I’ve said getting laid-off is like experiencing a tornado. The way it can come so randomly. Picking folks out of the crowd and dropping them into a new unstructured world.
Showing posts with label Keep Your Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keep Your Job. Show all posts
How Do I Prevent Getting Laid-Off Again? | Tim's Strategy
Movin' On Up: 3 Areas to Improve your Health at Work
If you notice you feel stressed, bored, weak, or tired in the workplace, you may be experiencing the effects of your health habits. If this sounds like you, it may be time to boost your energy on the job. Follow these tips to improve your health in the workplace to help you feel energized, focused, and ready for whatever the day brings.
1. Eating Habits. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or just maintain good health, your eating habits can have a strong impact on your wellness and health. Before you head out to your favorite joint for lunch, keep these tips in mind for a happier, healthier you.
- Don’t skip breakfast. Many of us skip breakfast because we don’t schedule enough time to eat in the morning. Eating a healthy breakfast can help you start the day right and avoid getting hungry before lunch. Also, it can help you stay focused and energized. Some great ideas for quick and easy breakfasts include: peanut butter and waffles, oatmeal, fruit and cheese, yogurt, or a strawberry smoothie. Making time for a healthy breakfast is also a great way to stay satisfied and avoid the usual office doughnuts.
- Pack a healthy lunch and avoid eating out. Although eating out can be fun, only do it once in a while, and save the opportunity for a special occasion like catching up with a friend or celebrating a colleague’s birthday. On other days, pack your own lunch for work. Doing so allows you to pack healthy food options. Pick foods like salads and fruits that are packed with nutrients to help you function well in the workplace and not leave you feeling heavy and sleepy. And, as an added bonus, packing your own lunch can help you save money!
- Snack healthy. Snacking doesn’t have to be bad, as long as you’re eating the right things. Be careful to avoid vending machine snacks at work. Although they are tasty and easily accessible, they are usually full of sugar and saturated fats. If you like to munch on food while you work, bring healthy foods from home. Nuts are a great choice because they contain unsaturated fats that help decrease bad cholesterol levels. And, if you do give in to the vending machine’ call, look for the healthier choices like animal crackers instead of chips.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed. It will also help regulate your body temperature and avoid harmful effects from dehydration like headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Many experts recommend drinking six cups of water daily.
2. Mental Health. The way we think can determine the way we function. When you’re stressed at work, it can be hard to concentrate on the task at hand. So, help relax your mind with these tips.
- Get enough sleep. How much sleep you get can determine how your body and mind perform throughout the day. So, get enough rest to help you function at your best. Experts recommend that adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each day.
- Listen to music. Listening to music can have a soothing effect and can enhance your mood at any given time. So, plug in your headphones and listen to your favorite tunes to help you focus and block out any distractions. Music that is uplifting and relaxing is a better alternative than music that evokes anger and stress or makes you feel sleepy. Also, be sure to use headphones so the music itself doesn’t distract those around you or prevent you from hearing a phone ringing or someone asking you a question.
- Read a motivating quote. Quotes can be inspirational, wise, or even funny. Pick a quote a day and reflect on it. It may just change your outlook on things!
- Use your vacation time. Make use of your vacation days when you can. If you have the time and your work schedule allows, take a break from work to do something fun or relaxing. This will enable you to come back to work feeling energized and refreshed.
3. Personal Health. According to a survey by the University of Arizona, the average desktop has more bacteria than any bathroom surface. And, when working with others, you’re sure to come in contact with germs. Guard against sickness like the common cold or flu with this advice.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizers. Your computer mouse, keyboard, and phone can harbor huge numbers of germs. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands and using hand sanitizers in the workplace. This will help eliminate germs that can make you sick.
- Clean your work area. Although many companies hire custodians to clean office space, take the responsibility to also clean your desk and pick up after yourself. If you don’t take the necessary precautions to clean your work area regularly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe the surface of your desk, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and anything else you may use while you work.
- Take vitamins. Multi-vitamins rich in Vitamins C and D can help build your immune system. If you’re not sure what to take, ask your doctor which one is suitable for you.
When work and life get busy, it’s easy to get your health off track. But by following these easy tips you just may even outlast the energizer bunny to keep going and going at work.
Disclaimer: These general guidelines do not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a physician to determine best health practices for your needs.
Career Advice by Career Experts J.T. O’Donnell & Dale Dauten : CAREEREALISM
‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: A few months ago, I started a part-time job at a new nightclub, having been hired before it opened. Since then, my part-time job during the day has become full-time. I don’t want to give up the nightclub entirely, but I’m afraid to ask them to cut the nights I work from four days to two. What’s the best way to persuade them to keep me? — Rob
J.T.: Given the level of turnover in the hospitality industry, my guess is that your boss will be happy to hear that you still want to work a couple of nights. I suggest setting up a meeting with him as soon as possible and sharing with him the new status of your day job. I bet he’ll jump at your offer.
Dale: Don’t forget, however, that you sell an idea by focusing on the other party, not on yourself. Think through what problems your request will cause your boss, and think of ways to ameliorate them. For instance, can you offer to be there on the busiest nights — or maybe it’s the slowest nights when no one else wants to work?
J.T.: Well … I don’t think I’d advise Rob to jump in and start telling the manager how to do his scheduling.
