I've been blogging for a long time, but I'm not sure I've ever told you about the view from my office. My cubicle. I see 41 bricks. And this makes me grateful. These bricks let me know when it's raining outside. Or when the sun is shining brightly. It's a reminder that a world exists outside of these grayish-blue-cloth-lined walls. Would I rather be staring out across a meadow? An ocean? A city skyline? Of course. However, when I look at all of the people in the office building who have no window view whatsoever, I realize that I am one of the lucky ones. Here's why you should covet thy window: Connectedness. Whether you are a writer, a manufacturer, or a salesperson, a key element to success is keeping your audience/consumer in mind. A window gives you a portal, a constant reminder that the world extends beyond the project you are working on. Outside Elements. When the dark clouds gather and imminent danger presents itself, you'll be one of the first to know. This can help … [Read more...] about My Office View: 41 Bricks
Career Advice Blog
Games for Office Olympics
We might be over 250 days away from the 2012 Olympic games in London, but now is time to bring the excitement, the anticipation and the intense feelings of success, failure and celebration to your office.Therefore, hold on to your seat, as we bring you the office Olympics. What you will need is two or three teams representing the countries/ states/county’s of your choice, some willing volunteers within those teams, and a free lunch break.THE DESK CHAIR SPRINTAs with most track events this can also be run as a relay. Equipment needed is two office chairs on wheels, an approved area of track (normally one end of the office to the coffee machine) and two top athletes (or whoever is feeling a bit bored in the office) Rules A) Bums can never leave the seatB) Only legs are allowed to be used to propel the chair along- no arms allowed.C) The first person to cross the line is the … [Read more...] about Games for Office Olympics
How Boxing Can Change Your Professional Life
The professional world is a daring and daunting place. Survival of the fittest, some would say. Therefore, if you want to gain an edge on the competition you need to become the fittest! A warrior! A fierce mercenary of valor! A competitor who knows no fear! Are you pumped yet? Well, you should be. There’s hope for you. Here’s what I mean. Most hires, job promotions, and good relationships with bosses have less to do with expertise and absolute effectiveness as they do less tangible impressions. Supervisors appreciate confidence, tenacity, ambition, and a person who demonstrates some healthy pride by taking care of themselves physically. These attributes are forged in fire, so take some initiative and begin training…boxing training, that is. The boxing fitness regimen is the best in its class for building more than just muscle. This program of exercise, utilized by boxers, emphasizes a healthy physique, mental and physical endurance, and general toughness, all of which are useful in … [Read more...] about How Boxing Can Change Your Professional Life
Need a New Job? Consider the Third Sector
In the current economic climate, public sector jobs are being cut at an alarming rate. For many employees who have worked in this sector all their lives, the idea of moving over to the for profit- private sector, is quite a daunting prospect. But don’t worry there is a third way out there which is often overlooked and that is the aptly named the ‘Third Sector’. So what makes the third sector worth strong consideration? Firstly, the third sector is made up of nonprofit organizations. Like in the public sector, these organizations are there to offer a public service for its own sake, not to make money. This sometimes fits better with what people moving from the public sector are familiar with. In addition many people from both the private and public sectors find the idea that by going to work they will not just be able to pay their mortgage but potentially can make a positive difference to someone else, a powerful ethos. It is a great contributor to job satisfaction. Secondly, … [Read more...] about Need a New Job? Consider the Third Sector
Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
Telecommuting is now common in many of today’s workplaces. While this flexible work option offers benefits for employees, it often requires major management changes. In particular, if you’ve recently begun managing telecommuters, you may find your communication patterns with them differing from those with traditional in-office workers. Since the bulk of communication between telecommuters and their managers happens via email, it’s essential for you, the manager, to understand how to use this communication medium effectively. To avoid miscommunications during your venture into managing telecommuters, here are three tips for using this communication medium in the most effective manner. Tend to Subject Lines An email subject line should briefly summarize the intent of an email message. If an email is urgent and should be read immediately, include the word URGENT at the beginning followed by the topic of the message. While this may seem like common sense, many professionals misuse … [Read more...] about Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday
