By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer
Attitude counts for a lot. Just think of how often people's attitudes affect your perception of them. First impressions often come down to phrases such as, "He had the worst attitude" or, "She has the best attitude of anyone I've ever met."
When you walk into your workplace -- whether it's a department store or hospital -- what are you thinking? Do you feel excited because you love your job? Are you filled with dread because you hate your job?
Your attitude toward work might impact your career more than you realize.
The runway model
When models work the catwalk, they act as if the audience isn't there. The flashbulbs blind them, but their faces seem to say, "I don't have time to care about this crowd; I have a catwalk to strut down." They're on emotionless autopilot, if you will.
What works for models doesn't work for everyone ... in case that unsuccessful liquid diet you tried wasn't enough proof. A numb approach to work raises questions about your performance:
Do you care about your job?
Do you know what you're doing?
How long will you stick around?
Does anyone even want to interact with you?
Todd Dewett, associate professor of management at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, suggests these workers take a step back to look at their work in its appropriate context.
"All work is interdependent, yet most people have difficulty understanding where much of their work came from and where it will go -- they don't see the connections in the larger process," he says. "The more someone understands how their work impacts others, the more they are likely to care."
Dewett advises you to think of yourself as part of a team working toward a goal, not as an isolated cog in a machine. Look at the result of your hard work and maybe you can find a reason to care about your job, even if you don't love it.
The emotional teenager
Teenagers are nothing if not experts at looking at the cruel, torturous underbelly of life. A bad day when you're 15 years old isn't just a bad day; it's the worst day anyone has ever experienced in the history of human existence. Every phone call is a life-altering conversation of import no one can comprehend.
Hyperbolic workers aren't too different. They don't know how to put their workdays in perspective. Yes, some jobs are nightmares incarnate, but no job is nirvana, either. Difficult customers or incompetent bosses can mar the occasional day. Are you able to draw a distinction between a bad day and a bad situation?
"It is possible to frame things mentally such that you see them as only short-term realities that can change over time. From this 'glass half-full' perspective, any single bad role or colleague is but a few frames in a long roll of film. The focus then shifts from obsessing on the current situation to designing a real plan of action to create a new and better future situation," Dewett says.
On the flip side, rather than make you appreciate your job more, a new perspective might make you realize you belong elsewhere. If you're conditioned to despise work every time the alarm rings, you could end up stuck at a job that's just wrong for you.
"If you do actually hate your job, you might not be in need [of] a job tweak, but rather a full-fledged job change or career change," Dewett suggests. "Having said that, even in the worst professional situations, for the open minded, there is a lot to learn about how you got there and what [likely exists] there that will help you avoid it completely in the future."
Pollyanna
The classic children's book "Pollyanna," which follows a girl whose philosophy to focus on the positive, is an admirable, if not impossible, model to follow. Yet, some workers' abilities to convey Pollyanna's unrelenting optimism astound others and can be detrimental to their own careers.
The drawback to this work method is that you might find yourself out of the loop when it comes to how decisions are made, as they aren't always made in open discussions. Dewett cautions workers to pay attention to how decisions are made so that they can be aware of or participate in the process.
"People with overly rosy views (due to solid 'fit,' a great boss or colleagues or both) can be somewhat naïve politically," Dewett warns. "I would never advocate that a person with character and rosy glasses engage in too much political behavior, but you need to be aware of it."
Don't sacrifice the love you have of your job. After all, many people would be thrilled to enjoy going to work in the morning. A balanced perspective is all you need.
"Love your job, love your company -- but use your network so that you keep up to speed with the major political currents of the day as they might affect you and your work unit."
The transient
Perhaps more distracting than any other workplace attitude is that of the employee who never seems to set his or her bag down. For some workers, certain jobs are temporary. They never intend to stay long and they know something better is on the horizon, even if their employer is unaware of their agenda. While that approach might be appropriate in some circumstances -- and you never want to assume that any job is the last one you'll take because you don't know what the future holds -- don't live in that mentality.
For one thing, your boss and co-workers might get a sense of your fleeting mindset and treat you accordingly. If you never personalize your workspace or only talk about your future with the company in hypotheticals, they'll question your commitment. Do they want to give you a project or promote you if you seem to have one foot out the door already?
