Tina Turner may belt out, “What’s love got to do with it?” but my own rendition is “What’s age got to do with it?” Too often, I come across individuals who say they’d like to apply for such and such position but their age is a hindrance ... Your age can work in your favor if you let it. Decide to go for it no matter how many times you’ve circled the sun.

Have you ever worked with someone who made a mistake and denied it? You’re sitting there fuming while he points the finger at someone else. Not really the way to earn Brownie points from your fellow co-workers, is it? How should you act? Here are five steps to follow:

We certainly don’t want to be the subject of gossip, and we know gossip isn’t kind, so why does it occur? Because people need their gossip fix. We’re preprogrammed for it: It comes standard in all human beings. But does that make gossiping OK?

We’ve all been put in situations where opinionated people force us to talk about something that we don’t care to discuss. What do you say in these awkward, challenging moments that allows you to speak your truth, yet leave another’s respect intact? Try out the following techniques:

When you hear "negotiation," what comes to mind? When I ask this question at seminars, women often respond: men in suits arguing and yelling; buying a car; attorneys. When I ask how many women enjoy negotiating, only a few hands go up. Yet in reality, women are born to negotiate.

As many companies cut back on expenses and, in some instances, cut staff, how do you maintain your edge and ask for what your department needs without immediately seeing your request denied? Tell a tale, become a storyteller and see your words make an impact.

Feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world economy? I overheard a woman say she was worried about calling in sick because she was afraid her employer might fire her. This, to me, represents the difference between a career and a job. Years ago, these two words may have meant the same thing, but they don’t anymore.

What does an Oreo cookie cream filling have in common with administrative professionals? Everything! Without that cream, there’s no magic center that holds it together. You’re left with two chocolate disks sitting there waiting for something special to happen. The special ingredient: you.

Anytime you thrust people together, whether work related or family related, you come across a “toxic taker.” Toxic takers poison your environment, and you need to take action against them. Here are some survival tactics.

America’s foremost business philosopher, Jim Rohn, says the biggest mistake people make is thinking they work for someone else, rather than themselves. When you pretend that you work for yourself, you’re more apt to take initiative. Here's why.

In the past month, have you asked someone to lunch who has made an impact on your life and career? If you’re drawing a blank, make a date and go out to lunch! Lunch is one of the few places left during business hours where people actually talk to each other without being interrupted. It reminds us to connect, ask questions, listen and learn.

Life would be simpler if we all spoke the same language. Not only do many of us speak completely different languages based on culture, but we also speak different languages based on gender. Neither style is better than the other; they’re just different.

If you work with someone of the opposite sex, you’ll have a more productive relationship if you understand how you both process information. Men’s thoughts are compartmentalized, like a waffle. Women, on the other hand, are aware of everything going on in their environment. They have global attention and are all over the plate … think syrup!

If you want people to change their behavior, tell them what you want, rather than what you don’t want ...

“I  know you were looking forward to going to the conference, but we’re not able to send you this year,” Melanie’s boss explained. “Oh, that’s OK,” she sheepishly replies ... What do you do if you’re a “that’s OK” person? Find the courage to speak your truth.

Ever notice at meetings how some people effortlessly gather attention and recognition while others struggle even to get noticed? Keeping your nose to the grindstone and working hard isn’t enough in today’s workplace. Smart professionals employ meeting moxie to make themselves memorable. Here’s how.