Challenge: I have trouble remembering names. It’s embarrassing at meetings and social events. Any tips to help me remember names?

Answer: This is a common problem. It can create embarrassing situations. I’ll give you three tips that have helped me remember names.

If you’re like most of my friends, you probably work over 40 hours during an average week (even more during special assignments and critical projects). There is always a sense of pressure and stress that goes with the job. Of course, a certain amount of stress is good. It keeps us alert and focused. But too much stress can interfere with one of your most important daily activities, sleep.

Does your organization provide employees with opportunities for personal development? Terri Kabachnick, author of I Quit, But Forgot to Tell You, shares the results of a survey of 1400 executives, managers and associates: 76% would switch jobs for less money in order to work for a company that offers opportunities for personal development and flexibility.

Most of us desire to move to the next level in our careers. We all seek out opportunities for promotion and success. Before an opportunity comes available, ask yourself these two questions; “Have I counted the cost of accepting a promotion?” and “Have I prepared myself for promotion?” Let’s briefly explore these two important questions.

The ability to make good decisions requires current, accurate and timely information. One way to gather the information you need and clarify your situation before making any decision is by asking effective questions. Not just general, poorly worded questions but ones that are well thought out and positively worded questions. So, what makes a question effective?

I’m sure you’ve known people during your career who have a wonderful sense of humor as well as some with no sense of humor. Generally, I’ve observed that managers and employees with a sense of humor have a profoundly positive effect in the workplace.

Challenge: I’m a member of a problem solving technical team at work. When we brainstorm a situation, my ideas are always rejected. What can I do to get them to accept my ideas?

Does your staff answer the telephone in a way that promotes the best image of your company and your department? Do you know how callers perceive the way your help desk, call center, or co-workers answer the telephone?

In the world of technology you face new challenges each and every day. It’s a continuous learning curve where your knowledge is continually increasing. You might even consider yourself an expert in a particular area. Have you ever felt a burning desire to demonstrate your level of technical expertise to your peers, your organization, or even the world?

Office gossip is prevalent in every workplace today. Is a little innocent chit-chat a real cause for concern? It was a big concern, according to a 2007 ABC News report, for four New Hampshire employees fired for gossiping.