Why phantom rules hold you back (and what to do about it)

Why phantom rules hold you back (and what to do about it)Why phantom rules hold you back (and what to do about it)In her brilliant book,Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert tells the fable of a great saint who would lead his followers in meditation. There was a slight problem. Just as the followers were dropping into their zen moment, they would get disrupted by a cat who would walk through the temple meowing and purring and bothering everyone.The saint came up with a simple solution He began to tie the cat to a pole during meditation sessions. This solution quickly developed into a ritual Tie the cat to the pole first, meditate second.When the cat eventually died (of natural causes), a religious crisis ensued. What were the followers supposed to do? How could theypossiblymeditate without tying the cat to the pole?This story illustrates what I call phantom rules. These are rules that you cant see. Theyre habits and behaviors that have unnecessarily rigidified into dogma. Theyre unlike writte n rules, which are visible. The written rules appear right there in the standard operating procedures and can be amended or deleted.Although written rules can be stubborn to change, phantom rules are even more stubborn. Theyre the silent killers that constrain our thinking and keep us inside an invisible fence without us even being aware of it. They turn us into a rat trapped in aSkinner box, pressing the same lever over and over again- except we designed the box and were free to venture out at any time. Were perfectly capable of meditating without the cat, but we dont realize it.We then make things worse by defending our boxes and self-imposed limitations.We could do things differently, we say,but our supply chain, our software, our budget, our skillset, our education, this-or-that doesnt allow it.As the saying goes, argue for your limitations, and you get to keep them.In all affairs, British philosopher Bertrand Russell writes, its a healthy thing now and then to hang a question m ark on the things you take for granted. To expose these phantom rules, spend a day questioning everything you do- from the route you drive to work to the software you use to send emails. With each commitment, each assumption, each budget item, ask yourselfWhat if this werent true? Why am I doing it this way? Can I get rid of this or replace it with something better?Be careful if you find yourself coming up with multiple reasons to keep something. By invoking more than one reason, as Nassim Taleb observes, you are trying to convince yourself to do something.Demand current- not historical- supporting evidence. Many of our routines and procedures were developed in response to problems that no longer exist. But the immune response remains long after the pathogen leaves.The best way to expose phantom rules is to violate them. Go for a seeming moonshot you dont think youll achieve. Ask for a raise you dont think you deserve. Apply for a job you dont think youll get.Youll find, after all, that itispossible to meditate without the cat.Ozan Varol is a rocket scientist turned law professor and bestselling author.Click hereto download a free copy of his e-book, The Contrarian Handbook 8 Principles for Innovating Your Thinking. Along with your free e-book, youll get the Weekly Contrarian - a newsletter that challenges conventional wisdom and changes the way we look at the world (plus access to exclusive content for subscribers only).Thisarticlefirst appeared onOzanVarol.com.

Infographic How Your Personality Impacts Your Career

Infographic How Your Personality Impacts Your CareerInfographic How Your Personality Impacts Your Career10Have you ever wondered if your personality impacts your career? If the choices you make professionally are somehow driven by a deeper personal need? If this is a new concept you are now exploring, you may be shocked to learn about some recent findings.The surprising, yet unsurprising results of a recent study conducted by Truity show that personality does play into professional goals, choices, opportunities, and successes. The study surveyed 25,759 people and came back with results covering the 16 MBTI personality types. The personality types are based on the following four styles Extrovert vs. Introvert Thinker vs. Feeler Sensor vs. Intuitive and Judger vs. Perceiver.By looking at the different personality types, the study was able to show which personality types were the highest earners, most satisfied with their jobs, and most likely to manage others. Because some personality types are mora likely to be men than women, the study also looked at the differences in gender, and it was shown that gender had little impact on the results.Below are a few of the takeaways from the Truity study, and the full infographic.Extroverts report better job satisfaction than introverts.Thinkers supervise more people than feelers.Intuitives are more likely to be self-employed than sensors.Judgers earn more money than perceivers.ENTJ and ESTJ personality types have the highest average incomes.ESFJ and ENFJ experience the most job satisfaction.ENTJ and ESTJ are most likely to supervise others.INFP, ISFJ, and ESFP are more likely to be stay-at-home parents.ENTP, ENFP, and INTP are more likely to be entrepreneurs.ISFP are most likely to be unemployed.The findings of the study are quite intriguing and can be highly useful when starting a new career or transforming the one you have. Those who are more apt to being alone might prefer remote work over those who need to interact wit h others frequently. The results can also help you determine which fields may or may not be a good fit. For those more introverted, a sales job might not be a good fit, while for an extrovert, it might be perfect.While personality type is great to consider when making career choices, it doesnt have to be a complete deal breaker. As humans, we can make conscious decisions that consider the implications on every facet of our lives. Understanding your personality type isnt meant to lead you down a certain path, but to support and drive you through your chosen one.Readers, how do you think your personality impacts your career? Do you think personality is a factor in career choice, opportunities, and successes? Share with us below(click infographic to view larger version)

