Saturday, December 28, 2019

How to develop mastery at any skill A simple list of inter-connected ideas

How to develop mastery at any skill A simple list of inter-connected ideasHow to develop mastery at any skill A simple list of inter-connected ideasWhen youve developed mastery of something, you own that thing. Youve learned the rules inside-out and now you have the ability, as an artist, to create your own rules.You have the ability to create a new game.Dan Sullivan, the founder of Strategic Coach, calls people with this level of mastery, Game Changers, because they dont just play a game, they change the game.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePeople with this level of mastery dont compete with others, they make others compete with them. They are light-years ahead of the crowd and are setting the context of the future that others will either consciously or unconsciously follow.Becoming a game changer is something that very few people aspire to. Most people are relatively comfortab le being good at what they do or paying the bills.For a select few people, though, there is elend only a desire to succeed and do well but to create and to fail. To stretch the possibilities of learning so far that they enter what some would call a no mans land.Going to places where no one else has thought to go.Stretching their imagination so far that they can only share their ideas with a very tight inner circle. As Peter Diamandis said, The day before something is a breakthrough, its a crazy idea.Once you reach a certain level of mastery, and if you have the creative spirit to change the game and world entirely?- ?then you play in the realm of crazy ideas.Here is a brief run-down of key steps in the development of this level of mastery. This list is far from exhaustive but will be useful to you if you intend to leave the world of competition behind and go to places only your imagination can take you.Study only those whose work truly inspires and touches the deepest level of your soul.Ignore alfruchtwein everyone around you, particularly those who are competing for the bottom of the barrel.Of this fact, Tim Ferriss stated in 4HWW?- ?Its lonely at the top. 99% of the world is convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for the mediocre middle-ground. The level of competition is thus fiercest for realistic goals, paradoxically making them the most time- and energy-consuming. It is easier to raise $10,000,000 than it is $1,000,000. It is easier to pick up the one perfect 10 in the bar than the five 8s. If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think.Study the craft of those who are truly craftsmen?- ?who are brilliant and nuanced at what they do. Peel back the layers until you begin to see how the sausage is made?- ?why did they make the decisions they made in what they were doing? Why that ordering of decisions?Begin creating or performing at the level you intend to reach?- ?dont start as a beginner.Before you ever reach a goal, already have the next mountain or two in mind.Never arrive where you plan to go.The moment you arrive is the moment youve gelbkreuzgas your edge. As Steph Curry recently admitted, the Warriors have to rediscover their edge.You can only have an edge or chip on your shoulder when you have something to prove?- ?to yourself.You already know you could destroy the competition if you wanted to, but you want to test your own internal limits.The only way to have this level of the edge is to be attempting something so big it somewhat scares but also excites you.You cant have the edge if youre not pursuing a fundamentally bigger and different future.The moment you attach yourself to the success or failure of your past, then youve lost the edge.The moment you stop being emotionally committed and intellectually stimulated by a future possibility, youve lost your edge.The moment you stop approach ing with courage a new future, and instead, seek to avoid losing your current position?- ?youve lost your edge.The moment you become satisfied with what youve accomplished, youve lost your edge.Interesting, Michael Jordan never lost his edge. In every possession?- ?whether practice or a game?- ?he always imagined the score to be 0 to 0. Even if his team was winning by 50 points. Most players, when theyre either winning or losing by a landslide begin to mentally check-out.Imagination is fundamental to having a creative and competitive edge. When youre pursuing something that you know has never been done before?- ?at least by yourself, but also probably not by anyone else?- ?you can have a level of humility and excitement that spurs innovation.When you think about where you plan to be in 12 months from now?- ?how imaginative is it?How exciting is the future youre striving to make?When youre playing at the razors edge, you have a small margin for error and distraction. Are your goals b ig and exciting enough to keep you from being distracted by stuff that doesnt really matter?When you have goals that are so exciting that you no longer have time or interest in distractions like social media, then you know youre onto something.When you have achievements or benchmarks youre sprinting toward that require you to be at a powerful mental and emotional place?- ?where youre just throwing out creative output at a level youve never done before?- ?then youre on the right track.Nothing great has ever come out of someone trying to maintain their current position or status.All of the best innovation and evolution comes from a small group of people who are attempting stuff that is only real in their imagination?- ?yet deeply connected in the soul and heart.Napoleon Hill said, Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.In order to experience wild levels of mastery, you need to have practices or performances that test your ability and focus. For example, at a certain level, most people get caught into a routine where they start going through the motions. When you begin going through the motions at anything, youve lost the edge. Once the edge is gone, all creative innovation goes out the door. As a result, you need to push yourself always to expand your current perspectives and abilities. You do this through focused, difficult, and time-bound performances. An example could be an NBA player practicing for a full week with only their left hand. This would push their brain and creative abilities.Have clear-cut goals that are focused on numbers and events. The clearer your benchmarks, the easier it is for your brain and mind to see it. Crystallize what youre trying to accomplish and make it on the outer edges of possible. Your goals should be beyond anything youve ever done, yet still within the realm of believability. No one else has to believe you can do it but yourself. Then you focus on output.Beyond measurable and numeric goals, you need to have an emotional EXPERIENCE youre striving to create as well. This is where you become emotionally committed to your future. What would it feel like 1 year from now to have what you plan to accomplish?People who are distracted do not know what they really want. They arent being pulled forward by a beautiful and exciting future. Instead, they are maintaining their own status quo, and have either lost their edge or have never found it.Pivoting is one of the most beautiful ways to recreate your edge. Sometimes bigger isnt the answer, but rather, different. Often, for example, a company thinks they simply need to grow. This isnt always the answer. Instead of growing, evolution and change is likely the better solution. Change what youre doing. Change what youre pursuing. Change why youre pursuing it. Play a different and better game, rather than merely a bigger game.If you want to achieve mastery, you need to be both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated.You need to regularly pe rform and attempt stuff youve never done.You can never plateau or begin going through the motions.You always need to be sharpening your edge?- ?and playing just beyond that edge where creativity, faith, uncertainty, risk, and excitement exist.You need to have a future so big, exciting, and different that you simply dont have time to be distracted.You need priorities so clear that youre always laser-focused on what matters most, while most people are caught in the think of thin things.You need to build a life and environment to facilitate optimal performance, expansion, and creativity in your core priorities and relationships.Ready to upgrade?Ive created a cheat sheet for putting yourself into a PEAK-STATE, immediately. You follow this daily, your life will change very quickly.Get the cheat sheet hereThis article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, st udy finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Database Manager Skills and Salary

