Most of the time, optimism and confidence are described as keys to success in one's career, but it may not be that simple. Psychologist Julie Norem, a professor at Wellesley College, has done intensive research on the idea of defensive pessimism and is the author of "The Positive Power of Negative Thinking." She talks with Tim Muma about the important role of pessimism and how some people need to hear something different to...

Deciding to completely change careers can be a frightening and challenging proposition. Often times, people who make the leap into another field don't understand what it takes to make a successful transition, causing them to make key mistakes. Alison Elissa Cardy is a career coach who specializes in helping people figure out their career direction, and she joins Tim Muma to discuss the areas people need to focus on when tak...

Despite the best of intentions, even experienced managers unwittingly diminish the level of performance and production of their team. Randy Conley is the director of client delivery services and trust practice leader at The Ken Blanchard Companies, and he fills Tim Muma in on a number of areas managers negatively affect others. Randy also gives us advice on how to fix some of these potential problems.

What success looks like is different for everyone and many people look up to those who are successful, trying to mirror what they do. Laura Vanderkam wrote a book titled, "What the Most Successful People do Before Breakfast" which helps readers build habits that lead to happier, more productive lives. Through interviews and anecdotes she reveals what the most successful people do before breakfast, what they do on the weeken...

Whether you're looking for a new job or looking to improve within your current position, networking is invaluable in acquiring knowledge, insight, and important connections. The problem is, most people don't know how to do it effectively. Michael Fertik, founder and CEO of Reputation.com, describes to Tim Muma the vital aspects to becoming a terrific networker no matter who you are or what you want to accomplish.

Ideas and strategies are always floating around, but it's the individuals who know how to sell their plan that move up the ladder. Bruce Kasanoff is the CEO of Now Possible and a LinkedIn Influencer, and he joins Tim Muma to give some advice on how to effectively pitch ideas to your boss. No matter what you're selling or who you are, these tips will help you promote your ideas.

Tim Muma is joined by a guest who argues performance appraisals have become iatrogenic, a medical term meaning an illness caused by the doctor. Despite criticisms about the various issues with these annual assessments, employers still lean heavily on their execution. Ron Baker, the Founder of VeraSage Institute, tackled performance appraisals on LinkedIn and racked up over 352,000 views and more than 600 comments. His opini...

Ron Baker continues his assault on the performance appraisal, giving Tim Muma details on some of the alternatives he sees as being more effective - including a strategy that has been utilized successfully by the US Army for decades.

As skills and experience play a role in developing one's career, it's important to think about getting promoted and moving up (or laterally) within the organization. Alexia Vernon, a career author, speaker and trainer, gives Tim Muma and our listeners some tips on ways they can set themselves up for a promotion. Whether it's the way we think, how we act or the persona we give off, everything can play a role in advancing ou...

The nature of work and employees continues to change over time, leading some to believe that companies need to adjust their thinking and strategy to better fit with the times. Jody Thompson, Co-Founder of CultureRx and Co-Creator of ROWE (Results-Only Work Environment), stresses to Tim Muma the need for flexibility and trust in the workplace by placing the emphasis of an employee's success on their performance, regardless o...