonstrate initiative and a commitment to positive change. Keep critiques formal and focused on driving improvement rather than division. While it's tempting to share vacation excitement with colleagues, oversharing details can be counterproductive. Know that not everyone will appreciate hearing about exotic locales while handling extra workloads in your absence. Sharing too much can also expose you to security risks, both personally and professionally. Save the in-depth travel tales for friends and family who can celebrate your adventures after the fact. Revealing every detail about your time away can inadvertently spark envy or resentment among coworkers left behind. It also risks creating a perception that you're more focused on leisure than professional responsibilities. Instead, keep the focus on ensuring a smooth workflow during your absence, emphasizing preparedness and teamwork. Your colleagues will appreciate your professionalism, even as you savor your well-deserved break. Revealing conflicts with past employers or colleagues can cast you in a negative light, no matter the circumstances. Dwelling on past disputes can signal to current colleagues and superiors that you might be difficult to work with. Instead, focus on what you've learned from past experiences and how they've contributed to your professional growth. By keeping past conflicts private, you present a forward-thinking and adaptable professional image. Discussing negative experiences from previous jobs can foster an atmosphere of mistrust, as coworkers may wonder if you'll speak ill of them someday. It can also detract from your current achievements and contributions, overshadowing your capabilities. Choose instead to highlight your adaptability and the lessons you've learned from diverse professional experiences. This approach showcases your resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. While sharing a viral moment or a meme might seem harmless, making your personal social media drama a workplace topic isn't wise. The blurred line between personal and professional realms means that colleagues might associate your online persona with your professional identity. Keep the minutiae of social media spats or controversies away from the office to maintain a polished reputation. Your professional network shouldn't be a sounding board for personal social media experiences. Discussing online conflicts can lead to misunderstandings, misjudgments, and even bias against you. The digital world is vast, and not everyone will interpret your online interactions as intended. Opt for discussions that showcase your skills, interests, and professional insights rather than personal drama. By doing so, you ensure your professional narrative remains intact and respected.
Forbes
22-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
It's Not The 1990's Gulf War
3 men reading local DAILY GAZETTE newspaper w. headline: WAR!, at Friendship House restaurant, on ... More morning after Operation Desert Storm began. (Photo by) The misdirection before the start of the weekend gave some of us optimists hope that the US would not soon bomb Iran's nuclear sites. If you did not check the news Saturday you were saved from wondering what might happen to the financial markets until Sunday morning. This had me going back into my memory banks and I first focused on the summer of 1990. The economy had been weakening in 1989-1990 in reaction to a restrictive monetary policy used to reduce inflation. There were many of other factors (more on the 1990 recession) as it was a global recession that impacted many countries more than the US. Dow Industrials 1990 The start of the 1990 Gulf War on August 2nd, 1990 is noted on the chart of the Dow Jones Industrials Average. I was also writing market commentary at the time and in early July I noticed bullish signs in the crude oil and gold futures as the Herrick Payoff Index had indicated that the money flow, as well as the volume, was positive. By the time of the invasion, I wondered if Saddam was a buyer in these two markets. The start and end of a recession are determined with a lag by the National Bureau of Economic Research. For example, the 1990 recession start date was determined in April 1991. The Dow Industrials made its low in October 1990 and by the time the Gulf War ended on February 28, 1992, the Dow was already up 20% from the lows. The bullish sentiment hit its lowest point in October 1990 which correlated with similar low readings during the stock market's decline in 2022 as well as the April 2025 lows. It is important to understand that I am not currently expecting a similar reaction in 2025 as the state of the economy as well as the supply-demand for crude oil is much different now than it was in 1990. The exchanges are also much different. In July 1990 crude oil rose from about $19 per barrel to over $40 by October. Crude Oil Weekly The weekly chart shows the surge in crude oil prices in the past two weeks as it has risen from $64.90 to $77.60 per barrel. The weekly starc+band is at $77.39 with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement resistance at $83.93. This is calculated from the June 2022 high at $130.50. The 38.2% level is a reasonable upside target for the week ahead with the 50% retracement resistance at $92.82. There is long-term chart resistance at $97.19, line a. The on-balance volume moved above its WMA last week and has major resistance at line b. One of the indicators that I have found to be the most valuable for commodities is the Herrick Payoff Index developed by the late John Herrick. It uses volume, open interest, and price action to determine money flow. The HPI rose above its WMA at the end of May and surged sharply above the zero line three weeks