I’ve already told you that wearing a suit everyday to work sucks. Big time. And the biggest problem is the necktie. Born several hundred years ago thanks to Louis XIV’s eye for haute couture, the necktie fashion trend crossed over to England, where gentlemen displayed their status with colorful cloths hung around their necks. Thanks for nothing guys! (Read more about necktie history) While many industries and companies have relaxed their dress code, some businesses, like mine, have held on to the notion that dressing up is part of playing a professional. I know they have their reasons, and some of them I get, but overall, if you’re sitting in a cubicle all day with limited interaction with the outside world, it all seems a bit pointless. Here are eight reasons why dressing up in a necktie is a royal pain in the ass. - It's uncomfortable. Having something pressed up against your neck and putting pressure on your trachea, just isn't normal. - … [Read more...] about 8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday
Interviewing an Interviewer: The Importance of Comparisons in Job Searches
Sweaty palms and underarms, racing heart, dry mouth – these are the ailments of a typical job interviewee. When it comes to interviews, most potential employees are concerned only about impressing their interviewer, desperate to be offered employment. However, in their race to be the chosen applicant, many interviewees overlook the importance of comparing the potential workplace against any ideals they have for a career. This is unfortunate because, if selected for the job, a new employee may very well realize the new workplace environment is less than ideal. This results in an employee struggling to make the most of a new job and an employer wondering why the latest hire isn’t living up their initial expectations. If you’re currently applying for jobs, keep in mind the importance of interviewing your interviewers. While you may be desperate to find a new job and get out of your current workplace, the situation likely won’t improve with the new employer unless you’ve assessed whether … [Read more...] about Interviewing an Interviewer: The Importance of Comparisons in Job Searches
How to Minimize Conflicts in an Intergenerational Workplace
Employers are facing an unprecedented challenge in today’s workplace – managing multiple generations of employees. From veteran workers volunteering with organizations to generation Y now entering the workforce in droves, this mix of attitudes, work ethics and life experiences sets the tone for intense workplace debates if not managed properly. Addressing the generational demographics of your employees is essential for operating a functional business in today’s diverse workforce. However, avoid approaching the management of an intergenerational workplace in a negative light. Too many employers attempt to change the inherent workplace mentalities of each generation – manipulating generation Y workers into accepting a 9 to 5 schedule or in making veteran workers become more computer literate. Ultimately, these employers are setting themselves up for failure. To truly be successful in managing an intergenerational workplace, you must adopt policies that cater to all generational … [Read more...] about How to Minimize Conflicts in an Intergenerational Workplace
Personalize Your Job Hunt
Most people who are job-hunting use career sites, other online resources, head-hunters, networking and send out zillions of résumés. With so many out of work it seems like those who find a job have hit on some magic formula. If you aren’t one of the lucky few, maybe it’s time to shake it up a bit. Why not try the old-school 1:1, in-person approach? Personal Touch A recent WSJ article described how 97-year-old Lillian Brownstein landed a job in 1938 by knocking on doors in an office building in New Jersey. One company she spoke to had just fired their secretary and hired Brownstein after a typing test. Now I’m not suggesting you just drop by companies and ask to speak to someone about a job. These days, the receptionist would probably call security. But try to make the job-search more personal. According to the article above, only 9% of people looking for job opportunities think to contact relatives and friends. Instead 51% are opting for looking at ads and sending in applications. … [Read more...] about Personalize Your Job Hunt
Caffeine Nazi Says: Roast National Coffee Day 2011
September 29, 2011 is National Coffee Day. Ahead of the highly-anticipated day, CareerBuilder and Dunkin’ Donuts have released their second annual list of professions that "rely" on coffee the most to get through the work day. Considering the negative affect caffeine has on our bodies, the findings are pretty alarming. In fact, I'm kind of frightened that the educators teaching our children, the physicians scanning us for cancer, and the politicos trying to fix our economy, are all addicts. But wait, the word caffeine is conveniently absent from the press release. I'm sure these folks are all drinking decaf. Not!Am I calling for a ban on caffeine in the workplace? Of course not. While I admit I am a tea snob, and someone who is hyper-sensitive to caffeine, I am also a huge proponent of all things in moderation. I don't like the fact that people feel they need to "rely" on anything other than oxygen to get through the work day. And if you think the … [Read more...] about Caffeine Nazi Says: Roast National Coffee Day 2011