Whether it’s addressing a conflict with a friend, providing constructive feedback at work, or discussing sensitive topics with family members, difficult conversations are inevitable. Especially at work, where you must continue to work together smoothly and cooperatively, being able to have difficult conversations is an important skill. These conversations can be challenging, but with the right approach, they can lead to positive outcomes and stronger relationships. Here are some strategies to help you navigate difficult conversations effectively.
 

January is often a time of reflection — when we assess what’s working and what needs tweaking. Often the focus is on physical and mental wellness, but the start of the new year is also an opportune time evaluate our professional status. Step 1: Dust off your resume and determine if it’s time for a refresh.
 
Stop Procrastinating

Congratulations! You survived the college application process and admission decisions are coming in. While the standardized tests, personal statements, supplemental essays, and requests for recommendations presented you with a lot to manage, there’s still one more hurdle — choosing the college you will attend next fall. Whittling down a list of a dozen schools to one can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help.

Over the course of your career, there are bound to be times when expectations are unclear, conflicting, or downright impossible to meet. If you’ve already experienced this, you know how frustrating and demotivating it can be. According to Gallup, organizations where workers have clear performance expectations are likely to see benefits in productivity. Here are some ways managers and their team members can set reasonable expectations.
 
Ask Yourself What You Should Do

According to a recent study from FinanceBuzz, nearly two-thirds of Gen Zs don’t own a checkbook. Gone are the days when you’d write down every dollar that came in or went out of your account in balanced checkbook ledger. Today, most people manage their finances online. But the idea of a checkbook as a space where you track your funds on a regular basis is key to financial success. Here are a few ways to create a financial “checkbook” that works for you.
 
Find a Manageable Tracking Method

November is National Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the history of your tribe and the Indigenous people of Turtle Island. The workplace offers wonderful opportunities to share your culture and educate others about Native traditions. Here are a few ways to do just that.
 
Create or Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG)

November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate traditions and culture of Indigenous peoples across the United States. It's a wonderful opportunity to recognize Indigenous heritage in a way that is meaningful to you. Here are some ideas for observing this special month.
 
Watch Gather

Being able to effectively communicate with your teachers is critical to your academic success. In fact, according to the majority of people who responded to a Pew Research Center study, communication is the most important skill needed to succeed. Here are a few ways to help you communicate effectively with your teachers.
 
Address Them Respectfully

It’s time again for the AISES National Conference! This year’s conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from October 3 to 5 — don’t miss this amazing opportunity for new and returning Indigenous students and professionals to learn, grow, and share their knowledge. It can be challenging to step away from your responsibilities, so if you are able to attend you want to make it worthwhile. Here are a few ways to ensure you get the most out of the AISES National Conference.
 
Make a List

The countdown to the AISES National Conference is on! This year’s conference, with the theme Rivers of Resilience — Sustaining Indigenous Innovation, is in San Antonio, Texas, October 3–5. If you’ve never been to an AISES National Conference, it’s an amazing opportunity for Indigenous students and professionals to learn, grow, and share their knowledge. With so much to do and so many people to see, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your time.
 
Make Sure You’re Able to Go