How to Conduct a Simple Training Needs Assessment

How to Conduct a Simple Training Needs AssessmentHow to Conduct a Simple Training Needs AssessmentDo you want to quickly learn the training needs of a group of employees who have similar jobs? Yet, you dont want to take the time to develop and implement a survey, put the questions in a computer program, or run an analysis of thedemographic information you collect. This training needs assessment works best in small to mid-sized organizations. It will give you a quick assessment of the training needs of an employee group. In a larger organization, unless you work with subsets of employees, the challenge is more difficult. You wouldnt, for example, want 50 people in the room identifying their training needs. This training needs assessment helps you find common training programs for a group of employees. How to Assess Training Needs The facilitator gathers all employees who have the same job in a conference room with a whiteboard or flip charts and markers. (Alternatively, if each em ployee has access, you could use a program like Google Docs or another online shared access service. You would lose some of the immediacies of the more visual whiteboard or flip chart, however.)Ask each employee to write down their ten most important training needs. Emphasize that the employees should write specific needs. Communication or team building are such broad training needs, as an example, that you would need to do a second training needs assessment on each of behauptung topics. How to give feedback to colleagues,how to resolve a conflict or how to deeply and effectively listen to a coworker are more specific training needs. Then, ask each person to list their ten training needs. As they list the training needs, the facilitator captures the stated training needs on the whiteboard or flip chart. Dont write down duplicates but do confirm by questioning that the training need that on the surface appears to be a duplicate, really is an exact duplicate. Otherwise, participants c an feel as if their needs were marginalized.When all of the training needs have been listed, use a weighted voting process to prioritize the training needs of the group. In a weighted voting process, you use sticky dots or numbers written in magic marker (not as much fun) to vote on and prioritize the list of training needs.Assign a large dot 25 points and smaller dots five points each. Distribute as many dots as you like but make sure that every employee has the same number of points. Tell needs assessment participants to place their dots on the chart to vote on their priorities. Give the group a ten or fifteen-minute time limit so that you dont have people pondering their decision for a lengthy period of time. List the training needs in order of importance, with the number of points assigned as votes determining priority, as determined by the sticky dot voting process. Make sure you have takennotes (best taken by someone on their laptop while the process is underway) or the flip c hart pages to maintain a record of the training needs assessment session. Or, if available, use more modern technology like a dry-erase board or a web whiteboard.Take time, or schedule another session, to brainstorm the needed outcomes or goals from the first three to five training sessions identified in the needs assessment process. This will help as you seek and schedule training to meet the employees needs. You can schedule more brainstorming later, but you will generally find that you need to redo the needs assessment process after the first few training sessions. Note that the top one or two needs of each employee, may not have become the priorities for the group. Try to build that top priority training opportunity into the employees personal performance development plan. You will also want to use the results for the employees career development planning when they meet with their managers. This will ensure they have support to pursue the training that they need and want. Add itional Tips About Training Needs Assessment Training needs assessment can be, and often needs to be, much more complicated than this. But, this is a terrific process for a simple training needs assessment.Make sure that you keep the commitments generated by the training needs assessment process. Employees will expect to receive their key identified training sessions with the brainstormed objectives met.Ensure that the training needs assessment results are built into the employees quarterly performance development plan. It is important that the employees manager becomes a co-owner of the employees ongoing performance development hopes and needs. Make sure that you are tracking the training and development opportunities that you provide for each of your employees. Shame on you if you fail to follow through. This is how ?jaded and unmotivated employees are created.

