This week, I had the opportunity to attend one of the largest Job Fairs here in the Seattle area. No, I wasn't LOOKING for a job... was helping a business partner staff their booth.  It was eye-opening to me because I'd never attended one before.  Yes, certainly I had the basic idea of what occurs in one, but having never attended, I wasn't certain.

My business partner is in the "business" of providing career development services to individuals and organizations.  And, because of that, "we" were in the position of giving candidates advice on their job search. As a content-development partner for them, I had a first-hand look at how the advice I give professionals about their social skills is truly a strategic tool in their job search, and, frankly, at any point in their career.

Some of it is SO basic, or should be.  Yet, too many people just don't have the right tools. For example, it takes 27 seconds to make a first impression.  (more...)

I don't like Connie.  Or Colleen, either, for that matter. 

No, I"m not referring to any particular person and it's not that I dislike those NAMES, per se.  It's that people call me by "Connie" or "Colleen" all too often.  It's not just that they get my name wrong -- heck, we all make mistakes, and I've long since gotten over mispronunciation (is it"Co-RINN" or "Co-REEN?").  I even reconciled myself with the fact that my name was misspelled THREE different times in my High School yearbook when I was a senior...and not even misspelled the same way. THREE different mis-spellings.

But, there is a time when it's strategically important to use my name correctly: when you are trying to sell me something.  Let me explain...

(more...)

Well, yesterday marks a milestone for me.  100 posts since I began the blog.  I've been amazed at what all has happened since then; so many of you have read and participated in the varying topics from "ordinary" social skills and character discussions to the many, many on school bullying.

In honor of the "centennial" posting, here's a list of the Top 15 most popular posts with links and also the first post...

Thanks to all of you that have joined me on this journey.  Hope to keep adding to our group as we going into the second 100 post era!

1.  "Text Rage:" Technology doesn't CAUSE youth violence
2. Report: OnLine Ed beats traditional? Think again
3. What if schools were run like a business?
4. "Race to the Top" requires improved teacher effectiveness
5. Effectiveness of anti-bullying programs
6. Wayne Treacy "explains" his actions
7. High School -- 1959 vs. 2009
8. 2009 NCES Indicators of School Crime and Safety: Still think there’s no problem?
9. "Teachers don't have time..."
10. Teens and offensive speech: "...part of  the common vernacular.”
11. About Corinne Gregory
12. Scott Oki - "Outrageous Learning:" another voice begging for transformation
13. 44 States now have anti-bullying laws
14. New reports imply Phoebe Prince had it coming?
15. Teacher caught on camera beating student

And the very first one, May 2, 2009:

• In the beginning…

Would love to hear your comments on which post is your favorite or least favorite of those in the list and why.  Also, if you have a particular topic or issue you'd like me to discuss, drop me an email and I'll be happy to add it to the list of issues we can explore!