“Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.” ” – Voltaire. So much in our lives seems to be “up in the air.” So much seems unsettled, if not unsettling. There’s a lot that needs to be resolved before we can come to understand, and possibly even enjoy, the “new normal.” MORE

A reader writes: This question is from an incident that happened last year, but I’ve been thinking about it. I manage a team of four people. We work closely with two other teams, all within a larger department of a college. In pre-COVID times, staff from our department often went to conferences hosted by various professional associations. One of my staff members, Jeff, requested to go to a conference that was about a five-hour drive away. MORE

Five Best UK CV Writing Services. Today, we’re reviewing the five best UK CV writing services. These companies, based in the United Kingdom, will not only help you to find a job quickly, but will also give you an advantage over other applicants. With more than 52-applicants, on average, applying to an open job role, you will need to take every opportunity available to help you stand-out and land the role. Is Using a CV Writing Service Worth It? MORE

A reader writes: I just graduated with my bachelor’s in May. Way back in January, I accepted a full-time job offer that was supposed to start on June 15. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, however, my employer informed me on April 8 that they are “delaying all start dates until it is clear that the contagion is over and our business is ramping up again.” They also told me that they would be “as transparent as possible as we navigate through the coming weeks and months ahead.” MORE

On my summer reading list is The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History. I originally grabbed the book because it presented an opportunity to connect with my youngest son, who like a lot of kids, has consumed the entire series 3+ times on Netflix. It quickly became a primer on team-based creative process, where ideas have to come in volume, then be culled down quickly to the point that only the best idea makes it, and everyone on the team is OK with that. MORE

A reader writes: I had to reject an employee’s request for specific dates for vacation leave. Then her husband phoned me to tell me that she will not be at work and she will take the leave! What can I do from here to prevent her husband from doing the negotiations on her behalf? I answer this question — and four others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). MORE

Sending a follow-up email after an interview is considered a polite nudge to the hiring manager or interviewer. It reminds them of your candidacy and makes sure they follow through with the interview and hiring process. MORE

Run First Team Meeting as a New Manager. As a new manager, the first time running a team meeting can be a daunting task and experience. Your new team will look to see how you perform and handle the meeting and will base their judgments on your ability to properly lead a team meeting. Today, we are going to discuss how to run a team meeting as a new manager and what mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. MORE

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. I want to return to the office but we’re still working from home. My organization has been working from home since mid-March. Luckily, the work we do can be done remotely so we have adapted pretty well to the change. My state has gradually re-opened and will be in phase 3 soon. However, my grandboss has insisted that we will continue to work from home even into the fall. MORE

 Generation Z, defined as those born 1996-2012, is a diverse and cosmopolitan group of young people that may be inexperienced, but appreciates unique opportunities to contribute. What else do we know about them, and what can we do to better connect with Gen Z? They are city dwellers who stay put. Not only is Generation Z more ethnically and racially diverse than prior generations, but members reside in heterogeneous environments as well.  MORE

From the global devastation of COVID-19 to the national grief, horror, and widespread protests set off by the killing of George Floyd, the world is reeling with chaos. No wonder waves of fear, pain, and uncertainty are infiltrating our thoughts and emotions—and thus, our homes. We’re witnessing the most disease the world has seen in our lifetimes. As individuals, we can’t be untouched by what we’re seeing and hearing and imagining. MORE