8 easy ways to transform your after-work routine

8 easy ways to transform your after-work routine8 easy ways to transform your after-work routineWhat do you do afterworkevery day? Maybe youre someone who has a fullsocial schedule, or you hit the gym hard to create a healthywinter fitness habit.No matter your standard after-hours schedule, switching it up every now and then can help you create variety, improve your mood, or even help you findcalm amidst chaos. Want to transform your routine and try something new? We put together a list of ideas you can try to keep things fun and fresh.1. Change your clothes. Are you often tempted to lay down and chill out right when you walk through the door? Stop yourself in your tracks with a simple trick Change your outfit. It might sound silly, but research shows that what you wear impacts your thinking. Who knows, maybe youll be more inclined to grab a drink with friends or head on an impromptu date when youre feeling yourself rather than flopping down on the couch and calling it a day.2. Learn something - just for fun. Havent taken a class since college, or cant remember the last time you took on a project just because you were interested in something? We hear you It might seem hard to tap into thinking mode after work, but weaving some education into your evening routine, even if its just once a week, is a great way to increase your skills and satiate your personal curiosities. Sign up for painting or pottery at a local species studio, take a cool writing class at your local community college, or learn how to decorate a cake with a course online. PS Learning something like how to grow your Instagram following totally counts3. Spend a night at the museum. Many art exhibits and museums are open late at least a few times a month, and visiting during the evening can be a completely different experience than the afternoon drop-ins you might be accustomed to. Bring a couple of friends or pencil in a great date with your partner if you usually fly solo if visiting exhibits wi th friends is typically your MO, try visiting on your own. Take all the time you want to explore each work, or simply to sit and reflect.4. Share your skills and talents. Take a break from standard post-work plans by volunteering for a cause you care about. Whether its acting as a mentor, giving a talk at a local schools career night, or lending a hand at a community event, meeting new people and sharing your skills and talents is a feel-good way to hit refresh on your normal schedule.5. Write a letter. Its easier than ever to keep up with friends and family with digital apps, texts, and calls these days, but heaps of people talk about feeling sad and lonely - symptoms of being disconnected. Writing a letter to someone you love is a nice way to spend a night and it will bring someone else happiness. Use your letter to let the person know what you love about them, the things you miss, whats happening in your life, or to ask questions about whats new in their life. Make it creative b y adding drawings on the pages, decorating the envelope, adding stickers, or by including another small, thoughtful touch.6. Do a digital detox. Can you honestly remember the last time you spent a night at home without surfing the internet or unwinding in front of the TV? Challenge yourself to cozy time spent indoors without a single device nearby. Cook the recipe you pinned years ago but never tried making, dust off your knitting needles, or finally crack open the book your roommate has been recommending for weeks. Youll remember how good it feels to focus on something without any digital distraction.7. Mix exercise and friends. Go ahead and give yourself snaps if you consistently carve out time for fitness following a long day at the office. (Finding extra energy at the end of each day can be tough) Since overhauling a healthy habit doesnt make sense, transform your after-work routine in this instance by doing something different, like rollerblading, taking a walk, or going ice sk ating with a friend or special someone. Good to know Walking with a friend has proven therapeutic benefits.8. Create a bedtime routine. How you go to bed can make a major difference when it comes to how well you sleep and how rested youll be for the following day. If your normal night calls for making your way to your room after youve already fallen asleep on the couch or crashing after a night on the town, consider creating a bedtime routine you feel excited about. Nows the time to incorporate a bubble bath and test out a new face mask, or power down your cell phone and read until your eyes feel heavy. Maybe youll even begin writing in the journal you bought awhile ago. Whatever works, stick with it by incorporating it into your regular bedtime routine.This article welches originally published on Brit + Co.

15 Presidential Quotes Thatll Inspire Your Career

15 Presidential Quotes Thatll Inspire Your Career15 Presidential Quotes Thatll Inspire Your CareerWe cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.Calvin CoolidgeIf your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.John Quincy AdamsIt is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didnt.Martin Van BurenOne person can make a difference, and every person should try.John F. KennedyAccomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination.Dwight D. EisenhowerTell the truth, work hard, and come to dinner on time.Gerald R. FordWhen you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.Franklin D. RooseveltI walk slowly, but I never walk backward.Abraham LincolnIf youre walking down the right path and youre willing to keep walking, eventually youll make progress.Barack ObamaBelieve you can and youre halfway there.Theodore Roosevelt