For your own sake, allow yourself to consider the possibility that your job has a lot to offer. Even if you don't want to stay there forever, let your mind relax by accepting the fact that you can see yourself in that position a year or two from now. You'll be surprised how stressful always being on the move is. Plus, you might realize you were closing off opportunities for personal and career growth by keeping yourself primed to leave at any minute. If another job eventually comes your way, you can weigh the pros and cons of taking it – when you're faced with the decision, not because you're always looking for it.
Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Copyright 2008 CareerBuilder.com All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Construction Safety Supervisor - What Supervisor Safety Training Involves
By Christine OKelly
The main purpose of a construction safety supervisor position is to ensure everyone is safe while on the job. The required supervisor safety training is extensive, but it will provide the individual with all of the information and skills he will need to do the job effectively. This includes preventative measures, treatment, and dealing with the after effects of an incident.
The Role Of A Construction Safety Supervisor
This position is based on OH&S requirements, but it involves far more than that. This person needs to be familiar with all of the operations and procedures within a job. Adequate supervisor safety training allows him to identify potential problems and find the ideal solutions. This individual needs to act as a representative of the company as well as of the employees in order to keep each project safe, yet be cost effective and efficient.
He needs to perform his duties while acting as a role model for others. This not only teaches others on the team how to keep the workplace safe, but it also makes these procedures part of the atmosphere and company culture. This produces long-term results rather than a short-term solution.
Components Of Supervisor Safety Training
Anyone wishing to take the courses required to become a construction safety supervisor needs to become familiar with several genres of regulations and requirements. Loss control, hazard identification, methods of limiting hazards, WHMIS, and leadership are all areas that make up the educational core.
Several other areas of education are also helpful for attaining certification. Confined space entry, fall protection, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods or (TDG) all work with certain procedures and situations. Classes such as Temporary Workplace Signing, Accident Investigation, Traffic Control, and Site Inspection or Hazard Assessment further expand the individual's knowledge of the prevention and aftermath of various situations.
The Benefits Of Supervisory Positions
A construction safety supervisor is an integral part of any workplace. When keeping employees protected through the proper education and programs, businesses experience a higher moral and general improvement in productivity, reducing employee turnover and increasing profits. Many companies notice the individuals in their employ often become closer as a result. There is also a notable reduction in the amount of Worker's Compensation Board claims and legal situations, further reducing the costs to the company.
When the supervising individual is familiar with the procedures and projects on the ground, he can often see areas that need improvement because he is actually working in the situation rather than observing. This leads to alternative solutions that heighten the safety of the job while solving problems the company may have struggled with previously.
Quality safety supervisor training is necessary for any construction company. You can rest easy knowing that your workers are safe, the job is being performed efficiently, and you can take pride in the added productivity a knowledgeable construction safety supervisor can bring to your business.
Christine O'Kelly is an author for the supervisor safety training experts, Code Red Safety & Rental. In addition to offering training as a construction safety supervisor, they offer a full range of staffing, safety training, and services.
The main purpose of a construction safety supervisor position is to ensure everyone is safe while on the job. The required supervisor safety training is extensive, but it will provide the individual with all of the information and skills he will need to do the job effectively. This includes preventative measures, treatment, and dealing with the after effects of an incident.
The Role Of A Construction Safety Supervisor
This position is based on OH&S requirements, but it involves far more than that. This person needs to be familiar with all of the operations and procedures within a job. Adequate supervisor safety training allows him to identify potential problems and find the ideal solutions. This individual needs to act as a representative of the company as well as of the employees in order to keep each project safe, yet be cost effective and efficient.
He needs to perform his duties while acting as a role model for others. This not only teaches others on the team how to keep the workplace safe, but it also makes these procedures part of the atmosphere and company culture. This produces long-term results rather than a short-term solution.
Components Of Supervisor Safety Training
Anyone wishing to take the courses required to become a construction safety supervisor needs to become familiar with several genres of regulations and requirements. Loss control, hazard identification, methods of limiting hazards, WHMIS, and leadership are all areas that make up the educational core.
Several other areas of education are also helpful for attaining certification. Confined space entry, fall protection, and Transportation of Dangerous Goods or (TDG) all work with certain procedures and situations. Classes such as Temporary Workplace Signing, Accident Investigation, Traffic Control, and Site Inspection or Hazard Assessment further expand the individual's knowledge of the prevention and aftermath of various situations.
