Okay, let’s think outside the box for a moment. Reach out to your team, engage them and if no one pushes back, get them working on that process map. Had enough yet? I’ll admit it, as annoying as they are; business buzzwords fascinate me - their origin, meaning, etc. But because I work primarily at home alone or with patients, I’m not exposed to the latest jargon. I have to call upon my corporate world contacts (Shout out to my anonymous source!) find out the latest. One obvious thing about most biz words is that they are action-oriented, but also a tad testosterone-laden (see: “drill down” or “SWAT team” to “attack” the problem.). So in the same spirit as Office Bingo, let’s have some fun with them.Choose the answer that best defines the Buzzwords below...1. “Software Agnostic” is___a. Someone who is skeptical about software in general.b. Someone who is ambivalent about converting religious texts to a … [Read more...] about Biz Buzzword Multiple-Choice Quiz
Archives for March 2010
Working Podcast #99: 5 Things to Eliminate From Your Resume
The workplace is pagued with a serious problem: not getting credit for ideas. On this episode of the award-winning Working Podcast, I talk about ways to cope.There are 5 things you should cut from your resume...today!How many people are texting at work? Find out the results of the March Jobacle work survey.The Career Filter looks at 12 Ways to Find More Time and a neat site to introduce yourself to the world. Direct Download … [Read more...] about Working Podcast #99: 5 Things to Eliminate From Your Resume
Who Is Upper Management? Find Out BEFORE You Accept That Job
Back when the New York City commute and media grind was doing its best to burn me out, I had no idea what color my parachute was or if I would ever find work happiness.(I did find work happiness...and then lost it again. THAT story is for another day.)Like many people, when I was lost on Career Avenue, I sought refuge in a career coach. A family friend agreed to meet me for a pro bono session. After chatting for about 15 minutes, she made a statement that was so obvious and true, that I'm still mad I didn't see it myself.She told me that since I hold myself to such a high moral edict, I am constantly let down by the values of others - especially those who are in positions of power.It's true! Taking orders from someone you don't respect on a professional is difficult. But when you have to question their character too? Yowza.One mistake I've made, which I have promised myself not to repeat, is that I've taken jobs without knowing anything about the company's … [Read more...] about Who Is Upper Management? Find Out BEFORE You Accept That Job
I Want a “TV” Job
To clarify, I don’t want a job in the television industry; I want a job like the characters in TV shows portray. Admittedly, I watch way too much TV and because I’m both a career-site blogger and therapist, I’m intrigued by how certain professions are presented. Thanks to TV and movies, many of my patients think that they have to lie down on the couch in my office. Nah, not how it’s done in real life, at least in my practice. But what fascinates me is how little time they actually spend working on TV shows. Soap operas have always been notorious for characters having professions that require almost no time at the worksite. Since most male characters historically have been doctors or lawyers, occasionally they leave the house to go to work. But there is still time to drop in on other key players on the show to chat any time - day or night. Years ago, the women characters used to have one of three jobs - “homemaker,” home-wrecker” or the more … [Read more...] about I Want a “TV” Job
Work Perks Are Only Perks if You Allow Them to Be Perks
It was right as the green bagels were circulating on St. Patrick's Day that I realized I should be more grateful for Human Resources' efforts to put together a fun and festive work event.HR departments around the country spend thousands of hours planning corporate events that are designed to build morale and encourage communication. Some work well, others fail miserably. Regardless of the perceived outcome, here are the minimum requirements for attending HR-thrown events:[See the best careers for 2010.]As an employee, you should:Show your face. I don't care if you're swamped with work, sick to your stomach, or planning on leaving the job in three days, it's imperative that you attend--even if it's only for a few minutes. No-shows are quietly judged by both management and their peers, and no one likes someone who is "too good" or "too busy" to make an appearance.Act responsibly. From the food you take to the topic of conversation you choose, no matter how relaxed the event, you are … [Read more...] about Work Perks Are Only Perks if You Allow Them to Be Perks
My Workspace Through the Years
If I would have known that my first few jobs would house the coolest work spaces I'd ever have, I would have made more of an effort to enjoy them and not take myself so seriosuly.These days, I work in your classic late-60's Herman Miller cubicle farm. The walls are blueish-gray and so is the mood. As a kid out of college, I thought my first few employers were fools for "wasting" money on lively work spaces. Looking back, I see who the real fool was.My first office job for a music trade magazine housed every 90's kids' dream: a room stacked floor-to-ceiling with CDs, all which were ripe for the taking. If you could carry it, you could take it.After I hoarded more CDs than I could ever listen to, I decided it was time to move on. The next stop on the career tour landed me at a local radio station producing the wanna-be "morning zoo" radio program and scheduling radio advertising. The hallways were adorned with gold records and photos of rockstars old … [Read more...] about My Workspace Through the Years
Can We “Laugh in the Face of Layoffs?”
