Our Bad Behavior at Work

Millions of people admit to committing these workplace no-nos every day.

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


When is falling asleep or knocking back a stiff drink just not OK? When you do it at the office (or behind the wheel). But each day millions of people commit these workplace taboos--and even more-scandalous ones.

But not all workplace no-nos are created equal, in terms of seriousness or consequences, says executive recruiter and career counselor Bruce Hurwitz: "Some taboos can be forgiven or raise concerns about your well-being. Others can result in immediate dismissal."

A Harris Interactive Poll of 5,700 U.S. workers found people confessing to all sorts of questionable behavior at the office. Here are some of the top workplace taboos they admitted to:


1. Falling asleep at work (45 percent)
Need a personal barista to help you stay awake at work? Snoozing on the job looks downright unprofessional and is generally not appreciated by employers.

If you find yourself drifting off on a regular basis, it may mean that you need a more stimulating and engaging career. Take a free career test to find your ideal job.


2. Kissing a coworker (39 percent)
This number shouldn't come as a big surprise to anyone who has spent time in an office setting. According to a Valentine's Day survey of more than 8,000 workers, 40 percent have dated a coworker--about the same number that have kissed.


3. Stealing from the office (22 percent)
Ever wonder where people get the office supplies they use at home? Chances are pretty good they pilfer at least some of them from work. While the Harris survey indicates that only about one-fifth of workers take office supplies, an OfficeMax Workplace Uncovered survey reveals what's probably closer to the truth: a whopping 56 percent of workers confessed to taking office supplies home. Top items were pens, pencils, and highlighters.


4. Taking credit for someone else's work (2 percent)
Stealing pencils from the office is one thing. Stealing ideas from a colleague and passing them off as your own is quite another. Only 2 percent of employees in the Harris survey admitted doing this. But in a survey by OfficeTeam, nearly 30 percent of workers say they've had their ideas stolen at work. (The huge gulf between the figures may be because this is a pretty hard taboo to admit; it's easier to talk about when you're the victim.) Keeping your supervisor informed of your ideas and your progress is good preventative medicine, say career experts.


5. Spreading a rumor about a coworker (22 percent)
While some office gossip is relatively harmless, spreading a rumor can be damaging not only to the subject but also to the rumor-monger. In addition to making you seem untrustworthy or downright devious, spreading rumors can even lead to a lawsuit. Whether you publish a falsehood verbally, in writing, or on the Internet, you could end up faceing a pricey defamation suit.


6. Consuming alcoholic beverages while on the job (21 percent)
There was a time when keeping a bottle in your desk drawer was almost de rigueur in some professions. (Just watch any episode of "Mad Men.") Now most companies have a zero-tolerance policy for tippling in the office.

Still, more than one-fifth of the Harris survey respondents said they'd enjoyed booze while on the job. A recent TV news investigation found that drinking on the job was all too common among some New York City construction workers. One worker they witnessed knocked back six cocktails in 30 minutes!


7. Snooping (18 percent)
While it's legal for many managers to access employees' company emails and instant messages, not all office snoopers go through legitimate channels. Nearly one-fifth of survey respondents said they'd snooped around the office after hours.

The best way to foil these snoops? Log off your computer when you're not there, change passwords frequently, have a clean-desk policy so there's nothing to find, and use a paper shredder for anything you'd like to keep from prying eyes.


8. Lying about an academic background (4 percent)
It seems every time you turn around there's another story in the news about a power player tumbling off the corporate or academic ladder because of lying about education on a resume. Just recently a top Texas A&M University official resigned after it was revealed that he didn't have the doctorate his resume listed and that he hadn't been a Navy Seal.

If you are concerned that you don't have enough education to meet your career goals, earning a real degree is a far better bet than lying about one on your resume. Take an education test to find out if more schooling could help you to advance your career.

And don't be tempted to lie on your resume. Experts say at some point it will probably catch up with you. Instead use a resume builder for help creating an accurate, impressive resume that gets results.

Job , Jobs , Employment

Our Bad Behavior at Work

Millions of people admit to committing these workplace no-nos every day.

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


When is falling asleep or knocking back a stiff drink just not OK? When you do it at the office (or behind the wheel). But each day millions of people commit these workplace taboos--and even more-scandalous ones.

But not all workplace no-nos are created equal, in terms of seriousness or consequences, says executive recruiter and career counselor Bruce Hurwitz: "Some taboos can be forgiven or raise concerns about your well-being. Others can result in immediate dismissal."

A Harris Interactive Poll of 5,700 U.S. workers found people confessing to all sorts of questionable behavior at the office. Here are some of the top workplace taboos they admitted to:


1. Falling asleep at work (45 percent)
Need a personal barista to help you stay awake at work? Snoozing on the job looks downright unprofessional and is generally not appreciated by employers.

If you find yourself drifting off on a regular basis, it may mean that you need a more stimulating and engaging career. Take a free career test to find your ideal job.


2. Kissing a coworker (39 percent)
This number shouldn't come as a big surprise to anyone who has spent time in an office setting. According to a Valentine's Day survey of more than 8,000 workers, 40 percent have dated a coworker--about the same number that have kissed.


3. Stealing from the office (22 percent)
Ever wonder where people get the office supplies they use at home? Chances are pretty good they pilfer at least some of them from work. While the Harris survey indicates that only about one-fifth of workers take office supplies, an OfficeMax Workplace Uncovered survey reveals what's probably closer to the truth: a whopping 56 percent of workers confessed to taking office supplies home. Top items were pens, pencils, and highlighters.


4. Taking credit for someone else's work (2 percent)
Stealing pencils from the office is one thing. Stealing ideas from a colleague and passing them off as your own is quite another. Only 2 percent of employees in the Harris survey admitted doing this. But in a survey by OfficeTeam, nearly 30 percent of workers say they've had their ideas stolen at work. (The huge gulf between the figures may be because this is a pretty hard taboo to admit; it's easier to talk about when you're the victim.) Keeping your supervisor informed of your ideas and your progress is good preventative medicine, say career experts.


5. Spreading a rumor about a coworker (22 percent)
While some office gossip is relatively harmless, spreading a rumor can be damaging not only to the subject but also to the rumor-monger. In addition to making you seem untrustworthy or downright devious, spreading rumors can even lead to a lawsuit. Whether you publish a falsehood verbally, in writing, or on the Internet, you could end up faceing a pricey defamation suit.


