Helene Lerner's Blog, page 166

Plan the Perfect Easter Treat

[image error]Springtime is right around the corner, which means Easter is quickly approaching. Like most holidays, food is often at the center of it all – so plan your dessert wisely! Lori Lange, founder of popular food blog recipegirl.com, knows what it takes to wow the crowd. 

After teaching for 12 years, Lori took time off to explore her two biggest passions – cooking and entertaining. She founded her blog 2006, and it holds over 2,600 original and adapted recipes. Her work has been featured in Bon Appetit, Glamour, and Ladies Home Journal, among others. Below, she shares her top picks for Easter desserts. 

Classic: Meyer Lemon Loaf Cake. This recipe comes from my latest cookbook. The Meyer lemons are a bit sweeter, and the fresh flavors really shine in this classic treat. I recommend cutting thin slices from the cake and piling it high with fresh strawberries for a sweet but light snack. 

Healthy: Layered Berry Trifle. This dessert is quick and easy, and you can make it as healthy as you want. Combine your favorite fruits, whipped cream, and store-bought low-fat angel food cake in a large serving dish. The berries stay light and fresh, and the whipped cream can be made with fat free cream cheese. 

Creative: Banana-Carrot Cake Cupcakes. Skip the gourmet dessert this Easter and instead whip out these grab and go finger foods. Cupcakes continue to gain momentum in the culinary world – plus it takes away the fuss after a big meal and for an easy clean-up. 

Decadent: Chocolate Cheesecake Cake. If you feel like going on a calorie splurge, trust me – this is worth it. I combined two layers of cake around a layer of chocolate cheesecake; while this requires more planning and takes longer to execute, your guests will be very impressed by your work. Keep it in the Easter theme by decorating it with malted milk Easter eggs. 

Be sure to check out Lori’s latest cookbook, The Recipe Girl Cookbook, on sale April 15. 

–Lindsay Putnam

Career Coach: Conquer Office Jealousy

Human beings are quite complicated, and those complications don’t stop when we punch our time cards. Your coworkers will likely bring all of their problems and insecurities with them to the office – and you need to be prepared to navigate all of them. One of the most difficult emotions you will have to deal with at work is jealousy – but you can’t stop shining at work to make others happy. Let’s take a look at how to deal with a jealous coworker. 

Identify her fears. Jealousy is directly derived from insecurity, and insecure feelings are a result of fear. You must attempt to determine what it is about you that your coworker fears. Is she afraid that she’ll never reach the level you have attained? Does she worry that your boss prefers you over her? If you can figure out a clear reason why she’s afraid of you, you can start taking steps to nullify that fear. 

Invite her in. Once you pinpoint why your coworker feels threatened by you, you can make simple statements around the office to change her mind about the situation. If she is stuck in her position and unsure of how to earn a promotion, ask her to assist on a project so you can share your success secrets. If she’s threatened by how personable you are in the office, invite her and some fellow coworkers out for coffee and include her in the conversation. 

Let her see the real you. All fears often boil down to a fear of the unknown, so you may find it helpful to let your coworker know more about you. A direct attempt at friendship isn’t always a good idea. Instead, try “leaking” information slowly to your coworker. Allow her to overhear or learn information that shows you’re human, just like the rest of us. This doesn’t mean you should reveal information that you coworker could use against you; simply show that you aren’t a threat to her or her job.

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach

 

Prepare for Your Dream Job

On Thursday, March 14 at 6pm, Helene will be at Macy's Herald Square offering her advice on how to take risks and land that dream job you've always wanted. Between tips, Macy's will be presenting several spring work-ready looks to help you out along the way. After the show, Helene will be signing copies of her book, In Her Power. If you're in the New York area, be sure to stop by!

We All Need to "Lean In"

You might have heard about the new book by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, titled, Lean In.

Whenever women encourage each other to step up their game I am on board. And we can support each other to do that.Yes, the cultures of companies need to change – to support equality for both  genders. But we all need to take a look at our past conditioning and become aware of the erroneous messages that may be there that we've bought into. Once we do, we can take on new beliefs about ourselves that enable us to speak up on important issues and change the conversation when necessary.

Chapter titles from the book include "Success and Likeability," "Make Your Partner A Real Partner," "The Myth of Doing It All," and "Working Together Toward Equality."

You may also want to read about the nonprofit inspired by Sheryl's book, www.LeanIn.org. The site is both a community for women to come together and share their stories and a library of free online lectures to help women increase their leadership potential.