Dale: Good point. You go in with solutions, but you don’t lead with them. Start with a broad discussion, Rob, then offer options as objections are raised. One of the most desired traits in an employee is flexibility, and that’s the one to start with, saying, “I need to cut back on how much I’m working, but I don’t want to create a problem for you.” Say that, and then you’ll be working together to solve the problem.
Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm, jtodonnell.com, and of the blog, CAREEREALISM.com. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com.
Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
© 2010 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock.
via careerealism.com
10 Ways to Brighten Up Your Office Workstation - Careers Articles
Since your workstation is a small space, it only takes a few steps to making it feel like new.
Try these 10 tips in redesigning your office workstation:
1. Let there be light
Overhead fluorescent lighting, found in most offices, can be harsh on your eyes during the work day. Instead of using fluorescent lighting, invest in a floor lamp or desk lamp. In addition to adding a new light to the space, plug in a lamp that shows off your personality, whether it be a bright color or a funky lamp shade.
2. Rearrange furniture
Change up your scenery by moving your computer to another area in your office workstation. Adjust your monitor and keyboard so that they align properly with your wrists and eyes.
3. Office seating
The proper office chair is key to staying comfortable throughout your work day. If you can't invest in a new office chair, try adding a pillow to support your back, and adjust the height of the seat so you stay eye level with your computer. Even a simple touch, such as draping a colorful scarf over the chair, will be enough to give your workstation a new look.
4. Go green
Adding flowers or a small plant to the office workstation will give you the perfect piece of the outdoors that you need to stay motivated throughout your work day. Plus, flowers will bring a new, fresh scent to your workstation.
5. Stylish organization
Switch out your file folders and other organization supplies with new, brightly colored ones. It will be easier to stay organized with stylish supplies that reflect your personality and bring your design sense to your workstation.
6. Friendly Faces
Add photos of your family and friends to your workstation, but instead of pinning them up to the wall, keep them in frames on your desk. Having these friendly faces around will provide the boost you need when working through a tough day.
7. Fresh coat of paint
Even if you're limited in the range of colors you can paint your office, a fresh coat of paint can really brighten up the area. Stuck in a cubicle? Check with your boss, and see if it's OK to cover some of the walls in wallpaper or other colorful paper.
8. Surround yourself with inspiration
Include some of your favorite pieces of art in your workstation, from photographs of your favorite places to relaxing beach scenes. Keep it simple in your workstation by adding only a few art pieces to the wall in coordinating frames that pop. Are you a big sports fans? An avid scuba diver? A musical fanatic? Bring in a few pieces that hold good memories for you and keep them on your desk. Not only will they make you smile, they will be great conversation starters as well.
9. Cozy carpet
When changing the look of a small office workstation, make simple changes from the ceiling to the floor for ultimate impact. Switch out the traditional chair mat with a cozy carpet. The splash of color on the floor in addition to the plush fabric will turn the space from sterile to homey.
10. Disguise your desk
The typical workstation consists of a drab-looking desk. By adding some colorful place mats to your desk, it will look like new and feel a lot more like home.
via jobs.aol.com
Career Advice by Career Experts J.T. O’Donnell & Dale Dauten : CAREEREALISM
‘JT & Dale Talk Jobs’ is the largest nationally syndicated career advice column in the country and can be found at JTandDale.com.
Dear J.T. & Dale: Six months ago I was hired as the receptionist for a small manufacturing company run by the owner and his two sons. Even though each of the sons has his own assistant, over time I have accrued many additional duties outside being receptionist. As a result, I must leave my desk periodically. The owner has started calling me out for not answering the phone. I rarely take lunch, work late every night, and I’m so stressed out that I cry every day. Please tell me what to do. — Danya
J.T.: Telling your boss about the problem is not enough — SHOW him. Starting Monday, track how you spend each day, and after a week or two, you’ll have quantifiable evidence to support how much work you are doing above and beyond the job you were hired for. Next, schedule a meeting to show him the information, and nicely say: “Since I’m new here, I feel like I may not be prioritizing my time the way you want me to. Could we look at this together?”
Dale: It’s worth a shot, I suppose, Danya. However, if your boss were a helpful, understanding sort, he already would have spotted the problem and addressed it. So, before your meeting, I’d suggest an additional step: Seek out your predecessor and ask her how she handled the job. Further, go to the two assistants for advice — you need allies. Do those things before meeting with the boss, and you’ll know where you stand … and I’m guessing you’ll soon be standing in line at Kinko’s to print out resumes, getting ready to move on. Most bosses don’t adapt to their employees.
J.T.: I’m not so pessimistic. Added responsibilities are a sign that you are respected. I’m guessing the boss will help you reorganize your job, and if he seems receptive, that might even give you an opening to discuss pay, saying something like, “Can you tell me the next steps so that I can eventually earn a promotion and pay increase for all this additional work?” His response will give you a glimpse of the future and your prospects. Remember, you control how people treat you, and you can teach them to create a better job situation.
Dale: I hope it works, but my prediction is that you’ll end up with this important career revelation: It’s better to change bosses than to try to change the boss.
Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm, jtodonnell.com, and of the blog, CAREEREALISM.com. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com.
Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
© 2010 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock.
via careerealism.com
11 Things That Annoy the Boss - Careers Articles
Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer
Probably your boss.