The Benefits Of Supervisory Positions
A construction safety supervisor is an integral part of any workplace. When keeping employees protected through the proper education and programs, businesses experience a higher moral and general improvement in productivity, reducing employee turnover and increasing profits. Many companies notice the individuals in their employ often become closer as a result. There is also a notable reduction in the amount of Worker's Compensation Board claims and legal situations, further reducing the costs to the company.
When the supervising individual is familiar with the procedures and projects on the ground, he can often see areas that need improvement because he is actually working in the situation rather than observing. This leads to alternative solutions that heighten the safety of the job while solving problems the company may have struggled with previously.
Quality safety supervisor training is necessary for any construction company. You can rest easy knowing that your workers are safe, the job is being performed efficiently, and you can take pride in the added productivity a knowledgeable construction safety supervisor can bring to your business.
Christine O'Kelly is an author for the supervisor safety training experts, Code Red Safety & Rental. In addition to offering training as a construction safety supervisor, they offer a full range of staffing, safety training, and services.
How to Answer Job Interview Questions - How to Impress Your Potential Employer
By Ricky Lim
No one likes to be interviewed especially when it comes to job interviews. Even so, you probably have to undergo some job interviews during your working career. However, not everyone knows how to answer job interviews questions.
Here are some sample job interviews questions and answers.
The most common question most job interviewers will ask is tell me about yourself. It is a open ended question and most people are actually stumped by this.
A simple and short explanation of your qualifications and work experience will do. Try not to talk more than 2 minutes. Some skillful interviewers will use what you say to get more information on the areas he or she is more interested in that is related to your potential job position.
It is important to listen carefully to the interviewer. Never rush to reply an question asked by the interviewer without thinking through first. Of course, you should not take all day to answer a question as well. That is why preparing for common job interview questions is important.
The next most common question is why do you want to leave your current job? It is best not to speak badly about your previous employer or the fact that you need a higher salary.
You can say you are looking for better career prospects and you believe your company fits those criteria.
Another common job interview questions is what are your strengths and weakness? Again, most job applicants have no idea as they did not prepare the question before hand.
Most interviewers will want strengths that fit in the job description you are applying for. For weaknesses, well, we all have weakness but you should buffer your weak points by pointing out a strength that can compensate for it.
These are some of the most common job interviewer questions. The most important thing to note is to prepare well before attending the job interview and be confident and look smart.
Learn how to answer job interview questions. Discover what are the common job interview questions and how to answer job interview questions correctly.
No one likes to be interviewed especially when it comes to job interviews. Even so, you probably have to undergo some job interviews during your working career. However, not everyone knows how to answer job interviews questions.
Here are some sample job interviews questions and answers.
The most common question most job interviewers will ask is tell me about yourself. It is a open ended question and most people are actually stumped by this.
A simple and short explanation of your qualifications and work experience will do. Try not to talk more than 2 minutes. Some skillful interviewers will use what you say to get more information on the areas he or she is more interested in that is related to your potential job position.
It is important to listen carefully to the interviewer. Never rush to reply an question asked by the interviewer without thinking through first. Of course, you should not take all day to answer a question as well. That is why preparing for common job interview questions is important.
The next most common question is why do you want to leave your current job? It is best not to speak badly about your previous employer or the fact that you need a higher salary.
You can say you are looking for better career prospects and you believe your company fits those criteria.
Another common job interview questions is what are your strengths and weakness? Again, most job applicants have no idea as they did not prepare the question before hand.
Most interviewers will want strengths that fit in the job description you are applying for. For weaknesses, well, we all have weakness but you should buffer your weak points by pointing out a strength that can compensate for it.
These are some of the most common job interviewer questions. The most important thing to note is to prepare well before attending the job interview and be confident and look smart.
Learn how to answer job interview questions. Discover what are the common job interview questions and how to answer job interview questions correctly.
4 Steps to Making Your Career Change Just Like Going on Vacation
By Cherry Douglas
Did you realise that changing career can be just like going on holiday? And you don't get hung up about that, do you?!
So what do I mean? How is taking a vacation connected with something as big as a career change?
Well, much of the thinking and planning that goes into a holiday, is similar to the process you need to go through when you are making a change of career direction. Read on to see what I mean.
What is your holiday (career) destination? When spending a big chunk of your hard earned cash on a two week vacation, you take your time to think carefully about where you will go. You start by considering what you like to do, what kind of activities you enjoy, what you are interested in.
Then you use this knowledge to identify suitable places where you will find things to do that match your interests. If you enjoy lying on a beach, you won't be going to a cultural capital where the main offer is museums and theatre.