The Productivity Costs of Sleep Deprived Workers

The Productivity Costs of Sleep Deprived Workers The Productivity Costs of Sleep Deprived Workers In fact, some studies have produced a number to quantify the financial loss attributable to sleep deprivation $18 billion per year.Americans tend to under-sleep by choice, burning the candle at both ends due to hectic work and family schedules, says Laura Stack, time management and productivity expert and professional blogger. We believe we can have more time for work and family by allowing ourselves less time for sleep. However, many of us do snooze- at work, driving to and from work- in a state of stupefied sleepiness.Excessive sleepiness at work can account for a productivity decrease of up to one-third and affects the quality and amount of work of which an employee is capable. And those errors, injuries, and other health-related consequences caused by drowsiness only adds to the costs past on to employers.For many people, sleeping less is simply a matter of efficiency, but a recent survey found that 85 percent of people would make an effort to sleep more if they were sure it would improve their life. What many people may be overlooking here are the effects of sleep deprivation such as lapses in short-term memory, lessened reaction time,difficulty concentrating, and depression of the immune system.

Clinical Pathology Veterinary Technician Specialty

Clinical Pathology Veterinary Technician SpecialtyClinical Pathology Veterinary Technician SpecialtyClinical pathology veterinary technicians have completed specialty training and certification to conduct laboratory analysis of animal bodily fluids. Duties Clinical pathology veterinary technicians assist veterinary pathologists in the examination of animal bodily fluids, such as urine or blood, to diagnose diseases. Routine duties may include assisting with biopsies or necropsies, drawing blood, collecting urine samples, preparing blood or urine specimens for evaluation, identifying the causes of diseases through observation and laboratory analysis, operating microscopes and other specialized pieces of lab equipment, and cleaning and maintaining all lab equipment. Vet techs, including clinical pathology techs, may have to work some evening, weekend, or holiday hours, depending on the needs of the laboratory staff schedule. Techs must also be constantly aware of the inherent risks involved with working with animals and take proper safety precautions to minimize the potential for injury. Care must also be taken while using the various toxic or noxious substances that may be necessary for laboratory preparations. Career Options Clinical pathology veterinary technicians may find employment in a wide variety of laboratory settings including clinics, diagnostic labs, academic institutions, research facilities, and government or private industry labs. Veterinary technician specialists may later choose to move into other animal health industry roles, such as veterinary pharmaceutical sales or veterinary laboratory equipment sales. Education Licensing There are mora than 160 accredited veterinary technician programs in the United States that grant two-year Associate degrees to graduates. After graduation from an accredited program, vet techs must pass a licensing examination in their state of residence. State certification is achieved through the National V eterinary Technician (NVT) certification exam, though some states have additional requirements that must be completed before a license is granted. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is the organization which oversees the 11 veterinary technician specialist (VTS) areas of certification. The currently recognized specialties for veterinary technicians are anesthesia, surgical, dental, internal medicine, clinical pathology, emergency critical care, behavior, zoo, equine, nutrition, and clinical practice. Clinical pathology welches first recognized as a VTS specialty in 2011 and is the newest of the specialty certification areas. The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians (AVCPT) offers the VTS specialty certification exam to licensed veterinary technicians after they have completed at least three years (4,000 hours) of experience in the field of clinical pathology as well as 40 documented hours of continuing education in clinical patholo gy. Additional requirements to sit for the exam include completion of a skills log, maintaining a case log during the third year of experience, completion of five detailed case reports, and submission of two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field. Veterinary techs that are able to fulfill these requirements are eligible to take the AVCPT certification exam. Laboratories may show a preference for job applicants that have specialty certification in the field of clinical pathology, as these individuals have proven an advanced level of skill in the field. Salary While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data for the individual vet tech specialties, it does report that the mean annual wage for the broader category of all veterinary technicians was $31,030 ($14.92 per hour) in 2010. The BLS survey indicated that in thecategory of veterinary technicians and technologists, the lowest 10 percent of all techs earned a salary of less than $20,500 per y ear, while the highest 10 percent of all techs earned a salary of more than $44,030 per year. Benefits packages for clinical pathology veterinary technicians may include salary, medical and dental insurance, a uniform allowance, and paid vacation days. As with any position, salary is commensurate with levels of experience and education. Specialists usually can command higher end salaries due to their significant expertise. Career Outlook According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 69,870 veterinary technicians or technologists working during the most recent salary survey conducted in May of 2010. The BLS survey indicated that there would be a steady year-to-year growth for the profession as a whole, with approximately 3,800 new licensees expected to enter the field each year. The BLS survey also pointed out that the rate of growth for the profession will expand at 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, much more quickly than the average for all professions. The limited number of new veterinary technicians is not expected to meet the strong demand from veterinary employers, and the extremely limited number of certified vet techs in the specialty of clinical pathology should ensure very strong job prospects for those that are able to achieve this specialty certification.