Database Manager Skills and SalaryDatabase Manager Skills and SalaryDatabase managers help organizations manage mountains of data so information can be used more strategically to make business decisions and better serve customers.In many organizations, the database manager role is responsible not only for the health of the database but also for managing a team of IT professionals who handle tasks such as configuring database ordnungsprinzips or database programming.An organizations database manager may be required to collaborate with stakeholders in other business units to determine what data needs to be mined for customized reports, such as customer purchasing habits or inventory stocking trends. Database managers must apply robust technical expertise and strong leadership and communication skills necessary to coordinate efforts across departments efficiently and effectively.Because the database manager role is so important, especially in large organizations that require management of voluminous amounts of data, companies tend to hire, train and then work hard to retain good database manager talent. While the demand for database managers is currently not as strong as it is for other IT roles - such as network managers or mobile application developers - we do not see high turnover in the database manager role, explains Chris Ferguson, Vice President of Technology Staffing Services and Legal Strategic Accounts for Robert Half Technology in Columbus, Ohio.The salaries of database managers reflect the growing importance organizations place on mining data that can help them operate more efficiently, grow their market share and predict trends. According to the 2019 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide, the salary midpoint for database managers is $129,500.You can use the Robert Half Technology Salary Calculator to find salary information specific to your city.Database manager job descriptionSo, what does it take to become a database manager? Here are some key quali ficationsA bachelors degree or higherAt least five years of experience working with a database such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server or IBM DB2Several years in a technical management positionAbility to think creatively and analyticallyLeadership skillsInformation system strategy planning skillsAbility to communicate effectively with senior IT managersIn terms of responsibilities, a database manager must maintain and support a companys database environment and provide input to a chief technology officer or chief information officer regarding company data standards and practices. A database manager is also typically expected to make personnel decisions and team assignments manage departmental budgets and develop capacity planning, disaster recovery and performance analyses.Becoming a database managerEven if theyre not the ones doing the actual data mining, database managers must stay apprised of current technology and methodologies in that area, Ferguson says. Staying close to the tech nologies your team is using is important for any database manager. But he also notes that a database manager should have more than just IT skills. According to Ferguson, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask effectively are must-haves.You can help to strengthen your qualifications for the database manager role by seeking out opportunities that sharpen your business and managerial acumen. For example, taking part in in-house managerial training, volunteering to lead projects, or pursuing a masters degree in information systems or business administration.This post has been updated to reflect more current information. Tags

