Leader, Leadership and Management
1. Management Functions
Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling.
2. Management Roles
- Interpersonal: Figurehead, Leader, Liaison.
- Informational: Monitor, Disseminator, Spokesperson.
- Decisional: Entrepreneur, Disturbance handler, Resource allocator, Negotiator
3. Management Skills
Technical, Human, Conceptual
MANAGEMENT TIPS
1. If you can’t control somethin then don’t stress yourself about it.
2. Give full credit to your subordinates and recognise their efforts as if they were responsible for the successful results.
3. Whenever assigned to a new job, don’t hesitate to overwork yourself for the first few months. People will perceive you as a hard worker for a much longer time.
4. Add a “please” or a “thank you” whenever you say somthing.
5. Use your shirts, trousers and ties by rotating your combinations, but do keep an exclusive set for those important occasions.
6. Your business card is a part of your introduction, so always carry some everywhere and don’t hesitate in distributing them.
7. Your company’s money is as precious as your own so spend it wisely without being tight-fisted.
8. Whenever you voice a problem or a complaint, always remember to recommend a solution for it as well.
9. Always keep a secret because not all the others can keep one.
10. If you can’t meet a deadline, then re-negotiate it or let your boss know about it well in advance.
11. Opportunity may knock on your door anytime, so always keep an updated, one page, resume handy with you.
12. Voluntary work helps establish your image in a positive manner. So take active part and accept important assignments in professional and voluntary associations.
13. Before you use someone’s reference, inform him about it or seek his permission.
14. With age light and nutritious meals are better and so is a decrease in alcohol intake.
15. Discussing salaries or company politics can be uncomfortable for others and can also lead to a conflict so avoid such discussions.
16. If you have bad breath then consult your doctor or dentist, bad breath can be a deterrent to your communication skills.
17. Business lunches are mostly for transacting business, so remember to order yourself a meal which is not too cumbersome to handle and does not interfere with your conversation.
18. If you have too many things to handle at the same time then develop a list of your top ten priorities and handle them first.
19. On business and other trips pack light in just enough bags so that you can carry your own luggage.
20. Accept constructive criticism as graciously as you would give it to others.
21. Don’t let yourself depreciate by having an inferiority complex, concentrate on your assets. Most people are better than what they think they are.
22. Discussions become more purposeful, participative and objective if their desired outcome is stated before they begin.
23. Constructive disagreement yields positive results.
24. A good team leader always praises his team for their achievements and shares responsibility for losses as well.
25. Don’t let big jobs scare you, each big job can be broken down into smaller actions. If you list down these actions and handle them one at a time, you will have the big job well under your control.
26. Understand menu cards and wine lists, some of the medium priced wines are better than the others and are more value for money.
27. Mixing business with pleasure has it’s limits, never sleep with a client or colleague, irrespective of sex.
28. Performance promised should be performance delivered, if you can’t deliver then don’t promise.
29. As far as possible do not counsel your subordinates or employees on financial matters.
30. As much as it is necessare to own up a mistake, it is also essential to inform the person who can rectify it at the earliest.
31. Always resist a temptation to argue, arguments don’t lead to any thing.
32. Like opportunities, good ideas too don’t come too often, so keep a pad and pencil to note down any good idea that comes to your mind.
33. You could always divide your colleagues into the “doers” and the “donots”. Try to associate more with the ones who believe in doing.
34. The worst thing you can do is fake an expense report. Trust once lost can never be gained again.
35. By remembering the birthdays and anniversaries of your subordinates and colleagues, you can show that you care.
36. Don’t generalize your statements when criticising somebody, be specific in your observation and communication.
37. Be a good listener, hear the other person out before thinking of the answer and answering him.
38. Always set your goals realistically and then work towards achieving them.
39. Use visuals like flip charts, they help you in getting your idea across more easily and liven up the discussion.
40. Your professional qualifications also need to be enhanced, so remember to participate in training programs each year, even if they are not in house and you have to pay for them.
41. A joke up the sleeve is the best way to break the ice, provided it is not controversial.
42. Ensure that you write the date on every document you receive and send.
43. You should refer a person only when you know his or her abilities well, there may of course be occasions when you allow someone to use your name to get acquainted.
44. Summarising a meeting helps in recapping what was discussed and also fixes responsibilities and deadlines for pending actions.
45. Weigh your words before speaking at a party or at a gathering, you never know who may be listening.
46. Prioritise your work and maintain your focus on the ones that matter the most.
47. Just because you are right, it is not necessary that you will be effective as well.
48. Keep a constant focus on your priorities.
49. When staying in a hotel let the reception know that you are expecting guests, the guest would feel better when he is told that he is expected.
50. Handouts of your presentation help the team to reflect upon them.
51. If you have an early morning appointment with someone then get his home phone number just in case there are any last minute changes.
52. When returning from a vacation remember to bring back something for your colleagues.
53. Good selling skills also help you in handling resistance and pre-conceived notions.
54. Begin your presentation with an anecdote or joke which does not offend any one. This will capture your audience and make them attentive.
55. Keep your vocabulary constantly updated, remember it helps you in your communication.
56. There is alwasy a way, you just have to find it and then get on with the job.
57. Tell your employees or subordinates about your expectations as a manager and how you visualise success. Then lead them towards it.