In a five year period, I was laid off twice. The first layoff was from an alcohol and drug treatment program. One thing that has always stayed with me from that experience was the total clueless-ness of my managers. It’s a pain to lose you job AND be surrounded by fellow counselors who expect you to share your feelings. I remember walking down the hall beside my boss. She reached over, took my hand and said, “You must be having such a hard time, do you want to go home for the day?” I responded, “Uh, no, I just want a new job!”My colleague Mark Gorkin, LICSW, “The Stress Doc™", is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, acclaimed keynote and kickoff speaker and "Motivational Humorist" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN speaking and workshop programs. The "Doc" is a team building and organizational development consultant for a variety of govt. agencies, corporations and non-profits and is AOL's "Online Psychohumorist" ™.Gorkin … [Read more...] about Can We “Laugh in the Face of Layoffs?”
How to Pick a Qualified Career Coach
Look for Good Fit and ExperienceIn Part II of my post, “How to Choose an ‘Emotional Pitstop’”, I discussed when a career coach might be the optimal choice to help you with a major career issue. But like me, you’ve probably seen a gazillion Web sites, books, etc. promoting “life coaches,” “executive coaches” and even “life career coaches” and it gets confusing. How do you know what to look for in a qualified career coach? What about licensing and/or certification?To find out more, I talked to career coach and writer Julie Erickson, who identifies herself as a “career transformation coach.” In addition to coaching, Erickson writes extensively on career issues.1. I’m not exactly sure if I know what a career coach does?“With a career coach, you have an ally in the work world. It can be difficult to work alone - as a business owner, a leader of a company or division … [Read more...] about How to Pick a Qualified Career Coach
Hey St. Patrick…Where's My Good Luck at Work?
Someone once told me that that there are 3 main elements to adult life, and you can never have them all simultaneously, at least not for any sustained period of time:- Good Health- Happy Home Life- Work SatisfactionI'd like to think that we would all be blessed with these three items. After all, it doesn't seem like too much to ask! I'll take health and home happiness over work satisfaction any day of the week. But I have recently been wondering if I'm jinxed. Maybe you are too. I am a great employee. I don't say that to stroke my own ego, it's simply the truth. I work hard, play well with others and have the company's objectives in mind at all times. I balance creativity and business sense better than most. And when it comes to making my bosses look good, I shine.Yet despite being a model employee, I have NEVER been surprised with a raise, bonus or promotion. Everything I have received, I've had to scratch and claw for. It … [Read more...] about Hey St. Patrick…Where's My Good Luck at Work?
So Many Ideas, So Little Credit
“The key to every man is his thought." - Ralph Waldo EmersonTruth be told, many office workers merely want credit for their concepts and hard work, but the reality is, pats on the back are on the verge of extinction.Throughout my career, I've heard work colleagues gripe and vent on just about anything. From the smelly office fridge to the woman in HR who doesn't wash her hands after using the restroom. The grievances vary from job to job but there are some consistencies. None more obvious than workers' desire to be acknowledged for their work ideas.Workers simply want to hear, "It was your idea. Thank you."Not getting credit for concepts and solutions is unfair, but it's also a fact of office life. With most people hiding behind the "forgetful" defense, claiming ownership is a difficult and awkward case to present. That's why you need to let it go. Here's why.YOU GET PAID. It might not be in your official job description, but … [Read more...] about So Many Ideas, So Little Credit