In Turbulent Times, Pay Someone a Compliment

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to come up with relevant career advice for these turbulent times. Admittedly, it is hard to give advice in the middle of a storm. As I write this, no one knows whether Congress will succeed in rescuing the economy. It's therefore very difficult to predict which practice areas will do well in the coming months.

If you are finding that you have time on your hands, there are things you can do. I wrote about this yesterday. But I was also reminded yesterday that in stressful times, look for ways to connect with people and be generous with your praise (a good policy in good times but something that is even more important right now.) I saw this in the weekly newsletter of the Boston Bar Association and my spirits were lifted.

So go pay someone a compliment. If it is sincere, it will make them feel good; and the good news is that it will lift your spirits as well.