58. If you have complained to somebody about something which is important, make sure you back it up in writing.
59. Colleagues would often come to you asking for advice on personal issues. It is better to just listen and sympathise.
60. Targets best owned are targets best set.
61. Always be a good listener, most of the time people just want to be heard out, they don’t really want their problems to be solved.
62. Whenever you borrow a friend’s car, make sure you check for dents and point them out before driving off, this avoids misunderstandings when you return the car.
63. Feel free to change the place where you have lunch or take a different route to the office once in a while, such little changes make life more interesting.
64. Questions which begin with “What”, “When”, “Where”, and “How” are open ended questions and they get you a lot of information.
65. While travelling there are lot of little expenses you are likely to forget so make sure you keep your expense report updated constantly.
66. Think important, look important and consider your work to be important. People will then look up to you as an important person.
67. If you use round tables for official meetings, it tends to give everyone an equal status and does not create disparities.
68. If you believe something can be done, you will sub-consciously try to work towards it. In other words believe in what you do and you will be successful.
69. To boost your confidence always speak up, smile big, be a front seater and make eye contact.
70. Know the perks and benefits you are eligible for and keep a copy ot these with you.
71. It is difficult to do without computers today so keep yourself updated about the latest software but try to learn only those which you think would help you in your day to day routines.
72. The company’s mail and circulars are an ocean of information. If you are assigned to a new position, take your time to go through them, they will tell you a lot.
73. If you want to communicate well then choose your words and watch your language.
74. Try not to dictate terms to a group, get everyone to brainstorm ideas, filter them and come out with the best solutions in the end. There will be better ownership to the actions agreed upon in the end.
75. Whenever you are writing, don’t break your chain of thought, if you are not sure of a word then leave a blank, continue with your work and come back to it later.
76. If you are making a presentation, arrive well in advance and check out the equipment. If something is likely to fail later then arrange a spare one as a standby.
77. Build a positive environment around you. When people around you think positive they achieve positive results and help you achieve positively as well.
78. The funny thing about corporate budgets is that, if you spend too little, you get less next year, if you spend too much then the boss doesn’t like it. So spend just right.
79. Office staff should not be used for personal jobs.
80. Avoid discussing important issues with someone on th last day of the week.
81. Whether you are participating in a meeting or leading it, don’t sit at the head of the table, seat yourself within the group.
82. Whenever you have apprehensions and feel tense, remind yourself of your prior successes, simply because if you could do well then, you can positively do well now. This will make you feel better.
83. Learn to remember people’s names but avoid referring to someone by his first name unless he has asked you to do so or you have earned the privilege.
84. To be successful in your job you must know what you are expected to do so keep a copy of your job description handy with you.
85. Feedback when asked for can be received in abundance, you should know what is worth it and what is not.
86. If you are going to be conducting interviews, it is better to have a list of the essential and desirable characteristics you require in the prospective employee.
87. If you are proceeding for a business meeting straight from the airport, remember to freshen up before the plane lands.
88. Become an interesting person so that people value their associations with you.
89. It is better to be a leader rather than be a manager, you lead people and manage inventories.
90. If you want to do something then don’t wait till the conditions are perfect because they never will be.
91. As a manager don’t transmit information, share it.
92. Some of the best solutions to problems come when you look at them from the other person’s viewpoint.
93. Whenever you take charge of a new position do not try to radicalise change. Fit yourself into the environment first and involve others while making changes.
94. Every manager has a moral and professional obligation to develop his subordinates to the same level as himself. The growth of his subordinates will in turn ensure his own growth.
95. To delegate effectively, list down all the jobs you are doing, then decide if you need to do all of them. If not delegate specific jobs to the person who is best capable of delivering the results.
96. During a meeting handle the persistent questioners by returning the question to them like a “hot potato”.
97. Wisdom is not the monopoly of the managers, some of the best ideas can stem from the subordinates.
98. First make sure what you plan to do is right, then do it. Everyone who does something worthwhile is bound to receive some criticism.
99. Office stationary is meant for the office, you must buy what you need at home.
100. The passenger on the seat next to you, during a flight may be a prospective business contact or a competitor, so exchange introductions before you get conversant.
101. If you take a phone message for someone then make sure you take it down with the details.
102. Whenever you develop a plan, ensure you have prepared backup actions just in case something goes wrong.
103. Carefully read everything you sign, also don’t forget to check the date.
104. Talking to a colleague with a hand on the shoulder is good but you should know when to use it and when it would be misunderstood.
105. There are cities where flights are frequently delayed because of bad weather so keep spare work on your hand for such trips.
106. A job interview works both ways, do your fact finding about your prospective employer before the interview.
107. Always answer the phone before the fourth ring.
108. Find yourself a role model in the company. Whenever you are in a situation where you need an answer, put yourself in your role model’s position and imagine how he would have handled it.
109. Spontaneity in decision making is good, but if you have a major decision to make then sleep over it or give it a second thought, that way you are more likely to take a good decision.
110. When you hand over a position to someone, don’t prejudice him by giving unnecessary feed back about your colleagues and subordinates, let him form his own opinions.
