Earlier versions of the Working Podcast used to include the Office Supply Review. Every few weeks I toy with the idea of bringing it back as a blog feature. After all, if we are going to be your #1 source for everything work related (minus the BS) then we might have to talk about the sweetest supplies on the market.Pendaflex has announced the launch of the PileSmart® Office Organizer Pack, a kit designed to help people organize their desks by making sense out of their piles of crap work. I employ a similar method, but it involves binder clips and stacking papers in different directions. This sounds much more efficient.Included in the kit:- PileSmart Desktop Organizer Tray: Slightly slanted towards the back corner to keep your papers looking neat, this sturdy depository ensures that your files are identifiable from every angle.- 10 PileSmart Project Sorters: Clear covers with 10 multi-color sections will help you keep related - yet different - project … [Read more...] about Office Supply Review: PileSmart® Office Organizer
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Sloppy Men's Dress Code Rules the Cube
What the hell has happened to the way the average American white collar male looks today? If I didn't know better, and just looking around, scanning offices and cubicles, I would swear that I had just landed in SLOBovia, no passport or visa required.True, the number of studies, books, advice columns, etc. are virtually endless in stating the very obvious - that looks do indeed count. And not just first impressions, either. In fact, a recent book by Prof. Gordon Patzer 'The Power and Paradox of Physical Attractiveness,' states that not only is physical attractiveness a very potent measure of a guys' future, but that this is a universal phenomena, transcending all cultures and countries. So what happened to the gentlemen at my office?Well, this thinking is directly at odds with, yup, you guessed it, the ethos of our old pals at HR and EEO. One might say that to them, ugly for men, anyway, is 'in,' and plug-ugly is, well, even better. I'm not sure if this is due to the phony glorification … [Read more...] about Sloppy Men's Dress Code Rules the Cube
Proof That You Are Never Stuck at Work
Being stuck at work, feeling trapped or powerless, is nothing more than a mind f*ck. You have a lot more control than you think. Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you. Enter Exhibit A: The Energy Wheel. Life expectancy varies from country to country and is based on many factors. However, assuming you are reading this from North America or Europe, there's a good chance you will live for more than 25,000 days. Each day brings a new feeling. A new chance to make it what you want. At this very moment, you might feel stuck at work or in a 'dead-end job' or career, but you are not. Take a look at the image below. Life is continuous change. At any given moment you could be anywhere within the Energy Wheel. Cause while it might look like only a few options, it actually represents the full range of feelings you can experience when at work. HOT NEGATIVE = Conflict HOT POSITIVE = Inspiration COOL NEGATIVE = Stagnation COOL POSITIVE = Accomplishment In the past, I've … [Read more...] about Proof That You Are Never Stuck at Work
How to Develop an Executive Persona
This is a guest blog by Chris O’ HaraEver noticed that everyone in executive management positions speak in the exact same annoying, almost clone like, subdued, yet slightly rude, Ben Affleck voice. They even have the same mannerisms in the way they act and dress. It’s like there is a secret training club where directors go and learn these skills. Actually there is a club, and I’ve been there, but tell no-one, or I may be at risk of losing my spleen. Here are 4 ways to develop an executive persona: 1. The look:Imitate the way these people dress; they look smart and clean - like they should be taken seriously. Buy a good quality suit, one that looks expensive but doesn’t stand out too much. You can find these in clothing outlets for a decent price if you look closely enough. The key is in the way it fits. Not too baggy, not too tight. Also, cut your hair and make sure you are clean shaven. Think American Psycho. You may even want to buy a pair of … [Read more...] about How to Develop an Executive Persona
Busted for Drinking on the Job
Getting drunk at work is a science for some, an art form for others. What happens if you down a few drinks and management finds out? The gang from The Knife Parade, a New York-based sketch comedy group, have an idea. Check it out below. … [Read more...] about Busted for Drinking on the Job
Your Career Is Like a Bonsai Tree
BONSAI: A living plant transferred into a pot or tray that can continue to live semi-permanently. It is often said that there are four disciplines that must be mastered to successfully grow and care for a bonsai tree: horticultural, technical, artistic and philosophical. I propose that the elements to perfect your career are really no different. Here's how: Ongoing Relationship - Sure there's birth and death, just like there is hiring and firing. However, the in between is an ongoing process that will always be in a state of flux. Unlike other things that happen in your life, you must remember that pleasure in your career will not come from completing work, but rather from the act of making it fruitful and worthwhile. Just like the bonsai, your job is a "living sculpture." Nature vs. Nurture - Bonsai growers often develop a deep relationship with their tree. Not only does this result in a great feeling of tranquility, but since you are in control of many of the elements, … [Read more...] about Your Career Is Like a Bonsai Tree
My Boss's Hair Is On Fire!
