Most companies want to be the best at what they do. But in the vast majority of business, there is no such thing as “the best.” Trying to imitate rivals will get you nowhere: It’s impossible to do exactly what your competitors are doing and end up with superior results. Customers choose different products and services for different …
workplace
LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman: How to Build Your Career in the Networked Economy
Reid Hoffman knows a thing or two about networking. Not only did he launch one of the most successful Internet companies of the past decade, LinkedIn, the social network for professionals, but he’s developed a formidable network of his own, one that’s given him the opportunity to invest such high-flying Internet start-ups as Facebook and …
Embrace Distraction
Recent studies have revealed the productivity cost of interruptions. But as the world gets more distracting, can we truly uphold the ideal of undivided attention?
Media’s Gender Gap: Where My Girls At?
The representation of women in U.S. newsrooms is weak. The media industry is overwhelmingly male, and according to a report released this week by The Women’s Media Center, female representation in the press is declining.
Why Companies Should Force Employees to Unplug
It is quitting time, and you know the drill. You grab your coat and slip on your Bluetooth for a quick call with a client on the commute home. You stop at the grocery store and, while you are in line, pluck out your BlackBerry to …
Behind the Hype: The Myth of Flexible Work Hours
In an always-on wired world, much has been made of the flexible work schedule. It let’s young people get their job done from the beach, or at midnight; allows middle-aged employees to take a leave to, say, care for an ailing …
Is It a Bad Idea to Friend Co-workers on Facebook? How About Your Boss?
It’s nice to have a friendly work environment. But in some cases, work friends shouldn’t be Facebook friends. Why not? A status update published on a Tuesday night can easily turn into office gossip on Wednesday morning. Even …
The Beginning of the End of the 9-to-5 Workday?
The traditional eight-hour workday may soon be the exception rather than the rule. New evidence shows that we’re reaching a tipping point in terms of workplace flexibility, with businesses seeing the wisdom of allowing employees …
Workers With Bad Credit Aren’t Less Ethical
Nearly half of all companies check the credit reports of at least some prospective employees during the hiring process, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. This is a daunting statistic for many job-seekers, …
The Best Place in the World to Work
No, seriously, the entire world. The Great Place to Work Institute (we didn’t know it existed either) just ranked the best multinational company workplaces around the globe. And the winner is …
Minimum Wage Goes Up in Four States
Nasty Cashier? Indifferent Waitress? Here’s Why You Should Complain
If you find that you're treated rudely when you patronize a store or other business, don't take it personally: A new study finds that one-third of consumers say they experience disrespectful treatment once a month. This uncivil …