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."
Dive in and see what resonates with you!
Scroll or Search by Topic:
One Person Can Tear Down a Whole Culture
It’s a tale as old as time. If I asked you to name the one person in your workplace who undermines company culture more than anyone else, a name likely pops into your head immediately. Let’s be honest—they might be mean, rude, and generally unpleasant to work with, yet they’re a top performer who brings in significant business for the company.
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.
Navigating Internal Job Opportunities
Recently, a friend of mine faced an exciting opportunity to transition into a different role within their organization. At first glance, this new position seemed like a perfect fit: it aligned with their long-term career aspirations, offered stimulating challenges, and had the potential to boost their visibility and influence within the company.
Mastering Productivity in Remote and Hybrid Work
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.
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.
I Work Remotely… Now What?
Someone recently asked me how to manage a team successfully in a remote environment and I thought I knew the answer until I started working at a fully remote company. I worked remotely at my previous company but we didn’t start that way, so I had a lot of credibility and relationship equity built up by the time I started managing people remotely.
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 Trust and Credibility: A Key to Success in Any Career
In my career, I’ve had to be scrappy. I started in accounting, realized it wasn’t the right fit for me, and pivoted to a new role as an administrative assistant where I worked my way up to Director of People Operations by the time I was 30. Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that one key element has kept me on track…
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 Relationship Deposits
In the professional world, relationships are as crucial as skills and experience. One concept that has profoundly influenced my approach to building and maintaining professional relationships is the idea of "relationship deposits." I first encountered this concept early in my career, and it’s a principle I strive to practice daily.
Difficult Personalities
In any workplace, you’re likely to encounter a range of personalities, some of which can present challenges. Understanding these behaviors and learning effective strategies to manage them can help maintain a positive work environment. Here’s a guide to handling various difficult personalities while focusing on the problem rather than the person.
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.
Is HR Confidential?
The conservative and ever-annoying answer is: it depends. Generally speaking, yes, HR conversations should be confidential. However, it's crucial to understand the boundaries of confidentiality and ensure both parties are clear before delving into a discussion.
Finding Your Dream Job
When I first applied for jobs out of college in the accounting industry, there was one firm that I had my heart set on. They were perfect and I wanted in - bad. My mentor at the time advised me not to put all of my eggs in one basket. So, I didn’t.
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!