6. Consuming alcoholic beverages while on the job (21 percent)
There was a time when keeping a bottle in your desk drawer was almost de rigueur in some professions. (Just watch any episode of "Mad Men.") Now most companies have a zero-tolerance policy for tippling in the office.

Still, more than one-fifth of the Harris survey respondents said they'd enjoyed booze while on the job. A recent TV news investigation found that drinking on the job was all too common among some New York City construction workers. One worker they witnessed knocked back six cocktails in 30 minutes!


7. Snooping (18 percent)
While it's legal for many managers to access employees' company emails and instant messages, not all office snoopers go through legitimate channels. Nearly one-fifth of survey respondents said they'd snooped around the office after hours.

The best way to foil these snoops? Log off your computer when you're not there, change passwords frequently, have a clean-desk policy so there's nothing to find, and use a paper shredder for anything you'd like to keep from prying eyes.


8. Lying about an academic background (4 percent)
It seems every time you turn around there's another story in the news about a power player tumbling off the corporate or academic ladder because of lying about education on a resume. Just recently a top Texas A&M University official resigned after it was revealed that he didn't have the doctorate his resume listed and that he hadn't been a Navy Seal.

If you are concerned that you don't have enough education to meet your career goals, earning a real degree is a far better bet than lying about one on your resume. Take an education test to find out if more schooling could help you to advance your career.

And don't be tempted to lie on your resume. Experts say at some point it will probably catch up with you. Instead use a resume builder for help creating an accurate, impressive resume that gets results.

Job , Jobs , Employment

How to End a Job Interview

The right closing can seal the deal and land the job.

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs



In preparing for a job interview, you've probably practiced a firm (but not too firm) handshake, rehearsed answers to tough questions about your background, and polished up your lucky interview shoes. But many job hunters overlook a crucial part of the interview process: the very end.

(Want tips on answering the trickiest interview questions? Read interview advice from career expert Liz Ryan.)

As you finish an interview, you have one last chance to sell the interviewer on your skills--and get the information you need in order to follow up. Experts offer these tips for successfully closing an interview:

Don't leave empty-handed. To be sure you can follow up later, don't leave the interview without getting the names, titles, and contact information of everyone you met. This includes people you may dismiss as unimportant. "You don't know who has pull," says Laura DeCarlo, president of Career Directors International, a global professional association of resume writers and career coaches.

Know the next steps. You should also ask what the next steps are in the process: Will the most-promising candidates be called back for another interview? Is the company about to make a hiring decision? How soon does the hiring manager expect to move to this next step?



"It's totally appropriate for a candidate to ask this," says Peggy McKee, founder of career-confidential.com.

Lay the groundwork for a follow-up. Once the interviewer explains how the process will unfold, DeCarlo explains, "you say, 'Thank you. Is it OK if I call you if I haven't heard from you?'" Although you don't need the interviewer's permission to follow up, having the interviewer say it's OK will likely make you less apprehensive if doing so becomes necessary.

Close the sale. After you thank the interviewer and briefly summarize why you think you're a good fit for the job, McKee suggests asking straight out, "Based on this interview, do you feel that I could be successful in this position? Will you move me forward in the interview process?"

A positive response doesn't mean you're guaranteed to get the job. But the interviewer will likely remember you as a stronger candidate. "When you answer yes, you cross a line mentally," McKee says.

What if the interviewer expresses reservations? "That's the big fear," McKee says. But even though it may be disappointing, it's better to know. "This is your only really strong opportunity to find out what her objections are, so you can overcome those objections."

For example, if the interviewer says you lack experience in a particular area, you may realize that didn't emphasize your relevant experience enough. You can now clarify, either on the spot or in a follow-up letter.

You may get a noncommittal answer--the interviewer may say simply that there are more candidates to interview, for example. If that happens, use this as an opportunity to ask for more information about how the hiring process will play out.

Remember the details. Your thank-you notes will be more effective if you can mention specifics about your interviews. The best way to do this, DeCarlo says, is to write down everything you remember--good and bad--as soon as you can after the interview.


Job , Jobs , Employment

How to End a Job Interview

The right closing can seal the deal and land the job.

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs



In preparing for a job interview, you've probably practiced a firm (but not too firm) handshake, rehearsed answers to tough questions about your background, and polished up your lucky interview shoes. But many job hunters overlook a crucial part of the interview process: the very end.

(Want tips on answering the trickiest interview questions? Read interview advice from career expert Liz Ryan.)

As you finish an interview, you have one last chance to sell the interviewer on your skills--and get the information you need in order to follow up. Experts offer these tips for successfully closing an interview:

Don't leave empty-handed. To be sure you can follow up later, don't leave the interview without getting the names, titles, and contact information of everyone you met. This includes people you may dismiss as unimportant. "You don't know who has pull," says Laura DeCarlo, president of Career Directors International, a global professional association of resume writers and career coaches.

Know the next steps. You should also ask what the next steps are in the process: Will the most-promising candidates be called back for another interview? Is the company about to make a hiring decision? How soon does the hiring manager expect to move to this next step?



"It's totally appropriate for a candidate to ask this," says Peggy McKee, founder of career-confidential.com.

Lay the groundwork for a follow-up. Once the interviewer explains how the process will unfold, DeCarlo explains, "you say, 'Thank you. Is it OK if I call you if I haven't heard from you?'" Although you don't need the interviewer's permission to follow up, having the interviewer say it's OK will likely make you less apprehensive if doing so becomes necessary.

Close the sale. After you thank the interviewer and briefly summarize why you think you're a good fit for the job, McKee suggests asking straight out, "Based on this interview, do you feel that I could be successful in this position? Will you move me forward in the interview process?"

A positive response doesn't mean you're guaranteed to get the job. But the interviewer will likely remember you as a stronger candidate. "When you answer yes, you cross a line mentally," McKee says.

What if the interviewer expresses reservations? "That's the big fear," McKee says. But even though it may be disappointing, it's better to know. "This is your only really strong opportunity to find out what her objections are, so you can overcome those objections."

For example, if the interviewer says you lack experience in a particular area, you may realize that didn't emphasize your relevant experience enough. You can now clarify, either on the spot or in a follow-up letter.

You may get a noncommittal answer--the interviewer may say simply that there are more candidates to interview, for example. If that happens, use this as an opportunity to ask for more information about how the hiring process will play out.

Remember the details. Your thank-you notes will be more effective if you can mention specifics about your interviews. The best way to do this, DeCarlo says, is to write down everything you remember--good and bad--as soon as you can after the interview.