6 Tips for Hiring in Emerging Fields

6 Tips for Hiring in Emerging Fields6 Tips for Hiring in Emerging FieldsAs technology and society evolve, careers come and go. Fewer jobs exist today in fields such as print journalism or domestic manufacturing compared to 10 years ago. At the same time there has been an explosion in social media, data science, user experience design, sustainability and mobile application development. How do you hire for openings in new fields when its unlikely that a candidate has more than a few years of direct experience, if any at all? Here are six factors to consider as you look at filling your next opening for a social media analytics manager, an optimization scientist or some other job that didnt exist just a few years ago. 1. Be flexible about requirements. Give up looking for the unicorn, and be willing to allow candidates to develop skills on the job. Jike Chong, head of data science at Simply Hired, identified three specific skills (data analysis, algorithm design, and hypothesis forming) that employees in his department need to have in order to perform well on the job. He says that in graduate school the tendency is to focus on one or two of the three skills. Chongs candidates must be very strong in at least one of the three skill sets. In the interview he gauges a candidates learning ability and level of interest in acquiring the remaining skills.Maintaining flexibility by evaluating candidates aptitude, interests, and transferable skills as well as proven ability allows you to bring capable employees onboard faster. 2. Interview for passion. Many new fields are so specialized that there are few people who hold jobs in them. Those who are most passionate about fields such as sustainability or user experience connect with their auf der ganzen welt community of peers online by reading blogs and topic-specific books and publications. Ask candidates how they stay current with trends. In fast-evolving fields, online reading is evidence of their passion and a necessity t o stay on top of new developments. Also check to see if a candidate maintains a blog or an active presence on an industry-related forum. 3. Evaluate problem-solving ability. New fields require employees to do things that have never been done before. Whether youre hiring a new grad or someone with experience, probe for problem-solving abilities by asking about past projects in which they had to do something new and how they went about doing it. Also provide hypothetical scenarios based on your companys unique problems to get a sense of how they will deal with challenges specific to the field.4. Be ready to move quickly. In some locations candidates with specific skills are in high demand with multiple employers competing for their attention. If you sense that a top candidate is about to accept another job, be willing to take a risk and prepare an offer quickly. If the candidate meets most of your criteria but not all, weigh the value of filling the position sooner rather than later. 5. Consider short-term contracts or internships. It can be hard to know what the impact of a new hire will be until someone is actually on the job. Hiring interns and contractors is a great way for your company to get the help it needs in a new field while evaluating if the person is right for a permanent role. Simply Hireds 2013 data intern program resulted in several hires. Interns who develop the appropriate skills, demonstrate interest and show a willingness to go the extra mile are your future star employees. 6. Develop relationships with universities. If you dont have a college recruiting program, now is the time to start. University undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs are great sources of candidates in new and emerging fields. Consider expanding your relationship beyond just recruiting. Professors are always looking for real-world scenarios to use in their coursework. Job descriptions for new roles often are created from imagination. Instead of searching for the perfect candidate that likely does not exist, find enthusiastic candidates who show a willingness to grow into the role after they are hired. As we mentioned last week, consider the whole candidate. An individual worker is the sum of their work experience and skills, education, interests, life experiences and past industry and company type. Just like the employees in emerging fields who will be solving new problems, recruiters can get creative in embracing the challenge of finding candidates to fill newly-created roles. Over the next several months well be sharing best learnings and best practices on how to adapt and thrive in this new era of changing careers. To receive articles like this by email, sign up for Simply Hireds Monthly Newsletter and Feature Articles. Read more from this series The Changing Workforce4 Pleasing Results From Hiring a Career Change CandidateDiversify with Career-Change Candidates 6 Factors to Consider

Keep the Spark Alive in Your Current Job

Keep the Spark Alive in Your Current JobKeep the Spark Alive in Your Current JobWhat do you do when you have a job you dont love? Plenty of people work jobs they dont care for to get a paycheck they really needed. But after a while there comes a point when you need to get excited again or find a new job. When youre happy with your job, youre a more productive worker. Its also in your best interest for work-life balance that you come to terms with what you do for a living. Fortunately, you dont have to get a new job to feel excited again. Instead, you can take action and keep the spark alive with these three tipsAdjust your attitudeIts a human nature to overlook the good and focus on the bad. If you want to be happier with your job, you need to make an effort to think positively about it. Start an I Love My Job journal and make a list of three things you like about your job at the beginning of the day. Include small things like a coworker opening the door for you and large things like the steady paycheck. Try to think of new things each day. Its OK to overlap from week to week as long as you are listing things youre genuinely grateful for. Reinvest yourselfOften a lack of love is about a lack of investment. You can work on feeling more invested in the work you do by learning more about your field through professional development, meeting new people within your company for lunch or adding new responsibilities to your job. Approaching the same work from these new angles can help you feel a larger depth of attachment to what you do. Appreciate your alternativesWhile some people are motivated by positive attitude changes, others are motivated by thinking of worst case scenarios. If this sounds like you, consider spending some time each day meditating on the downside of not working your job. This could include meditating on a past job you liked even less, the stress you would be feeling financially if you didnt have this income coming in or how much worse things coul d be if your boss, CEO or coworkers were toxic. Of course, if your boss, CEO or coworkers are toxic, youre better off planning for a career changeDont quit your job because you think the passions gone. Quit your job when youve outgrown the skills you need for the position. Until then, use these tips to fall back in love with a job thats just waiting for you to rediscover it. Read more on this topic sache Back In Love With Your Job