ago. Markets For the week the increased tensions added more uncertainty which always makes the markets nervous. The Dow Jones Transportation Average was up 0.5% followed by a 0.4% gain by the iShares Russell 2000 (IWM). Both the NDX 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were unchanged while the S&P 500 was down 0.2%. On a year-to-date basis, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is up 28.1% as the weekly HPI has indicated positive money flow in the gold futures since October 2023. The Dow Jones Transportation Average is down 7.1%. For the week on the NYSE, there were 1376 advancing issues and 1433 declining issues. SPY Weekly The Spyder Trust (SPY) has closed slightly lower for the past two weeks but is still up over 1% for June. The all-time high is at $613.23 (line a) with the yearly R1 at $638.09 and the weekly starc+ band at $645.41. The rising 20-week EMA at $577.26 is not consistent with a significant top. It would take a weekly close below the yearly pivot at $647.94 to turn the yearly pivot trend negative. The weekly S&P 500 A/D line has formed slightly lower highs over the past six weeks but it is still above its strongly rising WMA. It has already made new highs which does project new highs also for the SPY. The daily S&P 500 A/D is still below its MA as is the NYSE Stocks Only A/D while the NYSE All A/D line is still above its MA. For the last two days of the week, there were more New Highs than New Lows on the NYSE. Invesco QQQ Trust The Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) closed at $526.67 just 2.5% below the all-time high at $540.81. The yearly R1 is at $572.72 with the weekly starc+ band at $577.01. There is minor support initially in the $512-$516 area with strong support at $502.32 and the rising 20-week EMA. The NDX100 A/D line made another new high three weeks ago and is well above its rising WMA. The weekly relative performance RS is holding above its WMA and the resistance at line c. This indicates that QQQ is still leading the SPY and should continue to outperform. Over the past three months, QQQ is up 9.9% while SPY is up 5.4%. Bond Yields In 1990, the 10-year T-Note yield was in a well-defined long-term downtrend but had consolidated for a few months during the recession but then continued to drop. The current MACD analysis and last week's lower close d9es favor lower yields which is also true for the 2-year yield chart. Both should be favored by US and overseas investors as they look for safety. The weekly chart of the 30-year T-Bond yield shows the close above 5% and the 18-month resistance, line a. The initial upside targets from the breakout are in the 5.4-5.6% area. The week MACDs will point to higher yields with another close above 5%. The stock market is likely to be hit with some selling pressure on Monday but I would not expect to see more than a 1-2% pullback unless Iran takes action to block the shipping of oil. We could see 1-2 weeks of sideways to lower trading but the support at the 20-week EMAs should hold.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Buy stocks just when a recession is confirmed? Here's why the risk can pay off.
- Getty Images A rare contrarian stock-market buy signal with an impressive record may soon be triggered. I'm referring to the so-called 'Recession Buy Indicator,' according to which you should invest in the U.S. stock market when it's announced that a recession has begun. Based on the average lag time between when a U.S. recession starts and when it's confirmed by the National Bureau of Economic Research, such an announcement could come by this summer. (The NBER is the semiofficial arbiter of when U.S. recessions begin and end.) The NBER defines a recession as 'a significant decline in economic activity that … lasts more than a few months.' Most Read from MarketWatch It's timely to review the Recession Buy Indicator after the report that the U.S. economy shrank at an annualized rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of this year. Many economists believe that President Donald Trump's tariffs could cause the economy to shrink even further. Read: The economy has shrunk. Follow these 10 money rules for 2025 to keep your wealth from shrinking with it. The average lag time for the NBER to announce that a recession has begun is 6.8 months, based on announcement dates since 1980. (I was unable to ascertain announcement dates for recessions before then.) But there was a wide range on either side of this average, from as short as three months to as long as 11 months. It pays to be acquainted with the track record of the Recession Buy Indicator (RBI), since it triggers at the same time that you are likely to be most despondent — the moment a recession is officially announced. The accompanying chart shows the indicator's track record for all recessions in the NBER calendar, which dates back to 1857. - Since I don't have announcement dates for pre-1980 recessions, I assumed the announcements occurred 6.8 months after they began. The chart reflects the performance of the stock market in inflation-adjusted and dividend-adjusted terms, courtesy of the database maintained by Edward McQuarrie, a professor emeritus at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University in California. Notice that the RBI's performance over the three months after triggering is no different than average. Though that might be disappointing, it's actually quite impressive. It means that, over the three months after the NBER says the U.S. is in a recession, the stock market performs no worse than average — far better, in other words, than what most investors would expect. And over the six- and 12-month period following an RBI buy signal, the stock market performs better than average.