Job , Jobs , Employment

Just Say No

by Eileen Habelow, for www.123Movers.com

Telling your boss that you can't take on a new responsibility or a new project can be tough. Most of us have a hard time saying no in these situations, even when we know that saying yes will mean we're stretched so thin that our work will suffer (not to mention our personal lives).

The simple fact is, there's a limit to how much one person can do. If you feel that you've reached your limit and your boss still wants to pile the work on, Eileen Habelow, senior vice president of career development at Randstad, has suggestions on how (and when) to say no.


Weigh your decision (and pick your battles wisely).
Whether it's a project you're being asked to take on or a decision you're being asked to implement, make sure it's something you should say no to. Consider the potential impact or consequences of the decision or project. Make sure that you understand what happens if you say no--is it a project that someone else will have to take on? Does your boss have options? Step your boss through your decision-making process and bring him or her along the path that led to your no decision.

It's important to fully consider how you might get the project done before you respond to your boss. Think it through--what would prevent you from accomplishing what you need to do? What additional resources might make it possible for you to say yes to the request? Do you know where this project fits within the bigger picture or the strategy of your team or company? Is it an opportunity for you to contribute positively? Do you need support in shifting projects so you can work on the current request? Do you know why your boss picked you? It could be a great opportunity for you.


Do you disagree with a decision or plan of action?
What are the pros and cons of implementing the boss's plan of action? When you approach the boss with your decision, make sure to stay focused on the potential consequences, both positive and negative. For instance, are there legal risks? Would the decision put your reputation, or your boss's or your company's, at risk? Have you thought of a risk that is too big to ignore? Share it with your boss. Again, step him or her through the decision-making process--share your ideas openly. It might be tough to say no to your boss, but it would be worse to have a danger you considered become a reality.


Say no in the right way.
When saying no is appropriate, it's important to think about how to deliver that message to your boss. Stick to the decision-making process and factors you considered in deciding that no was the best answer. Present the facts, and allow your boss to consider your main points. If you've presented well-reasoned ideas, you might find that your boss comes to the same conclusion you did.

Avoid phrases like "I don't want to" and "I don't think" when saying no. If you feel strongly about the no, calmly explain what you perceive as the situation's pros and cons. Finally, don't make it about you, make it about the work.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Just Say No

by Eileen Habelow, for www.123Movers.com

Telling your boss that you can't take on a new responsibility or a new project can be tough. Most of us have a hard time saying no in these situations, even when we know that saying yes will mean we're stretched so thin that our work will suffer (not to mention our personal lives).

The simple fact is, there's a limit to how much one person can do. If you feel that you've reached your limit and your boss still wants to pile the work on, Eileen Habelow, senior vice president of career development at Randstad, has suggestions on how (and when) to say no.


Weigh your decision (and pick your battles wisely).
Whether it's a project you're being asked to take on or a decision you're being asked to implement, make sure it's something you should say no to. Consider the potential impact or consequences of the decision or project. Make sure that you understand what happens if you say no--is it a project that someone else will have to take on? Does your boss have options? Step your boss through your decision-making process and bring him or her along the path that led to your no decision.

It's important to fully consider how you might get the project done before you respond to your boss. Think it through--what would prevent you from accomplishing what you need to do? What additional resources might make it possible for you to say yes to the request? Do you know where this project fits within the bigger picture or the strategy of your team or company? Is it an opportunity for you to contribute positively? Do you need support in shifting projects so you can work on the current request? Do you know why your boss picked you? It could be a great opportunity for you.


Do you disagree with a decision or plan of action?
What are the pros and cons of implementing the boss's plan of action? When you approach the boss with your decision, make sure to stay focused on the potential consequences, both positive and negative. For instance, are there legal risks? Would the decision put your reputation, or your boss's or your company's, at risk? Have you thought of a risk that is too big to ignore? Share it with your boss. Again, step him or her through the decision-making process--share your ideas openly. It might be tough to say no to your boss, but it would be worse to have a danger you considered become a reality.


Say no in the right way.
When saying no is appropriate, it's important to think about how to deliver that message to your boss. Stick to the decision-making process and factors you considered in deciding that no was the best answer. Present the facts, and allow your boss to consider your main points. If you've presented well-reasoned ideas, you might find that your boss comes to the same conclusion you did.

Avoid phrases like "I don't want to" and "I don't think" when saying no. If you feel strongly about the no, calmly explain what you perceive as the situation's pros and cons. Finally, don't make it about you, make it about the work.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

25 Hot Careers That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago

by JoVon Sotak, FindtheRightSchool.com


What did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut? Movie star? Superhero? Whatever made your list, green marketer probably wasn't on it--but that job may be on the lists of today's youngsters.

Here's a list of emerging careers that you (and your inner child) can get excited about. You couldn't have daydreamed about any of these jobs when you were a child--because they didn't exist then. In fact, they're so new that, although they're starting to be recognized, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet have data on them. If you've been looking for a new dream job or haven't decided what you want to be when you "grow up," these are 25 new options.


Business
A specialized business degree can help you obtain the skills you need to work in one of these professions.

1. Business continuity specialists plan and implement recovery solutions to keep businesses functioning during disasters and emergency situations.

2. Electronic commerce specialists analyze online buyers' preferences and handle online sales strategies, including marketing, advertising, and website design.

3. Social media managers/strategists use social technologies like Facebook to reach out to customers, and they build social networks within companies.

4. Virtual concierges provide professional concierge services--for business or personal needs--with the convenience of being just an email away.

5. User experience analysts collect data on website usage and provide insight about users' experiences by using psychological, computer-science, and industrial-design knowledge to test theories and draw conclusions.


Communications
Rising numbers of college communications programs are offering instruction that can lead to one of these cutting-edge jobs.

1. Bloggers research and write blog content for news websites, public and private corporations, government offices, and many other organizations with blogs.

2. Content managers develop strategies for creating, updating, and organizing Web content, typically with the goal of attracting new visitors.

3. Online political campaign managers develop and manage strategies for using Internet and social technologies to help politicians get elected.

4. Video journalists design and produce online videos that document information, news, and events.


Education
Start with an education degree program, and then take specialized classes to launch one of these careers.

1. Athletic compliance coordinators ensure that athletic programs receiving government funding meet government regulations.

2. Adaptive physical education specialists help people with disabilities participate in physical education programs and activities.

3. Distance learning coordinators schedule courses and coordinate distance learning programs.

4. Home-school liaisons establish and manage partnerships between parents and schools.

5. School diagnosticians assess and diagnose the learning problems of students.


Environment
Depending on your interest, you may need a degree in environmental science or business for one of these jobs.