We asked bosses to tell us what their employees do to irritate them on a daily basis. Straight from the source, here are 11 things you do to annoy your boss:
1. "By far the biggest annoyance is when their actions don't even faintly reflect a minimum level of enthusiasm for a given project and despite being told how excited someone is to be working on something, you wind up with items that either have obvious errors, common sense mistakes or show a minimum of effort.
Bottom line: You can tell when someone has phoned something in, and it's aggravating having to micromanage and go back to fix obvious hiccups that could easily have been prevented. Which always fascinates me: How do people not think you'll notice?" -- Scott Steinberg, CEO, Lead Analyst, TechSavvy Global
2. "Asking the boss to make your life easier.
True story: 'I would like to work from home three days a week. How can you make this happen for me?' This one really ticked off the boss.
Try instead: 'What would I have to do to make telecommuting three days a week possible?' Now you sound like a contributor!" -- Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach.
3. "Consistently going off on personal tangents in meetings. Get organized and get to the point. Time can make or spend money. Which do you think the boss prefers?" -- Nasser
4. "Many of my contract teachers annoy me -- why? They ask things that make me question whether or not they are actually 'all there.' Because of the nature of this job, everything is communicated online. I send VERY detailed e-mails with all the information plus some -- and yet still get silly questions. 'What are the hours again?' 'What days do I work?' Another annoying thing is when I hire a teacher -- and they accept all of the terms and then play the 'I want more money' card because they feel they deserve it.
It also annoys me when I do interviews. I set up a time to interview people and they don't answer their phones. Or they don't include their number in their confirmation e-mail. Make my life a little easier -- please and thank you." -- Jillian Zavitz, programs manager, TalktoCanada.com
"When I was an HR Director and now, when I'm a career coach, what annoys me a lot was/is:
5. Questions asked before information was presented (because the answer was usually in the presentation.)
6. Employees who 'miss' the spirit of the issue and make literal (unimportant) statements or who respond with the 'rules' because they miss the point.
7. Employees who make no effort to get along with others in the department and look for faults.
8. Employees who forget that no matter what their job is, they work in a business that needs to make money."
-- Bettina Seidman, Career Coach, SEIDBET Associates
9. "An employee who consistently, day after day, arrives a few minutes late and/or leaves a few minutes early. [Also], when an employee's personal cell phone rings. I don't mind if it buzzes or vibrates, but I ask that all ringers be turned off." -- Alexander Seinfeld, Executive Director, Jewish Spiritual Literacy, Inc.
10. "Where do I start? I own a boutique public relations agency, and the most irritating thing my employees do is they do not check their work. I've told them innumerable times how to compose successful e-mails to clients and press, and each time they write an e-mail it's like the first time all over again. Spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes, missing info -- even though they've seen me craft identical e-mails dozens of times, could simply use spell check, and do a quick re-read to find and fix their errors. It's beyond irritating, especially because it's so preventable. It's gotten to the point that I have to write every e-mail for them before they can send it -- even when it's as simple as 'Hi there, I just wanted to check in to make sure you received the package we sent you last week' -- otherwise it will be filled with errors." -- Samantha Slaven-Bick, Samantha Slaven Publicity
11. "Working in numerous radio stations, I've been supervisor and trainer to many newcomers. The one main thing that positively drove me crazy was that people would come to me with questions before they'd even attempted to find the answers on their own. It was the largest red flag of laziness. I'm always happy to answer questions, but if you have no ability to answer them yourself or seek out the answers yourself, why did we hire you into your role, again? -- Natalie Nicole Gilbert
via jobs.aol.com
Is it Time for a Shift in Your Work Strategy?
I am not the same worker I was last year. Too many things have happened in both my personal and professional lives that the strategies I had in the past are no longer working for me.
As we change over time, our work strategies have to be flexible enough to accommodate these changes. Your work strategy is your plan of attack, the arsenal that helps you get through each workday with as much efficiency and motivation as possible. Your work strategy may include tools, productivity techniques, work processes and other important elements that are vital to your job.
But how do you know when things need to change? Here are some symptoms you might want to check for:
- A change in your job description, regular tasks, or responsibilities. Were you promoted? Did you suddenly realize the importance of social media, leading you to spend more time on it? If you track your time once in a while it might be easier to spot these changes.
- Lowered productivity. What is your output like compared to last year’s? Don’t worry if your output has lessened (you spend more time on tasks than usual) if it’s been offset by an improvement in quality. However, be concerned if there’s no change in quality or if you find your overall performance declining.
- Your good ol’ motivators have a lesser effect. Whatever you use as motivation, whether it’s a snack after a difficult task or the thought of a job well done, gauge if it’s still as effective now as it was last year.
- New concerns. Long before you establish long term goals, they are born at the back of your mind as “concerns” — little things that you ponder often but haven’t recognized as something that requires more action. This could be a new niche you want to get into, or a new skill you want to learn. Or you could be thinking about family and friends more often, not yet recognizing the need to socialize more with them. If you find a recurring thought at the back of your mind, it’s time to pay attention.
- Thirst for experimentation. From trying out a standing work station to hiring a virtual assistant, it doesn’t hurt to explore and experiment with new ways of working — even if you think you’re already doing well. As long as it’s not too disruptive to your current routine, of course.
Unsurprisingly, I find that I’m experiencing many of these things as I evaluate my performance from the first half of the year. This means it’s probably time for me to go back to the drawing board, experiment — as well as carry over the things from my routine that are still working for me today. It may take effort, but we all have to change and adapt.
