Fast Forward University : Learn Fast, Advance Faster!

'Tis The Season
More Joy and Fewer Blunders
Dr. Dee Soder

This is a favorite time of year for many people-- smiles on children's faces, smell of pine cones and good food, and a pervasive sense of good will. Unfortunately warm feelings can quickly change to stress and worry with year-end pressures, winter colds, compensation concerns, and others.

Simple strategies will help ensure happy holidays. First, is to build seasonal positives (for lack of a better term) into your daily schedule. Play music while writing cards or wrapping gifts. Go ice-skating, take a gift to the local police or fire department. Go window shoping or look at the lights. Basically take time to remember the season. Second, develop a holiday tradition--one that makes you smile during the dreariest days in February.

More Joy and Fewer Blunders continued

Executives Speak
Insights on What Leaders Want--And Expect!

Hundreds of highly regarded executives from all industries were interviewed for Fast Forward. Their advice is woven into the workshops, compiled in a manual and featured in each newsletter.

Whether receiving or giving them, gifts can be a challenge. Especially with differing tastes, levels and incomes. Plus client relationships and more! Advice on presents from savvy executives follows:

Better to Give or Receive?

Thriving In Corporations by Joel Ospa
Making the Most of Holiday Parties

As we enter the holiday season, you will have many chances to either enhance your career, or substantial damage it and "crash and burn". There are many parties and other after-hour events you can go to where you will socialize with clients, colleagues or vendors. They represent both opportunities and danger.

Even though these are "social events",don't be deceived. People may dress differently, and they frequently drink...sometimes more than they should. But make no mistake about it..you are still very much at work. So how should you act? What should you talk about at an office party? What is proper party behavior?

Making the Most of Holiday Parties continued