Thursday, December 19, 2019

7 Professional Development Tips

7 Professional Development Tips7 Professional Development TipsIts easy to let professional development take a back seat to our day-to-day responsibilities. But as an accounting and finance professional, you need to continuously increase your job skills to succeed in your role, maintain professional certifications and ultimately advance your career.There are many ways to expand your skills, and we all have different preferences for how we like to learn. Here are seven professional development tips to help you get started.1. Assess available resourcesFind out what types of training opportunities are available within your company and whether tuition reimbursement is offered for external courses. Find resources that maintain calendars of upcoming conferences and events for accounting and finance professionals. Dont overlook low-cost options, such as online programs and resources, recorded webinars and books.2. Join professional associationsIndustry groups, like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the American Payroll Association and Financial Executives International often conduct workshops and educational sessions where members can update their business knowledge and abilities. These events, whether in-person or online, also provide an avenue for professional networking and sharing ideas with others in the accounting and finance profession.3. Take on new challengesTalk to your manager about getting involved in projects outside of your normal responsibilities. Volunteer for assignments that stretch your skills. Consider if there are professional accounting certifications that can advance your career in accounting. /p4. Find a mentor inside or outside your companyIf your employer doesnt have an in-house mentoring program, look for someone in other parts of your company or even outside it whose expertise you admire, and ask if he or she will assist you as a mentor. There are many benefits of having a mentor, such as learning firsthand from someone in a role you a spire to, and getting help navigating office politics.5. Shadow a colleague to learnIdentify colleagues in your company who do something youd like to learn, and observe their actions and ask them questions. Many people enjoy teaching.6. Help others and develop skillsVolunteer on committees or for leadership roles at organizations where you can develop skills that not only benefit the group but also are applicable to your job. Learn to develop collaboration skills and hone your interpersonal skills.7. Create a professional development planMonitor your progress by setting one-, three- and five-year goals for the job skills youd like to obtain. This will keep you accountable. During your performance reviews, you can highlight the new skills youve developed.Dont miss our hot-off-the-press career insights and advice.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Saturday, December 14, 2019

How to Get a Job Using Social Media [Step-by-step Guide]

How to Get a Job Using Social Media Step-by-step GuideHow to Get a Job Using Social Media Social media is great for posting selfies and connecting with people you barely knew back in high school. OK, there are plenty mora useful functions, and most of them have become part of our everyday lives.The advantages of social media arent limited to our personal lives sites like facebook inc, Twitter and LinkedIn have become essential tools for professional purposes as well. Just ask any job recruiter.With so many companies and recruiters searching for candidates online, it makes sense you hunt for jobs on the same platforms they use. But you need to have a game-plan in place. Social media can help you land an interview or even a job, but it can also spoil your chances of getting hired.Theres a lot to make sense of when it comes to searching for jobs through social media. Which is why your attention should issue on these four areas1) Perfecting your profile2) Effective networking3) Refined s earch4) Building authorityHere are some strategies within each area using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, the most commonly used platforms for hiring purposes.Perfecting Your ProfileWhether you are searching for a job on social media or using more traditional channels, your online profiles are of critical importance to getting hired.This is because reviewing social media accounts has become a common step in the applicant screening process for employers. In fact, recruiters expect links to social media accounts on candidates resumes.Social accounts can leave a lasting impression with recruiters, and thus are a key part of your personal and professional brand.Keep in mind that someone examining your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages does so without any explanation for what they find. How elements are interpreted can make or break your chances of getting hired, so precaution is in order.The easiest way to ensure your image is protected is to separate your online activities into perso nal and professional accounts, specifically on Facebook and Twitter.It may landseem like a burden to have to create and manage two sets of profiles, but take the time to develop your professional profiles with content relevant to employers.This includes listing professional interests, work experience, and education. Offer a short description of yourself and career ambitions. You will also want to provide a professional photo, links to your resume, CV, portfolio and/or any pieces of work you wish to showcase.Once this cornerstone content is in place, you can be confident that whoever you engage online will see your professional side. Just remember theres a good chance employers will likely also seek out your personal profiles at some point.If you arent comfortable with a potential employer seeing the same content that you share with close friends, adjust your privacy settings to limit public visibility.Effective NetworkingOnce your polished professional profiles are in order, its tim e to harness the true power of online social networking. Much like the offline world, connecting with the right people online opens many doors for job seekers.The biggest advantage of networking online is accessibility. You can contact millions of people who can provide you with a lead. Of course, the challenge then becomes narrowing your efforts. Here are just a few steps you can takeReview your own networks It can sometimes be easy to overlook people we already know. Go through your current contacts on LinkedIn and Facebook to see who is working where or in what capacity. If you find people working for a company or in an area that aligns with your career goals, initiate a conversation with them. Even if you barely know the person, that fact that you are already connected gives you grounds for contact.Follow relevant organizations and individuals Be sure to follow or like the pages of companies or individuals that interest you. Once you do so, you are fed content updates from these pages, which can even include new job postings. On LinkedIn, you can also see who works at the companies or organizations you follow, helping you identify potential points of contact for informal interviews or job information.Join groups Facebook and LinkedIn are full of groups that are relevant to your job search in different ways. First, there are industry groups, where people interested or involved in the same field of work share content, organize events and engage in discussions. The groups vary considerably in size and focus, which means you can join larger groups with a robust discussion involving people from around the world. Or you can take part in more localized groups devoted to niche areas.The groups you take part in dont necessarily have to be industry orientated for you to discover job opportunities. Student clubs, alumni associations or community organizations can connect you with people who share a common background. Through conversations with group members, you may learn of individuals working in companies or fields of interest to you.Refined SearchIf youre lucky, you will be fed news on job postings by the companies you follow or like. However, this limits the number and frequency of opportunities you hear about, so expect to do a little digging.The obvious starting point for searching for a job through social media is LinkedIn, which many companies use for finding and hiring candidates. LinkedIn lets you narrow your search results using a variety of filters, including industry, experience level and location, allowing you to find positions suited to your career goals.However, its important to realize that not all companies post their jobs to LinkedIn and that there are other ways of discovering positions through social media.Hashtags are great way to uncover these hidden gems. Many companies will post job information on Facebook or Twitter using hashtags like careers, jobopening, nowhiring, as well as other hashtags that are more specific to the position. For example, if you are looking for a job in marketing in Chicago, its worth trying to search marketingjob chicago to see if anything interesting pops up.Building AuthoritySocial media also offers a tremendous opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise and to build credibility amongst potential employers. Much like you share interesting content on your personal social accounts, you should share relevant, interesting news, articles, research reports and event information pertaining to your desired career using your professional social accounts.However, building authority in a specific area is not merely a matter of sharing links to other peoples content. The next level up is to produce and share original content that shows your knowledge of your field. This content can serve as a catalyst for discussion within the groups you have joined on Facebook and LinkedIn.A blog is an ideal medium for developing such content, and you can use social media to disseminate your writing to a larger group. After a while, you may even develop a significant following of your own, including individuals from companies where youd like to work. Youll also be able to reference this content when you apply for jobs.Of course, its crucial that anything you write to be carefully thought-through and edited to preserve your professional reputation. Use caution when it comes to topics that may be contentious since potential employers may judge you on your opinions.The takeaway to building your online authority is the same for all other areas of social media usage when job hunting be strategic. If you are smart about how you represent yourself, who you engage with and how to find job openings, a slew of opportunities will present themselves online.Now that you know how to find a job using social media, you can create or update your rsum by trying our