1. Carbon credit traders handle the purchase and sale of carbon-emissions permits for companies.

2. Environmental economists measure the benefits and potential drawbacks of renewable energy and other environmental alternatives.

3. Environmental restoration planners work with scientific staff to implement plans that reverse environmental damage.

4. Green marketers promote green products and services.

5. Recycling coordinators administer drop-off and curbside recycling programs with government and waste-disposal agencies.


Energy
Requirements for one of these jobs may run the gamut from on-the-job training to a specialized engineering or business bachelor's or master's degree.

1. Biofuels/biodiesel product development managers plan and execute research programs that evaluate alternative biofuels/biodiesel technologies.

2. Biomass plant technicians monitor biomass plant activities (biomass is biological matter that can be turned into a renewable energy source).

3. Energy auditors inspect buildings and systems to maximize energy efficiency and cut energy costs.

4. Energy brokers buy and sell energy for customers.

5. Fuel cell engineers design and build fuel cell systems for all types of devices, including cars and phones.

6. Methane/landfill gas collection system operators run the day-to-day business of landfill gas projects, including compliance and reporting requirements.

The best part of dreaming about careers as a kid was the sense of wonder and excitement--the belief that you would have a job that was on the cutting edge of discovery. Your future career was going to be thrilling! With a bit of career training to prepare you for any of these 25 emerging careers, it still can be.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

25 Hot Careers That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago

by JoVon Sotak, FindtheRightSchool.com


What did you want to be when you grew up? Astronaut? Movie star? Superhero? Whatever made your list, green marketer probably wasn't on it--but that job may be on the lists of today's youngsters.

Here's a list of emerging careers that you (and your inner child) can get excited about. You couldn't have daydreamed about any of these jobs when you were a child--because they didn't exist then. In fact, they're so new that, although they're starting to be recognized, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't yet have data on them. If you've been looking for a new dream job or haven't decided what you want to be when you "grow up," these are 25 new options.


Business
A specialized business degree can help you obtain the skills you need to work in one of these professions.

1. Business continuity specialists plan and implement recovery solutions to keep businesses functioning during disasters and emergency situations.

2. Electronic commerce specialists analyze online buyers' preferences and handle online sales strategies, including marketing, advertising, and website design.

3. Social media managers/strategists use social technologies like Facebook to reach out to customers, and they build social networks within companies.

4. Virtual concierges provide professional concierge services--for business or personal needs--with the convenience of being just an email away.

5. User experience analysts collect data on website usage and provide insight about users' experiences by using psychological, computer-science, and industrial-design knowledge to test theories and draw conclusions.


Communications
Rising numbers of college communications programs are offering instruction that can lead to one of these cutting-edge jobs.

1. Bloggers research and write blog content for news websites, public and private corporations, government offices, and many other organizations with blogs.

2. Content managers develop strategies for creating, updating, and organizing Web content, typically with the goal of attracting new visitors.

3. Online political campaign managers develop and manage strategies for using Internet and social technologies to help politicians get elected.

4. Video journalists design and produce online videos that document information, news, and events.


Education
Start with an education degree program, and then take specialized classes to launch one of these careers.

1. Athletic compliance coordinators ensure that athletic programs receiving government funding meet government regulations.

2. Adaptive physical education specialists help people with disabilities participate in physical education programs and activities.

3. Distance learning coordinators schedule courses and coordinate distance learning programs.

4. Home-school liaisons establish and manage partnerships between parents and schools.

5. School diagnosticians assess and diagnose the learning problems of students.


Environment
Depending on your interest, you may need a degree in environmental science or business for one of these jobs.

1. Carbon credit traders handle the purchase and sale of carbon-emissions permits for companies.

2. Environmental economists measure the benefits and potential drawbacks of renewable energy and other environmental alternatives.

3. Environmental restoration planners work with scientific staff to implement plans that reverse environmental damage.

4. Green marketers promote green products and services.

5. Recycling coordinators administer drop-off and curbside recycling programs with government and waste-disposal agencies.


Energy
Requirements for one of these jobs may run the gamut from on-the-job training to a specialized engineering or business bachelor's or master's degree.

1. Biofuels/biodiesel product development managers plan and execute research programs that evaluate alternative biofuels/biodiesel technologies.

2. Biomass plant technicians monitor biomass plant activities (biomass is biological matter that can be turned into a renewable energy source).

3. Energy auditors inspect buildings and systems to maximize energy efficiency and cut energy costs.

4. Energy brokers buy and sell energy for customers.

5. Fuel cell engineers design and build fuel cell systems for all types of devices, including cars and phones.

6. Methane/landfill gas collection system operators run the day-to-day business of landfill gas projects, including compliance and reporting requirements.

The best part of dreaming about careers as a kid was the sense of wonder and excitement--the belief that you would have a job that was on the cutting edge of discovery. Your future career was going to be thrilling! With a bit of career training to prepare you for any of these 25 emerging careers, it still can be.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

How Technology Makes Work More Annoying

10 of the worst workplace tech trends

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


New technology has brought some great new workplace trends: telecommuting and free company iPhones, for instance. But new technology has also ushered in some annoying (and productivity-destroying) workplace trends--in all industries.

These are among the most aggravating:

Your boss asking you to be friends on Facebook
"It's a little awkward," says computer engineer Daphne Schaeffer. "You can't exactly ignore the boss, but you don't want them knowing what you did on Friday or who you did it with."


Having to "friend" every business you associate with
"It's gotten ridiculous," says attorney Shane Fischer.

Forgetting how to talk
Publicist Tajiana Ancora-Brown has seen a worsening of in-person and on-the-phone communication. "It's unbelievable when someone who sits two desks away from you sends you numerous emails about things that could be worked out in a two-minute conversation instead of an email exchange lasting the entire afternoon."

Sending an IM to say you're sending an email
"When did we decide that we needed one technology to announce another technology?" asks Kristin Pitarys, of the Arizona Cheesecake Company.

Not checking voicemail
Wonder why you haven't heard a peep after leaving that really detailed voicemail message? It may be because the recipient rarely picks up voicemail. "It's one of those 'out of sight, out of mind' things. Email and texts are a lot more in your face," says Internet consultant Mark Warren, who admits he is "totally one of those people."