111. Try to avoid discussing your boss with his peer or superior, if you have to do so make sure you project a positive image and subsequently give your boss feedback about it.
112. Never let a business call interrupt your dinner, politely tell the caller that you will call back later.
113. Familiarise yourself with the salary structure of the job you are applying for.
114. Even if you have a good memory, make it a point to take notes during discussions and meetings.
115. Take a person for what he or she is, do not label a person on the basis of religion, race, disability etc.
116. Often hotel wake-up call operators need to be woken up, so re-check your request for wake-up calls.
117. Humour does not resolve a conflict, try to get to the root of the problem before finding a solution for resolving it.
118. While travelling, a portable iron in your bag is an invaluable piece of hardware to iron out creases on your clothes.
119. Maintain a diary or planner of your appointments, there are occasions when you can’t just depend upon your memory.
120. If you are managing a large project then use a chart to follow it’s various activities and progress on a regular basis.
121. Avoid favouritism, the one who is your most favourite in the office is the one who is more likely to make more mistakes.
122. Never use your office equipment for your personal work.
123. Take a break at regular intervals throughout the day it helps you refresh yourself and ease your tension.
124. If you have a radio alarm in your hotel room, remember to reset it. Unless you want to wake up at the same time as the previous guest.
125. Paste your name on your punching machine, stapler etc in the office. It will be easier to trace them when someone “borrows” them without your permission.
126. Close ended questions which get you a straight “yes” or a “no” for an answer are good for controlling a discussion or for obtaining a precise answer. Try to avoid using them frequently, they limit the conversation.
127. Turn your errors and mistakes into opportunities, ask yourself how you could do better or avoid them the next time. This process of introspection will also help you to improve constantly.
128. Next actions and their deadlines should be documented after discussions with employees and subordinates. They come in handy when you are preparing yourself for a performance evaluation.
129. When evaluating your colleagues, subordinates or employees, make sure you do so to professional standards, conduct and performance, and not on personal relationships.
130. If you are finding it difficult to get an appointment from somebody, send him a note asking for one. Mail is more likely to reach him.
131. While arranging a conference in a hotel, get to know the manager who is going to be handling your function, this would pin down the responsibilities.
132. Avoid personal calls on company expense, but if you have to do so then keep them short.
133. Always wear comfortable shoes.
134. When discussing a new job, negotiate your salary, perks, bonuses etc. specifically before the final offer is made. These tend to become hard to get once the final offer is made.
135. There are occasions when you can’t find the solution to a problem, leave it alone for some time, solutions have a funny way of coming up on their own.
136. Two heads are better than one.
137. Help your employee solve his problem by asking him how you can help.
138. Never spare yourself, set goals for yourself which are measurable and time bound.
139. Use a “Things To Do Today list”
140. Anger prevents you from thinking in a stable manner so avoid discussions when you are angry.
141. End all employee counseling sessions or discussions on a positive note with responsibilities and deadlines firmly defined.
142. Save all you appreciation letters and testimonials in a file, if you have had a bad day and need to be motivated, go through them and see what you have achieved.
143. Keep a list of frequently called local numbers or long distance numbers and the telephone area codes easily accessible.
144. Whenever you are offering feedback, offer it positively, the other person should feel that you are offering him a way of improving and not just pointing out a shortcoming.
145. Negotiations are a two way process, it is always better to decide in advance what you are willing to forgo.
146. There may be a lot of people eager to do the jobs you assign to them but make sure you assign them to those who are skilled and capable of handling them.
147. Whenever you need advice, go to a person who is successful because around you are a lot of people who give advice freely but are most unsuccessful in their jobs.
148. If a subordinate has a grievance, don’t ignore it.
149. An effective manager is also a good delegator, this way he has more time on his hands to plan ahead.
150. Giving verbal directions about an address is as difficult as describing a picture. Draw a map instead and give it to the other person.
151. As much as you need to train and add to your professional skills, you need to do the same for your subordinate. Identify his training needs and provide him with inputs over a period of time.
152. Always set realistic targets, they get results, improve peoples’ performance, develop skills and give a sense of achievement.
153. An answering machine is an important tool for an effective manaer, feel free to talk to one when you make a call. Remember to leave a crisp and clear yet polite message which speaks for you.
154. Promises, rewards and threats are not the things that make your subordinate work, find out what motivates him, it may just be a need to achieve or be given additional responsibility.
155. Managers are expected to lead by example so don’t expect someone else to do something you would not do yourself.
156. A subordinate will respect you if you respect his aspirations.
157. People don’t usually come up with solutions immediately, so give the other person some time to think.
158. Keep your boss constantly updated about what is going on, don’t pull surprises on him.
159. On the telephone you can never know if the other person is free or in the right mood to talk to you, so don’t hesitate to ask.
160. Agree clear and tangible targets with your subordinates so that their performance can be measured.
161. Apply your perfume or colone sparingly, the bottle will last longer and you will still make your presence sensed.
162. Managers are expected to produce results with only two resources, people and time, so manage both effectively.
163. A successful manager is always a good communicator.
164. It is not necessary for you to know the answer to everything but it is important for you to know where to look for the solution.
165. Treat your customers as if they are guests in your home.
166. Examine your secretary’s work load, for all you know there could be a lot of jobs you could hand down to him or her.
