By: Susan Johnston
For most people, Halloween conjures scary images of witches, goblins, and ghosts. But for many workers, there are other fears lurking in the shadows all year: like the fear of being reprimanded, laid off, or stuck in a dead-end Job. According to Ford R. Myers, president of Career Potential, LLC, and the author of "Get the Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring," "the American workplace is largely driven by fear. Most bosses use fear as a mechanism to control and drive the employee's activity." - Job
Fear #1: What if I get laid off?
Given the unemployment rate, layoffs are a chillingly real possibility for many workers. However, you can cope with that fear by actively building your network. "Regardless of whether you believe you'll be laid off, you should proactively engage in your professional community," says Michael Woodward, PhD, an executive coach and the author of the "The You Plan." "Belong to your professional association or community organizations. ... The difference between those who stay unemployed and those who are quickly able to get back on their feet is that the latter have strong networks."
Fear #2: If I don't get laid off, but others do, will I be able to handle the added responsibilities?
When companies downsize, often the best employees get "rewarded" with more work. This can cause job-performance anxiety, especially if the new tasks are outside your skill set or if you're afraid of adding another project to your to-do list. In this situation, Woodward suggests reaching out to your boss and coworkers for guidance. "Knowledge helps create certainty," he says. "You could wallow in that stress or you could say, 'I need some clarification on a couple of points.' It's an opportunity to broaden your skill set and to make yourself more valuable in the future."
Fear #3: Will I be underemployed forever?
Often younger workers end up in support roles where they may not feel challenged. More-experienced workers can also wind up in this predicament due to a layoff or workforce re-entry. However, thinking ahead to your next position keeps things in perspective when it feels like you're endlessly folding t-shirts or fetching coffee. "The smart person does not just ... do what the boss tells them and nothing more," says Myers. "They should consistently grow their credentials. Step up for the juicier, more challenging assignments. Show up earlier; leave later." Remember, the old model of your boss or human resources managing your career is no longer applicable. It's up to you to determine your next steps.
Fear #4: What if my boss yells at me again?
A boss who yells or criticizes you in front of others can really damage morale, so Myers advises that people be "very, very careful about the culture that they choose." Another thing, he says, "is to be very proactive and clear with your boss when you first get hired about how you establish the relationship and set the right precedent." If you're already in a job with a toxic boss, you can sometimes manage a situation (and prevent future problems) by discussing it in a calm, nonthreatening manner. "Don't bring it up in public and don't point fingers," Myers advises. "Say to your boss, I have a concern about something that happened. I'm not sure what your motivation was. I may have misunderstood, but this was my perception; I'd like to get your take on it."
Boston-based freelance writer Susan Johnston has covered Career and business topics for The Boston Globe, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, WomenEntrepreneur.com, and other publications.
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Re New Your Work In 2011
Sometimes, a job even a pretty good one--can start to feel like it's "going nowhere." But although you may want to advance your career, you may not be in a position to look for a New Job. Maybe you're in an industry where staffing is still tight. Or maybe you just started a new job, and you'd like to put in a few years before moving on. Or maybe you can't take a financial risk right now.
Whatever the case, there are small changes you can make that will boost your Career without giving it a major overhaul. We asked several experts for their tips:
1. Improve relations with your boss.
Your direct supervisor is one of the most important people in your professional life. If that relationship is feeling strained, get back into your boss's good graces by figuring out how to best communicate with him or her, suggests Katherine Reynolds Lewis, a workplace journalist for About.com and the Fiscal Times. "So often, managers have so little time to do the management, so you have to manage up," she says. Ask your supervisor if you can schedule a weekly check-in meeting. Or if your manager is more spontaneous, strike up a conversation and subtly mention your latest accomplishments. "Don't assume that your boss knows when you've done a great Job," urges Lewis.
2. Beat procrastination or lateness.
If you struggle with tardiness or procrastination, then Fearless Career coach Victoria Ashford suggests owning up to the weakness and enlisting coworkers to help you stay accountable. "The biggest hindrance is not having a good support system," she explains. "Tell people, 'This is a problem for me,' and get them to share their techniques." Understanding the consequences can also help. "If you're not there on time, the door gets closed for a meeting," says Ashford, "and the embarrassment of you peeking through the glass reinforces the need to be on time." - Job Vacancy
Whatever the case, there are small changes you can make that will boost your Career without giving it a major overhaul. We asked several experts for their tips:
1. Improve relations with your boss.
Your direct supervisor is one of the most important people in your professional life. If that relationship is feeling strained, get back into your boss's good graces by figuring out how to best communicate with him or her, suggests Katherine Reynolds Lewis, a workplace journalist for About.com and the Fiscal Times. "So often, managers have so little time to do the management, so you have to manage up," she says. Ask your supervisor if you can schedule a weekly check-in meeting. Or if your manager is more spontaneous, strike up a conversation and subtly mention your latest accomplishments. "Don't assume that your boss knows when you've done a great Job," urges Lewis.