The key points here are knowing yourself and researching what your destination has to offer. A successful career change will start with this too.
How will you get there? If your holiday destination is a long way off, you accept that the journey will take some time. You know there will be several stages - taxi, train, plane, hire car and so on. You also know that if you are driving, you will need a good map so that you don't get lost. It is all down to careful planning again.
You need to do the homework and ask the advice of travellers who have been that way before. Then you stand a better chance of getting directly to your destination, even if the journey takes some time.
It's the same with career change. You might decide to retrain to become, say, an IT programmer or developer. Once you are sure this matches your interests, you explore which courses you need to take to gain new skills and ask people which ones they recommend. You plan a timetable for the training according to when courses are available with an aim of being qualified by a certain date.
Can you afford it? You save up for a holiday, so why not save up for a career change? You think nothing of putting money aside so you can enjoy your two weeks in the Caribbean, so it makes sense to apply the same mindset to a career change which will have a much bigger impact on your life in the long run.
If it is a big adventure holiday on the other side of the world you have in mind, you just take longer to save up.
Yes, there are financial implications to making a career change, but don't let them freeze you into inactivity. Sit down and work out the sums, consider where you can cut corners and do without little luxuries - and start saving!
Who will be your companions? Vacations aren't so much fun on your own, so most times you will take someone else along. Someone you trust, someone whose company you enjoy, someone who will share the adventure with you. They can help you with the planning and research into what you will do when you get there.
Bits of the journey may be boring or stressful, so it is great to have a friend to chat to. Once you get there, you need someone to share your excitement and enthusiasm about your destination.
Don't attempt a career change journey on your own either. You need a companion who can be a supporter and encourager along the way. They may be travelling a parallel path of their own, or they may just pick you up when you are weary and think the journey is too long. Whatever the case, they can help keep your spirits up so that you do indeed reach your destination.
So are you already thinking about your vacation for 2009? You quite possibly are. You don't hesitate with that bit of life planning, do you? So why not think a bit bigger? Why not use the same strategies to get your career change off the starting blocks instead?
And if you need a little more encouragement to help you take action , then I invite you to take your first step by downloading my free ebook, 11 3/4 Ways To Kick Start Your Career Change at http://www.how-to-change-careers.com/kick-start-your-career-change.html
Did you realise that changing career can be just like going on holiday? And you don't get hung up about that, do you?!
So what do I mean? How is taking a vacation connected with something as big as a career change?
Well, much of the thinking and planning that goes into a holiday, is similar to the process you need to go through when you are making a change of career direction. Read on to see what I mean.
What is your holiday (career) destination? When spending a big chunk of your hard earned cash on a two week vacation, you take your time to think carefully about where you will go. You start by considering what you like to do, what kind of activities you enjoy, what you are interested in.
Then you use this knowledge to identify suitable places where you will find things to do that match your interests. If you enjoy lying on a beach, you won't be going to a cultural capital where the main offer is museums and theatre.
The key points here are knowing yourself and researching what your destination has to offer. A successful career change will start with this too.
How will you get there? If your holiday destination is a long way off, you accept that the journey will take some time. You know there will be several stages - taxi, train, plane, hire car and so on. You also know that if you are driving, you will need a good map so that you don't get lost. It is all down to careful planning again.
You need to do the homework and ask the advice of travellers who have been that way before. Then you stand a better chance of getting directly to your destination, even if the journey takes some time.
It's the same with career change. You might decide to retrain to become, say, an IT programmer or developer. Once you are sure this matches your interests, you explore which courses you need to take to gain new skills and ask people which ones they recommend. You plan a timetable for the training according to when courses are available with an aim of being qualified by a certain date.
Can you afford it? You save up for a holiday, so why not save up for a career change? You think nothing of putting money aside so you can enjoy your two weeks in the Caribbean, so it makes sense to apply the same mindset to a career change which will have a much bigger impact on your life in the long run.
If it is a big adventure holiday on the other side of the world you have in mind, you just take longer to save up.
Yes, there are financial implications to making a career change, but don't let them freeze you into inactivity. Sit down and work out the sums, consider where you can cut corners and do without little luxuries - and start saving!
Who will be your companions? Vacations aren't so much fun on your own, so most times you will take someone else along. Someone you trust, someone whose company you enjoy, someone who will share the adventure with you. They can help you with the planning and research into what you will do when you get there.