Checking voice mail for all to hear
Many people who do still check voice messages are more prone to letting the world hear them, too. "I can't tell you how many times I've had to listen to people listening to their voicemail messages on speaker phone," says Eula Young, of Griot's Roll Film Production.

CC-ing the world on email messages
"Why am I being copied on this? Am I supposed to take action on this? Just be aware of it? Huh?" asks Ellen Daehnick, of b-spoke group, a management consulting business.

Tweeting the day away
Barry Maher, the author of "Filling the Glass," points to the trend of "people who constantly interrupt their work to tweet and be tweeted." He adds, "One client claimed it had cost his company thousands of dollars in lost productivity."

Texting during meetings
It's been going on for a while and doesn't show any sign of letting up. "And these are grownups, not just 20-somethings. And they get mad if you call them on their insanely rude behavior," says technology consultant Gabriel Goldberg.

Never really getting a vacation
Many supervisors and clients expect workers with time off to stay in touch via email, texting, and even social networking. "That pretty much defeats the entire purpose of leaving work behind while vacationing," says Steven Spenser, of Praxis Communication.

Publicist Marli McCleary feels his pain. "There's nothing like a client calling you when you're at the craps table in Vegas or in aisle 10 at the grocery store with your kids."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

How Technology Makes Work More Annoying

10 of the worst workplace tech trends

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer


New technology has brought some great new workplace trends: telecommuting and free company iPhones, for instance. But new technology has also ushered in some annoying (and productivity-destroying) workplace trends--in all industries.

These are among the most aggravating:

Your boss asking you to be friends on Facebook
"It's a little awkward," says computer engineer Daphne Schaeffer. "You can't exactly ignore the boss, but you don't want them knowing what you did on Friday or who you did it with."


Having to "friend" every business you associate with
"It's gotten ridiculous," says attorney Shane Fischer.

Forgetting how to talk
Publicist Tajiana Ancora-Brown has seen a worsening of in-person and on-the-phone communication. "It's unbelievable when someone who sits two desks away from you sends you numerous emails about things that could be worked out in a two-minute conversation instead of an email exchange lasting the entire afternoon."

Sending an IM to say you're sending an email
"When did we decide that we needed one technology to announce another technology?" asks Kristin Pitarys, of the Arizona Cheesecake Company.

Not checking voicemail
Wonder why you haven't heard a peep after leaving that really detailed voicemail message? It may be because the recipient rarely picks up voicemail. "It's one of those 'out of sight, out of mind' things. Email and texts are a lot more in your face," says Internet consultant Mark Warren, who admits he is "totally one of those people."

Checking voice mail for all to hear
Many people who do still check voice messages are more prone to letting the world hear them, too. "I can't tell you how many times I've had to listen to people listening to their voicemail messages on speaker phone," says Eula Young, of Griot's Roll Film Production.

CC-ing the world on email messages
"Why am I being copied on this? Am I supposed to take action on this? Just be aware of it? Huh?" asks Ellen Daehnick, of b-spoke group, a management consulting business.

Tweeting the day away
Barry Maher, the author of "Filling the Glass," points to the trend of "people who constantly interrupt their work to tweet and be tweeted." He adds, "One client claimed it had cost his company thousands of dollars in lost productivity."

Texting during meetings
It's been going on for a while and doesn't show any sign of letting up. "And these are grownups, not just 20-somethings. And they get mad if you call them on their insanely rude behavior," says technology consultant Gabriel Goldberg.

Never really getting a vacation
Many supervisors and clients expect workers with time off to stay in touch via email, texting, and even social networking. "That pretty much defeats the entire purpose of leaving work behind while vacationing," says Steven Spenser, of Praxis Communication.

Publicist Marli McCleary feels his pain. "There's nothing like a client calling you when you're at the craps table in Vegas or in aisle 10 at the grocery store with your kids."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

The World's Dirtiest Jobs

They may be dirty jobs, but someone has to do them!

by Shannon Dauphin, FindtheRightSchool.com

Would you prefer a job in a clean, air-conditioned office, or would you like to jump into a job that requires heavy protective gear and working in downright filthy conditions? Most people would choose the former, but others have found great satisfaction and success in so-called dirty jobs (though, of course, not everyone who has a dirty job has one by choice--many dirty jobs are also dangerous and low-paying).

Here are some of the world's dirtiest jobs:

Wastewater-Treatment Technician
Do you ever wonder where all the water you use goes at the end of the day? Every time you flush a toilet or run the dishwasher, that water heads through a series of pipes and ends up at a wastewater-treatment plant. Wastewater-treatment technicians then work to remove pollutants from the water before it's released back into streams, rivers, and oceans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wastewater-treatment technicians earned a median annual wage of $39,850 in 2009.

Dung Curator
According to Popular Science magazine, the members of the Quarternary Paleontology team from Northern Arizona University have one of the ten worst jobs in science. These folks curate "the largest collection of excrement in the world." The job also entails collecting these special treasures from zoos and archaeological digs. The reason for doing this? To research DNA, plant matter in the dung, and climate.

Cave Biologist
Does the thought of crawling around in a dark, enclosed, and damp space sound like a good time? Maybe not, but when you throw in the wonders that can be found in underground caverns, from the interesting colonies of bats to the amazing eyeless fish in dark waters, you might start to see the appeal of working as a cave biologist. Biological scientists enjoy annual salaries of $66,510, according to BLS reports.

Crime-Scene Cleanup
Dealing with the aftermath of violent crimes and accidents is not something that most relatives and friends of lost loved ones can handle. That's where crime-scene cleanup crews come in. They sweep in after investigators are done with a crime scene and do their best to return it to its original condition.

Disaster Cleanup
Major disasters leave a lot of debris in their wake. From tornadoes that rip open homes and throw insulation everywhere, to floods that can leave several feet of brown mud when the water recedes, natural disasters can lead to messy and even dangerous cleanup jobs.

Garbage Collector
You know how you hate taking out the trash? Imagine doing it eight hours a day, week in and week out. This is the job of the garbage collector. These guys and gals must work in all sorts of weather (and in many municipalities, garbage collection happens year-round--even on major holidays). Wages vary greatly, but the median hourly pay for a garbage collector with five years of experience is around $20 in many states, according to PayScale.com's salary calculator.

Hospital Laundry Employee
Rotting food and bodily waste are the least of a hospital launderer's worries. Hospital linens often come straight to the laundry after being scooped up from the operating room or hospital beds. Hazardous fluids and even dangerous medical instruments and needles may be mixed in with the laundry.