How to Find Sales Resume Online

How to Find Sales Resume Online Sales Resume - Dead or Alive? CV is likewise a crucial parte of application for many grants, scholarships, internships and fellowships. Resumes should always concentrate on results. Therefore, its far better to adjust your resume to every particular job opening. There are many job seekers out there attempting to learn the next best opportunity. If youre a college student or recent graduate trying to land your very first job, you can get the sample below very useful. No matter whether youre a recent graduate, seasoned expert looking for a different career challenge, or a professional looking to change careers, you will require a resume to assist you land work. What You Can Do About Sales Resume Starting in the Next Seven Minutes Its possible for you to write the job winning resume only when you have thorough understanding of resume writing. You may later prove your work suitability at the right time of the personal interview. As an employer, your work is to be aware of when to ask and what type of job questions you should ask. A sale reps job is to produce the sale. You should have excellent active listening abilities and find a great time for your prospective client, a moment when theyre ready to pay attention and youre not intruding. Make certain to keep your experience relevant. Your professional experience must be noted down in a crisp way. It is an essential part of your resume. The 30-Second Trick for Sales Resume There is a broad scope of processes for identifying ideal candidates. Ability is the mixture of skill and quality which makes it feasible that you accomplish the given task. Resume skills and abilities play a substantial part in boosting the standard of your resume. Utilize bar charts to demonstrate revenue increase, customer satisfaction score increases or some other sort of number-driven data that shows youve delivered tangible outcomes. While using the later method, employers are not going to read every detail in your resume. Fast learner and keen presenter A healthcare sales representative should know all the benefits and drawbacks of the merchandise theyre working with, especially in contrast to competitors. Even better if youre able to add what the normal retention rate is for others in the business. You should work on each one of the section with saatkorn work. Ideally, a resume ought to be one-page long so be sure the sentences are crisp and well-written. Lastly, when you outsource your individual sales document, you dont need to be worried about small mistakes concerning grammar, spelling, and syntax. For example, you may love to research for the action verbs. Who Else Wants to Learn About Sales Resume? Learn which questions will be absolutely the most effective for you. As an issue of fact, longer objective statements full of job or industry-specific keywords are suggested. How to compose a simple resume isnt a question people ought to be asking. D o remember to cross question the candidate if you discover something is certainly not perfect. There are numerous search engines like Google, Yahoo. Keep reading to understand what you can get for free from online help websites. If youve got a resume website then you should rank higher on the search engine, so you could get better click on your site. Its highly critical for a successful job search to comprehend which to use. You dont need to sell the advantages of a remote role they already know. If you are in possession of a considerable quantity of sales achievements, you might want to create a separate heading for them, otherwise, include three or more accomplishments beneath your work experience section per job. The content, structure, and how you present yourself for a specific role can help you distinguish yourself from the remainder of the crowd. You are someone of amazing influence. Sales Resume - What Is It? If you arent getting calls for interviews, you will n eed to examine the documents and data employers are receiving from you. During the interview procedure, its important that you ask questions to comprehend the role and responsibility which goes with the title. One of the greatest sales resume tips is to tailor your work search documents to the particular position youre applying for. For most European countries its just one sort of applicable papers. The Battle Over Sales Resume and How to Win It Sales Resume Sections There are several sections in a sales resume, which you have to mention efficiently. Carefully consider where you would like your career to go over the the next couple of years. The perfect way to get hired as a PO is to become promoted internally. When you consider your phone calls that way, youre more apt to answer the phone with slightly more expectation in your voice in place of disgust.