How often do you evaluate your performance during the year? Do you find yourself changing your work strategy regularly?
Movin' On Up: Frustrated at Work? Find an Outlet to Relieve Workplace Aggravation
Does this sound familiar?
The alarm clock sounds, and once again you’re faced with another day at the office – another dreaded day. With some effort, you manage to make it out of bed and get to work, where you count down the hours until you’re free again. You count the hours till your lunch break. You count the hours till you can go home. And the next day – which comes too quickly – you start counting all over again. You long for the weekends. You dream of a vacation.
If so, you are probably suffering from workplace discontent.
A variety of factors like company environment and culture, lack of meaningful work, difficult co-workers, and the management style of supervisors can lead to unhappiness at work. And those factors can really add up. When you’re frustrated at work, even the smallest problems can feel like the biggest nightmares. But, there are numerous solutions that can help improve your job satisfaction and create happiness in your work life.
If your job dissatisfaction is consuming your life at work and at home, before you explode or jump ship, try finding an outlet you can enjoy in your spare time to help relieve your workplace anxiety and stress, and help provide the passion and purpose you’re looking for in life. Need an outlet from workplace stress? Relieve your anxiety at work in your time outside the office.
Discover a hobby you enjoy. Find something you enjoy outside of work to improve your outlook on life and the workday. Pick something you’re interested in or passionate about like pottery, cooking, sports, dancing, writing, or gardening. Try something new. Be adventurous. Challenge yourself. Whether it’s learning a new language or spending your weekends enjoying extreme sports, find something you love to spend time doing.
Learn all about it. Once you’ve found an outlet you enjoy, learn everything you can about it. Read books. Take classes. Research and collect information from the internet. And, practice, practice, practice. Become an expert at what you love. The more you know about it, the more satisfaction it can give you.
Find others who share your passion. As you get more involved with your hobby, find people who share your passion. Building relationships on your common interests can add motivation and meaning to your outlet. To meet people, join a network, club, or group of those passionate about your interests or hobbies. Read and comment on blogs that pertain to your interests to help build your online relationships and gain knowledge in the area.
Finding a hobby that adds meaning, passion, and happiness to your life can help relieve your workplace frustration and change your outlook and attitude at work. And who knows, when the time is right, the outlet you love could even lead to an exit from a job that has you watching the clock.
2 WorkAwesome Posts on Working from Home | FreelanceSwitch
How to Ask Your Boss to Work From Home by Mike Vardy:
I’m writing this article from home – where I’d love to do all of my work. Much of my writing is done here, but my day job doesn’t afford me the ability to enjoy the same “luxury.” That’s not to say I don’t do some of my work for my day job at home – that does happen from time to time. Actually, the separation of the two pursuits makes not only for a clear set of responsibilities depending on where I am (for example, I can leave my work at the office should I choose), but it makes for more productivity on the whole.
But many of you have one job. One that you could do just as easily from home. One that you know you could do better from home. So why not do that? How can you go from working at the office to working at home? Here’s a step by step method to get your boss to say “yes” to your request to work from home…
The Benefits of Working From Home by Ana da Silva:
Going to work in an office can be stressful and costly for both employee and employer. Thanks to technology many people have the option of working from home (or off-site at that warm beach somewhere!). For consultants and freelancers there are obvious reasons why you should work from home (you might not have another choice anyway!) but for full-time employees there are financial and personal advantages to working at least a couple days per week from home. Not every profession allows for this flexibility but if yours is one of the many that do, here are some benefits to look into for both employer and employee.
Movin' On Up: Unspoken Rules About the 8-to-5 Workday
Don’t be late. Check and double check your work schedule and be sure you’re at work on time. Showing up late – even five or ten minutes – could earn you a negative reputation. There are some environments that are more laid back with their attendance policy, but others are sticklers about not being a minute late. Be sure you know your company’s culture and don’t assume because co-workers are late it’s OK to follow their lead. You want to set a good example so you can get ahead, not follow a bad example because that could get you in trouble.
Run errands on your own time. When you’re at work, you are there to work. Running errands on your lunch break is fine, but don’t use company time to go to the post office, grocery store, take a shopping trip to the mall, etc. The company pays you to work for them, so they expect you to work and produce results.
Avoid regular personal calls. The workplace is not the best place to spend significant time making or accepting personal phone calls. As many employees share workspace with other co-workers, make it a point to keep your personal affairs to yourself. Calling your best friend to have a casual conversation about an upcoming date is not appropriate. When you’re on company time, let friends and family know to leave you a message if they call you during the day and you will return their message when you leave for lunch or after work. If you do have to take a phone call at work, go to an area where you won’t be bothering anyone and limit the amount of time you spend on the phone. Check out more information about cell phone etiquette in the office.
Know the policy on social media. With so many people having a social media profile on a site like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Myspace, it’s easy to stay connected and see what your friends are doing during the day. Before you decide to log-in and check one of those sites while at work, be sure you know you’re company’s policy regarding social media. You never know if someone is monitoring your internet activity. If they see you logging-in to Facebook during the day, you could get reported to your manager if it’s against the rules.
