Employee motivation is a tricky world. How many times have we heard a boss say, 'If that is not on my desk by the end of day Friday, you can kiss your job goodbye." Yes, the blatant threat is one of the worst employee motivation tactics, as it inspires most employees to dump the project into the trash and walk out the door. Employer threats do nothing more than alienate employees by creating a hostile work environment. Most of us understand that threats from the boss comprise one of the worst employee motivation tactics, but what about other less discussed motivation tactics that fall flat in front of disgruntled employees. Rah-Rah Equals Blah-Blah Many managers implement cheerleading tactics to motivate their employees. They believe that by pumping their fists and yelling worthless catchphrases that employees respond with energy and passion for their jobs. However, cheerleading grates on most employees, as they perceive the rah-rah exhortations of their bosses as childish ploys that … [Read more...] about The Worst Employee Motivation Tactics
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Decoding Your Boss
Does it feel like you need to learn another language for decoding what your boss is really saying? Many employees feel they have take CIA sanctioned courses simply to figure out the meaning behind the arcane messages sent by managers. Well, you do not have to invest in code breaking software for decoding your boss. In fact, you can follow a few time-tested tips and avoid the hair-pulling frustration caused by muddled communication from your boss. Non-Verbal Cues Ask any attorneys worth their legal salt how they understand witness testimony and the answer invariably lies in non-verbal communication cues. If your boss appears fidgety when addressing you, the message sent probably is not what your boos truly intends to say. You may have to guide your boss down the road of truth by replying with affirming message such as "I understand" and "That makes sense." Other non-verbal cues to watch include facial expressions, posture, and hand movements. Calm, reasoned discourses confirm the … [Read more...] about Decoding Your Boss
Have You Considered a Federal Career?
If your future college graduate is looking for stable and rewarding work, consider a job in the Federal sector. With generous pay and unparalleled benefits, the government is currently hiring lawyers, engineers, scientists, enforcement officers and more. The video below features Colleen M. Kelley, the president of The Union for Federal Employees. Representing 150,000 employees in 31 separate government agencies, she outlines how you can help your child prepare for a job in federal service. … [Read more...] about Have You Considered a Federal Career?
Restaurant Industry Helps Drive Nation's Economic Recovery
This post brought to you by National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Jobacle. Unless you've been living under a rock, you have watched food transform into something we need to survive to a full-fledged form of entertainment. Chock full of long-term career opportunities, the restaurant industry continues to be the entree to the U.S labor market's recovery. Since I started Jobacle back in 2005, I have always been fascinated that so few people get to do what they love for a living. Well, living your artistic dream is no longer reserved for actors and singers. The culinary arts give restaurant workers a career path with upward mobility, all while they get to do what they love. In fact, 7 out of 10 restaurant employees say that they will likely continue working in the industry until they retire. Talk about ordering seconds! … [Read more...] about Restaurant Industry Helps Drive Nation's Economic Recovery
Q&A with Maren Kate Donovan from Zirtual
Maren Kate Donovan is the founder and CEO of Zirtual, a San Francisco company that matches up executives and professionals with virtual assistants. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Maren came up with the idea for Zirtual at a 24-hour cafe on the Strip in Vegas. She got her start selling jewelry on eBay and has run various online businesses since her 18th birthday. Zirtual received $2 million in funding from the VegasTechFund, a start-up incubator created by Zappos founder Tony Hsieh. Below, Maren answers a few questions about how she manages her time and what she gets out of virtual assistance. … [Read more...] about Q&A with Maren Kate Donovan from Zirtual
How To Survive a Work Conference (like an Introvert)
So your boss insists that you take a free trip to Phoenix to get caught up on the latest marketing trends. And you hate hobnobbing. With a passion. This is your foolproof guide to getting out of that convention center or hotel ballroom with your sanity intact. Engage on a limited basis Sharing ideas with other people in your industry is very smart. And even in this interconnected digital world, you need face time to really get to know people. Even if you think this whole thing is a boondoggle designed to line the pockets of hoteliers and event organizers, there has to be real actionable intelligence somewhere. Know what you want to find out before you go. Google attendees. Make a plan for engaging with those people and stick to that plan. WiFi If you don’t have it, get it. If the hotel is too cheap to provide you with free network access, get Googling on your phone and figure out how to tether (use your phone as a mobile hotspot). And put your laptop to work. Check your work email. … [Read more...] about How To Survive a Work Conference (like an Introvert)
Why Work With Children?
Do you want to help shape the next generation positively? Do you love working with children? Are you able to communicate really well with them? Then working with children might be just the right career choice for you! Here are a few highlights to help you in your research and decision-making. A choice of roles Children's workers generally collaborate in some way with social services providers in the community and also in schools. The careerplanner.com website indicates that child care workers look after children in private homes, child care institutions, schools and businesses. They are responsible for feeding, bathing and dressing the children, and monitoring their play. Child care workers play a vital role in helping children's development, and encouraging them to understand themselves and other people. They are also often required to maintain records on the medicines and meals given to the children, as well as other relevant activities. Other child-related jobs include early … [Read more...] about Why Work With Children?
5 Ways to Stay out of the Hair of a Combative Coworker
The workplace is crawling with a menagerie of characters. The quiet one in the corner who only comes alive at the office Christmas party. The “Good Morning!” guy, the dude who is way too loud and boisterous for 8 o’clock in the morning. And the one with a chip on their shoulder and a persecution complex, always itching for an argument. That erratic behavior may seem irrational, but it can sometimes be an actual strategy, developed over years to keep people at bay. Angry outbursts and aggressive behavior can provide a substantial defense shield for the insecure. That is generally what you are up against when faced with a contentious colleague. Here are some strategies for dealing with that type of headache. Embrace the Inane Small talk may be the last thing you want to engage in with anyone, be it your morning coffee connection or your co-worker. But embracing and getting better at the art of talking about nothing can keep you in a decent relationship with even the most backstabby … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Stay out of the Hair of a Combative Coworker
Mind All Over the Map? Here Is How I Focus
Focus is an elusive attainment. When you notice that you are concentrating, that very thought will take you away from task you are supposed to be concentrating on. “Wow, I haven’t wanted to check my RSS feed in a long time. Almost 15 minutes!” you think as your mind wanders away from the Excel sheet on your monitor. Bringing your attention back to your work is essential, whether you want to get ahead or just get everything done so work thoughts don’t creep into your head after-hours. But there are ways to control your mind, at least to some extent. Breathe deep and dive in with me: No, really. Breathe deep! Think that yoga is just for suburban housewives? Think again. Learning to control your breath can bring you a certain amount of control over all your systems. It can clear your mind and allow you to focus on the task at hand. Don’t trust me? Then listen to the yogis: proper breathing is key. … [Read more...] about Mind All Over the Map? Here Is How I Focus
The Worst and Best Things to Say to Your Boss
Your boss holds enormous power over you. A lot of sway when it comes to your salary, your daily duties and your future prospects. All of which means you really need to manage that relationship. Every word you say has the potential to launch you into upper middle management or sink you to the depths of the unemployed. So, no pressure, right? Now that you’re nice and relaxed, let’s go over what are the worst and best things to say to your immediate supervisor: Worst “You are an undermining character with no scruples and I am convinced that you want me to get you coffee for the rest of my working life.” Best “I have learned a lot from you, but I want to try to transfer to another department. I think it is the best choice for both of us.” Sometimes moving on is the best option for both you and your overlord. You get to breathe again and they get to suck the youthful energy out of another unsuspecting, eager entry-level analyst. It may be tough to pull it off, but best for your sanity and, … [Read more...] about The Worst and Best Things to Say to Your Boss