Monday, December 9, 2019

A Guide to Resume Wording

A Guide to Resume Wording The True Meaning of Resume Wording Have a look at our sample to find out what a good construction resume looks like. Resume action verbs may have a constructive and memorable effect on the readers memory. For instance, the well-known caries detection tool DIAGNOdent has a distinctive means of writing its name. Our resume examples can make certain youre prepared in the event you receive a referral. You can also check at a few of the samples of several kinds of resumes for various kinds of careers. Learn about the three kinds of skills youre able to highlight and the way it is possible to incorporate them into your resume. When deciding what to include, you should begin by thinking about the nature of your prospective employers, your degree of experience, in plus-rechnen to the abilities and certifications desired. While all resumes should offer information on your work and education experience, and your abilities and accomplishments, there are vario us ways to present this info. What the In-Crowd Wont Tell You About Resume Wording Which is even harder to train than only the sales perspective. The health care industry can be quite competitive. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with a number of the exact skills. Coming with exceptional abilities and capacity to market and market products for the advantage of the provider. You need your resume to clearly reveal that you are responsible for your own career and you take the reins. The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. Possessing a crystal clear and professional resume is essential in the medical field. You must find out strategies to alter your experience to the demands of the new job and platzset it in such a manner your strengths are displayed on top. The sphere of information technology grows more important every single day. The keywords will catch their eye so that they know where to search for the information that t hey want and your odds of selection is dramatically improved Have a look at the list below, and get prepared to make your resume way more exciting. Below, you will locate a list of resume examples that could aid you with your work search. Kursmark says there is not anything wrong with taking slightly from assorted samples to help it become simpler to construct your own resume. If youre thinking about how to create a resume, youre in the correct place Looking at how others wrote their resumes can offer you some excellent ideas. Luckily, there are many resume writing examples available that may supply the guidance you must receive your foot in the door. The Good, the badeanstalt and Resume Wording The resume wording ought to be employer-oriented so he knows what you could do for him. In general, the aforementioned outline is remarkably simple because the work search procedure, despite all of the anxiety and confusion, is remarkably straightforward. Get your resume wording as tight as possible so you wind up with a document thats no more than a couple of pages. To find some formatting tips for your resume, have a look at our samples. The 5-Minute Rule for Resume Wording Resumes have their very own special rules and I never fail to demonstrate all numbers as digits since they catch the attention. They should demonstrate what you can do and not what you can not do, says Harrison. They are much more than just a simple list of your previous responsibilities. Many students in addition to have to produce presentations for Resume Wording Examples. Bellow youll find a CV sample, and precious suggestions for your job interview. When you do so, youll get more interviews and more job opportunities. Its imperative that you dont simply apply these resumes verbatim. Your resume should clearly communicate to a possible employer that youre ready to successfully execute the office assistant job responsibilities set out in the work specification. Keep it real, but make it emphatic that the corporation will surely gain from providing you with the job. Customer service takes in several of distinct jobs. Once youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn how to vary using action verbs and receive a feel for what makes an effective accomplishment statement. You will be sure to find a pardon PowerPoint template that is suitable for your requirement. Use the resume words below to demonstrate that with a small zest. You can readily and conveniently compose a winning objective for your internship resume or cv by taking advantage of the sample objectives given in this post. Writing a strong application is a difficult procedure and we would like to make it simpler. Before you opt to submit an application for work, always make sure your CV is updated. Resume writing is extremely important.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Unusual Facts About Writing Resume Objective Project Managment

