Signs You’re A Layoff Candidate
The most likely layoff candidates are employees who resist new technology or are not interested in upgrading their skills, ones who demonstrate little or no emotional commitment to the company, those disliked by peers and subordinates, and finally, those who made any major mistakes—even many years ago.
Read MoreIf Asked to Evaluate Your Boss
Be very careful when evaluating your boss—an increasingly common practice in many companies. Assume that he/she will find out who said what, even if comments are supposed to be kept confidential. Also, give facts—not opinions—and do not repeat hearsay. Only mention things you personally heard or saw. Avoid making recommendations even if asked what the boss could do to improve performance. Most bosses prefer to believe subordinates like and respect them. Anything negative you say could become a problem for you later.
Read MoreSix Special Ways to Reward Employees
A lack of recognition is the number one cause of employee dissatisfaction. Give creatively to employees, and they will give back productivity, loyalty and team spirit. Here are low-cost ways to reward employees: Name it. If Kelly was drinking coffee while working on a report until 2 am, post a sign on the coffeemaker dedicating it to her. Name the conference room after the employee who scored a big account. Change the names as the people who deserve recognition change. Bribe the spouse. Show appreciation to the support person behind the star employee. A simple note works. Flowers, wine or dinner is even better. Give discounts. Macy’s employees enjoy discounted…
Read More3 Key Questions to Ask Job Candidates
When interviewing, ask candidates how they have handled workplace problems, such as a conflict with a coworker or a difficult boss. Focus on specific projects or transactions, not just the work in general. Listen as the applicant talks about past workplace problems. Does he/she still seem angry or irritated? Does he talk disparagingly about coworkers? You should also know the stressors inherent in the position for which the candidate is interviewing, and look for someone who has handled these successfully in the past. Ask the candidate to sign a waiver allowing you to talk to his former employer and waiving any liability as a result of the conversation. Fax it…
Read MoreIs Stress Creating Sick Days at Your Company?
Stress could become the leading cause of disability within the next 20 years. Stress-related workers’ compensation claims are rising dramatically. People stay at home “sick” because of worries about the pace of work and fears of layoffs, workplace violence and, since September 11, 2001, working in high-rise buildings. Our culture believes that every ailment can be treated, and many medications are effective against stress symptoms. Better: Accept stress as normal, but don’t let it rule your life. Take steps to relieve it. Examples: Exercise, massage, a hobby, deep breathing.
Read MoreGetting People to Want What You’ve Got: Overcoming Objections and Building Trust
Say you dream up an innovative product or advertising strategy. Or you have devised a better system for paying bills at home. But when you present the idea to your colleagues, boss, spouse—whomever—you are met with resistance. Here’s how to head off opposition, before it gathers steam, by addressing the three types of resistance: “I DON’T GET IT” The individual or group simply doesn’t understand your idea. Perhaps you used the wrong language. Jargon may work in your department, but to those down the hall, it may sound like you come from another country. Or your audience lacks the background to understand the concept. When my accountant reviews my retirement…
Read MoreResolving Personality Conflicts at Work
Photo: Unsplash Sooner or later, everyone has interpersonal conflicts with colleagues. Such rifts can drag on for years. With the right technique, most can be resolved quickly. Understand The Cause Sometimes it’s clear why a person doesn’t like you or why you don’t like him/her. Perhaps you said or did something the other person objected to—or vice versa. If you have no idea why someone dislikes you, the animosity probably has more to do with him that with you. Some possible causes are: He thinks you dislike him. It doesn’t take much for a person with low self-esteem to jump to this conclusion. In his mind, his dislike is simply…
Read MoreHow To Succeed In Business Without Working So Damn Hard
Photo: Pexels Face it, you work much harder than you need you. Chances are you’ve had this conversation with yourself. The average workweek is over 60 hours and it is getting longer, not shorter. Remember back in the 80s when it was predicted that the average workweek would be less than 30 hours in the next 20 years? As if. Did you know there are some professions, especially in the tech sector, employees are expected to put in 100+ hour weeks? Even interns. This marathon approach to working creates a lot of stress and limit the quality of life. It also hinders performance, productivity, and creativity. Working a lot harder,…
Read MoreHow to Make New Friends by Reading Body Language
Understanding nonverbal cues and behavioral patterns when meeting new people is a necessary trait to obtain, according to Dimitrius. She emphasizes the importance of observing body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to gain insights into a person’s mood, receptiveness, and potential biases. In her book, she offers techniques for reading people effectively. This involves paying attention to microexpressions (brief facial expressions that reveal emotions), gestures, posture, and eye contact. These cues can explain a person’s feelings, intentions, and reactions. Ever wonder if someone is genuinely listening to you? Dimitrius Dimitrius suggests that engaged listeners exhibit open body language, maintain eye contact, nod in agreement, and ask relevant questions.…
Read MoreUseful Lessons From the Wisdom In Your Dreams
Although dreams often seem nonsensical, the close examination can yield self-knowledge and practical guidance for everyday living. Interpreting dreams is usually a challenge. They so often deal with thorny issues that we avoid thinking about when we’re awake. And most dream-analysis systems impose rigid symbolism and meanings that don’t fit everyone. The dream-analysis method I use involves freely exploring a dream with others but accepting only the insights that strike a personal chord. My dreamwork programs normally contain eight to 10 people, but the system also works with just two or three Present The Dream To allow for wide-ranging speculation, the dreamer first tells the “straight story.’’ He/she should write…
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