Keep loud music down. If you listen to music while you work, use headphones in public or shared spaces. Listening to music can help you feel more energized and can help you eliminate distractions. Just remember to keep the volume at a reasonable level so you don’t distract or aggravate any co-workers and you can still hear someone if they call your name. If you work in a factory or shipping facility, check your safety policy on this and make sure your earphones don’t create a safety hazard. You need to be able to hear what’s going on around you.
These are just a few of the many things to be aware of when it comes to workplace behavior and how to function during the workday. Be respectful of your company’s time, money and resources by following policies on issues like attendance, work breaks, and social media. On company time, you have to follow company policy. When you have a job, it’s important to keep in mind that you should adjust your habits to fit your employer during working hours, not vice versa.
How Can You Convince Your Boss to Make the Transition to Telecommuting?
Photo by DDFic.
As an employee, the appeal of telecommuting is undeniable, but a lot of workers aren't comfortable broaching the subject with their employers. Before you can ever consider bringing it up, Work Awesome points out the importance of establishing a significant degree of trust in your workplace.
Only you know your work situation best, but Work Awesome suggests to start the transition from office to telecommuting by starting off small and modest with your off-site work. The article suggests that perhaps the best route is start off by asking your boss if it's possible to be in the office one less day per week. This tactic allows you to prove yourself—that you can work from home without impacting your performance—and opens up the possibility for asking more days out of the office. (Once you're actually out of the office, consider dressing like you're going to the office to keep your mental focus sharp and stay focused at the task at hand.)
The fact is, there are plenty of ways to make this transition, and who better to offer advice than those who've successfully tackled it themselves. If you've made the transition from office to home, share how you pulled it off in the comments.
Send an email to Erica Ho, the author of this post, at erica@lifehacker.com.
via lifehacker.com
Is Technology Making You Bad at Your Job? - Excelle
Tania Khadder | Excelle
Technology is a beautiful thing. One that many of us can’t imagine doing our jobs without.
But be careful. Sometimes, overindulgence in the latest tools might actually hinder your performance.
We’ve identified five ways your iPhone, BlackBerry, Facebook, and that endless information superhighway could make you worse at your job.
Instant message is twisting your words (and making you lazy)
Remember when email revolutionized business communication? All of a sudden, memos were obsolete, no one knew where the fax machine was anymore (or how to use it), and conference calls were set up only on an as-needed basis. Office workers everywhere rejoiced in their newfound efficiency.
But the email revolution was just the tip of the iceberg. In the past few years, instant messaging has become an acceptable intra-office communication tool and, in many ways, we should be grateful for its emergence. It’s faster, less formal, and more interactive than email and yet it lacks the commitment face-to-face or over-the-phone interaction demands. The perfect formula, right? Wrong.
There are just too many misunderstandings when body language, vocal intonation, and facial expressions are left out of a conversation. Plus, how many times has a chat about something work-related degenerated into an all-out gossip marathon.
When all you have to do is share a link or ask a quick question, by all means, send an IM. For most everything else, though, it’s a no-no. Get off your lazy butt and start talking to each other.
Career Advice from Career Expert Andy Robinson : CAREEREALISM
![[05.18.10] 10 Tips for Adding Value by Showing Initiative](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tIOYE6DPeZarJIdJtN19pEVDu5iYj9SrDbGrGa9wm4jm95RSYyPikGNi2VnwkqQ0OEu5JrXNsM8BKlNczq2-QdLxY9VFMKIxWgDaz2uu5i7CU0pJWjInDAuTUlU6bUjUtPjjEo5FkSFFayZBW4WZAuPJR0Yj9xeyfAQrlzFotcM-ygUpGBNzDpCCIvvqHer4YVjuRvNcZsqm8FxEos8VuaPJBvoo4JVCho0xyStS00uQOeedEazg=s0-d "[05.18.10] 10 Tips for Adding Value by Showing Initiative")
In these tough times, it is absolutely critical you continue to demonstrate your value to your employer, to your clients and to your colleagues on a daily basis. Adding value is THE buzz-word for “safe-guarding” your career and propelling yourself to the top of your profession.
Showing initiative is a MUST DO in demonstrating your value at work. Initiative correlates strongly with personal achievement and professional development; it is the act of taking personal responsibility for your growth, and it is a clear sign of your capacity to develop as a leader. So, what are you waiting for? Take action today; don’t wait to be asked — be proactive. Consider the following ideas for lighting the fire of initiative in your daily work life:
- Always be alert for ways to make something work better. Make the suggestion. Volunteer to take ownership for getting it done.
- Take it upon yourself be the first to adopt and implement the newest company policy.
- Stay alert for ideas to simplify processes and find new and better ways of doing things. Proactively suggest those improvement ideas. Be the example for implementing those processes.
- Stay alert for ways to save money and reduce costs. “Raise your hand” to communicate those suggestions as quickly as possible.
- Reach out to colleagues and team members who need help.
- Be the first to volunteer for those tough projects and assignments.
- Always think ahead, preempt likely obstacles with well-thought-out plans that take those obstacles into consideration.
- Provide, in advance, the answers to the questions you know are going to be asked. “Think like your boss/manager” and consider all deliverables from their perspective before you submit them. Always review your work from the elevation of “30,000 feet.”
- Always do your homework; always be prepared. Read the material in advance, research the subject matter in advance, dig in and immerse yourself in the topic at hand
- Deal with problems immediately; take action and be decisive. Get it done, and get it behind you as quickly as possible.