Unusual Facts About Writing Resume Objective Project Managment The Key to Successful Writing Resume Objective Project Managment Writing resume is quite a complicated undertaking but Ive made it simple for you my dear friend. As a result, while your resume objective should incorporate information on the career that you would like, you also wish to spell out why you are the perfect candidate for the job. The objectives of resume pages are very important for every man whos hunting for employment. Writing the career objective in affective and appealing way is actually pertinent. Even though it is hard to write, the objective is a really important to your resume. You may decide your goal is to buy relaxing chamomile tea. Your objective needs to be meaningful. You career objective should be quite straightforward and clear to read. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Writing Resume Objective Project Managment Show hiring managers that youre prepared and eager to accept the duty of managing an advertising project by emphasizing relevant points about your background and abilities. Unfortunately, there are several candidates who underestimate the gist of the resume objective and dont pay much attention to it. For the work explanation mentioned previously, you would want to generate some perfect resume objectives as written below. You must compose a productive objective that may grab the interest of the interviewer. Hence the project management CV should obtain the balance between what each audience wishes to see. The undertaking and its objectives must always add to the goal, otherwise the undertaking shouldnt be attempted. Goals arent measurable, and lots of discrete projects might be needed to accomplish a goal. In an organization, project goals are influenced by business targets. Project Managers should know a number of topics, including information technology, promotion, and construction, based on the facts of their undertaking. Use facts and f igures from the particular projects you have been able to show what youve accomplished. Even if you previously have experience managing projects, you may have a simpler time writing a resume when you are able to refer to a sample resume document for your particular field. Lies Youve Been Told About Writing Resume Objective Project Managment Finally, stating an objective is optional, but it might help convince employers that you understand what you want and know about the business. You have to customize your objective statement based on the job youre applying for and the industry youre applying in. You ought to have five objective statements. Being a recently graduated student, you will need to compose an impressive objective statement to grab the eye of the recruiters and receive the work prospect.