Bits of the journey may be boring or stressful, so it is great to have a friend to chat to. Once you get there, you need someone to share your excitement and enthusiasm about your destination.
Don't attempt a career change journey on your own either. You need a companion who can be a supporter and encourager along the way. They may be travelling a parallel path of their own, or they may just pick you up when you are weary and think the journey is too long. Whatever the case, they can help keep your spirits up so that you do indeed reach your destination.
So are you already thinking about your vacation for 2009? You quite possibly are. You don't hesitate with that bit of life planning, do you? So why not think a bit bigger? Why not use the same strategies to get your career change off the starting blocks instead?
And if you need a little more encouragement to help you take action , then I invite you to take your first step by downloading my free ebook, 11 3/4 Ways To Kick Start Your Career Change at http://www.how-to-change-careers.com/kick-start-your-career-change.html
How You Can Get a Good Job at the Top Film Studios
By Laurel Booth
Life may seem boring for many young people, due to the standard route of work after studies. This is something we cannot avoid, unless we are rich. What we can do is to choose our own studies so that we can land a job that we want. Among dream jobs, one of them would be to work at the top film studios of Hollywood so that one can enjoy a fun and fulfilling work, as well as to see the big stars right before their very eyes. This is a common dream, and you will have competition, so will you be ready to tackle your way through?
Dare to be different. Dare to dream. Even though you know that the times are bad now, and people are failing to keep their jobs, people are losing money at the stock exchange. These people are failures. That was a cruel statement, but it is very true as well. So you must dare to dream, and move towards your dream, even if doubts and nay-sayers would come your path.
Remember, "Great spirits have often encountered violent oppositions from mediocre minds."
Therefore, do not be mediocre and do not listen to mediocre people. Think big, as Donald Trump said, since you are going to think anyway. It is common sense to know that people who think small live a small and unfulfilled lives anyway. Therefore, be brave and think big, think smart.
Have great preparations. How are you going to compete with other job applicants? Think of how you are going to write your letter, so that it would attract the attention of the reader, who would then pass it to the human resource manager on your behalf.
Study now for what you are going to do in your Hollywood job. Think of what aspects of production you want to be involved in and get a diploma or better yet a degree on the relevant subject.
http://www.Agifly.com - A Blog dedicated to movie lovers by movie lovers.
Find movie reviews, celebrity interviews, and movie trailers on popular categories throughout the blog.
Life may seem boring for many young people, due to the standard route of work after studies. This is something we cannot avoid, unless we are rich. What we can do is to choose our own studies so that we can land a job that we want. Among dream jobs, one of them would be to work at the top film studios of Hollywood so that one can enjoy a fun and fulfilling work, as well as to see the big stars right before their very eyes. This is a common dream, and you will have competition, so will you be ready to tackle your way through?
Dare to be different. Dare to dream. Even though you know that the times are bad now, and people are failing to keep their jobs, people are losing money at the stock exchange. These people are failures. That was a cruel statement, but it is very true as well. So you must dare to dream, and move towards your dream, even if doubts and nay-sayers would come your path.
Remember, "Great spirits have often encountered violent oppositions from mediocre minds."
Therefore, do not be mediocre and do not listen to mediocre people. Think big, as Donald Trump said, since you are going to think anyway. It is common sense to know that people who think small live a small and unfulfilled lives anyway. Therefore, be brave and think big, think smart.
Have great preparations. How are you going to compete with other job applicants? Think of how you are going to write your letter, so that it would attract the attention of the reader, who would then pass it to the human resource manager on your behalf.
Study now for what you are going to do in your Hollywood job. Think of what aspects of production you want to be involved in and get a diploma or better yet a degree on the relevant subject.
http://www.Agifly.com - A Blog dedicated to movie lovers by movie lovers.
Find movie reviews, celebrity interviews, and movie trailers on popular categories throughout the blog.
Career Advice - Use Skepticism As a Positive Force
By Ramon Greenwood
Skepticism has gotten a bum rap in the lore of career coaching.
The fact is that skepticism is a positive force that successful managers apply regularly in reaching their career goals.
As individuals, those with real-world smarts accept few things at face value, while organizations tend to accept without questions the decisions made by the system, especially if they are based on reams computer printouts.
There are six common sense rules that guide careerists in the skillful application of skepticism.
1. Don't be a knee-jerk skeptic. Establish a basis in fact before voicing skepticism, rather than acting on gut reactions.