167. Action centered leadership is dependant upon building the team, achieving the task and developing the individuals.
168. A good leader always speaks of progress, believes in it and pushes for it.
169. Always appreciate the work of those who do petty jobs for you. There is no harm in making your own cup of tea or heating your own lunch once in a while.
170. If you keep giving people continued requests for work, you may be destroying their priorities.
171. Only the escapists blame luck.
172. When you delegate responsibilities you also delegate authority so be careful who you delegate to.
173. It is best to return all phone calls.
174. At a business lunch or dinner, order your meal keeping in meal keeping in mind the financial status of your host.
175. Either agree to go “Dutch” on the tab or don’t hesitate to pay the bill when out for a meal.
176. Whenever you are out of office let your colleagues know where to contact you and when you would be back, unless you plan to be out on a “quiet lunch”.
177. Strike a consensus with your boss about the deadline for completing a project before you undertake it.
178. The difference between a computer hard disk and your mind is that your mind can think, it is not just a warehouse for information.
179. Congratulating someone on an achievement or expressing grief on a loss goes a long way in rapport building.
180. First deserve then desire.
181. Know your mistakes, admit them, learn from them. Apply the same rule to others as well.
182. Don’t let little things drive you down, hold your fort and maintain your stature.
183. Contribute to the education of your colleagues by circulating copies of interesting quotes or articles.
184. Recognise the facts that-no one is perfect, the other person has a right to be different, so don’t be a reformer.
185. A clean car whether your own or the company’s, projects a positive image about you.
186. Your boss and your subordinates are your key customers, understand their requirements and try to meet them over a period of time.
187. Be a good listener and in the process, if required, ask clarifying questions. This will clear your own understanding and also show to the other person that you are interested.
188. Handle your paperwork promptly and keep a tidy desk. Unless of course you think it will make your boss feel you are under worked (pun intended)
189. Not doing anything about a situation strengthens your fears about it and destroys your confidence.
190. “Good ideas” are good ideas but they are valuable only when they are put into action.
191. Keep all the papers you don’t need for an extra day in a separate tray before shredding them.
192. Companies make short term and long term plans, they also have corporate visions which stem from individual visions. So have a vision for yourself.
193. Our eyes are as expressive as our words and body language, so look the other person in the eye and maintain eye contact. This way you can express and observe better.
194. Learn how to operate and replenish the various machines in the office, it will save you a lot of botheration when your secretary takes a day off.
195. You should always be prepared to face and solve obstacles and contingencies.
196. A problem well defined is a problem half solved.
197. Make your choice, an active person does, but a passive person is generally going to do but never does. Which one would you like to be?
198. Ask the laundry to return your clothes on hangers, that way they will have less creases.
199. Meetings become more systematic and organised if the agenda, with the time allocated for each item, is prepared and circulated in advance.
200. Always have a firm handshake and when you are shaking hands with someone, maintain eye contact.
201. If possible find out the food and diet habits of your guest in advance and try to offer him what he is most comfortable with.
202. Managers with closed minds generally have open door policies.
203. Business trips can tax your capabilities and build stress. So take your moments off and do something which relaxes you.
204. If you have failed to plan then you can take it for granted that you have planned to fail. Think big, visualise and plan in advance.
205. Always put in your best efforts, as if everything depended upon you.
206. Follow your seniors while ordering drinks during a lunch meeting. If you are alone, give it a second thought.
207. Your home telephone number is for your personal use, try to avoid making official calls from that end and also try to avoid receiving too many.
208. All business expenses which are supported with receipts are not questioned, so get receipts for all your expenses.
209. Don’t be afraid to name your price while negotiating a new job, but be open to compromise.
210. Always keep a spare project in mind for spare time on your hands.
211. Play to the tune of your customers, write to those who like to receive notes and speak to those who are good listeners.
212. Whenever you sign a document on somebody’s behalf, make sure you have the powers and authority to do so.
213. If possible do some form of exercise in the mornings before going to office.
214. Doing something you like keeps you motivated, so do at least one such thing each day.
215. Always have at least one suit or dress tucked away and ready for special occasions.
216. Employment interviews are a two way process, feel free to ask your prospective employer questions about their organisation. It will project a positive image.
217. It may be vogue to arrive late at parties, but make it a point to arrive a few minutes early for a business meeting.
218. If you specially like a letter you received or sent then save a copy in a separate file for future reference.
219. Feedback is essential, if you are not getting enough, then ask for it.
220. If you keep your hands in your pockets during a presentation, you would project a very casual attitude.
221. You would never like to be kept waiting for an appointment so don’t keep others waiting either.
222. When you offer someone less than what he or she was earning in the last job, he or she may accept it but sooner or later it will reflect on that person’s work.
223. Contribute to your tax saving plans regularly it saves you from a sudden financial burden at the end of the year.
224. Mark a copy of an appreciation letter to the addressee’s boss as well.
225. If you are leading a group in a discussion, make sure you get them all to participate and whenever you ask them a question give them sufficient time to answer, not all people think at the same pace.
226. Ensure odd jobs in the office are evenly distributed to all.
227. Be prompt in sending a thank you note to someone who has granted you a special favour.
228. The costliest clothes or accessories may not necessarily make you look the best, buy what suits you and enhances your image.
