Weekend, glorious weekend! William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well, passed recently and upon reading his profile I decided to read his book. I have a pavlovian response to writing (painful angst), but am also drawn to it like a moth to a flame. I don't think I'm the best writer in town, nor am I the worst, but I would like to get better. Better writing only comes with time and practice...and maybe a xanax or two. Maybe reading On Writing Well will sooth some of my frayed nerves? Maybe. 

The importance of being uncomfortable - why it's so important to show up when you don't want to or have that difficult conversation. It builds a strength that manifests in ways you'd never imagine. 

The first question you should ask of any strategy.

Maximize. Optimize. Call it what you want, but knowing yourself really well means you can do better work and be more successful just as you are. 

I don't know if being more likable at work is really something we need to be worrying about, but being influential? Absolutely. Rooted in empathy and kindness, I can tell you these 6 habits are spot on. 

“Be wary of security as a goal,” Mr. Zinsser advised graduates of Wesleyan University in Connecticut in 1988. “It may often look like life’s best prize. Usually it’s not.” via The New York Times

Email as a primary communication tool is unavoidable, so try the 1 - 2 - Meet rule when email just isn't working. 

The Wall Street Journal asked a juke box vendor what the most popular songs were in New York City by zip code. The results are relatable, hilarious and sometimes so spot on for the neighborhood you can't help but laugh. 

If you don't know much about Shine Theory, it's time you learned. 

A cadre of folks on Twitter are embracing the #TalkPay movement. Spurred by a software designer who feels that the only way to close the gender wage gap is through disclosure and transparency, folks are tweeting where they work, what they do and how much they make doing it. Wired explores the trend, but also grapples with how sticky and emotional it can be to talk about how much we make. 

Have a wonderful weekend, dears! I've been listening to my "I Wish I Was In Miami" playlist on Spotify which includes a lot of Shakira. Look up the lyrics if you don't understand 'em, but you can appreciate her swagger and talent regardless. 

Image source: found here