In a society that equates professional success with personal worth, it’s easy to let work define who we are. Job titles, accolades, and career milestones often become the markers of identity, offering validation and purpose. But at what cost? The problem with a work-driven identity lies in its fragility. Jobs can change or disappear, leaving us feeling lost. Moreover, prioritizing
Work takes up a significant portion of our lives, and it’s about more than just completing tasks and hitting deadlines—it’s about feeling heard, valued, and respected. Yet, too often, we find ourselves in environments where our contributions are overlooked or dismissed. Staying in such an environment can leave you feeling invisible and unfulfilled, but finding a workplace that truly values
Let’s be real—marketing and public relations can be a juggling act. Between managing social media, crafting compelling press releases, analyzing campaign performance, and keeping tabs on industry trends, there’s *a lot* on your plate. The good news? There’s a wealth of free (or freemium) tools out there that can save you time, help you strategize, and even impress your boss.
Toxic work cultures can be the silent killers of organizational success. They demoralize employees, increase turnover, and negatively impact productivity. While many leaders focus on surface solutions, the root cause often lies in emotional intelligence—or the lack of it. Let’s explore how emotional intelligence (EI) training can proactively prevent workplace toxicity and help retain your best talent. The Role of
If you’ve ever worked with someone who’s supportive, empathetic, and always looking out for the well-being of others, you’ve probably encountered a Golden Retriever personality. Golden Retrievers are the team players, the nurturers, and the ones who bring harmony to the workplace. They excel at building strong relationships, providing emotional support, and ensuring that everyone feels valued. However, while their
If you’ve ever worked with someone who’s enthusiastic, creative, and loves to brainstorm new ideas, you’ve probably encountered an Otter personality. Otters are the social, energetic, and free-spirited individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and bring a sense of fun and creativity to any team. While their creativity and enthusiasm are invaluable, working with them effectively requires understanding their unique
If you’ve worked with someone who is assertive, goal-driven, and thrives under pressure, chances are you’ve encountered a Lion personality. Lions are natural leaders, quick decision-makers, and results-oriented individuals who want to take charge and get things done. While their strengths can make them invaluable in fast-paced environments, understanding how to work with them—and how they can best work with
If you’ve ever worked alongside someone who’s detail-oriented, methodical, and loves structure, chances are you’ve encountered a Beaver personality. The Beaver is one of the four main personality types in the Smalley Institute’s animal personality framework, and while they may sometimes be misunderstood, they bring invaluable strengths to any team. So, what’s it like working with a Beaver, and how
Hiring the right person for the job is more than just finding someone with the right skills—it’s about finding someone who fits within your team’s dynamic and the company culture. But how do you figure out if a candidate will mesh well with the team before you hire them? One unique method to help gauge a potential hire’s personality and
Every team is a mix of unique personalities, and as a manager, understanding these differences can be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential. One helpful framework for understanding personality types is the Animal Personality Types model, developed by the Smalley Institute. The model categorizes personalities into four animal types: Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers, and Beavers. Each has distinct
