Author: Mark Kaplan

It would be great if the world were just and people at work were promoted on the merits. The truth is, this only happens in a few circumstances and most organizations have competition for the leadership roles. A few organizations like Etsy nurture their workers, provide regular reviews, and promote on merit. Most others promote… Read more

When hard work is not working, you need a second skill set. You were hired based on your skills, experience, resume, and interview. Now What? Only 22% of organizations promote on hard work and good citizenship. Everyone else requires self-promotion and understanding the game. If organizations move you to a better position, they have to… Read more

Power, Politics, and Promotions work in synchronicity in Organizations. Power is the ability to make decisions that affect others and direction. Politics is both the pursuit of power and the persuasion necessary to get plans adopted and followed. Promotions require entering the game of politics to get into position to exercise more power. What types… Read more

The assertion that fear is a significant barrier preventing people from seeking promotions captures a profound aspect of workplace dynamics and individual career development. Here are several key dimensions of how fear can impact individuals’ decisions to advance professionally: 1. Fear of Failure Many individuals hesitate to seek promotions due to the fear of not… Read more

Can anyone say their day doesn’t include dealing with problems? If we set a Vision, we know there are obstacles between our current situation and achieving the goal. Our daily practices are designed to take us toward our Vision and overcome the obstacles that stand in our way. Organizations focus on solving problems. Their first… Read more

Problems make the world go round. It would seem the point of our lives is solving problems and thereby discover why we are here. Is our purpose fulfilled by the problems we have solved? Our body is designed to stimulate happiness brain chemicals when we are engaged in a challenge that will help us survive.… Read more

When it comes to building a fulfilling career and lifestyle, having a clear vision is crucial. It’s the blueprint that guides your decisions and helps align your daily actions with your long-term goals. But what exactly should this vision include to ensure both career and lifestyle success? Here’s what you need to consider: Define What… Read more

The first question is What Do You Want? Before we get into it, I recently reflected on how many people in our lives ask us what we want rather than tell us what they want. I have a pretty good recall of my parents having expectations that were to guide my behavior. I think teachers… Read more

Firstly, it’s important to deliver exceptional performance consistently. This forms the foundation of your visibility. When you consistently exceed expectations, people take notice. It’s not just about doing your job well, but about going above and beyond to contribute to your team and company’s success in meaningful ways. Communication is another vital aspect. Make your… Read more

Thinking like an entrepreneur in a corporate setting is a fascinating concept. It’s all about bringing that startup spirit—innovation, initiative, and a touch of daring—into a more structured environment. Here’s how employees can harness this approach to not only stand out but also drive significant impact within their organizations. Firstly, it starts with ownership. Entrepreneurs… Read more