2. Beat procrastination or lateness.
If you struggle with tardiness or procrastination, then Fearless Career coach Victoria Ashford suggests owning up to the weakness and enlisting coworkers to help you stay accountable. "The biggest hindrance is not having a good support system," she explains. "Tell people, 'This is a problem for me,' and get them to share their techniques." Understanding the consequences can also help. "If you're not there on time, the door gets closed for a meeting," says Ashford, "and the embarrassment of you peeking through the glass reinforces the need to be on time." - Job Vacancy
5 New Year's Career Resolutions for 2011 !
By: Lydia Dishman
There's just something about opening a calendar for a new year that inspires us to improve our lives. So it's no surprise that New Year's career resolutions often focus on big goals--such as a promotion or a new Job.
And that's why many resolutions get tossed aside by the second week in January, according to Tracy Brisson, founder and CEO of The Opportunities Project. "We get overwhelmed when we realize that outcomes are not always in our control," she explains. But Brisson says that there are plenty of attainable goals--such as adding people to your network or committing to read one business-related book per month--that can add up to Career success.
Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of Flexjobs.com, recommends a mix of easy-to-achieve and lofty goals. She says, "The important part is to choose goals that are directly related to making you more successful in your job."
Here are some other suggestions from the experts:
Hone your elevator pitch.
For Jasmin French, principal of the personal branding firm J. French, it starts with honing your personal brand. French advises doing a simple inventory, "What did you do in 2010 that has transferable value to your employer or potential employer in 2011?" Then, she says, turn that into a succinct (60 seconds or less) pitch on what you are uniquely positioned to do better than anyone else.
French also suggests that you get people to start talking about you by updating your LinkedIn profile with any certifications you've earned or classes you're taking, as well as forwarding relevant articles. "Create your own buzz. It's self-promotion, but it's not shameless."
Brush up on hard skills.
Victoria Ashford, a leadership and career coach at Fearless Leading, suggests heading back to school for additional education, certification, diplomas, or language skills. "Once you have the knowledge and skill, it's yours forever--hard to take away," she notes. "Industries and work environments change, so make sure you're keeping up. Be intentional about your knowledge base and upgrade or update it now."
Solidify your soft skills.
While you're admiring that new diploma hanging on the wall, Ashford cautions that you shouldn't forget about "soft" skills, such as business etiquette, body language, and personal accountability. "Master the arts of introductions, conversation, and establishing professional presence. Ask others to judge your handshake, table manners, and posture," she advises.
A University of Illinois study concluded that 55 percent of the first impression you make is based on your appearance and your body language. And while first impressions are made within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone, it can take up to as many as 21 interactions to undo a bad first impression. French says, "If you want to be known for being detail-oriented, hem your pants, polish your fingernails, or iron that shirt."
Work better with others.
Susan Bender Phelps, a trainer and speaker with Odyssey Mentoring, urges employees to treat everyone they work with as if they are a customer. "Everyone includes your company's management team, your direct supervisor, even your cubicle-mate. Provide knock-your-socks-off service."
Bender Phelps says that one place to start is by sharing credit with your team and with everyone in the organization who contributed to a success. "When you do this consistently, you become the kind of leader people will want to follow, regardless of your title." Likewise, acknowledge people when they do great work, and be specific: "Give evidence that demonstrates you understand their work and the difference it made to the organization."
Approach failure as an opportunity.
"Use every failure or mistake as an opportunity to learn and plan for the future," emphasizes Bender Phelps. She recommends paying attention to what you were trying to accomplish, what you did to make that happen, what went right, and what went wrong. By taking time to consider what went into a failed initiative, you can learn what could have been done better--and in the future, if you're presented with a similar situation or project, you'll know what you should do differently.
There's just something about opening a calendar for a new year that inspires us to improve our lives. So it's no surprise that New Year's career resolutions often focus on big goals--such as a promotion or a new Job.
And that's why many resolutions get tossed aside by the second week in January, according to Tracy Brisson, founder and CEO of The Opportunities Project. "We get overwhelmed when we realize that outcomes are not always in our control," she explains. But Brisson says that there are plenty of attainable goals--such as adding people to your network or committing to read one business-related book per month--that can add up to Career success.
Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of Flexjobs.com, recommends a mix of easy-to-achieve and lofty goals. She says, "The important part is to choose goals that are directly related to making you more successful in your job."
Here are some other suggestions from the experts:
Hone your elevator pitch.