Kitchen-Exhaust Cleaner
Commercial kitchens get cruddy and gunked up with grease. If the grease isn't cleaned, fires and unhappy health inspectors can result. Caustic chemicals, pressure washers, or sometimes a combination of both are used in cleaning, and gunk must sometimes be scraped off before washing begins. The stuff that comes off is so unpleasant that it can't be washed down a drain. It must be hauled away.

Poultry Processor
Gizzards and guts and offal, oh, my! While it's pretty easy to imagine that any job location where animals are being changed into food might not be the cleanest place in town, poultry processors have it worse than most. On top of being filthy, the work is achingly repetitive, and injuries are common.

Zookeeper
This is a job many kids have aspired to--and let's face it, zookeeping is pretty cool. Where there are animals, however, there's usually a mess. Exhibit and living areas must be kept clean of debris and waste. Mike Rowe, star of the reality TV show "Dirty Jobs," compares it to cleaning a cougar-sized cat-litter box. Animals must also be fed. If you work with aquatic animals, for example, you may end up knee-deep in fish guts. This job, which pays $19,550 per year, can be highly competitive, despite the low pay and dirty work.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

The World's Dirtiest Jobs

They may be dirty jobs, but someone has to do them!

by Shannon Dauphin, FindtheRightSchool.com

Would you prefer a job in a clean, air-conditioned office, or would you like to jump into a job that requires heavy protective gear and working in downright filthy conditions? Most people would choose the former, but others have found great satisfaction and success in so-called dirty jobs (though, of course, not everyone who has a dirty job has one by choice--many dirty jobs are also dangerous and low-paying).

Here are some of the world's dirtiest jobs:

Wastewater-Treatment Technician
Do you ever wonder where all the water you use goes at the end of the day? Every time you flush a toilet or run the dishwasher, that water heads through a series of pipes and ends up at a wastewater-treatment plant. Wastewater-treatment technicians then work to remove pollutants from the water before it's released back into streams, rivers, and oceans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wastewater-treatment technicians earned a median annual wage of $39,850 in 2009.

Dung Curator
According to Popular Science magazine, the members of the Quarternary Paleontology team from Northern Arizona University have one of the ten worst jobs in science. These folks curate "the largest collection of excrement in the world." The job also entails collecting these special treasures from zoos and archaeological digs. The reason for doing this? To research DNA, plant matter in the dung, and climate.

Cave Biologist
Does the thought of crawling around in a dark, enclosed, and damp space sound like a good time? Maybe not, but when you throw in the wonders that can be found in underground caverns, from the interesting colonies of bats to the amazing eyeless fish in dark waters, you might start to see the appeal of working as a cave biologist. Biological scientists enjoy annual salaries of $66,510, according to BLS reports.

Crime-Scene Cleanup
Dealing with the aftermath of violent crimes and accidents is not something that most relatives and friends of lost loved ones can handle. That's where crime-scene cleanup crews come in. They sweep in after investigators are done with a crime scene and do their best to return it to its original condition.

Disaster Cleanup
Major disasters leave a lot of debris in their wake. From tornadoes that rip open homes and throw insulation everywhere, to floods that can leave several feet of brown mud when the water recedes, natural disasters can lead to messy and even dangerous cleanup jobs.

Garbage Collector
You know how you hate taking out the trash? Imagine doing it eight hours a day, week in and week out. This is the job of the garbage collector. These guys and gals must work in all sorts of weather (and in many municipalities, garbage collection happens year-round--even on major holidays). Wages vary greatly, but the median hourly pay for a garbage collector with five years of experience is around $20 in many states, according to PayScale.com's salary calculator.

Hospital Laundry Employee
Rotting food and bodily waste are the least of a hospital launderer's worries. Hospital linens often come straight to the laundry after being scooped up from the operating room or hospital beds. Hazardous fluids and even dangerous medical instruments and needles may be mixed in with the laundry.

Kitchen-Exhaust Cleaner
Commercial kitchens get cruddy and gunked up with grease. If the grease isn't cleaned, fires and unhappy health inspectors can result. Caustic chemicals, pressure washers, or sometimes a combination of both are used in cleaning, and gunk must sometimes be scraped off before washing begins. The stuff that comes off is so unpleasant that it can't be washed down a drain. It must be hauled away.

Poultry Processor
Gizzards and guts and offal, oh, my! While it's pretty easy to imagine that any job location where animals are being changed into food might not be the cleanest place in town, poultry processors have it worse than most. On top of being filthy, the work is achingly repetitive, and injuries are common.

Zookeeper
This is a job many kids have aspired to--and let's face it, zookeeping is pretty cool. Where there are animals, however, there's usually a mess. Exhibit and living areas must be kept clean of debris and waste. Mike Rowe, star of the reality TV show "Dirty Jobs," compares it to cleaning a cougar-sized cat-litter box. Animals must also be fed. If you work with aquatic animals, for example, you may end up knee-deep in fish guts. This job, which pays $19,550 per year, can be highly competitive, despite the low pay and dirty work.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Team Activities at Work

By Aastha Dogra

Have you ever thought as to why do organizations today emphasize so much on team work? Why is it that along with individual targets, there are team targets given to be achieved as well? The simple logic behind this is that in any organization, there are three kinds of employees, i.e high performers, average performers and below average performers. If teams are formed with a mix of all these three categories, then there are better chances of targets being met and productivity increasing. As the old saying goes, a "TEAM" is "Together Everyone Achieves More". Read more on teamwork.

Organizations today rely on a number of things to build team spirit among their employees. They hold seminars, conduct events and even have their employees participate in a number of team building games, to make them feel bonded and part of a group. Such team activities at work go a long way in breaking the ice between the employees, helping them to know each other personally, understanding their communication and working style and thus, contributing immensely to a better working environment. Read more on team building.

Fun Team Activities at Work

Games

Games are perhaps the most effective of team building exercises. They not only teach the employees a lot of lessons about team work, but they can be lots of fun and serve as perfect ice breaker activities for team building.

Know Each-other Game: This game has to be played in pairs of two so divide the employees accordingly. For this, both the participants should be given ten minutes to know as much as they can about each others life. After that all the employees assemble in a hall. Now, each pair has to come up on the stage and introduce their partner to all of the other employees. Read more on icebreakers for meetings.

Make Your Own Game: This game can be played in smaller as well as larger groups. To play this game, simply divide the employees into teams and give them full freedom to design any activity or game of their choice, which they will afterward present in front of all the other employees. This is an open ended game which requires lots of communication as well as co-operation on the part of the team members. While designing the game, people in the group will automatically assume different roles such as one will be the leader, another will be the facilitator, and another will be the follower and so on.