Make it happen! Be a role model for showing initiative; demonstrate your capacity as a leader. Make the choice to lead with action and initiative; your value will soar.
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Five Ways to Boost Your Loyalty and Happiness at Work | My Global Career
How loyal are you to your employer? Would you be willing to cut pay, benefits, or hours to help keep your company afloat? Do you feel as if you and your company are “in this together”?
If you said “No way!” to the above questions, you’re not alone. A new study by research giant Ipsos Loyalty found that only about 30 percent of us feel loyal to our employers. About the same number of us feel that our employers have earned our loyalty.
So why does loyalty on the job matter?
Because our loyalty as employees impacts our happiness at work. According to the landmark Ipsos Loyalty Study, employees with the highest levels of loyalty to their job also characterized themselves as happiest.
What Is Loyalty—and Why Does It Matter?
Loyalty is the realization that we need each other to be whole and happy. It’s well known that people who are happy at work are happier overall.
Loyalty is the force that binds us together and the cornerstone of stability in our relationships. If you were to go to work each day feeling no connection to your coworkers or clients, it’s fair to say that you would feel isolated and alienated.
Loyalty is also accepting the bonds that our relationship entails, and defending and reinforcing those bonds. In a workplace context, this means pulling for your company, supporting coworkers, and reinforcing good relations with customers and clients.
Finally, loyalty is the sense that something belongs to us–e.g., our team, our products, our company, our brand.
How to Be a More Loyal Employee
The study discovered a one-to-one correlation between loyalty and happiness. In other words, if you’re not loyal, you won’t be happy. Therefore, it’s in your own best interest to improve your “loyalty skills” on the job.
Here are five ways to boost your proficiency in each skill set:
Give support and assistance. Build a reputation for being someone who supports coworkers in the form of giving technical help, brainstorming, problem solving, coaching others in your area of expertise, and sharing contacts. Help a peer do a better job, struggle less, learn a new skill, impress the boss, or gain new respect with clients and coworkers. Watch how your relationships, status, and sense of purpose improve.
Give time and attention. Take an interest in the workplace challenges and projects of your peers. Even though you don’t work in a cubicle, do you go through the day with blinders on? Take time to ask coworkers questions about what they’re working on and what their challenges are. Listen well, and pay attention to their concerns. Show empathy, and demonstrate that you understand their issues and really “get” their point of view. Next time you need help with a daunting project or problem, the people who feel that you listened to them will be there for you.
Offer recognition and encouragement. Look for opportunities to give sincere compliments to coworkers when they’ve done an excellent job on a task, or when they demonstrate superior skills, say, while leading a meeting or doing a presentation. Instead of being withholding or competitive, show fellow employees that you’re cheering them on. Feeling as though “we’re all in this together” raises morale and makes for a fun and healthy workplace culture.
Make a sacrifice or commitment. Offer to stay late, do a hated task, or stand up for a coworker’s unpopular viewpoint in a controversial workplace debate. Show colleagues that you are willing to put yourself out for them. The benefit to you are many. For one, it’s good office politics. For another, they could be making recommendations or putting in a good word on your behalf next time you’re up for a promotion or a peachy assignment.
Be reliable and trustworthy. Follow through on what you say you’ll do, and be someone whom others can count on–to confide in, to lean on, or to be there in a pinch. Demonstrate to your coworkers that you are consistent and competent–and that you are willing to be the go-to person when required. This quality boosts your reputation and has endless payoffs.
In our every-man-for-himself work environment, developing more loyalty toward fellow employees will give you a new sense of fulfillment and meaning in your job. When others view you as loyal, they will return these qualities and gestures in kind–and the quality of your workplace relationships will soar.
Timothy Keiningham and Lerzan Aksoy are leading experts in loyalty management, and coauthors of a new book, Why Loyalty Matters (BenBella Books, 2009, www.whyloyaltymatters.com). They are also creators of LoyaltyAdvisor (www.LoyaltyAdvisor.com), a web-based tool that analyzes your loyalty across multiple dimensions proven to link to personal and professional success.
Teetering on Workaholism -- But Her Boss Is Even Worse - The Career Doctor Blog
Roxanne writes:
I took the workaholics quiz you have on your QuintCareers.com Website and it said that I was in danger of overdoing it. Unfortunately, I have a boss who does not believe there is anything but work and more work. In fact, most of us in the office never even take all our vacation time for fear of what might happen. So, I guess I want to ask what should I do? Should I be concerned? Or is my boss right about all of us being a lazy society?
The Career Doctor responds:
I’m not surprised that your boss does not believe in workaholism; I am, however, disappointed. Workaholism can be described as when work becomes the sole reason for a person’s existence above more important things (such as family and friends). Please note — this definition is much more than someone who is a hard worker.
Being overworked can obviously lead to job burnout and dissatisfaction, but more importantly, workaholism is not something to take lightly because it can lead to very serious health and relationship issues.
In my mind, there are two types of workaholics — those who do so of their own free will and those who are forced by circumstances to do so. And given the changes in the workplace over the last decade — the massive layoffs and downsizings, the focus on efficiency — many workers are working longer hours, performing the work formerly done by two people.
And as you mention in your office — and confirmed by national studies — a healthy percentage of U.S. workers do not take their full allotment of vacation time, either because they feel pressure not to do so or because they fear they will not be seen as loyal to the company.
