There’s a saying of new year, new job, but is now the best time to start looking? Or do you think that’s what everyone is doing in January, making it more competitive to find something you want? Barry Manilow always rings in my ear during New Year’s Eve celebrations (and keep the snark to yourselves — I’m the only one who gets to be snarky in this space). You can make all of the resolutions that you want, but remember that the more you make, the more you are likely to break. The one that you shouldn’t break, however, is the resolve to be happy in your work. If you are unhappy — or if you’re happy but really feel like you need a change — that isn’t going to happen magically by itself. You need to put yourself out there and be active. Don’t try to time the labor market — you will have just as much success with that as people who try to time the stock market. There is no better or worse, more or less competitive time. Your search is unique to you, so just get started. It’s another new year. Make it the best. If you’re in a meeting with your boss and colleagues and your boss has a point of view about how to handle a business issue that everyone else agrees with but you don’t, is it too risky to speak up? Should I share the perspective privately with the boss instead? Or even play it safe and not disagree? Or should I throw caution to the wind and speak up in the meeting? Better safe than sorry — said no successful executive ever. It isn’t risky to have a point of view that differs from everyone else, unless your perspective is consistently wrong or isn’t presented professionally and credibly. Most bosses don’t want “yes” people — they respect individuals who have the courage of their convictions. As long as you present your position respectfully without trying to make anyone else look bad, and simply as another perspective for consideration, your boss will respect that. Plus, your colleagues might be a little envious of your courage. Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Weds. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. E-mail: [email protected]. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @greggiangrande