Events

Organizing special events once in a while is another of the team activities at work which brings people closer. An organization can have unique events like "Karaoke Lunch" or even simple celebration of birthdays of their employees, where employees can interact and get to know each other personally. Having theme days such as "Red Clothes Day" where everyone comes dressed in red or, a "Hawaiian Day", where everybody comes dressed in casual tees and shorts, is another team activity at work, where people can have fun together and enjoy each others company. Read more on team bonding activities.

Seminars

Conducting seminars on topics such as importance of teamwork in business and giving the employees practical advice on how to handle different situations at the workplace when working in teams, will help immensely in better communication among the employees. During these seminars, training should be provided to the employees, both managers and subordinates, on how to work together, listen to each others opinion patiently, understand each others expectations, etc. so that they can work together efficiently and productively in teams.

Team activities at work should be conducted on a regular basis as working together in teams has a lot of advantages. Teamwork leads to proper division of work and specialization of work too, where work is assigned to a person in accordance to his skills and experience. This leads to increased output as well as job satisfaction, both of which contribute immensely to targets being met and high quality output, resulting in goodwill generation for the business.

Job Info , Jobs , Employment

Team Activities at Work

By Aastha Dogra

Have you ever thought as to why do organizations today emphasize so much on team work? Why is it that along with individual targets, there are team targets given to be achieved as well? The simple logic behind this is that in any organization, there are three kinds of employees, i.e high performers, average performers and below average performers. If teams are formed with a mix of all these three categories, then there are better chances of targets being met and productivity increasing. As the old saying goes, a "TEAM" is "Together Everyone Achieves More". Read more on teamwork.

Organizations today rely on a number of things to build team spirit among their employees. They hold seminars, conduct events and even have their employees participate in a number of team building games, to make them feel bonded and part of a group. Such team activities at work go a long way in breaking the ice between the employees, helping them to know each other personally, understanding their communication and working style and thus, contributing immensely to a better working environment. Read more on team building.

Fun Team Activities at Work

Games

Games are perhaps the most effective of team building exercises. They not only teach the employees a lot of lessons about team work, but they can be lots of fun and serve as perfect ice breaker activities for team building.

Know Each-other Game: This game has to be played in pairs of two so divide the employees accordingly. For this, both the participants should be given ten minutes to know as much as they can about each others life. After that all the employees assemble in a hall. Now, each pair has to come up on the stage and introduce their partner to all of the other employees. Read more on icebreakers for meetings.

Make Your Own Game: This game can be played in smaller as well as larger groups. To play this game, simply divide the employees into teams and give them full freedom to design any activity or game of their choice, which they will afterward present in front of all the other employees. This is an open ended game which requires lots of communication as well as co-operation on the part of the team members. While designing the game, people in the group will automatically assume different roles such as one will be the leader, another will be the facilitator, and another will be the follower and so on.

Events

Organizing special events once in a while is another of the team activities at work which brings people closer. An organization can have unique events like "Karaoke Lunch" or even simple celebration of birthdays of their employees, where employees can interact and get to know each other personally. Having theme days such as "Red Clothes Day" where everyone comes dressed in red or, a "Hawaiian Day", where everybody comes dressed in casual tees and shorts, is another team activity at work, where people can have fun together and enjoy each others company. Read more on team bonding activities.

Seminars

Conducting seminars on topics such as importance of teamwork in business and giving the employees practical advice on how to handle different situations at the workplace when working in teams, will help immensely in better communication among the employees. During these seminars, training should be provided to the employees, both managers and subordinates, on how to work together, listen to each others opinion patiently, understand each others expectations, etc. so that they can work together efficiently and productively in teams.

Team activities at work should be conducted on a regular basis as working together in teams has a lot of advantages. Teamwork leads to proper division of work and specialization of work too, where work is assigned to a person in accordance to his skills and experience. This leads to increased output as well as job satisfaction, both of which contribute immensely to targets being met and high quality output, resulting in goodwill generation for the business.

Job Info , Jobs , Employment

LinkedIn

By Tamara Dowling, CPRW


What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a rapidly growing online system where you post a profile and establish an online network. Have your ever played the six degrees of separation game? The game often proves that two people are separated by a maximum of six connections. If it is true for Kevin Bacon, is it true for you? That's why online social networks are booming. People are proving it is true daily, and building a valuable network and personal brand along the way. A social network, such as LinkedIn, is not a silver bullet or a quick fix. Relationships require trust and time. So, have realistic expectations as you dive into LinkedIn.

As of 3/2008 and according to LinkedIn sources, "more than 20 million professionals are on LinkedIn, including executives from all five hundred of the Fortune 500 companies, as well as a wide range of household names in technology, financial services, media, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, and numerous other industries."


Why LinkedIn?

• Companies use LinkedIn to recruit passive candidates for employment.
• Recruiters use LinkedIn to uncover candidates with particular skills and work experience.
• Your peers and associates are on LinkedIn and sharing vital news that could impact your career.

If you are not on LinkedIn, you are missing opportunities! It is about increasing your visibility, expanding your network, and enhancing the quality of your network.


Getting Started

Visit LinkedIn.com. Explore the site to learn all it has to offer. There are so many resources and tools to enhance your experience. After you join, create a detailed profile, including many things you would find on a résumé: employment highlights, education, industry, associations, and websites. Spend time on your profile, as much as you would on your résumé. It is important to be comprehensive so you attract interest. You must also be truthful so you can build credibility.


Grow your Network

Cultivate a network of trusted associates. As you increase your connections, you will increase your chances of meeting a valuable contact. You have many options and based on your situation, you may determine how selective you want to be with your network. In networking, you must give to receive, so share your advice and resources. Submit recommendations and obtain recommendations. Don't forget to ask for endorsements from former managers.

Please don't wait to contact people when you require help. That can be a "turn off." Build a relationships before you ask for help. You will find people will be more likely to support someone with whom they have an established relationship.

Get creative with your network building. Identify target industries, associations, and companies. Determine if your contacts have a connection. If so, contact them asking for referrals. Soon you'll have a robust network.


Know the Etiquette

Be kind and use general netiquette regarding LinkedIn. The simple rules of givers gain, think long-term not quick score, be trustworthy, and respect the system. It is like traditional networking, only immensely more effective. As you promote, support, and connect with others, you too will gain.