Brett Lee - Australian Cricket Player

Brett Lee - Australian Cricket Player Brett Lee Australian Cricket PlayerPosted October 13, 2011, by Jordan Huidekoper Cricket has played an important role in Bretts life ever since his older brother, Shane, introduced him to the game at the age of eight. Bretts fruchtwein recent achievements have been recognised with awards such as the 2008 Australian Test Player of the Year, the Allan Border Medal 2008 for Cricketer of the Year, and Player of the Series for the 2007/2008 Test series against India. Although cricket is Bretts first priority, hell happily tell you that he loves doing a million things at once. Its no surprise, then, that he manages to find time in his busy schedule for his family, songwriting, fishing, fashion and, in the not-too-distant future, starring in Bollywood films. When did you decide you wanted to play cricket professionally? Id wanted to play cricket for Australia since I welches eight years old and, from that time, there welches never a doubt I wouldnt pl ay cricket. Did you pursue any other job when you were younger? I completed a retail traineeship with Barclays Menswear which gave me the opportunity to learn some very important business and life skills. I still use ansicht skills on and off the field. What have been your most memorable moments in your career as a cricketer? My Test debut in 2007. To wear the baggy green and represent Australia is a huge honour and, as a cricketer, there is no better feeling. Another memorable moment was representing Australia against the West Indies in my One Day International debut, playing alongside my older brother Shane. Your career now has many different facets. How do you organise your different roles? I love doing a million things at once. In saying this I have a great team behind me. I have a very loving and supportive family and I have a fantastic management team who work with me and support me to gain the best results on and off the field. More importantly, we all enjoy, and get a great deal of satisfaction from, what we do. What do you like most about playing cricket for Australia? Cricket is my love and to be part of a highly talented and winning cricket team is a great honour they are a great bunch of guys. However, its not only about the players the support staff bring such diverse ideas and skills to our team, plus the people we meet and their cultures we experience along the way. There are so many positive, diverse and enjoyable things I love about being involved in cricket. Is there anything you dont enjoy about your job? There is nothing in particular but I do miss my family and friends when Im travelling. Thankfully, my family and, occasionally, my friends join me on tour. How often do you train? I enjoy keeping fit and I do some physical activity each day either running, swimming or a gym session. When we are on tour and playing, the schedule is much more gruelling and demanding. How is your work-life balance? The next 18 months will see me spend quite a bit of time away from home but hopefully my family will join me at different stages of the tour. I will have some time off before the summer season kicks off and I will probably spend this time in and around home with my family. Whats your favourite pastime outside of cricket? Im an avid fisherman and I love music theres nothing better than sitting around with my guitar and strumming out a few songs. Over the past months, Ive been writing some songs with a close friend of mine with the aim of recording a full album one of behauptung days, but for the next couple of years cricket comes first. What do you wish someone had told you about being a professional sports player before you started out? For me its only ever been positive advice and feedback. Ive had great mentors along the way Ive been blessed. What qualifications do you have and how important are they in your career? It was straight from school into cricket. I played in the Australian Under-17 and Under-19 teams and, durin g this time, I won a scholarship to the Australian Cricket Academy. As mentioned, I also did the retail traineeship during this period. Cricket Australia is very conscious of the demands the media and public place on cricketers and there are ongoing programs which assist us in handling these activities. I also have a diverse range of sponsorships, and through these relationships I have the opportunity to learn about a myriad of things. Having won the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Award in 2000, how does it feel to have now won the Allan Border Medal? Following the retirement of bowling great, Glenn McGrath, I was given the opportunity to spearhead the Australian bowling attack in the 2007/2008 season. I was ready to step up and take on the role. I was fit, hungry for the role and the timing for me was perfect given my age and 65-plus tests under my belt. Its been a tremendous couple of years, having been awarded Man of the Series for the 2007/2008 Test series against India and the 2007 Alan McGilvray Medal by ABC radio. Then to win the 2008 Test Player of the Year and the prestigious Allan Border Medal 2008 for Cricketer of the Year was beyond any expectations. Where to from here? My focus is cricket for at least the next three years. However, beyond that, India holds many interests and opportunities for me including a key role in shaping a new charitable fund for Deakin India Research Institute (DIRI), part of Deakin University in India. The fund will support projects such as setting up water filtration and creating better sanitation programs which will make a difference to the lives of millions of Indians. There may also be some opportunities in Bollywood, fashion and Ill certainly make time for songwriting and recording. As youve probably guessed, I love doing a million things at once Please note, this article was first published in 2010.Personal Trainer CourseStudy modeOn CampuszugnglichPayment optionsPayment planCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnqu ire Online Enquire OnlineFitness ResourcesGroup fitness instructor/programmer sample cover letterSports coach resumeInterested in becoming a?Rehabilitation CounsellorPersonal TrainerCommunity Health WorkerSports AdministratorFitness TrainerPopular Career Searcheshow to become sports agentcost and duration of cert 3 and 4 in fitness coursehow to become a zumba instructor in australiasports management courses online in australiahow to become an aqua aerobics instructor in australiaFitness CoursesBachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Sport and Recreation ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineComplete Personal TrainerEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate IV in FitnessEnquire Online Enquire Online Jordan HuidekoperJordan is a writer and photographer with a keen interest in personal growth and development.Related ArticlesBrowse moreSports ManagementUnusual jobsKerrilyn Cramer - Tennis Official, Chair UmpireEvery now and again when p layers are misbehaving, or the match is particularly close or tense for some reason, I feel some pressure, but I dont think its any different to any other job, I just have to deal with it.FitnessFixated on fitnessWhether you picture yourself muscling-up your fellow mums or working your way onto Australias sporting fields, a career in the fitness industry can be as dynamic as you make it.Career changeCAREER INSPIRATIONPost-sporting careers - game over or career makeover?When a sprinter is crossing the line first to claim Olympic gold or a League player is converting the winning try the last thing on their minds is what career they will pursue once their sporting prowess fades and the next generation steps in.