How to Start an Online Pet Store

How to Start an Online Pet StoreHow to Start an Online Pet StoreStarting small can be a good, low-risk way to launch an zugnglich pet store. You might consider beginning with an eCommerce site to see just how your products will be received and to familiarize yourself with the world of erreichbar sales. Then, when youre comfortable, jump in- but make sure that you first have all your bases titelblatted. Some Good eCommerce Cites You might consider starting with an eCommerce site like Amazon or Etsy if youre selling a particular font of product, such as your own line of dog duds. The good thing about Amazon is that you only pay fees when you actually make a sale. Etsy is geared toward people who make handmade items, so this could be a good place to start for those who want to deal in unique niche products they make themselves. Both these sites offer various forms of support, and both feature easy-to-use platforms. Create a Business Plan It might seem like overkill, but having a solid business plan can come in exceptionally handy down the road, such as in situations where you might need financing. Your plan should include an executive summary, which indicates the purpose of your business. It should explain how the business will be marketed, along with advertising and promotions ideas. Who is your potential competition? Who are your prospective customers? Cite the number of employees you expect to hire, if any, and your financial requirements for startup. About That Financing... Any new business requires that you cover startup costs, and you have to know where this money is coming from. This can take some advance planning, such as applying for a Small Business Administration loan or a business loan from your neighborhood bank. You might be able to fund your startup phase through savings or by taking a loan from your retirement account if you dont expect your initial costs to be too significant, such as because youre creating your own products for sale. Youll also need a place to put this money, as well as income when your products begin selling, so be sure to set up a merchant account with your bank. Size Up Your Competition Youll have plenty of competition, and you should have a firm understanding of what theyre selling and how much theyre selling it for if youre going to successfully compete with them for customers. If you have a unique product, thats great, but otherwise, you have to know what brands of kitty litter and what types of fish food major retailers are offering as well as smaller boutique and niche sellers. Find Suppliers for Your Online Pet Store Determining what kinds of items you want to sell and establishing reliable suppliers is anotlageher important step unless youll be selling products that you produce yourself. Its also a good idea to establish more than one supplier so you dont find yourself in a amphibie if one of them runs out of a product, goes out of business, or experiences other setbacks. Make sure you have enough materials and other resources on hand if youre producing your own pet products in the fortunate event that you find yourself bombarded with orders. Create a Catchy Domain Name The right domain name for your online business is very important. It should stand out in customers mindsand make it easier for them to remember you. Unfortunately, youll probably find that some of the best domain names are already taken. You might have to get creative. This is easiest if you have a unique product for sale. One example is Meow Wear which sells- you guessed it- cat clothes. This is a division of Handicapped Pets, which manufactures and sells wheelchairs for pets. But youll have to come up with a way to stand apart from other sites if you decide to sell general pet products and foods. Although Only Natural Pet sells products that are available at brick and mortar stores, the company exclusively carries the highest quality all-natural and holistic products, from pet foods to grooming supplies and pet supplements. So not only is this an effective domain name, but its also a great merchandising and marketing strategy. Do an online search for items that are similar to the ones youll be carrying to get an idea of which names are high on the list and are already being used. Youll also want to keep your domain name short and sweet. Avoid anything awkward, vague, or overly long. And make sure it contains a good keyword that will easily show up in search engines. Dont forget to register your domain name, so it remains exclusively yours. Create a Well-Designed Website You might want to hire a pro to design your online pet store site unless youre extremely tech savvy yourself. Choose someone who specifically has experience with eCommerce websites. One of the best ways to find a good web designer is through word of mouth. Check out other sites and ask others who have effective eCommerce operations for recommendations. And be sure to ask any prospective desi gners to show you examples of their work Keep in mind that a good web designer will cost you. The services of a highly experienced designer or firm usually start at around $2,000 for the entire project. They might charge anywhere from $75 to $200 an hour, but you cant have a successful web store without a good website. Your site should be easy to navigate and understand. It should be highly visual and professional, interactive and informative. Including customer testimonials can be a great promotional tool. Your site should also link to your social media pages and include a link that allows customers to sign up for your newsletter- which you should absolutely produce on a regular basis. Youll also want to include an e-mail contact link, along with your business phone number. Create a Mobile App It can also be a very good idea not to rely entirely on your website. Consider setting up a corresponding mobile app for those who prefer to do their shopping on their smartphones. Otherw ise, you could lose out on these potential customers. You have a choice between using a Native, Web, or Hybrid app, and again, you get what you pay for. Native apps tend to be top of the line and youll probably need to hire an expert for setup unless you happen to be an expert yourself. Web apps are easy to launch and they dont cost as much to set up and maintain. Hybrid apps are what the name suggests- they operate on both Native and web approaches. The Importance of a Good Web Host Your site will require a proper web host. This is a server on which you can rent space, typically for a monthly or yearly fee. The host will then transmit your site across the World Wide Web. Your site will automatically pop up when someone types your domain name into a search engine. Some of the top web hosts include iPage, bluehost, FatCow, and InMotion. Set up Online Payment Processing Lets not forget that you have to establish a way to get paid for the products you sell from your awesome new online pet store. The easiest way to go about this is to set up an account through PayPal, the popular online payment processing site. Its important to use a payment gateway with a well-recognized name. Think about it. Are you more comfortable forwarding your money to a vendor via PayPal or Joes XYZ Cash? Youll Need a Marketing Plan You have to let people know youre out there and eager to do business with them. Marketing can be as easy as buying banners on popular pet-related message boards, blogs, and forums, and many of these sites will only charge you when someone actually clicks on your ad. Now Deliver Your Products U.S. retailers have a few options for delivering their products to consumers. The good old United States Post Office offers flat-rate shipping. UPS has many convenient amenities for those who sell products online. And theres always FedEx. Remember to check duty fees and such if youre shipping your products overseas. Your best bet is to inquire with the U.S. Postal Service to find out if this is required. And youll also want to make sure you have all required licenses and state tax permits before that first piece of merchandise rolls out your door.