Job Info , Jobs , Career

LinkedIn

By Tamara Dowling, CPRW


What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a rapidly growing online system where you post a profile and establish an online network. Have your ever played the six degrees of separation game? The game often proves that two people are separated by a maximum of six connections. If it is true for Kevin Bacon, is it true for you? That's why online social networks are booming. People are proving it is true daily, and building a valuable network and personal brand along the way. A social network, such as LinkedIn, is not a silver bullet or a quick fix. Relationships require trust and time. So, have realistic expectations as you dive into LinkedIn.

As of 3/2008 and according to LinkedIn sources, "more than 20 million professionals are on LinkedIn, including executives from all five hundred of the Fortune 500 companies, as well as a wide range of household names in technology, financial services, media, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, and numerous other industries."


Why LinkedIn?

• Companies use LinkedIn to recruit passive candidates for employment.
• Recruiters use LinkedIn to uncover candidates with particular skills and work experience.
• Your peers and associates are on LinkedIn and sharing vital news that could impact your career.

If you are not on LinkedIn, you are missing opportunities! It is about increasing your visibility, expanding your network, and enhancing the quality of your network.


Getting Started

Visit LinkedIn.com. Explore the site to learn all it has to offer. There are so many resources and tools to enhance your experience. After you join, create a detailed profile, including many things you would find on a résumé: employment highlights, education, industry, associations, and websites. Spend time on your profile, as much as you would on your résumé. It is important to be comprehensive so you attract interest. You must also be truthful so you can build credibility.


Grow your Network

Cultivate a network of trusted associates. As you increase your connections, you will increase your chances of meeting a valuable contact. You have many options and based on your situation, you may determine how selective you want to be with your network. In networking, you must give to receive, so share your advice and resources. Submit recommendations and obtain recommendations. Don't forget to ask for endorsements from former managers.

Please don't wait to contact people when you require help. That can be a "turn off." Build a relationships before you ask for help. You will find people will be more likely to support someone with whom they have an established relationship.

Get creative with your network building. Identify target industries, associations, and companies. Determine if your contacts have a connection. If so, contact them asking for referrals. Soon you'll have a robust network.


Know the Etiquette

Be kind and use general netiquette regarding LinkedIn. The simple rules of givers gain, think long-term not quick score, be trustworthy, and respect the system. It is like traditional networking, only immensely more effective. As you promote, support, and connect with others, you too will gain.

Job Info , Jobs , Career

Are You a Professional?

Source : Tipsforsuccess. org

How you look, talk, write, act and work determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many businesses accept less-than-good results.

Schools graduate students who cannot read. You can miss 15% of the driving-test answers and still get a driver license. "Just getting by" is an attitude many people accept. But it is the attitude of amateurs.

"Don't ever do anything as though you were an amateur.

"Anything you do, do it as a Professional to Professional standards.

"If you have the idea about anything you do that you just dabble in it, you will wind up with a dabble life. There'll be no satisfaction in it because there will be no real production you can be proud of.

"Develop the frame of mind that whatever you do, you are doing it as a professional and move up to professional standards in it.

"Never let it be said of you that you lived an amateur life.

"Professionals see situations and they handle what they see. They are not amateur dabblers.

"So learn this as a first lesson about life. The only successful beings in any field, including living itself, are those who have a professional viewpoint and make themselves and ARE professionals" — L. Ron Hubbard

A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others’ problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved. An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional.

Are you a professional?

Job Info , Jobs , Career

Are You a Professional?

Source : Tipsforsuccess. org

How you look, talk, write, act and work determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many businesses accept less-than-good results.

Schools graduate students who cannot read. You can miss 15% of the driving-test answers and still get a driver license. "Just getting by" is an attitude many people accept. But it is the attitude of amateurs.

"Don't ever do anything as though you were an amateur.

"Anything you do, do it as a Professional to Professional standards.

"If you have the idea about anything you do that you just dabble in it, you will wind up with a dabble life. There'll be no satisfaction in it because there will be no real production you can be proud of.

"Develop the frame of mind that whatever you do, you are doing it as a professional and move up to professional standards in it.

"Never let it be said of you that you lived an amateur life.

"Professionals see situations and they handle what they see. They are not amateur dabblers.

"So learn this as a first lesson about life. The only successful beings in any field, including living itself, are those who have a professional viewpoint and make themselves and ARE professionals" — L. Ron Hubbard

A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.

A professional remains level-headed and optimistic. An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others’ problems.

A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

A professional persists until the objective is achieved. An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service.

A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional.

Are you a professional?

Job Info , Jobs , Career

Employee Motivation

Source : Motivation123


The #1 Motivation Mistake
Managers around the world are committing a fatal error that is depriving their people and companies of improvement, progress, and success. While very few know of the dilemma, its solution is the most important and powerful principle that any coach or manager will ever learn.

Imagine stepping into an enormous kitchen overflowing with uncooked meals and desserts. All of the necessary ingredients for a countless assortment of dinners are there - you simply have to prepare them.

Now imagine preparing and cooking them in identically the same way. It doesn't matter what meal you are dealing with - you follow one set of instructions without fail.

Perhaps your favorite meal is a thick and juicy hamburger. If you're actually preparing and cooking a hamburger, you're right on track. But what if you're dealing with ice cream sandwiches. How well do you think throwing some ice cream onto a grill would work? Trying to flip it so both side get evenly cooked?


The Greatest Management Mistake
Preparing and cooking ice cream in the same manner as a hamburger would obviously result in failure. You can't treat all ingredients and meals as the same thing - they are all different, requiring different methods and techniques to achieve their particular result.

The greatest management mistake should be painfully clear: many managers treat all employees as the same assortment of ingredients trying to motivate them toward greater success using one cookie-cutter approach.

Just as failure results from throwing ice cream on a grill, so too will a manager fail in inspiring his people if he attempts to do so using a single method.

The people on your team are as different as baked beans and apple pie. They each work from a unique set of motivators, responding to some with excited action and others with boredom or even anger.

It's up to you to discover what drives each one of your team members. What elements excite them? What elements turn them off? It may take a little time and concerted effort on your part, but uncovering the powerful motivators that drive your people will be the best thing you can do for you and your team.

Remember, you may respond to financial rewards or incentives, but that doesn't mean everyone on your team will share your sentiments. Listen to your people. Recognize and utilize their motivators. You are dealing with a wide assortment of ingredients, and following this principle will allow you to prepare each one with amazing success.

Job Info , Jobs , Employment