229. Everyone in the office cannot be on the vacation at the same time, so plan yours at a different time and your leave application is more likely to be accepted.
230. Always summarise at the end of a meeting and selectively share that summary, if not confidential, with your subordinates.
231. Your family is in the habit of seeing you each evening, so if you are out on a trip then call back each evening if possible.
232. If you have faxed or couriered an important message to someone then check it’s arrival through a phone call.
233. Guesses or assumptions generally lead to wrong conclusions so if you don’t know something, ask.
234. If you are using someone else’s office then return things to where they were before you leave.
235. If a business deal is not likely to materialise then pitch in a few times before you hear and accept the final “no”
236. Knowledge of the latest technological developments keeps you ahead of others so keep yourself updated.
237. If you think you have negotiated a deal well and met the customer’s requirement, don’t hesitate to ask for the order.
238. If you have made a mistake, never hesitate in apologising, it projects a positive image about you.
239. Meetings can be a pain when held too often or without a specific purpose.
240. If you have a doubt about any action you are likely to carry out in the future then test it by putting yourself in the other man’s shoes.
241. Questions help you in clearing your perception about something, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
242. Don’t overstuff your briefcase, carry what is essential with just a few extras.
243. Be gracious whenever you ask for something which was not given to you, remember “first deserve then desire”
244. Success visualised is success worked towards.
245. Inter-personal discussions can be difficult to handle so anticipate variations and prepare yourself well with facts.
246. Illustrations, charts, diagrams, not only help remove monotony in discussions, but also help in clarifying the point and getting everyone to achieve a common understanding.
247. Indebtedness is mutual between an employee and an employer. Accordingly your salary should reflect the efforts you contribute.
248. If you are a frequent traveller then keep yourself updated about flight or train arrival, departure schedules and delays.
249. When working in a group, clear all doubts and objections and then gain a consensus before taking a decision.
250. Never do a disappearing act, let people know when you would be available.
251. If there are too many pages to fax, an over night courier may be cheaper, be aware of the break evens.
252. Re-check your hotel and travel reservations before leaving for a trip.
253. Be honest and prompt with the press but keep your company’s interest foremost in your mind and obtain their permission before making a statement.
254. Channel your energy in as many directions as you can. Actively participate in social groups and social activities.
255. Give your boss critical feedback in private but always support him in public.
256. Since most office jobs are sedatory in nature, avoid using the lift in your office building, use the stairs between the floors or walk out to the restaurant for lunch thus giving your body regular exercise.
257. Recommendations about someone should be given honestly, clearly, objectively and cautiously, remember your credibility depends upon it.
258. If someone is giving you a tough time then there must be something motivating him to do so. Find out what it is.
259. Clean nails and shining shoes speak for you, so keep them that way.
260. Find out what relaxes you the most and whenever you feel stressed, use those techniques to relax yourself. There is no job today which does not have stresses of it’s own.
261. Exit interviews provide important information to companies so when you conduct one make sure you ask the right questions and get the right answers.
262. Everyone is good at something, find out what you are best at, feel free to write about it and distribute it to others.
263. Your participation in corporate politics should be limited to your awareness about them.
264. The best kept records are the most easily accessible ones, but know what you must save.
265. There are limits to everything and exceptions to all rules. You can push the limits when it is genuinely important to you.
266. When going to the coffee machine to get a coffee for yourself, ask your colleague if you can get him some too.
267. Whenever you are assigned to a new job, seek regular feedback from your peers and superiors so that your can be sure of being on the right track.
268. If you are using passwords in your bank, computer or ATM then standardise them it will help you remember.
269. Keep your phone calls short and sweet, they cost the company money.
270. Speak in meetings, not because you are the only one who has not spoken but because you want to contribute constructively.
271. Long distance business calls are for transacting business and not for discussing personal matters.
272. Maintain just the right distance with your subordinates by mixing appropriate amounts of professional interaction with socialising.
273. A sensible man does blow his horn gently once in a while, but he is always ready to back it up with facts if required.
274. Those who were successful, loved their profession so be passionate about choosing one.
275. You would convey disinterest if you are interrupted during a discussion or a meeting so hold your calls and avoid interruptions.
276. Use passwords for the confidential files on your computer and remember to shred all confidential documents once you have gone through them.
277. You are less likely to be stolen or misplaced than your luggage so carry all your personal or costly possessions on your person.
278. It is worth taking a few risks at times. Mistakes and failures too can be an invaluable experience.
279. Having used someone’s reference for a new job let him know that he might be contacted.
280. Computers can also be unpredictable, so take backups of your data frequently.
281. Don’t spread rumours about people and don’t encourage rumour mongers to come and talk to you.
282. Preconceived notions and conceptions can be a big deterrent, try to have an experimental approach, try new things out and give your ideas a chance.
283. When you leave a message for someone, give your name and phone number clearly and the time when you called.
284. Whenever you are buying personal acciden insurance check if you have already been covered by your company.
285. Over a period of time acquire the qualities of being relaxed so that things do not perplex you easily.
286. Be tolerant on the bad days, if the good days didn’t last then neither would the bad ones.
287. Know your subordinates’filing system so tha you can find something in an emergency, especially when your junior is not around.