2. Double check all facts and assumptions, especially those introduced with "As everybody knows..."
3. Use skepticism only when the outcome of an issue is really important.
4. Be tactful and constructive when expressing doubt. Use terms such as, "I wonder if you have thought about...?" "Have you considered...?" What would happen if...?"
5. Turn on the skeptic's radar when a presentation is loaded with sweeping generalities. Remember, there are no sure bets; no gains without risks.
6. Be skeptical about your skepticism. That's the recommendation of John Barefoot, a psychologist at Duke University's Medical Center, who is an authority on the subject of skepticism.
While Dr. Barefoot believes a healthy level of suspicion is needed to survive and thrive, he advises that one must suspect this attitude if it crops up constantly about all things.
Skepticism Can Be An Uncomfortable Role
The role of the skeptic is not easy. It is often uncomfortable as well as hazardous. "Group Think" is hard to resist. Too often the call for team play means the suspension of healthy doubts.
No one is comfortable and happy taking the heat of doubting the steamrollers that come running through a meeting when all of the "facts" and "conclusions" are projected on the screen in dazzling slides and printouts, enclosed in handsome three-ring binders, are passed around for further study.
To paraphrase a popular adage, "To question the presentation when the majority is applauding is to be the proverbial bastard at the family reunion."
Skepticism Wins Over Blind Faith
Nevertheless, common sense says you'll get farther along the career path with a healthy dose of skepticism than you will with blind faith in what the organization says and does.
Bertrand Russell, the renowned British mathematician and philosopher, had this to say about the place of skepticism in career success:
"For my part, I should wish to preach the will to doubt...what is wanted is not the will to believe, but the wish to find out, which is the exact opposite. In all affairs, it is a healthy thing, now and then, to hang a question mark on all things you take for granted."
If you are skittish about using skepticism as a tool to accelerate your trip on your career path, run a test. For the next 60 days observe those whom you respect for their prowess in mastering the dynamics of life in organizations. See how many times they act as skeptics and how they do it.
If you find skepticism working for successful managers, what makes you think it won't help you reach your career goals?
For free career coaching click here: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com You'll receive The Career Accelerator, Ramon Greenwood's semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. No cost/no obligation. Greenwood's career advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.
Skepticism has gotten a bum rap in the lore of career coaching.
The fact is that skepticism is a positive force that successful managers apply regularly in reaching their career goals.
As individuals, those with real-world smarts accept few things at face value, while organizations tend to accept without questions the decisions made by the system, especially if they are based on reams computer printouts.
There are six common sense rules that guide careerists in the skillful application of skepticism.
1. Don't be a knee-jerk skeptic. Establish a basis in fact before voicing skepticism, rather than acting on gut reactions.
2. Double check all facts and assumptions, especially those introduced with "As everybody knows..."
3. Use skepticism only when the outcome of an issue is really important.
4. Be tactful and constructive when expressing doubt. Use terms such as, "I wonder if you have thought about...?" "Have you considered...?" What would happen if...?"
5. Turn on the skeptic's radar when a presentation is loaded with sweeping generalities. Remember, there are no sure bets; no gains without risks.
6. Be skeptical about your skepticism. That's the recommendation of John Barefoot, a psychologist at Duke University's Medical Center, who is an authority on the subject of skepticism.
While Dr. Barefoot believes a healthy level of suspicion is needed to survive and thrive, he advises that one must suspect this attitude if it crops up constantly about all things.
Skepticism Can Be An Uncomfortable Role
The role of the skeptic is not easy. It is often uncomfortable as well as hazardous. "Group Think" is hard to resist. Too often the call for team play means the suspension of healthy doubts.
No one is comfortable and happy taking the heat of doubting the steamrollers that come running through a meeting when all of the "facts" and "conclusions" are projected on the screen in dazzling slides and printouts, enclosed in handsome three-ring binders, are passed around for further study.
To paraphrase a popular adage, "To question the presentation when the majority is applauding is to be the proverbial bastard at the family reunion."
Skepticism Wins Over Blind Faith
Nevertheless, common sense says you'll get farther along the career path with a healthy dose of skepticism than you will with blind faith in what the organization says and does.
Bertrand Russell, the renowned British mathematician and philosopher, had this to say about the place of skepticism in career success:
"For my part, I should wish to preach the will to doubt...what is wanted is not the will to believe, but the wish to find out, which is the exact opposite. In all affairs, it is a healthy thing, now and then, to hang a question mark on all things you take for granted."