Friday, November 29, 2019

6 Ways to Stop Being a People Pleaser at Work - The Muse

6 Ways to Stop Being a People Pleaser at Work - The Muse6 Ways to Stop Being a People Pleaser at WorkHas anyone ever accused you of being a people pleaser at work? You might have felt put off, thinking, Yeah, I like making sure everyone in the office is happy. Whats wrong with that? The answer? Nothing. Its admirable to be a pleasant co-worker and a leader who helps others be successful. In fact, individuals labeled as people pleasers are often kind and have honorable intentions. They usually accept heavier workloads, expend time and energy to enhance team morale, and care deeply for their company and co-workers. unterstellung are all positive attributes, so it might be difficult to see how looking out for others happiness could possibly have a negative impact on your career and professional happiness- but it can. For example, to please others, you may go along with colleagues subpar ideas, even when you have a better solution. You might agree to unreasonable requests, like working l ate nights and weekends to cover for co-workers. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed, overworked, and unappreciated for all of the extra support you provide- and that can lead to frustration and burnout.Conversely, the ability to assert yourself appropriately, take pride in your ideas, and prioritize your own needs can help you excel in your career. While it can be difficult to break this habit, it isnt impossible. Heres how to overcome people-pleasing tendencies and get back on track to career success.1. Admit and Commit to ChangeStart by assessing the root of your need to please others. Do you fear rejection or failure? Maybe the habit stems from how you were raised or an experience from your childhood. Take some time to think through why you habitually put others before yourself. Knowing what habits you need to break- and where they came from- will make it easier to overcome them. Then, pinpoint where you want to improve. Make a list of the issues youre noticing at the office, like feeling underappreciated or working more while your colleagues work less. Now consider what you could do differently to avoid those situations- for example, by setting firm boundaries about how late youre willing to stay at the office- and stick to those commitments. 2. Ask Others for HelpInstead of constantly agreeing to requests from others at work, turn it around by proactively seeking out opportunities for co-workers to help you. For example, the next time youre overwhelmed by emails, meetings, or projects, ask if one of your colleagues could take something off your plate- like research for an upcoming presentation or help with filing reports. Even if its a minor task, its a move toward being OK with asking for help.3. Make it an Official GoalIf you have a supportive supervisor, mention in your next one-on-one meeting or evaluation that being a people pleaser is something you want to work on. Explain why and how you want to move away from this habit, and describe specific s kills you want to improve on- such as delegation. Making your supervisor aware of your goal will enable him or her to help you create an action plan. And, as a bonus, your boss will likely appreciate your insightfulness and dedication to professional development.4. Practice Saying NoPeople pleasers often fear that by becoming more assertive, they will damage workplace relationships. You can eliminate some of that fear simply by trying out different ways to say no until you feel more comfortable.Privately rehearse responses like, Im sorry, but I have a big deadline approaching, and Im completely focused on that. Try asking Angela for help, or, I can work on that after I complete this report. You may also want to consider establishing timeframes- for example, I am free to help on Tuesday from 10 AM until 12 PM.Practicing phrases like these will make turning down a project feel much more natural, which can alleviate the fear of damaging your relationships with co-workers. 5. Take Baby StepsDont feel that you have to do a complete 180 overnight. Start small. Identify a few habits to focus on first, and work through them gradually. For example, maybe you begin by tracking how often you apologize for things that arent your fault or setting a goal to turn down one additional assignment each week.Easing out of your established tendencies take some pressure off of you and will be less shocking for the people you work with- rather than suddenly shouting, No in response to every request.6. Realize You Are Not AloneWhen someone asks you for help, you may think, If I dont do this, it wont get done, or, This part is depending on me to come through for them. But those thoughts arent always true. The future of the company you work for does not rest solely on your shoulders, and there are other people who can take on additional responsibilities if you are maxed out. Understanding this will help you eliminate stress, ensure tasks are dispersed evenly and appropriately, and ulti mately help you enjoy your career more.Striving to make everyone happy all of the time is not sustainable. It might be possible in the short term, but ultimately, the only person you have complete control over is you. Make yourself your first priority, and youll be happier in your work and a better professional for it. Photo of thumbs up courtesy of Shutterstock.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Job Seeking Tips From Top Career Advisor Cheryl Palmer - FlexJobs