Activate Your Goodness

There is nothing as empowering as being around a woman who is connected to a larger vision of what is possible. Last week I sat down with Shari Arison and we talked about her new book, Activate Your Goodness, just published by Hay House. Her heart is wide open – when you are around her you feel like you're with a long-term friend.

Shari is not only smart and strategic, but she thinks deeply about using her energy to do good. In 2007 she founded Good Deeds Day, an annual celebration of good deeds to positively change the world. The event just celebrated its seventh anniversary on Sunday, March 10, with acts of kindness performed around the world. 

We can all have an impact on each other. Making random acts of kindness a part of everyday life will get us there. 

–Video editor Grace Zinnel

Career Coach: Conquer Your "Big Idea"

Once in a while, success strikes – the light bulb turns on in your head, and suddenly you know how to take your company to the next level. Though having the opportunity to present your big idea at work can be exciting, it is also scary and come with more than a few pitfalls. If you really believe in your idea, you need to be ready to make others believe in it, too. Here are some ways to make that happen:

Do your research. The best move you can make to turn your idea into reality is to get ready for your presentation. Take the time to understand your idea, learn all of the facts associated with it, and outline any potential problems. Your presentation should be polished, and you should plan out what you are going to say well in advance. 

Prepare your defense. The most important part of your research is to consider how to overcome the objections. Even in a sympathetic crowd, you will have people looking for problems with your idea – this is simply due diligence in action. It is up to you to defend your idea and to negate its potential shortcomings. Address any flaws preemptively, while proving that the idea’s overall promise is worth taking the time to flush it out further. 

Understand your audience. Once you know what you’re going to say, know who you are saying it to. During the presentation, periodically evaluate the mood of your audience and gauge their reaction. Understanding how people are responding can also allow you to modify your argument if need me. You will find that armed with the right facts and a persuasive presentation, a good idea has a fighting chance. 

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach

 

How to Deal With a Younger Boss

Whether you’re reentering the workforce after an extended leave or relocating to a different company, a new workplace can often come with unexpected challenges. Not all companies will have the culture you’re accustomed to, including a boss who may be a few years – or a whole generation – younger than you. Overcome your differences and find common ground with these tips. 

Don’t generalize. Chances are you have your own views on the generation that came after yours – that they don’t possess a strong work ethic, that they lack authority, or that they don’t take their job seriously – but don’t let those stereotypes influence how you view your boss. If she rose to the company CFO at only 27, she clearly has a good head on her shoulders and is very driven. Don’t assume you know anything about her beyond that.

Treat your boss like any other. When you first started your career, you likely looked to your boss with admiration, respect, and perhaps even a tinge of fear at the power he possessed. Though your new boss may have been born in a different decade, it doesn’t mean she is any less deserving of your respect. Continue to address her in a formal manner (unless told otherwise), don’t spread gossip about her in the office, and never challenge her authority. 

Be open to change. The worst thing you could say in a new office? “That isn’t how we used to do it.” You may have once worked for a prestigious company, but your new boss is likely ahead of her time, so trust her judgment. If you are uncomfortable with Skype meetings rather than face-to-face ones, approach your boss about the subject. You may want to voice your concerns about this new approach, but also assure her that you are on board and willing to learn. She will appreciate your honest feedback, as well as the fact that you are cooperating with her decisions. 

–Lindsay Putnam

 

Get Ready for Warmer Days Ahead

With Daylight Savings on the east coast yesterday, it really is starting to feel like spring is on its way! No longer does the sun set at 4pm, nor are we confined inside by bone-chilling temperatures. We asked all of our northern hemisphere followers: "What are you looking forward to the most when the warm weather arrives?"

Darcy Uhrich: Walking outside in the sunshine!

Suzanne Larkin: Wearing less layers

Barbie IgoalittleCrazy Hall: Longer dog walks

Simone Stewart: The chirping of the birds

Angela Watson: The warm of the sun!

What parts of spring are you looking forward to the most? Share with us in the comments below or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Today is International Good Deeds Day!

50 Countries around the world are celebrating International Good Deeds Day.

Offer a random act of kindness to someone in need. Start a rippling effect.

 

fondly, Helene

Who Are Your "Sheroes?"

In honor of International Women's Day, we sat down with a few girls from the New York City chapter of Girls, Inc., a national nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold and teaches them how to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Elliya, Mona, and Tiara share which women from history inspire them and the impact that they believe their generation can have on the world. Tell us, who are your "sheroes?" 

–Video by Nicolena Basso