Career Advice

We all know them, we all face them almost every day, and we usually despise them passionately: deadlines. Deadlines begin chasing us in our early childhood — there are health check-ups and shots for babies, homework at school, dorm rent payments for students, all sorts of projects and grants on the job, loads of taxes and mortgages throughout working life, and many, many more.I experience deadlines almost every day myself, but I also have the chance to observe home buyers and home sellers in Toronto coping with various deadlines all the time. There are open houses, scheduled inspections, offers and counter-offers, and closings happening incessantly.An upcoming deadline means that one has to exert extra effort as it approaches in order to “make it” in time. This is because we know (or believe) that financial losses or personal costs resulting from missing a deadline are seldom negligible. Often we wonder, however, whether deadlines are really necessary and whether it could be easier to … [Read more...] about Why Deadlines Are Good

The cherished workplace break room: a place to escape from challenging projects and catch up with co-workers over a fresh pot of coffee. However, while the break room can serve as a workplace safe haven, it can also be the site of fierce co-worker battles regarding proper etiquette. If break room wars are currently brewing in your office, here are 5 rules to consider implementing to keep the peace. -         If you empty it, replace it – Each morning in workplaces across America, the rush to the break room coffee pot begins. Many a coffee fiend’s days have been ruined by going to fill a cup with the break room coffee pot only to discover a single drop remains. When someone uses the last of something in the break room, they must be expected to replace it as a courtesy to their co-workers. Whether coffee, sugar or other shared items regularly run short in your office, end the frustrations by implementing this rule. (Related: Coffee … [Read more...] about The Coffee Pot Wars: Creating Break Room Rules to Keep the Peace

Whether you are the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a small company or a large corporation, than you almost certainly are going to need a nice car. Today’s marketplace is very competitive. It is simply hard to get, and retain clients in this day and age. That said, you want to make sure you are giving yourself every advantage possible when operating in the real world. Having the perception that you are successful is something that could go a really long way in regard to the formation of new business relationships. For example, if you are the CEO of a company and you drive a Ford Taurus people are going to think that you, and your company, are not that profitable. Never mind Sam Walton and Warren Buffet’s and their cheap car antics. In general, drive up in a high-end car and you will be viewed as someone that has made a good living working for a profitable company that does good work. It’s just human nature. (Read more on the truth about getting a company car) As a CEO, your car is a … [Read more...] about All CEOs Need High-End Cars

Facebook has helped millions of companies across the globe get the word out about their products and services in creative ways and has become one of the leading sites for online marketing and social media. However, the relationship between Facebook and companies is not loved by everyone. Many recent graduates are seen changing their Facebook names and blocking their profiles in fear that a job may see something unflattering such as alcohol or foul language. In many cases, another Facebook user can post a comment or tag a picture on another person’s wall. It is also not uncommon for a person, such as an employer, to be able to find a picture of a person through a friend of a friend of a friend. In other words, keeping your Facebook page suitable for a potential employer can be tiring and sometimes impossible. If you are a business owner looking to hire an employee you have a big question to ask yourself: Should Facebook content matter when hiring? Does Facebook really give an accurate … [Read more...] about Will Facebook-ing Potential Employees Always Be Legal?

Breaking up is never easy to do. Whether you're a 15-year-old boy who’s too scared to confront an emotionally-charged girl, or an adult suffering in a dead-end marriage, mustering up the courage and self-respect to make a change and improve your life is not always easy. Leaving a job is difficult too. There's the time you have invested; the fear of change; established relationships; a change in pay and benefits; and so on. In fact, when you add it all up, it's amazing that anyone makes the leap. Leave a job with the same dignity and openness that you would exit any relationship. Expect feelings to be hurt. But if you have a plan and follow these tips, you’ll feel good about the break up: Wounds will heal. You probably couldn't be happier to be moving on to a new job. But whatever it was that led you to leave, a screaming boss or smelly office, it will fade. Over time you will learn to let go of the anger associated with the job. You might never wonder why you … [Read more...] about 8 Tips for Breaking Up With a Job

Have you ever been in a work situation that required you quickly earn your colleagues’ respect? No pressure there. I can think of a couple scenarios where it would be imperative, especially if you want to be successful.·         You’re a new hire who will be supervising current employees.·         You’re a recent graduate/new professional.To me, those could be potential no-win situations. Sure, you might eventually gain respect, but that could be in an unpredictable time-frame. To gain respect is inherent in establishing credibility. It’s also important to be able to distinguish between “I have to do what you say” and “I respect you and value your role.” Here are some suggestions to earn that respect.Set the ToneFirst impressions are lasting so don’t come in with guns blazing, but don’t be forgettable either. The best tone to set … [Read more...] about How to Gain Respect…Quickly

One would assume childish bullying is left on the playground, abandoned as people develop into mature adults. However, adults are carrying this harassing activity into their professions, which can have devastating effects on the workplace. In fact, in its 2010 U.S. Workplace Bullying Survey, the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 35% of workers have experienced workplace bullying with an additional 15% of workers reporting witnessing bullying in the workplace. With workplace bullying so prevalent, can you pinpoint its signs? Further, are you aware of the appropriate actions to take if you witness it happening to a co-worker? The following are tips for recognizing bullying behaviors and your options for stopping the harassment. Recognizing Bullying Behaviors Workplace bullying involves the repeated mistreatment of one or more employees by one or more perpetrators. Bullying often happens when perpetrators feel threatened by the talents of coworkers or to increase their low … [Read more...] about Workplace Bullying: How Not to Get Involved

Many of us find it hard to say “no” in our day to day lives and it can be a particular challenge in the work place, where people are often eager to please and don’t want to appear inflexible. However, saying “no” isn’t about being any of those things; it is about creating boundaries and being clear with ourselves and others about what works and doesn’t work for us. Do you feel that you can’t say no at work? That you are always taking on too much? Do you regularly work late to stay on top of your workload? If saying “no” at work is a challenge for you, start by saying no to small requests. You can then build up your “no” muscle and work your way up to saying no to bigger requests in time. Here are a few ideas to help you on your way: Give Yourself Time When someone makes a request of you and you are not sure if you can (or want to) do it, let the person know that you will check and come back to them, so that … [Read more...] about Learning To Say "No" At Work

Benjamin Franklin was one of the greatest men in the history of America. But apart from his political role, he played an integral role in many scientific, social, and psychological discoveries. His writings have become famous and well-read parts of our history. Some of his greatest discoveries, such as his theories about electricity, have overshadowed his more humanistic discoveries. We will talk about one of these lesser-known discoveries today, and how it can help you be more successful in finding and maintaining a career. Have you ever heard of the Benjamin Franklin Effect? Even if you haven't, you probably have noticed it without even realizing it. While Ben isn't the first person to notice this effect, he was the first to publicly acknowledge its existence and write about it. Basically, this is what happens in the Benjamin Franklin Effect: If you allow someone to help you, they are more likely to help you later. Conversely, if you allow someone to harm you, they are most likely … [Read more...] about Tips From Benjamin Franklin on How to Get a Job