When Bad Jobs Are Not Really Bad

When badeanstalt Jobs Are Not Really Bad When Bad Jobs Are Not Really Bad Some would disagree. Bosses and academics may argue that any job that is accepted and turns out as the employee expected or expects to turn out on average can never be a bad job, just so long as it is actually a voluntarily accepted paying job and elend work on a chain gang or some other form of literally involuntary servitude.Yet, viscerally and intellectually, many of us recoil from what seems to be such an absurd idea, especially given how horrific or crazy some kinds of work can seem to observers and to those doing it, once they start the job.On Average, Not Bad? Then Not Bad, PeriodOther bad-job skeptics argue that if, on average, the typical worker in a given job category comes out ahead, those who dont cant complain about the jobs being a bad job. To whine about their specific job outcomes, as Barry does, is, the critics maintain, as unreasonable as Las Vegas losers complaining about poker decks or rou lette wheels (actually maybe even more unreasonable, since the house on average wins at the expense of the gambler, unlike the average boss).unterstellung bad-job skeptics are invoking the mathematical concept of expected gain, which measures the average expected payoff of choices in terms of a combination (actually the multiplication of) their risk and reward. For example, tossing a coin and betting $1 each time has an expected gain of zero, because, after many tosses by one or many individuals, the average payoff will be zero- reflecting the fact that heads are just as likely to come up as tails. On average, a bet on heads (or tails) will lose as often as it wins. You cant complain because you lost, betting on your last or only coin toss or the job you want to toss, if, on average, the payoff to workers or players is zero (fair, but only break-even) or greater than zero (net gain).When Bad Jobs Are Really Not BadOf course, a job that exacts more than welches bargained for, because of unforeseen developments like a tsunami or employer fraud, can become a bad job. But what about the voluntarily accepted job (actually a redundant phrase, since job should, by definition, be voluntarily accepted employment) that turns out exactly as expected? Can it really deserve to be called a bad job by the worker who has it?Here are more details about the possible arguments that would appeal to both heartless sweatshop bosses and well-intentioned dads encouraging their kids to take that summer job at the car washIf the expected gain from the job for an individual or on average for all workers in that job category is greater than zero, then,by definition, the job cannotlage be bad. This summarizes the point made above. If the job someone has accepted involves exactly as much labor, time, risk and resources (LTRR) and sacrifices of whatever available alternative uses of his LTRR as he rationally expected and agreed to, and it results either personally or on average for all work ers in that category in the net gain expected, the job cant be bad.The worst job may not be a bad job Obviously, since some jobs pay more cash (goods, perks or resources) per unit of labor, time or resources, some jobs will, of course, be better than others- a lot better. But, when making comparisons with better paying, safer, cleaner, etc., jobs, those comparisons are purely academic if the alternative jobs are unavailable, representing not even opportunity costs. However, if those jobs not only exist, but are also truly available to him, the rational worker will accordingly take one of those better jobs - which still only makes the job he previously voluntarily accepted relatively worse rather than necessarily and absolutely bad, in terms of the conditions and rewards it specified and which were agreed to.The point here is that the worst of the jobs is not automatically a bad job. It just means that its not as good as the alternatives. Hence, it is, as a minimum, conceivable that among a complete listing of all jobs, one of them is the worst, without being at all bad. If this sounds strange, rather than obvious, stop thinking about jobs. Think about movies instead Titanic, you say, was better than Avatar, but neither was as good as Terminator. Hence, you believe that Avatar was the worst of the three. But that doesnt mean Avatar was bad.It judging whether a job is bad or not, it must always be borne in mind that every job represents a voluntary exchange by two parties- the worker and the employer (including a private customer or client). In exchange for payment in cash, goods, services or other rewards, someone does something for someone else, often using up personal resources, such as paint or bandwidth, to finish the job.In the end, if the money or other rewards received are, as expected (or at least on average among all workers in that job category), worth more to the rational and informed worker than is the labor, time and resources used up and risks ta ken to do the job and the rewards are offered in exchange for the cash, goods or services, the job is a good deal, not a bad one. In every such case, the work (on average, at least) represents a net gain. The individual worker or the group comes out ahead, or on average stands to come out ahead. How can that be bad?This line of argumentation is perhaps best used on Mona, the teenager on Barry, the software salesman and on the factory workers, if their jobs are, in fact, exactly (on average among them) what they expected them to be when they accepted them- including the conditions and salary as net gain.On the other hand, to Chinese factory workers who have had horrible surprises, e.g., in the form of unexpectedly dangerous working conditions and/or broken promises, thrown at them, this analysis does not apply. Nonetheless, mathematically speaking, if the calculated and resulting expected positive payoff, a.k.a. expected gain, is greater than zero and approximately equal, the job is, on this argument, never bad- even if for a particular worker the outcome is not as good as it is for the average worker doing the same job in the same company or industry.A job that is truly bad will be one in which the reward received is worth less than the anfangsbuchstabe or eventual costs and risks accepted by the worker (i.e., a job that has gone bad or one taken on through bad judgment in the form of initial miscalculation of the payoffs and associated odds, or an irrational debt-wish). In the same mathematical terms, bad job means a job in which the expected gain is less than zero at the outset or is revised to less than zero once the job commences.If the job turns out exactly as expected, it cant be called bad, unless the worker was crazy enough to knowingly accept a losing proposition. If there is no net gain (i.e., a break-even situation) expected or there is a net loss to the worker expected at the outset, the job-takers judgment deserves to be called bad, as well as the job itself.Learning from Jack NicholsonTo understand this point about average payoffs and jobs, think of failed wannabe and A-List Hollywood actors If on average their expected earnings are greater than zero and with attractive calculated risk-to-reward ratios that allow for spectacular success, being an actor, for them, would not fall into the category of bad job, even though it may turn out badly for many, indeed, most, actors. For every 100 struggling actors among the 150,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild (recently merged with AFTRA), serving upscale lunches in L.A., there may be as few as one Jack Nicholson eating that lunch, but eating and buying anything else his heart desires, and enjoying a colossal income that evens things out, job-wise.Thats Hollywood.That makes acting probably fair..and probably not a bad job.In Part II How a bad job is like a snoring husband, and other unexpected insights into jobs we hate.