The Downside Risk of Make a Resume Online That No One Is Talking About

The Downside Risk of Make a Resume Online That No One Is Talking About But What About Make a Resume Online? You may even host your document angeschlossen for a web page for simple sharing with other individuals. The website pays its testers via PayPal, and that means you will have to have a PayPal account. It allows future employers to review your resume, along with the work history and personal background. If you dont create a resume utilizing an on-line sites resume builder but still need to post it to the website, you must upload it. You can obviously include a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile on your resume, but nevertheless, it shouldnt take the area of your resume. So if youre serious about discovering a great job that you should built a professional looking resume and the above mentioned websites to earn online resume can definitely assist you in developing a CV. You do not have to be worried about your personal details that could be viewed, as we handle the matter on a safe network. When you would like to find the best resume help, you are able to simply follow our lead. The Little-Known Secrets to Make a Resume Online Contemporary cover letters do not have to be boring, stilted and corporate, particularly if youre seeking to work in an enjoyable and creative atmosphere. So, picking a fancier resume builder help usually means that you may not locate a cover best that matches. A resume builder will allow you to rectify any errors and supply you with a working vision of the resume as you edit. The capability to edit your resume from any place in the world is a remarkable asset that you are able to utilize to assist you land that upcoming great job. There are a lot of expert tips on picking out the appropriate name for your website, including making it memorable, pronounceable, and resume brandable. The site gives an easy and easy-to-read format, so employers will have no difficulty in learning about your previous work experiences, education a nd techniques. A professional resume creates a durable impression but unfortunately many folks face difficulty in making a good resume. For almost whatever you want to include on a resume, theres a category to help organize it. Most individuals look at writing a resume as just something youve got to do to have a job. It is possible to even manage social networking on the go New Step by Step Roadmap for Make a Resume Online Work is performed under various Subjects each headed by means of a Referee. Teacher CV Example Here youll discover a CV example for a Teacher position which may help you in writing your CV, which comprises an expert summary, academic qualifications, key skills, experience, and references. Pharmacist CV Example Here youll discover a CV example for Pharmacist position that will be able to help you in writing your CV, which contains an expert summary, qualifications, key abilities, and work experience and references. The Basic Facts of Make a Resume Online Whi le Canadian resumes are available in many unique formats, they share some standards that you ought to know about. Resume Baking is the sole free resume builder online which lets you write cover letters. Make a Resume Online - the Conspiracy Possessing an impressive resume or a CV in the current competitive world is crucial if your CV stands from the pile of CVs then the possibilities of getting your dream job are always greater. Whether youre a recent graduate seeking your first job or a seasoned professional with decades of work experience, your CV has to reflect the demands of the position youre applying for. You must invest time into each application and be certain that your resume is tailored to every employer and the job that youre applying to.Regardless of the kind of resume you opt for, aim to tailor your resume to the job that you are applying to. A well-written CV is the initial step in finding work. A resume can choose whether you qualify for job or not.