But vacation plays a critical role in helping maintain a balance between work and life. Other tips for reducing workaholism: when you do go on vacation, don’t bring the work with you; start an exercise program (after clearing it with your doctor), schedule time for family and friends, and find a hobby or volunteer.
And if your work environment is so bad, take some vacation time to plan your next job or career move.
via careerdoctor.org
Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom: It's the Little Things
I receive at least one new business or career book in the mail every week. Don’t get me wrong – I love free stuff – but some of these titles make my head spin. They all think they have the latest formula for business world success – be provocative, get rid of meetings, work two hours a day and go surfing, quit your job and start your own business, embrace your individuality and if your boss doesn’t like it…tough.
There’s no getting around the fact that Corporate America has changed a great deal in the last two years. Companies have been stripped down and are struggling to rebuild themselves. Millions are still unemployed. And personally, I don’t think any sexy new formula is going to ensure success in this environment. Instead, we need to listen to the minds whose lessons have withstood the test of time, authors like Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey, and Tom Peters who remind us that traditional values like courtesy, hard work, and trust will serve us well in any type of workplace, at any time.
It’s quite simple, really. Treat your co-workers as you would like to be treated. Help them out without being asked. If you say you’re going to do something, follow through without having to be prodded. If you make a mistake, admit and fix instead of trying to blame someone else or cover it up.
Instead of just doing your job and moving on, take that extra step to make sure it’s standout work. Volunteer for a project that no one else wants to take on. Be the person your boss depends on, and the person other departments call when they need something from your group.
Take advantage of the fact that you work in the same space as actual human beings, and don’t rely on e-mail or instant message to communicate with them. Invite your co-workers to lunch and ask about their families and what they do outside business hours. Remember their birthdays, maybe even make a habit of popping a handwritten card in interoffice mail.
You don’t need a $20 business book. Just think about it a little bit. You’ll know what to do.
Top 50 most Annoying Co-Workers
The jury has spoken!
Top 50 most Annoying Co-Workers:
The loud talkers,
The coughers
The Eavesdropper
The Gloaters,
The Gossipers,
The Open Mouth Chewer
The Blame Shifter
The Cubicle Ninja
The procrastinator
The Rude co-worker
The corporate survivor,
The “know it all”
The smart A**
The narcissistic type
The non-confrontational type
The rat type
The “ear-bleeding sports fanatic”
The “I’m-always-right-and-you’re-always-wrong person”
The “I work 7.5 workday and don’t do more than is required”
The floater
The sighers,
The “Always running late” co-worker
The Sapper of productiivity / energy levels
The Incompetent
The Judgmental co-worker
The Negative co-worker
The Complainer
The Sneaky co-worker
The Person whose non-work-related conversation is restricted to sports.
The Blame shifter.
The Illiterate Ignoramous.
The Doofus/ Dumbass.
The Super Suit.
The butt kisser
The Too Sensitive
The “Aw-shucks” manipulator.
The motivational speaker.
The gum popper
The throat clearer
The know-it-all
The Grinch
The 3 sneezer
The Micromanager
The office bully
The Pessimist
The “Mr. Popular” Co-worker
The Participator of illegal activities
The “monopolizer of meetings”
The “Put up posters all over the office” person
The Passive-aggressive
© RedStarResume Publications – www.redstarresume.com
Tags: a, cover, find, graduate, how, hunt, job, jobs, letter, resume
Is Your Job Driving You Nuts? Then Fix It! - by Dumb Little Man
Ever heard the joke which runs "So you hate your job? There's a support group for that. They're called "Everyone" and they meet at the bar."
Okay, it's a bit corny, but it does point at a cultural truth: we're often taught it's normal to hate our jobs. We might moan about work to colleagues and family, but we don't necessarily do anything to fix it.
Because we're convinced that hating our job is "normal", we carry on each day, going through the motions, getting irritated by all the usual things, and going home feeling a bit fed up ... but never really thinking that we can change anything.
The truth is, there's plenty you can do to fix your job – and much of it is considerably less drastic than quitting. The first step is to stop expecting to dislike your work, and to start looking for ways to change the things which are driving you nuts.
Fixing the Little Things
Sometimes, a job that's sapping your energy can be fixed with just a few little tweaks.
Let's say it's a real drag for you to be at your desk by 8am. You have to force yourself out of bed every morning, you never get time for breakfast, you hate driving in rush-hour traffic, and you find it hard to concentrate when you get to work.
Instead of accepting this as an inevitable part of your job, look for ways to make it easier:
- If your workplace is at all open to flexi-time, can you start later (8.30am or 9am) and finish later?
Fixing Job-Related Things
Sometimes, what really bugs you at work is some particular aspect of your job. Maybe you have a routine task which always frustrates you. Or perhaps you've just ended up bored in your particular role. Maybe you're overwhelmed and struggling to get through all your work.
Again, it's very easy to just assume that this is how things are, and that you can't change it. But have you even tried? Let's say you're swamped with work. Could you:
- Delegate some tasks to other people in the office
When Big Fixes Are Needed
Sometimes, no amount of tweaking is going to make your job better. Perhaps you went into a career which, in retrospect, is never going to make you happy. Maybe you have an irreconcilable personality difference with your manager. You might have simply lost all interest in a job which you once enjoyed. You may have experienced significant changes in your home life (such as marriage, a new baby, or illness) which mean that your job is no longer a comfortable fit for your lifestyle.