The Art of Bragging Appropriately (and Why Its Crucial for Todays Business Professional)

The species of Bragging Appropriately (and Why Its Crucial for Todays Business Professional) The Art of Bragging Appropriately (and Why Its Crucial for Todays Business Professional) Few professionals cananswer behauptung questions, regardless of their title or prestige. I know this from firsthand experience.Over the years, Ive had the honor and privilege to provide career coaching and consulting services to many individuals. Ive worked with people ranging from entry-level job landlandseekers to executives at Fortune 500 companies such as Merck, Wells Fargo, and Capitol One.Based on my experience,Id estimate99 percent of professionals have never learned the art of bragging appropriately. Its not really their fault. Most professional development programs offered by organizations are awful at teaching professionals to brag appropriately about themselves. Professionals are rarely taught why this skill matters, much less how to cultivate and use it.And since most of us havent learned to brag appropriately or experiencedthe benefits of doing so, we dont even realize it is possible to brag appropriately. To many of us,brag appropriatelysounds like an oxymoron. All bragging feelsoff-putting to us, and we consequently steer away fromever doing it.However, I would argue learning this skill of bragging appropriately should be a priority for all professionalstoday.As you probably know,staying at one job throughout your entire career is no longer an option for most. It is vital to be well versed in the art of bragging appropriately, becauseyou never know when you are going to findyourself looking for a new job - or in fear of being laid off.Plus, the business and job-seeking landscapes largely exist angeschlossen now. With everyone displaying their portfolios for the world to see, you need to be able to articulate what differentiatesyou from competitors and how you can bring value to employers.While bragging appropriately maynot feel natural or comfortable, it is a skill you need to develop.On the bright side, Ive found that when most people learn the distinction between simple bragging and bragging appropriately, they arent so turned off by the concept. They begin to understand the value ofit.How to Brag AppropriatelySo, how does one brag appropriately?There are a few key points to understand about bragging appropriately before we look at an exampleBragging appropriately requires the use ofrelevant statistics and information that highlight your value.Bragging appropriately requires you to effectively communicate your experiences, qualifications, and impact in a way that people can easily understand.Bragging appropriately requires clear, concise communication.Bragging appropriately is not only an art form, but an ongoing, evolving process.For instance,let me tell you a story. In 2017, LinkedIn contacted me based on my branding insights and posted content. The company wanted to hire me as a 1099 contractor to provide consulting on branding strategie stojob seekerswith premium accounts.If I were to stop there, you may or may not be impressed, depending on the context and your current needs.But what if I told you I was 1 of only 35 people LinkedIn chose for this project? Of all 500 million LinkedIn users, the company felt that only 35 of us were qualified for this project - and I was one of them.It is likely that, upon hearing this, you would be more impressed. You would start to see what sets me apart from others, regardless of whether my particular brand of expertise is relevant to your needs.Im using this specific example for a couple reasons. The first is to show a way to brag appropriately that would make a big impression on both your target market and your network. Maybe someone in my network wouldnt need my services right now, but at thevery least they are more likely to remember my specialized skill set. Perhaps they will recommend me to job seekers on LinkedIn in the future.The second reason Im using this example is thi s If I hadnt personallylearned the skill of bragging appropriately myself, I wouldnt haveasked the project manager at LinkedIn a question like, How many other providers did you choose for this project?I asked this question because I was trying to grasp how competitive of an achievement this was. As an educated guess, there are thousands of people on LinkedIn who provide a similar service.LinkedIns choice to select me out of these thousands puts me in a more elite category.Youll also note that my appropriate bragging is not based on a personal estimation of how great I am. I am simply sharing facts with you.Another exampleImagine a professional basketball player selected to play in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game is speaking to a group of peopleabout this accomplishment. Lets say this is a group of tourists, and the player is trying to convince them to come see a game.If the player is bragging inappropriately, he might boastabout how great at basketball he is. And lets assume these people dontknow much about basketball they have never seen him play before. This player has already established credibility in other circles, but in this context, his bragging is likely to be received as off-putting.It probably wont carry much weight with the group to whichhe is speaking. These people will likely have no interest in attending the gameBragging appropriately to this same group of people, on the other hand, would consist primarily of stating facts. Instead of saying how great he is at basketball, the player can share that he was 1 of 24 basketball players chosenby the worlds largest professional basketball association to play in agame viewed by more than 7 million people around the world. Based on these simple facts, the group may actually be interested in attending a game to see this man play.Can you feel the difference?Hopefully, these examples illuminate for you the distinction between bragging and bragging appropriately. I also hope you see now how impactfulbragging appro priately can be on your professional success.I believe business professional across the board need to learn the skill of bragging appropriately. If you want to effectively compete in todaysjob market, you need to start developing this skillnow.Scott Engler is the author ofThe Job Inner-ViewandLegends of the Recruiting and Career World.Read his latest,The Problem and the Solution,on his website.