If you are skittish about using skepticism as a tool to accelerate your trip on your career path, run a test. For the next 60 days observe those whom you respect for their prowess in mastering the dynamics of life in organizations. See how many times they act as skeptics and how they do it.
If you find skepticism working for successful managers, what makes you think it won't help you reach your career goals?
For free career coaching click here: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com You'll receive The Career Accelerator, Ramon Greenwood's semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. No cost/no obligation. Greenwood's career advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.
Career Success - The Key Question You Must Answer
By Duncan Brodie
Whatever point you are at in your career, chances are that you want to achieve success. The reasons why people want career success are varied and include:
• Financial rewards and benefits
• The status and standing of being in a senior role
• The challenge of climbing the career ladder and overcoming the obstacles that arise
• Sense of personal achievement
While there are a whole host of reasons why people want to achieve career success, there is in my experience one key question that you need to be able to answer. So what is that question?
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL CAREER GOAL?
There are a number of reasons why it is essential that you answer this question and they include:
Reason 1: Helps you make choices
If you want to climb the career ladder and get a senior level post, you will need to gain a wide of skills, knowledge and experience. In addition, you will have to develop a broad range of personal attributes. Chances are there will be many opportunities that will arise which might appear attractive financially but might not be beneficial in achieving your overall career goal. By being clear on your overall career goal you can make informed career move choices.
Reason 2: Helps you decide priorities
Every time you make a choice around your career, for example, stepping up to the next level, chances are you will be required to commit more to work. If this fits in with your priorities around lifestyle then there is no problem. The reality is that most people don't take the time to consider where career fits into there overall lifestyle priorities. We sometimes forget that the majority of people work to live not live to work.
Reason 3: Helps you determine how much you want it
Climbing the career ladder and holding down a job at a senior level is not easy. A question you need to be able to answer is how much do you want it? You will need to consider how determined you are, how much sacrifice you are ready to make, how much pressure you are comfortable dealing with to name just a few. I suggest you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 means that you want it 100% and are willing to do what it takes to get there.
Bottom Line - Achieving career success requires determination, drive and a whole range of other personal attributes. At the end of the day you need to be clear on your overall career goal if you are to maximise your chances of career success.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements (G&A) works with individuals, teams and organisations to develop their management and leadership capability.
With 25 years business experience in a range of sectors, he understands first hand the real challenges of managing and leading in the demanding business world.
He invites you to sign up for his free e-course and newsletter at http://www.goalsandachievements.co.uk/
Whatever point you are at in your career, chances are that you want to achieve success. The reasons why people want career success are varied and include:
• Financial rewards and benefits
• The status and standing of being in a senior role
• The challenge of climbing the career ladder and overcoming the obstacles that arise
• Sense of personal achievement
While there are a whole host of reasons why people want to achieve career success, there is in my experience one key question that you need to be able to answer. So what is that question?
WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL CAREER GOAL?
There are a number of reasons why it is essential that you answer this question and they include:
Reason 1: Helps you make choices
If you want to climb the career ladder and get a senior level post, you will need to gain a wide of skills, knowledge and experience. In addition, you will have to develop a broad range of personal attributes. Chances are there will be many opportunities that will arise which might appear attractive financially but might not be beneficial in achieving your overall career goal. By being clear on your overall career goal you can make informed career move choices.
Reason 2: Helps you decide priorities
Every time you make a choice around your career, for example, stepping up to the next level, chances are you will be required to commit more to work. If this fits in with your priorities around lifestyle then there is no problem. The reality is that most people don't take the time to consider where career fits into there overall lifestyle priorities. We sometimes forget that the majority of people work to live not live to work.
Reason 3: Helps you determine how much you want it
Climbing the career ladder and holding down a job at a senior level is not easy. A question you need to be able to answer is how much do you want it? You will need to consider how determined you are, how much sacrifice you are ready to make, how much pressure you are comfortable dealing with to name just a few. I suggest you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 means that you want it 100% and are willing to do what it takes to get there.
Bottom Line - Achieving career success requires determination, drive and a whole range of other personal attributes. At the end of the day you need to be clear on your overall career goal if you are to maximise your chances of career success.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements (G&A) works with individuals, teams and organisations to develop their management and leadership capability.
With 25 years business experience in a range of sectors, he understands first hand the real challenges of managing and leading in the demanding business world.