For Jasmin French, principal of the personal branding firm J. French, it starts with honing your personal brand. French advises doing a simple inventory, "What did you do in 2010 that has transferable value to your employer or potential employer in 2011?" Then, she says, turn that into a succinct (60 seconds or less) pitch on what you are uniquely positioned to do better than anyone else.
French also suggests that you get people to start talking about you by updating your LinkedIn profile with any certifications you've earned or classes you're taking, as well as forwarding relevant articles. "Create your own buzz. It's self-promotion, but it's not shameless."
Brush up on hard skills.
Victoria Ashford, a leadership and career coach at Fearless Leading, suggests heading back to school for additional education, certification, diplomas, or language skills. "Once you have the knowledge and skill, it's yours forever--hard to take away," she notes. "Industries and work environments change, so make sure you're keeping up. Be intentional about your knowledge base and upgrade or update it now."
Solidify your soft skills.
While you're admiring that new diploma hanging on the wall, Ashford cautions that you shouldn't forget about "soft" skills, such as business etiquette, body language, and personal accountability. "Master the arts of introductions, conversation, and establishing professional presence. Ask others to judge your handshake, table manners, and posture," she advises.
A University of Illinois study concluded that 55 percent of the first impression you make is based on your appearance and your body language. And while first impressions are made within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone, it can take up to as many as 21 interactions to undo a bad first impression. French says, "If you want to be known for being detail-oriented, hem your pants, polish your fingernails, or iron that shirt."
Work better with others.
Susan Bender Phelps, a trainer and speaker with Odyssey Mentoring, urges employees to treat everyone they work with as if they are a customer. "Everyone includes your company's management team, your direct supervisor, even your cubicle-mate. Provide knock-your-socks-off service."
Bender Phelps says that one place to start is by sharing credit with your team and with everyone in the organization who contributed to a success. "When you do this consistently, you become the kind of leader people will want to follow, regardless of your title." Likewise, acknowledge people when they do great work, and be specific: "Give evidence that demonstrates you understand their work and the difference it made to the organization."
Approach failure as an opportunity.
"Use every failure or mistake as an opportunity to learn and plan for the future," emphasizes Bender Phelps. She recommends paying attention to what you were trying to accomplish, what you did to make that happen, what went right, and what went wrong. By taking time to consider what went into a failed initiative, you can learn what could have been done better--and in the future, if you're presented with a similar situation or project, you'll know what you should do differently.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Budgets and Business Building By Robert Wayne Harris
Author: Robert Wayne Harris
Job Vacancy - A budget is critical to building a business. Business owners will tell you that bankers and lenders need a budget. Bankers insist on it, investors want it and business partners won't back the new business owner without it. - Job Indonesia
It makes perfectly good sense since the operation of a start-up business has no track record to draw from to show performance or profit. The risks involved are enormous and the statistics for failure is high. Over 80% of all businesses fail in the first 5 years. Those statistics scare most investors away and bankers carefully examine these risks.
The mistake new business owners most often make is failing to plan for failure or slow months when little or no money is available to pay their bills. This results in financial trouble almost before they complete their first year. Depending on their chosen business venture and their start-up time, a retailer for example will rely heavily on Christmas and other celebratory times of the year to move a substantial amount of inventory. When sales drop, the financial fallout can close the business down if not properly funded. - Job
Proper budgeting and funding is relied upon in these instances to carry the business through. This is why banks and financial partners are careful in financing new businesses and especially new inexperienced business owners. The failure rate is high and no one wants to be burdened with a failed business and accompanying expenses.
Proper funding and budgeting is mandatory to the success of any business...especially when your inexperienced. Proper funding minimizes your worries and maximizes your potential for success. - Lowongan Kerja
It makes perfectly good sense since the operation of a start-up business has no track record to draw from to show performance or profit. The risks involved are enormous and the statistics for failure is high. Over 80% of all businesses fail in the first 5 years. Those statistics scare most investors away and bankers carefully examine these risks.
The mistake new business owners most often make is failing to plan for failure or slow months when little or no money is available to pay their bills. This results in financial trouble almost before they complete their first year. Depending on their chosen business venture and their start-up time, a retailer for example will rely heavily on Christmas and other celebratory times of the year to move a substantial amount of inventory. When sales drop, the financial fallout can close the business down if not properly funded. - Job
Proper budgeting and funding is relied upon in these instances to carry the business through. This is why banks and financial partners are careful in financing new businesses and especially new inexperienced business owners. The failure rate is high and no one wants to be burdened with a failed business and accompanying expenses.
Proper funding and budgeting is mandatory to the success of any business...especially when your inexperienced. Proper funding minimizes your worries and maximizes your potential for success. - Lowongan Kerja
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