Job Seeking Tips From Top Career Advisor Cheryl Palmer - FlexJobsJob Seeking Tips From Top Career Advisor Cheryl Palmer Call to Career, a career coaching and resume writing firm. Cheryl has been featured on CNN and MarketWatch, and shes here today to offer her tips on common mistakes job seekers make, must-do resume and cover letter tips, the best time to respond to a job posting and more.Tips from career advisor, Cheryl PalmerDo you have any must-do resume or cover letter tips that help land applications at the top of the pile?Highlight accomplishments. Job seekers often pull out their position descriptions and use them as the basis for a description of their work experience. But seldom do they point out accomplishments on the resume, which are what distinguish them from similarly qualified candidates. Other employees with similar job titles will have similar experience, but no one can duplicate your accomplishments exactly. Employers are interested in what you have contributed to p revious organizations as an indicator of what you can do for them.Use keywords. Recruiters search their resume databases by keywords, so if a resume does elendlage contain that keywords that recruiters are looking for, that resume will probably elend be reviewed, no matter how qualified the applicant is.Match your qualifications to the requirements of the position. This will make your cover letter effective. The recruiter should not have to guess as to whether or not you are qualified. Make it clear that you have the qualifications that the company is looking for based on the vacancy announcement.Sending in a job application can be extremely competitive. Do you feel job seekers need to respond to a job posting immediately? Or what is the best approach timing-wise to get their resume seen?It is best to respond to a posted opening as quickly as possible. Many recruiters will cut off the number of resumes they review after the first 50 or so because they are so inundated with people tr ying to find work. I advise job seekers to try to network their way into a company after they have sent in a resume. That way they are more likely to get a response to the resume that they sent in.What are the most common mistakes you come across when working with people to find jobs?Over-relying on job boards. Many job seekers rely on job boards as their only job search method. Job boards are where you will find the most competition. Although job seekers should use job boards as part of their job search mix, they should also incorporate networking, recruiters, and professional associations into their job search to increase their job search resultsNot practicing for the interview. Many people feel that because they have been successful in the past in terms of landing a job, that they dont need to practice their answers to commonly asked interview questions. This is a big mistake. The interview is too important for you not to be well-prepared for it. You will be accepted or rejected based on your performance in the interview, so prepare for questions that you will probably be asked.Not negotiating salary. The biggest mistake that job hunters make in terms of salary negotiation is that they do not attempt to negotiate because they are scared to do so in the current economic environment. Since the competition is so stiff in the job market, many job seekers unfortunately assume that they have no bargaining power. However, most organizations have a range in mind for the salary that they intend to pay new employees, so there is room for negotiation.What is your best advice for someone who is unhappy in their current job?Take a hard look at your options and determine the best course of action. Dont wait until the job is totally unbearable and you are forced to leave. Test the waters with the job market in the field that you are in to see how feasible it is to find another position. Perhaps you can find another position in the company that you are in that is a better fit for you.But if you realize that obtaining another job is not workable right now, try some of these options to increase your job satisfactionMentor more junior employees. If you have a number of years of experience in your field, you can increase your job satisfaction by passing along your experience to employees who are newer to the organization. There is fulfillment in helping others, and mentoring other employees can make your time at your current job more enjoyable.Get involved in committees to increase your visibility in the organization and make a contribution outside of your department. Many large companies have committees to review processes or improve employee retention. Joining such a committee can expose you to other people in a large organization that you might not otherwise meet and can open the door for future job opportunities.Take advantage of employer-sponsored community service programs. If your employer has a community service program, use that as an opportunit y to do something good for someone else and get away from your workplace for a few hours a week. This will take your mind off your own troubles and also lend a helping hand to someone else. You might be able to get involved in your local public school or help out in a homeless shelter. Community service programs can also have the added benefit of positioning you for future opportunities if you take on volunteer work that will give you skills in a different area.Use a company-sponsored tuition reimbursement program to your advantage. If your company offers tuition reimbursement, take classes that will enhance your resume. You might consider getting a certification in your field since certifications have become very common in many fields. If you do not yet have an advanced degree, you might consider using the tuition reimbursement program to obtain that degree to increase your marketability.These are a few ways that you can use your time well while you are waiting for a better opportu nity to come along.In this tough economy, is it better for a person to quit a job that makes them miserable and dedicate their time to finding a better job or keep their current position while they look?I advise people in this situation to keep their current position and look for something better. Many employers prefer to hire individuals who are already employed. The other issue is that you will have an income while you are searching. If you quit your job, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits, and even if you receive unemployment benefits, the amount you receive may not be enough to pay your bills.What recommendations do you have for job-seekers to explain a substantial period of unemployment? If you have done volunteer work during your period of unemployment, use that to fill in the gap on your resume. Some job seekers have cared for family members who are ill while unemployed, and others have volunteered in their houses of worship or in the community. This is conside red experience. But to not explain a gap in employment is the kiss of death. Employers will easily conclude that you have not been doing anything during this time if you do not address the issue on the resume.What tips to do you offer to help people looking to improve their work-life experience?Dont put all your eggs in one basket. Your job is only one part of your life. Make sure that you invest in the people in your life and get involved in your community. You should make a contribution to society by being a good father, mother, sister, aunt, uncle, and community member. You cannot afford to stake all of your self-worth on your employment status, especially in a bad economy where competition for jobs is stiff. If you lose your job and you have not invested in your relationships, you will soon realize that you have neglected a very important part of your life.For someone facing a job search, is there a piece of advice or inspiration you recommend?Stay positive by associating with p ositive people. Job searches are taking longer now than they did prior to the recession. You should think of your job search as a marathon rather than a sprint. In order to stay motivated to keep on looking when things dont happen as quickly as you would like, you will need positive people around you to encourage you.Any other tips or advice youd like to share?Cultivate your network throughout your entire work life. Many people only network when they need a job, but you should nurture your network continuously by periodically touching base with people you know professionally.To learn more from Cheryl Palmer and Call to Career, visit calltocareer.com.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