Romancing your job

Romancing your job Romancing your jobPosted October 13, 2011, by Davide Crisante How do you rise above the average job applicant to become the chosen one for that job that you just know youre going to love? Its just like dating really. Confidence is the key but you also need to know exactly what you want, or more importantly, what you dont want. Theres no point putting in all that effort to woo the business shirt off your job interviewer if the job is not the right match. So how do you find a job that youll love? Scrolling through a job search website can be likened to going to a singles bar on Saturday night. Every job is dressed in a fancy description that screams pick me, Im beautiful. Which of these alluring strangers will suit you best? Whether youre a job-seeking virgin or a seasoned player, working out which job is right for you is no easy task. Like dating, theres plenty of choice but no guarantees. The fruchtwein attractive looking job might be a dud and the one youre not sure about might turn out to be the one. And any work you do can only bring you closer to that job that suits you. Playing the field can help you to see past the fat wallet full of cash or the heavy layers of make-up that mask the true nature of many jobs. Once you have negotiated the singles bar scenario, you need to make the first approach to the one that you think is right for you. Putting your application together is like filling out your profile on a dating site. To have successful results, you need to be honest and to be clear about what you want. Highlight what makes you unique and what you can bring to the table. Keep it truthful so you dont get mismatched with a job that isnt right for you. Think of your application as though you are responding to someone elses profile. Make sure the resume is tailored to the job and responds to each point in the job description. In your cover letter, the simplest method to show you are the right part is to use the same words they do. It so unds basic but this can make you look like a star applicant worthy of an interview the first date The first date its thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking at the same time. But dont let those butterflies get in the way of a good thing. Remember that the person interviewing you is also unsure whether youre the right person. If the job sounds great, you need to persuade this person that you are the one, or at least worthy of a second date. How do you do this? Find common interests with the interviewer and point out how the companys personality is similar to yours. Create your own comfort zone. Arrive early. Dress up rather than down. Make an effort. If you look good, you feel good and confident and thats got to be appealing to the interviewer. Mission successful? Waiting for the call is often the most stressful part of job-hunting because it feels like there is nothing more you can do. Rather than twiddling your thumbs nervously, you could make the next move to show that youre interest ed email or telephone to thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you. Dont give up if you dont get the job you applied for. Like dating, chances are that you wont find that perfect match straight away Learn from the experience and think about what you can do better next time. As long as you know what you want, keep looking and you will find it. Youll know when its right. Above all, dont lose heart. ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesjob advertisement template microsoft wordlibrary assistent jobjob advert for lawyerbusiness development manager job advert templatejob advertisement for office manager CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire zugnglich Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquir e Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDavide CrisanteRelated ArticlesBrowse moreCareer AdvisorsCareer progressionCareer Coach Vs Career Counsellor Whats the Difference?Dread Mondays? Dont know where to go and what to do next? A career coach or counsellor can help you find purpose in life. In this quick read, understand the difference between a career coach and a career counsellor.BossCareer progressionBuzzwords KPIsThe corporate world is full of confusing acronyms that people throw around to sound super important. Find out the meaning of KPIs as we tackle another business buzzword.Employment trendsFuture trendsAI Does it Mean Boom or Doom for Your Career?The times they are a changing, but is it all for the better? What should you be studying to future-proof your skills and what do the advancements in artificial intelligence mean for your career?