288. A good professional does not allow his professional priorities to overlap with his personal ones because of his efficiency.
289. When you cancel a pre-agreed business or follow-up meeting, it might show a lack of interest on your part and diminish the trust the other person has in you.
290. When traveling or flying on long stretches, try to read books which contribute to your professional qualifications and skills.
291. When you leave for a holiday, delegate properly and leave detailed notes so that you are not bothered during your holiday and you don’t have to call back in between.
292. Choose your words while writing or dictating a letter, remember some of the softest words can convey some of the hardest facts.
1. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
6 Way to stay in your boss' mind
Many employees' thinks the joining the prestigious organization can
prove their successes, without the awareness that they may be the
first in line to be sacked during crisis period. Therefore, you should
keep developing yourself to prevent such nightmare. These are 6 easy
ways to make your boss recognize you.
1. Build up proper attitude towards your work
The highest priority should be given to such attitude by understanding
your jobs as well as adjusting yourself with the organization culture
and system. Upon achieving this, you already succeed in entering
your boss' mind.
2. Keep an eye on the information
If you keep your eye on information, you can easily adjust your
working style with current situation. Moreover, you can understand the
message your boss wish to convey.
3. Be eager to learn new things
Do not be afraid to experience new things as there is nothing harder
than your attempt. Be attentive to learn new technologies or new
management system by taking a short courses or reading the relevant
books.
4. Learn to be multi-functional
As your organization has no policy to recruit new staff, you should
demonstrate your ability to work in many functions. This ability would
be an outstanding feature.
5. Always develop your skill
Do not stay still if you wish to be progressive in your career. Consider
which skill of your should be developed as such skill can be reflected
in your works.
6. Create impression
Do not look over small things that could impress your boss. Try to be
punctual at work, stay late to finish the assignments and hide your
boredom or nervousness towards works.
2. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
Creative Critique
Most executives are worried during the evaluation meeting with his/her
subordinates. Such worries can be relieved with positive talk. When
the meeting is set, you may say "I have arranged the evaluation
meeting for you on Wednesday at 2.30 pm. I need to talk about your
annual achievements and consult about our plans for next year."
Most executives find out that it is hard to criticize. The following
guidelines may be helpful to deal with such sensitive issues.
1. Start with positive method by evaluating the team's achievements and
the stepstowards such achievements.
2. Stimulate him/her to speak out the unsuccessful projects and the
reasons of failure.
3. Ask him/her what actions should be taken to avoid such failure in the
future.
4. Comment on how to execute such actions more effectively.
5. Ask him/her about what training can be arranged to improve such
actions.
6. Conclude about the steps with related parties to reassure any
operations executed in the future will be improved.
3. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
Carefully choose persons to enlarge
1. Select people whose philosophy of life is similar to yours.
The underlying values and priorities of the people you desire to enlarge
need to be similar to yours. If you and they don't have the basics in
common, you may end up working at cross-purposes, an you won't
experience the effectiveness you would like. Roy Disney, Walt's
brother and partner, said, "It's not hard to make decisions when you
know what your values are, "And if you and the people you mentor
have similar values, you will be able to make harmonious decisions as
you work together.
2. Choose people with potential you genuinely believe in. You can't help
people you don't believe in. Give your best mentoring effort to people
who have the greatest potential - the ones for whom you can see a
promising future - not the ones for whom you feel sorry. Nurture, love
and motivate hurting people. But pour yourself into the people who will
grow and make a difference.
3. Select people whose lives you can positively impact. Not everyone
you are capable of developing would benefit from what you have to
offer. Look for a fit between their potential and your strengths and
experience.
4. Match the men and woman to the mountains. We would like all the
people we mentor to reach their full potential and develop into stars.
After all, the greatest mentors develop people to a level beyond their
ability. But the truth is that while all people can move to a higher level
than they currently occupy, not everyone is capable of climbing to the
highest levels. A successful enlarger evaluates the potential of others
and places them in a position to succeed.
5. Start when the time is right. Start the process at the right time in the
lives of others. You've probably heard the expression "strike while the
iron is hot." It means to act on a situation at the right time. We've
heard that the saying goes back to the fourteenth century. It comes
from the practice of blacksmiths who needed to strike metal when it
was exactly the right temperature in order to mold it into the precise
shape desired. You have to do the same thing with the people you
want to enlarge. Start too soon and they don't yet see the need to
grow. Start too late and you've missed your best opportunity to help
them.
6. Once you've found the right people, keep in mind that you need to get
their permission before you start enlarging them. People love to be
encouraged and motivated, so you don't need their consent to do
either one. But the mentoring process really works only when both
parties know the agenda, agree to it and give it 100 percent effort.
4. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
The Art of being boss
To be a good boss requires many arts to encourage teamwork to
achieve target. These arts can be learnt and trained.
1. Encourage teamwork with language. Use easy figurative terms to
create the sense of alliance with listener and obtain team supports.
2. Update situations and follow up. Always update the progress of
assigned project in order to prevent subordinates from working without
help or advises.
3. Handle the uncertain situation. Mistakes can occur at anytime. It is
recommended to adjust the strategies during the troubled operations.
