As I have recently become more engaged in LinkedIn, I've been sort of creeping around, trying to find some groups to join and, in the process, new people to meet. I even talked with several of my colleagues, hoping to get connected with some of their savvy—and pass it on to you, too. But, I found out that, when it comes to LinkedIn groups, there is no one answer for how to or with which to best engage.

Do you know what I just realized? In my 21 years in the professional world, Baudville is the only place I’ve worked that gives formal, year-end awards. Yes, we are in the trophy business, and it is pretty easy for us to get our hands on whatever kinds of awards we need—and engrave on them anything we want right here in the building...but, still. Hmmm. Seems odd. Especially knowing what I know now, which is that these award presentations make a pretty big impression on our staff. The fanfare, the anticipation, the moment in the spotlight: it’s kind of a big deal. And kind of big missed opportunity for those who aren’t taking part in this important employee recognition activity.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am on a mission to lose 15 pounds by January 1st. So, for partly selfish reasons, but also because I believe it will help others as well, I am making November's Five Favorite Fascinating Finds post all about health and wellness. Knowledge is power, and each of these articles provided me with a powerful a-ha moment!

Oh, feedback. Sometimes we ask for it, because we need to be convinced that our fanny does not look big in this skirt, even though it kind of does. And, sometimes we don't ask for it, but get it, and think: who asked you, anyway?!

Whether you're on the giving or receiving end of providing feedback—we're talking about negative feedback, here, by the way—it's not an easy place to be. If you're the giver, you can make it better for everyone by avoiding these feedback pitfalls.

We're getting ready for our fourth-annual Hold it For the Holidays competition and, at least for me, it couldn't come at a better time! As you might have read in a recent post, Krista returned from the Best & Brightest in Wellness awards ceremony feeling inspired—and, guess what? She inspired me, too!