Women (especially founders) face a 20% equity gap at work

Women (especially founders) face a 20% equity gap at workWomen (especially founders) face a 20% equity gap at workWe already know that there is a gender pay gap holding women back at work, but did you know that there is an equity gap too?For every dollar of equity a man holds in a company, women hold 47 cents, according to data of 180,000 employees across 6,000 companies compiled by Carta.When you get equity at a company, you earn mora than a paycheck, you also get a stake in a business that can secure your financial future. Unlike cash, equity is likely to increase in value over time. This is the bet that many early startup employees make If I work at this new idea and our company gets bought or goes public, I can one day get rich overnight. But women are missing out on this opportunity. The research found that women make up 35% of equity-holding employees, but only hold 20% of equity. The gap gets more pronounced for female founders.They only own 39 cents for every dollar of equity a male founder earns. In total, women make up 33% of employees and founders in the workforce, but only hold 9% of equity.Women only hold 20% of the employee equity valueWhat happened to all that equity value? In response to the research, the Angels investment collective of six women suggests that the problem is a combination of factors. For one, female founders are more like to raise money at lower valuations and have to sacrifice a greater proportion of their company to investors, which dilutes their equity value. For another, women are less represented as investors - they make up 9% of venture capitalists, one study found - and are more likely to face industry bias overall.This bias creeps into decision-making. One study on Swedish venture capitalists found that investorswould be more likely to question a womansentrepreneurship knowledgethan a male entrepreneur. Men in business were more likely to get the benefit of the doubt. A male entrepreneur would get described optimistica lly as young and promising while a woman got the tepid response of young, but experienced.For women to get more ownership of the businesses they help build, Angels suggests that closing the capitalization table gap needs to become a priority for leaders. Their advice to founders and CEOS? Include and develop women from the beginning of a companys story. Raise money from women investors. Hire women from day one. Compensate men and women equally when in similar roles. And focus on women of color, especially URMs underrepresented minorities, in all these areas as they face even higher barriers in our industry, the group suggests.

How to Give Someone Constructive Criticism in the Workplace

How to Give Someone Constructive Criticism in the WorkplaceHow to Give Someone Constructive Criticism in the WorkplaceWhen I welches finishing up a summer internship during grad school, I was scheduled for a feedback session on the final day of work. Having worked really hard throughout the summer, I walked into the session expecting positive, or, at the very least, mixed feedback.What I received instead was my managers biased stance on why she felt certain events had happened in the past couple weeks and what this meant about my attitude. She was wrong. There were other reasons for the recent events that she hadnt considered. I felt blindsided and shocked that none of my hard work throughout the three months had been considered. I left the office that day in tears.That memory has stuck with me because I felt that a lot of the standard rules for properly delivering feedback were not followed. Feedback, I discovered that day and again after, is more effective for the recipient if the giver can remain objective and focus on communicating solutions.Here are some tips for optimally organizing and delivering constructive criticism.1.Focus on observations. Do not assume intentions.When organizing points for a feedback discussion, collect examples that support what youre communicating. However, do not surmise the motivation behind behaviors. Be open when discussing the actions with the individual, and be open to hearing the individuals rationale or partieal circumstances. If you lob unfounded accusations, the other person could become defensive and stop listening.2.Tie the behavior or action to an outcome.While you should comment on the persons actions, it is more impactful if you can tie the behavior to an outcome or describe the negative impact. It provides context for the individual and also establishes that you are not attacking the person but rather critiquing how their behavior impacts others. For example, instead of telling a person that you disagree with the n egative comments that theyve made, explain how it impacts team morale and distracts team members from overcoming obstacles and tackling work.Incidentally, tips 1 and 2 make up part of the Gordon method for delivering feedback using I-statements 1) describe the behavior you find unacceptable, 2) share your feelings and 3) identify the tangible and concrete effect of the behavior.3.Be aware of recency bias.Recency biasis the tendency to place more value on recent events because of their freshness within your memory. Consider all events regardless of when they occurred. Recency bias can occur for positive or negative behavior. If a person performs well but has a rough couple of weeks recently, you could be penalizing them unfairly. Conversely, if a person underperforms for a long span of time but more recently had major wins, you may be celebrating spurts of good work rather than sustained solid performance.4. Offer recommendations or alternatives.In addition to telling a person things that they should try to refrain from doing, offer them some suggestions of some things they should try. A person may be acting one way because they arent aware of alternatives. Give them some ideas to seed their imagination, and then encourage them to think of other, more productive ways to operate.5.Deliver feedback in person.Comments can be misconstrued when delivered over an online medium, no matter how many smiley-face emoticons you use. When possible, deliver feedback in personso that you can see their reactions and adapt what you are saying according to their verbal responses or the body language you witness. Giving feedback in real time and actively taking into account the information that you gather during the conversation allows you to adjust the course of the conversation so that it remains focused on the most important topics.Read Related ArticlesCharm Candidates With an Irresistible Company Culture