He invites you to sign up for his free e-course and newsletter at http://www.goalsandachievements.co.uk/
5 Tips to Boost Your Confidence and Get Yourself Hired
By Waller Jamison
Losing your job is tough at any time, but especially when the world is in the grip of a major recession. Are you sending out application after application but getting no results? If so, you can improve your prospects very easily by following these tips.
Tip #1
Make a list of your transferable skills. Most of us take our skills for granted because we use them all the time and don't consider them to be anything special. But you will have a number of skills which are very valuable in the job market and you need to be able to identify them. Once you know what they are, you can highlight them on your job applications and this will greatly improve your chances.
Don't know what skills you have? You can find out by going through all your old job descriptions, if you have them and writing down everything that you have done at work in the past which could be of value to an employer. If you don't have any job descriptions, look up similar job advertisements online and you'll come up with a good list. Or talk to friends and people you have worked with in the past.
Once you understand just how many skills you have, you'll feel a lot better about yourself and your ability to make a worthwhile contribution in the workplace.
Tip #2
Look for jobs where your skills are in demand. This could mean doing something slightly different from what you were doing before or doing the same thing but within a different industry. So be aware that many of your skills are transferable and widen the net when your are searching for jobs.
Tip #3
Don't just create one résumé and send it out to dozens of employers. Target your résumé or CV and your cover letter for every job you apply for. This isn't as difficult as it sounds. You can start with a generic résumé or CV aimed at the type of work you are looking for and then you can alter each one slightly to suit the needs of the individual employer. Do the same thing with your cover letter.
This might sound like more work, but you are likely to get a job much more quickly using this approach. So in the long run, it will mean a lot less work.
Tip #4
Be sure to research the companies you apply to, both before you send in the application and after you have been asked to attend an interview. Everyone who is interviewed will be capable of doing the job and you need to be sure you stand out. So do your homework and you'll make a good impression.
Tip #5
Keep building a network of people who can help you find the job you want. You won't always know if someone has a good contact or a friend in the business. So put the word out!
If you have been laid off, creating a really good résumé, identifying your transferable skills and doing your background research will help you get yourself hired in record time.
Check out this video if you want to know the 4 steps you can take right now to recession proof your career?
For more tips on how to find a new job go to: http://www.coolercareers.com
Losing your job is tough at any time, but especially when the world is in the grip of a major recession. Are you sending out application after application but getting no results? If so, you can improve your prospects very easily by following these tips.
Tip #1
Make a list of your transferable skills. Most of us take our skills for granted because we use them all the time and don't consider them to be anything special. But you will have a number of skills which are very valuable in the job market and you need to be able to identify them. Once you know what they are, you can highlight them on your job applications and this will greatly improve your chances.
Don't know what skills you have? You can find out by going through all your old job descriptions, if you have them and writing down everything that you have done at work in the past which could be of value to an employer. If you don't have any job descriptions, look up similar job advertisements online and you'll come up with a good list. Or talk to friends and people you have worked with in the past.
Once you understand just how many skills you have, you'll feel a lot better about yourself and your ability to make a worthwhile contribution in the workplace.
Tip #2
Look for jobs where your skills are in demand. This could mean doing something slightly different from what you were doing before or doing the same thing but within a different industry. So be aware that many of your skills are transferable and widen the net when your are searching for jobs.
Tip #3
Don't just create one résumé and send it out to dozens of employers. Target your résumé or CV and your cover letter for every job you apply for. This isn't as difficult as it sounds. You can start with a generic résumé or CV aimed at the type of work you are looking for and then you can alter each one slightly to suit the needs of the individual employer. Do the same thing with your cover letter.
This might sound like more work, but you are likely to get a job much more quickly using this approach. So in the long run, it will mean a lot less work.
Tip #4
Be sure to research the companies you apply to, both before you send in the application and after you have been asked to attend an interview. Everyone who is interviewed will be capable of doing the job and you need to be sure you stand out. So do your homework and you'll make a good impression.
Tip #5
Keep building a network of people who can help you find the job you want. You won't always know if someone has a good contact or a friend in the business. So put the word out!
If you have been laid off, creating a really good résumé, identifying your transferable skills and doing your background research will help you get yourself hired in record time.
Check out this video if you want to know the 4 steps you can take right now to recession proof your career?
For more tips on how to find a new job go to: http://www.coolercareers.com
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