Its American Business Womens Day; Thrive by Starting a Business You Love

Its American Business Womens Day Thrive by Starting a Business You Love Its American Business Womens Day Thrive by Starting a Business You Love In thinking about American Business Womens Day on September 22, Im filled with gratitude and inspiration. The U.S. certainly has its share of gender inequality, but as a former school teacher turned womens entrepreneurship coach and CEO of my own company, I know it is possible for women to transform theirentrepreneurial visions, aspirations, and energy into reality.And yet, according to a recentTechCrunch article,only 17 percent of new business endeavors have female entrepreneurs at the helm. Women are still in the entrepreneurial minority.Just as women are good for the world of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship is good for women. It offers an unprecedented chance to take control ofyour career and tap into your unique gifts and passions while earning more money and enjoying greater freedom.Many womendream of doing just that, yet wonder Can somebody like me, with just the spark of an idea, actually start a business and make money?The answer is a resounding yes.However, starting your entrepreneurial journeymay require challenging some of yourcore beliefs. Maybe you were told that work cant be fun or that you have to be realistic about whats possible.Maybe you were encouraged to be nice, to be quiet, to minimize your accomplishments, and to dim your own light.One common core belief I encounter in coaching women entrepreneurs is the idea that a womanmust curb her femininity in order to be successful in business. In the competitive, dog-eat-dog business environment, women must adopt the hard edge, appearance, and mannerisms traditionally exhibited by men to be great workplace leaders and entrepreneurs.The reality is that, as women, our unique feminine qualities can become our greatest business assetsCooperative SpiritWomen are gifted at prioritizing the needs of others. We have an intuitive understanding of how to create meaningful connections and exceptional working relationships with clients and colleagues.This is I what I refer to as a cooperative advantage. The emphasis is on cooperative as opposed to competitive. By prizing collaboration over competition and contribution over greed, women are able to leverage communities and relationships as valuable entrepreneurial resources.Valuing GenerosityAccording to TheHuffington Post,64 percent of donations are made by women, globally speaking. Indeed, women are innately awareof the needs and challenges of our times, and we often feel a deep sense of social responsibility. We have the opportunity to build businesses that champion much-needed social change and give back to our communities.From working with women entrepreneurs for the past decade, Ive found that once our needs and the needs of our families are met, we tend to lose interest in generating more money. When we adopt humanitarian causes or service-based missions above and beyond our immediate client bases, however, we rise above our typical income levels. Now, we have reason to generate more. This positive cycle gives impetus to our entrepreneurial prowess.People-Pleasing TendenciesThroughout history, women have been accused of people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, and perpetually putting others needs before their own. But guess what thesevery qualities are why we now excel in business With a good dose of awareness, we can leverage our people-pleasing tendencies into powerful skills that help us attract clients and keep them.In leveraging our unique feminine qualities, we may not start the saatkorn types of businesses as men, and thats okay. Were starting businesses because we want balance between our careers and our families. Were starting businesses because we long to be the masters of our own schedules and we want to express our creativity and our true selves at work. We want to share our deeply innovative gifts with the world. We want to work for ourselves on our own terms without compromising who we are.This, too, is possible. The women Ive worked with have built successful and sustainable businesses on their own terms as authors, health practitioners, consultants, coaches, manufacturers, retailers, real estate agents, day spa owners, healers, clothing designers, aspiring public speakers, restaurant owners, and much more.Through these initiatives, they have claimed their financial freedom and self-determination. Most importantly, they have thrived.This American Business Womens Day, my advice is this Hold onto your idea, believe it is possible, and bring your whole self flaws and feminine qualities included to the table.Sage Lavine is the CEO of Women Rocking Business.