Good boss supposes to tell the truth and update any changes with
clear communication and reasonable actions.
4. Be a good listener. To be a good listener can convey the intention to
understand what others are trying to say as well as the openness and
being receptive. Hold on to the point when you disagree. Try to repeat
the point you do not understand with speaker. Enable smooth
conversation with explanation, instead of emotion.
5. Deal with problems and contradiction. Arrange the one-on-one or
small group meeting for all related parties as soon as the problems
and contradiction occur.
6. Have advanced thinking. Ability to react with problems or changing
working processes is an asset. Advanced thinking is required for
principles and knowledge of effective communication. Reflect your
leadership with prudence when your subordinates ask for comments
7. Ask for cooperation. Asking for comments regarding how to achieve the target from subordinates is one of the most effective methods to create the sense of belonging with them. Besides, this is a two-way communication, upward and downward, to open for cautions and various thinking within the colleagues.
8. Always update information with subordinates. Information on
organization's attempts to achieve targets and how each employee
plays vital role for strengthening organization structure must base on the fact, no matter how good or bad it is.
9. Meeting in person with subordinates. Try to create the chance to meet up with subordinates in person. Personal meeting enables you to get better supports and responses than meeting through medium such as telephone, e-mail or printing matters.
5. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
12 wrong directions in developing human resources
1. Arrange many unpractical courses
Training courses arranged should have enough quality, instead of
quantity. Too many courses result in unnecessary waste of time and
expenses. The courses arranged should have clear training objectives.
2. In-house training courses with limited resources
The speaker, either from in-house or outsourcing, should have enough
knowledge and preparation to provide knowledge to your employees.
For the outsourcing speaker should study your company's problems,
requirement and business background.
3. Too many attendants for training courses, especially the courses
conducted by outsourcing speakers. The skill development or
enhancement courses should limit the attendants at 20-25 persons.
4. The training programs will be ceased as soon as the budget runs out.
Such incident represents the lack of systematic human resource
development planning. It would be a waste of time and money to
arrange the "in-trend" but unpractical courses.
5. Seeking only the "best" courses with the short period of training to
solve the problems or serves all requirements. It is very dangerous for
organization and trainees to attend such courses for it is the
unrealistic expectation. Chronic problems cannot be solved within a
day.
6. The training courses will not take place unless the problems are
severe enough. Training courses alone cannot solve all the problems.
Rather, it should be coupled with other solutions to solve the
problems.
7. Arrange the training programs just to be "in trend" or to follow your
competitor's footsteps. Such programs would not contribute effective
and creative skills as they are employed by the whole industry and
they will cause indifference and unnecessary investment.
8. Testing attendees' abilities after the training courses with written
examinations. Too many examinations cannot assure the improvement
of attendees' abilities. Rather, they would become bored with training.
9. Improve only the skills of staff at operational level and ignore the
supervisors and mid-level executives. The skill improvement should be
done at operational levels as well as supervisors and mid-level
executives to share the common development direction.
10. Arrange training courses for specific departments or sectors.
Teamwork's performance should be improved as the whole to ensure
the simultaneous supports and cooperation.
11. Improve human resource without realizing employees' actual
problems and requirements.
It would be such a waste of time and money to improve human
resource without realizing the actual problems and requirements.
Moreover, such improvement should be done to support the
organization's plan and direction in the long term.
12. Focus only on the methods and forget or ignore how to improve
the thinking processes.
The best way to enhance employees' performance should start with
changing the way they think, instead of providing the new way of
thinking.
6. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
The reasons behind the lost quality workforces
Two main factors for human resource management include management action and working environment. If the overall management is good enough, the overall working environment will be enhanced. Therefore, workforce would feel satisfied, which would
lead to quality work.
The criteria to recruit "professional" or "high flyer" within organization or from other organization must be differentiated from operational level. Such criteria include:
1. Ability to solve operational problems faster.
2. Readiness to work harder.
3. Better Productivity and performance.
All criteria are based on the same amount of works.
The reasons behind the lost quality workforce include:
1. Lack of good human resource management, i.e. lack of good HR planning and practical policies from top management.
2. Wrong attitude towards human resource manegment, i.e. ignore the retention of quality workforce. Based on the belief that all personnel can be replaced all the time.
The best way is to prevent and try to keep them with organization by creating the sense of royalty based on the belief and attitude of management level.
7. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
Building the teamwork to excellence
The following procedures are designed for organisations wishing to
make their employees become the potential operators by setting up
high standards and teamwork commitment as the goals.
1. Treat your employees the same way you treat your customers by
taking serious actions on their requests or immediately answer their
phone calls. If you show your willingness to help, they will work hard
for you in return.
2. Arrange a series of useful workshop to improve the employees' skills
or test the new theories through classes, experiments or asking
comments from them. The team will take you as their prototypes and
try to learn more from you.
3 Train your employees to improve their skills by predicting any changes
within organisations. For example, in case your boss plans to
reorganize your department, you may try to improve the skills of your
subordinates or outline the new career path for them
Once team is formed, you should encourage them or stimulate those
running out of energy by showing that you care about them. You
need to listen to them and build up the commitment by:
Insist on your understanding by not giving the immediate suggestion
but raising the questions to learn more about their problems. For
example, once you hear someone said that he was exhausted by this
report, you may ask him if the document work bores him.