My boss was standing down the hallway, drinking from a water fountain. Everything seemed normal, until I noticed the flames. They were orange and blue, rapidly spreading across my boss's hair. The weird part was, he didn't care. I rushed over, cupped my hands under the stream of cold water and began to douse the flames. The fire went out without a fight.My boss stood silently; unphased. If anything, he seemed annoyed that I had drawn attention to the fact that his head was ablaze.I remember smelling the air, expecting the unmistakable odor of burnt hair. It never arrived. And then I woke up.Thankfully, it's been quite some time since I've had "work dreams." You know the type: you wake up annoyed and/or exhausted, feeling as if you just spent the last 7 hours on the job. (If I'm gonna spend one-third of my life dreaming, I'll be damned if it's about work! Learn five ways to control your dreams.)This dream was vivid; … [Read more...] about My Boss's Hair Is On Fire!
Working Podcast Episode #80
Episode #80 of the Working Podcast brings you free career advice, employment news and the hottest job Websites: - 7 reasons why saying 'good morning' to your co-workers makes work better. - A song about that cute woman sitting in the cubicle next to you. Buy the entire track here. - Learn about new career resources Razume, SnapTalent and The Career Mole. There are three ways to listen: - Stream on our homepage (shows plays instantly) - Stream from the player below (about a 60 second load time) - Download direct … [Read more...] about Working Podcast Episode #80
Target Top Talent, Find Niche-Specific Jobs
Site: SnapTalentSlogan: Hire the BestPros: Fine-tuned ads; Hire away from specific organizations Cons: Steep out-of-the-gate price; current jobs are primarily high-tech Along with the paper resume, the online job boards of yesterday continue to teeter on the verge of extinction. OK, not really. But newcomer SnapTalent certainly hopes their progressive spin will lure job seekers and top-notch employers alike.At its core, the Y Combinator startup operates similarly to Google AdSense, placing customized help wanted ads on participating Websites. Rather than simple text displays, ads can be customized to include images and video. This will allow employers to offer a more global view of the job and the organization. Publishers who decide to participate simply indicate their URL, identify descriptive keywords and include a JavaScript snippet on their Website. Ads are highly customizable, giving site owners impressive flexibility when creating … [Read more...] about Target Top Talent, Find Niche-Specific Jobs
7 Reasons to Say Good Morning to Your Co-Workers
Joe and Stacey work next to each other. They sit no more than five feet apart. Even though they often arrive at work before the rest of the team, there's no communication between them. Only silence. No morning greeting. No acknowledgment that they are sharing the same office oxygen. Career advice experts agree that saying 'good morning' should not be difficult. Yet, there's an increasing trend, almost a rebellion, against saying these two simple words to our co-workers. It's not like we're required to salute, bow, kneel or curtsey. Even a casual nod and mumble would be a lot better than the nothing that's now occurring at far too many work sites. Don't become part of this alarming trend. Experience the power of 'good morning.' 1) It maintains the standards of basic civility that we're all entitled to at work. Like 'please' and 'thank you', these two little words also go a long way towards improving communication and the overall atmosphere. 2) ’Good morning’ … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons to Say Good Morning to Your Co-Workers