7 ways managers motivate and demotivate employees

7 ways managers motivate and demotivate employees7 ways managers motivate and demotivate employeesFew things are as costly and disruptive as managers who kill morale. Demotivated employees underperform and then walk out the door at the first opportunity.The scariest thing is how prevalent this lack of motivation is. Gallup research shows that 70% of employees consider themselves to be disengaged at work.Organizations know how important it is to have motivated, engaged employees, but most fail to hold managers accountable for making it happen.When they dont, the bottom line suffers.Research from the University of California found that motivated employees were 31% more productive, had 37% higherbei sales, and were three times more creative than demotivated employees. They were also 87% less likely to quit, according to a Corporate Leadership Council study on over 50,000 people.Gallup research shows that a mind-boggling 70% of an employees motivation is influenced by his or her manager. Its no wonder employees dont leave jobs they leave managers.Making things worseBefore managers can start creating motivated, engaged employees, there are some critical things that they need to stop doing. What follows are some of the worst behaviors that managers need to eradicate from the workplace.Making a lot of stupid rules.Companies need to have rules- thats a given- but they dont have to be short sighted and lazy attempts at creating order. Whether its an overzealous attendance policy or taking employees frequent flier miles, even a couple of unnecessary rules can drive people crazy. When good employees feel like big brother is watching, theyll find someplace else to work.Letting accomplishments go unrecognized.Its easy to underestimate the power of a pat on the back, especially with top performers who are intrinsically motivated. Everyone likes kudos, none more so than those who work hard and give their all. Rewarding individual accomplishments shows that youre paying attent ion. Managers need to communicate with their people to find out what makes them feel good (for some, its a raise for others, its public recognition) and then to reward them for a job well done. With top performers, this will happen often if youre doing it right.Hiring and promoting the wrong people.Good, hard-working employees want to work with like-minded professionals. When managers dont do the hard work of hiring good people, its a major demotivator for those stuck working alongside them. Promoting the wrong people is even worse. When you work your tail off only to get passed over for a promotion thats given to someone who glad-handed their way to the top, its a massive insult. No wonder it makes good people leave.Treating everyone equally.While this tactic works with school children, the workplace ought to function differently. Treating everyone equally shows your top performers that no matter how high they perform (and, typically, top performers are work horses), they will be t reated the same as the bozo who does notlagehing more than punch the clock.Tolerating poor performance.Its said that in jazz bands, the band is only as good as the worst player no matter how great some members may be, everyone hears the worst player. The same goes for a company. When you permit weak links to exist without consequence, they drag everyone else down, especially your top performers.Going back on their commitments.Making promises to people places you on the fine line that lies between making them very happy and watching them walk out the door. When you uphold a commitment, you grow in the eyes of your employees because you prove yourself to be trustworthy and honorable (two very important qualities in a boss). But when you disregard your commitment, you come across as slimy, uncaring, and disrespectful. After all, if the boss doesnt honor his or her commitments, why should everyone else?Being apathetic.More than half of people who leave their jobs do so because of their relationship with their boss. Smart companies make certain their managers know how to balance being professional with being human. unterstellung are the bosses who celebrate an employees success, empathize with those going through hard times, and challenge people, even when it hurts. Bosses who fail to really care will always have high turnover rates. Its impossible to work for someone eight-plus hours a day when they arent personally involved and dont care about anything other than your productivity.Making things betterOnce managers have eradicated the seven negative behaviors that demotivate their best people, its time to replace them with the following seven behaviors that make people love their jobs.Follow the platinum rule.The Golden Rule (treat others as you want to be treated) has a fatal flaw it assumes that all people want to be treated the same way. It ignores the fact that people are motivated by vastly different things. One person loves public recognition, while another loathes being the center of attention. The Platinum Rule (treat others as they want to be treated) corrects that flaw. Good managers are great at reading other people, and they adjust their behavior and style accordingly.Be strong without being harsh.Strength is an important quality in a leader. People will wait to see if a leader is strong before they decide to follow his or her lead or not. People need courage in their leaders. They need someone who can make difficult decisions and watch over the good of the group. They need a leader who will stay the course when things get tough. People are far more likely to show strength themselves when their leader does the same. A lot of leaders mistake domineering, controlling, and otherwise harsh behavior for strength. They think that taking control and pushing people around will somehow inspire a loyal following. Strength isnt something you can force on people its something you earn by demonstrating it time and again in the face of adversi ty. Only then will people trust that they should follow you.Remember that communication is a two-way street.Many managers think that theyre great communicators, not realizing that theyre only communicating in one direction. Some pride themselves on being approachable and easily accessible, yet they dont reallyhearthe ideas that people share with them. Some managers dont set goals or provide context for the things they ask people to do, and others never offer feedback, leaving people wondering if theyre more likely to get promoted or fired.Be a role model, not a preacher.Great leaders inspire trust and admiration through theiractions,not just their words. Many leaderssaythat integrity is important to them, but great leaders walk their talk by demonstrating integrity every day. Harping on people all day long about the behavior you want to see has a tiny fraction of the impact you achieve by demonstrating that behavior yourself.Be transparent.Good managers are transparent and forthcomi ng about company goals, expectations, and plans. When managers try to sugarcoat, mask, or euphemize in order to make things seem better than they are, employees see right through it.Be humble.Few things kill motivation as quickly as a bosss arrogance. Great bosses dont act as though theyre better than you, because they dontthinkthat theyre better than you. Rather than being a source of prestige, they see their leadership ort as bringing them additional accountability for serving those who follow them.Take a genuine interest in employees work-life balance.Nothing burns good employees out quite like overworking them. Its so tempting to work your best people hard that managers frequently fall into this trap. Overworking good employees is perplexing to them it makes them feel as if theyre being punished for their great performance. Overworking employees is also counterproductive. New research from Stanford shows that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 ho urs, and productivity drops off so much after 55 hours that you dont get anything out of the extra work.Bringing it all togetherIf you cultivate the characteristics above and avoid the demotivators, youll become the kind of boss that people remember for the rest of their careers.Travis Bradberry is the co-author ofEmotional Intelligence 2.0and the co-founder ofTalentSmart.Thiscolumnfirst appeared onLinkedIn.