Gift-giving In The Workplace – How To Navigate Those Gray Areas

Getting through another season of gift-giving in the workplace can create a whole new kind of holiday stress. Shopping for friends and family can already be a struggle for some, so the thought of finding a gift for a colleague that is inoffensive and appropriate can become a daunting task.

In light of all the news that has surfaced in the last month about sexual harassment, my hope is that professionals will become more aware of how their actions, including their gift-giving, can affect their careers and reputations.

Some do’s and don’ts are more apparent than others, but what about those seemingly gray areas? A gift-giving pitfall has the potential to be a career downfall. Here are some guidelines for office gift-giving that can help you conquer your shopping and calm your career anxiety.

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Why You Need A Life Board of Directors

What is a Life Board of Directors?

There is a lot that goes into managing a career. One invaluable tool that can make all the difference is having a Life Board of Directors. This board should be made up of people who can give you honest, blunt feedback and seasoned advice on all aspects of life. Look at it as a round table of experts you can glean from. Surrounding yourself with a network like this can be a crucial part of your growth as a professional.

Why you need one

networking

Having only one mentor isn’t bad, but consulting with a group of mentors is more effective. Instead of learning from one person and their experiences, you are learning from the expertise of multiple people. The outcome is the ability to make informed decisions. This sphere of influence fosters growth and improvement, setting you up for success.

Who to put on your board

When it comes to choosing people to be on your life board, look for a variety of expertise and experience. Depending on your career path, find colleagues, clients, industry peers, supervisors, and so on. Find people who have more experience than you and have the skills you’re still needing to develop. You can also choose people you don’t know personally, but you are studying their practices or career moves. Maybe you read their books, listen to their speeches, or follow them on social media. You also need to make sure the members you pick can contribute in different ways and they’re not just a fan club singing your praises.

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