You may want to think about much larger steps like:
- Moving into a different career
Is there anything about your job which is driving you nuts? Share it with us in the comments ... and see if anyone has an idea for how you can fix it!
 | Written on 5/17/2010 by Ali Hale. Ali writes a blog, Aliventures, about leading a productive and purposeful life (get the RSS feed here). As well as blogging, she writes fiction, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing. | Photo Credit: Lara604 |
Is Your Job Driving You Nuts? Then Fix It! - by Dumb Little Man
Ever heard the joke which runs "So you hate your job? There's a support group for that. They're called "Everyone" and they meet at the bar."
Okay, it's a bit corny, but it does point at a cultural truth: we're often taught it's normal to hate our jobs. We might moan about work to colleagues and family, but we don't necessarily do anything to fix it.
Because we're convinced that hating our job is "normal", we carry on each day, going through the motions, getting irritated by all the usual things, and going home feeling a bit fed up ... but never really thinking that we can change anything.
The truth is, there's plenty you can do to fix your job – and much of it is considerably less drastic than quitting. The first step is to stop expecting to dislike your work, and to start looking for ways to change the things which are driving you nuts.
Fixing the Little Things
Sometimes, a job that's sapping your energy can be fixed with just a few little tweaks.
Let's say it's a real drag for you to be at your desk by 8am. You have to force yourself out of bed every morning, you never get time for breakfast, you hate driving in rush-hour traffic, and you find it hard to concentrate when you get to work.
Instead of accepting this as an inevitable part of your job, look for ways to make it easier:
- If your workplace is at all open to flexi-time, can you start later (8.30am or 9am) and finish later?
Fixing Job-Related Things
Sometimes, what really bugs you at work is some particular aspect of your job. Maybe you have a routine task which always frustrates you. Or perhaps you've just ended up bored in your particular role. Maybe you're overwhelmed and struggling to get through all your work.
Again, it's very easy to just assume that this is how things are, and that you can't change it. But have you even tried? Let's say you're swamped with work. Could you:
- Delegate some tasks to other people in the office
When Big Fixes Are Needed
Sometimes, no amount of tweaking is going to make your job better. Perhaps you went into a career which, in retrospect, is never going to make you happy. Maybe you have an irreconcilable personality difference with your manager. You might have simply lost all interest in a job which you once enjoyed. You may have experienced significant changes in your home life (such as marriage, a new baby, or illness) which mean that your job is no longer a comfortable fit for your lifestyle.
You may want to think about much larger steps like:
- Moving into a different career
Is there anything about your job which is driving you nuts? Share it with us in the comments ... and see if anyone has an idea for how you can fix it!
| Written on 5/17/2010 by Ali Hale. Ali writes a blog, Aliventures, about leading a productive and purposeful life (get the RSS feed here). As well as blogging, she writes fiction, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing. | Photo Credit: Lara604 |
Getting and Staying Employed in a Shrinking Job Market | My Global Career
To call today’s economy tough is like calling Moby Dick a big fish. Let’s face it, with the threat of double digit unemployment looming ahead it is down right scary for the vast majority of people I hear from each day.
However, if you can stay focused, determined, upbeat and flexible these times offer opportunities for not only continuing but also advancing your career. Here is the straight scoop as I see it. While the number of jobs may be on the decline there is still work to be done. Doing more with less is a mantra I hear resonating with employers I speak to around the country.
So here are a few tips to help you get and stay employed:
- Be a “force multiplier”. Both in interviews or with your existing employer show that you will make a difference by giving 110% and being willing to wear more than one hat. Become that “go to” person in your department.
- Upgrade you skills immediately. Look for new opportunities in your existing role. Develop a “new and improved” skill set. Take some courses, volunteer for a new project.
- Sell your skills first and then your experience. Remember, your experience is your past; your skills are what you bring to the workplace now and in the future. Demonstrate your flexibility to tackle whatever needs to be done.
- Interview with your ears. Eighty-five percent of all job seekers talk too much in the interview. Listen closely to what the employer needs then respond as someone who can satisfy those needs. An open-ended question such as “Could you please tell me more about that?” will elicit additional information from an interviewer as well as clearly demonstrate your interest in learning more about the position.
- What your boss tells you directly about your performance is important. However, what he or she doesn’t say may be even more important. Watch for the more informal signals such as what meetings you are invited to, what emails you are copied on, or even off handed comments that come your way at a meeting. Stay focused on this informal feedback and the signals it sends to you about where you stand in our boss’s eyes.
- In an interview, ask questions that set you up to make the sale. A question such as “What results do you ant me to produce immediately?” sends a strong message that you will hit the ground running if they hire you.
- Brand and promote yourself. Your personal brand is the image you want others to have of you. Put this in writing. For example, if you want to be seen as the “consummate team player” be sure to write down the specific behaviors you will do everyday to create that brand image.
- For older job seekers, you don’t have to fake youth to get a good job, but you usually do need to present yourself as in touch with relevant current trends, in sync with current technology, generally energetic and vigorous. Look for opportunities to present age as an asset by translating “age” into “experience”, “maturity”, and “sound judgment”.
Marc Dorio is a results oriented Organizational Effectiveness and Training professional and the author of books such as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Perfect Interview .
