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Embracing the idea of "micro-mentorship" can help your career. It's a way to gain clarity and advice in a harried world where it's hard to find the time for longer-term mentorship. Harvard Business Review says turning to "light acquaintances" — i.e. family friends or past professors — for quick suggestions may get you thinking in new ways. Crowdsourcing is another option; the HBR writers suggest contacting those in your extended network or even having conversations with a stranger. Ask about their experience or ideas. Also, try a digital partner. Prompt a chatbot to tell you what Person X would do in your situation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gv9pup-A Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Getting a promotion is often about more than being great at your job. Career coach Sho Dewan says in Forbes that workers need to be clear with managers about their desire to advance. Whether you want a promotion into a leadership role or something else, he recommends telling your boss and asking how to make it happen. Come to the conversation armed with information about your top contributions, plus numbers that show them. The conversation may include creating a roadmap to the promotion, with timelines for learning new skills or implementing feedback on soft skills, Dewan says. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGZiu99J Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

A recent study estimates that worn-down employees cost businesses between $4,000 and $21,000 per worker annually. For larger companies, that's millions of dollars in lost productivity. According to Fast Company, researchers calculated how employees work when engaged, disengaged or burned out to estimate the cost of lost productivity due to burnout. What's more, they found that employee burnout cost companies 3 to 17 times more than what they spend on employee training. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gU8MzGGy Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Executive coach Melody Wilding categorizes managers into four groups that each require a different approach: the commander, the cheerleader, the caretaker and the controller. To work with the commander, Wilding recommends that employees prepare to be nitpicked, and to counter with "solid data" rather than emotion. Also, be efficient, Wilding says in Fast Company. Commanders are very time-conscious. In contrast, cheerleaders may make unpredictable decisions — like last-minute cancellations. Wilding recommends workers lead them back to where they need to be. For instance, send a note to reschedule the meeting before they get distracted. 👉 What kind of boss do you have, and how do you manage them? Read more: https://lnkd.in/gbtkUps2 Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Since work and personal lives are intertwined — to a degree — employees may have to disclose personal news to others in the office. Sam Wasserman, who leads a career consultancy firm, says understanding the purpose for sharing your news will determine what to say, who to tell and when. Wasserman suggests focusing on "primary stakeholders." If you need time off or alterations to your workload or schedule, those are the people who make those adjustments. She also says to find a quiet place to deliver the news in person and timing that prevents a rushed discussion. There, you can provide what she calls your "minimum message," which focuses on explaining the situation and its impact, requesting support and relaying a plan of action. 👉 How do you handle delivering personal news at work? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUJeMiqv Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Should you quit your job without having another lined up? Career coach Sho Dewan says in Forbes that both possibilities have pros and cons. Stepping away from your current job will allow you time to refresh and recharge, Dewan says. That time off could help you reflect on your career and begin your job search with a clearer head, or inspire a pivot. It can also create space for personal growth outside of work. But there are downsides: Financial limitations may become a burden, longer resume gaps could hinder you on the job market and the loss of workplace friendships could shrink your social circle. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUK3Tnsy Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Gratitude is powerful. Research shows it influences engagement and retention at work, which benefits employees and employers alike. However, too much thankfulness can stall careers. Harvard Business Review says accepting the status quo can lead to missed opportunities. To counter that stasis, workers should embrace a level of self-promotion. It's not always comfortable, but it helps move you forward. Also, just because you appreciate an opportunity doesn't mean you should avoid challenging conversations about it. Have them. They will help everyone. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHabxW5k Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

A recent McKinsey report shows American workers equally happy – and irritated – with their work situations, no matter where they do their job. Researchers did not find a discrepancy in productivity or satisfaction among employees following a hybrid, onsite or fully remote schedule, despite twice as many of the surveyed workers toiling in an office compared to a year ago. Around 4 in 10 workers want to quit their jobs — a rate similar to that during the Great Reshuffling in 2022, CNBC Make It notes. The report says companies' poor organizational health is driving job dissatisfaction among workers right now, not job location. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDF6uJ5S Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

Professional heartbreak can be devastating. Morra Aarons-Mele says it can come from a dashed dream, a layoff or learning a disappointing fact about your job (i.e. you're being paid substantially less than your peers). She asked her LinkedIn followers whether they've experienced work heartbreak, and how. Many said their professional heartbreaks stemmed from betrayal, or a clashing of values. Aarons-Mele told Harvard Business Review workers should work to calm their inner critic after a big setback. Take time to grieve, too, she said. Experience the emotions without letting them debilitate you. Read more of her conversation with Gretchen Gavett: https://lnkd.in/dq2nk-Gr Summary ✍: Todd Dybas

A new LinkedIn report on the evolution of the workforce shows artificial intelligence is creating change and opportunity, while employees and job seekers are focused on upskilling. 💼 Professionals entering the workforce today are expected to hold twice as many jobs compared to 15 years ago. 🛠️ By 2030, 70% of the skills used in most jobs will change — and AI is a main catalyst. 📈 Since generative AI became mainstream, there's been a nearly 140% uptick in the pace of LinkedIn members adding new skills to their profiles. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/ed7J57sm