The 5 Stages of a Typical Career--Where Are You

The 5 Stages of a Typical Career--Where Are YouThe 5 Stages of a Typical CareerWhere Are You8The progression of stages differs for each person- some may spend more time at one level, others may hit road bumps, and many will even choose to redirect entirely. But whether the journey is linear, winding, or circular, each stage provides valuable chances to grow and to craft a route that works for you.Here are the five stages of a typical career.ExplorationWhether you have your foot in the door at a place you think may be your dream company or are working a particular job simply because it pays the rent for now, get all you can from the experience. Asking thoughtful questions, meeting a variety of people, and learning everything you can will set you up for future career opportunities. Youll not only begin figuring out if the field is a good match to your interests, youll strengthen transferable skills and grow your network.For many people, the exploration phase is one to repeat several ti mes before you find a career that feels right. If youve been trying different careers before you move to the next stage, youre not aloneprogredienzWhen youve reached a point where you feel headed in the right direction, it is time for preliminary planning. What will it take to get from point A to point B? Do you have the educational background necessary for the position to which you aspire? Might finding a mentor help with navigating the industry and its politics?A common pitfall in this stage is focusing too much on rapid promotion rather than on long-term goals. Cautions David Van Rooy, senior director of global leadership development at Walmart and author of Trajectory 7 Career Strategies to Take You from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, When people hop jobs quickly, they are often focused more on title and money than on the skills they need to develop to reach their longer-term goals. For that reason, it is essential to have at least a loose idea of your 5-10-year career g oals. Once you have taken the time to consider that, you can begin to map out the skills and experiences you need in order to reach those goals.SatisfactionCongratulations on finding happiness with your work and your employer Take pleasure in your circumstance, and keep taking action to ensure the good times last.Many people reach a point where they really enjoy what they are doing (and are really good at it). There is nothing wrong with this at all- I call this a positive plateau, Van Rooy says. He suggests, however, continuing to be a lifelong learner who seeks out new people, ideas, and challenges. If youve been doing the saatkorn thing for awhile, try to get exposure or a chance to work in another part of the business. Think of it as a way to shock the system. Similarly, dont be afraid to let others know what your goals are. Its easy to become pigeonholed if you have been in the same job for a long time.EvaluationWhile regularly taking a close look at your where you are vs. wher e you want to be is worthwhile, sometimes circumstances increase the need for inspection- a new baby that necessitates a different schedule, a corporate merger that leaves your job shaky, a case of the Monday blahs five days a week that makes you wonder if youre in the right field.A key to this stage is zeroing in on what would make life better. Are you dissatisfied with the pay, the actual work, the environment, the hours, or something else? Without pinpointing the problem, you may switch jobs just because the grass appears greener elsewhere- and soon end up with the same difficulties. Once you know what it is you truly want you can brainstorm ideas on how to achieve it, perhaps seeking a new role with the same employer, learning a new skill to increase marketability, or exploring flexible options to achieve a saner work-life balance.LegacyThe final years of a career are a time to think about what lasting mark you wish to make on your field. Many workers find it rewarding to mentor younger employees or to hold leadership positions within professional or community organizations. Others focus on meeting personal or company goals theyd still like to accomplish.As one career path finishes, dont be surprised if a new one begins. People at this stage often seek alternate employment as a way to explore additional interests, keep active and social, and contribute to their income. And in their new role, they may find themselves passing through the five stages of a typical career once againReaders, how many of the five stages of a typical career have you experienced? Share your experience with us below