Expect better performance from your subordinates by showing them
that you believe in their ability such as "whenever you look back on
the obstacles you have ovecome, you will learn more".
Showing your eagerness by offering them the solution with
encouraging and energetic tone after listening to them. The only
caution is that you should not reflect others' sorrow as this may
increase the desperation.
8. MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
The Most Undesirable Employees
According to the survey, The Most Undesirable Employee falls
under the following categories.
1) Employee who keeps saying I knew that already
1. I knew that already is the regular phrase for them to explain that they
know everything, though what they know may not be true.
2. I knew that already would keep that them from learning new things or
necessary informations. Therefore, they will lack vision and keep out
the self-development process as they will say I knew that already
before someone want to tell something.
3. When they get inaccurate or insufficient information, they would not be
able to solve the problems right to the point and improve the situation.
4. Any orgnizations having too much employees or executives with I
knew that already attitude would face the problem of improving the
performance as the learning process would not take place. Therefore,
the corporate skills and competitiveness would be limited.
2) Employee who keeps saying That is not suitable for us
1. Rejecting new ideas and working methods is very easy by simply
saying that idea is not suitable for our division or organization as it will
not be working.
2. The employee saying that is not suitable for us along with various
reasons to avoid learning or working.
3) Employee who keeps saying prove it
1. In reality, no one can prove that everything we learnt would be
beneficial to us. So is new idea. New working methods or
management styles would not yield immediate result, especially those
methods requiring time and practice to build up the skill.
It would be no use to ask for the result from the very beginning.
2. Therefore, we need to contribute our time and willing to learn to
understand the new things first before applying that with the real work.
Besides the above three categories, employees with the phrases like I
have got no time , we do not have enough manpower or what do you want more?are also undesirable employees.
9. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
HR Interview Question Tips (Standard Questions)
1 Strenghts
1.1 What is your greatest strength or asset?
2 Weaknesses
2.1 What steps have you taken in the past year to improve your overall
performance? Why?
2.2 If you could, what two things would you most likely to change about
yourself to improve your overall effectiveness-and why?
3 Interpersonal Skills
3.1 What kind of people do you most enjoy working with? Why?
3.2 What kind of people do you have difficulty to work with? Why?
4 Preferred Type Of Work
4.1 What type of work do you find most stimulating and rewarding? Why?
4.2 How would you describe the type of work you most likely to do?
5 Traits and Characteristics
5.1 How would you describe yourself?
5.2 Which of your personal traits and characteristics have been most
helpful in your career?
5.3 Of which of your personal traits and characteristics are you most
proud? and why?
5.4 Of which of your personal traits and characteristics are you least
proud? why?
6 Ambition
6.1 What goals have you set for yourself in life?
6.2 What are your career expectations over five years?
7 Analytical Reasoning
7.1 How familiar are you with working with numerical data? How much do you enjoy this?
8 Communications Skills
8.1 Give me an example of a complex communications problem that you faced.
a. What made it complex?
b. Why was it difficult to communicate?
c. How did you solve this problem?
d. How effective were the communications?
e. What evidence do you have of this effectiveness?
f. How might you have further improved the communications?
9 Ability to learn
9.1 What kinds of things do you learn quickly?
9.2 What kinds of things do you find difficult to learn?
10 Persuasiveness = influence
10.1 Assume I have told you that I have interviewed three excellent
candidates for this position, and you are one of them, Convince me
why you are the "best" candidate.
11 Emotional Stability
11.1 Describe the situation in which you lost you temper.
What caused this? What was the result?
11.2 What do you do to relax?
12 Do and Don't of effectiveness interviewing
Do Don't
1. Prepare yourself thoroughly 1. Ask closed questions
2. Use open questions 2. Ask leading questions
3. Establish rapport=harmony 3. Tell the candidate the answer
4. Probe areas of uncertainty 4. Stress the candidate
5. Use your time wisely 5. Talk too much
6. Remember eye contact 6. Try to dominate or impress
7. Be aware of your prejudices 7. Ask predictable questions
8. Keep to the point 8. Be afraid of silence
9. Start with an easy question 9. Keep people waiting
10. Summarize 10. Make snap judgements
11. Have a plan for the interview 11. Go on too long
12. Have some questions up your 12. Forget to listen and listen
13. Use supplementary questions
14. Write up the interview
10. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Time Management Techniques
There is a saying that "Time flies". At work, time is the key
factors which seems never have enough for us. Therefore, all
we can do is manage our quality time with values towards
works and life.
1 Clearly target the life achievement in short and long term to define our life path. The achievement should be based on personal satisfaction. If you love what you do, we can happily do it with our best.
2 Write down to-do list to cover all aspect of life with clear direction.
3 Set priority for all activities.
4 Set frequency of each activity to see how long does it take to do such activity. Therefore, we can properly allocate time.
5 Create timetable to see overview of all activities based on priority.
Thus, the time management is realistic and practical.
6 Stick to timetable to establish self discipline and develop it to behavior and familiarity.
7 Evaluate and improve time plan to see how practical it is.
11. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
10 Signals to seek new job
If the following circumstances happen to you, then it's about time
to give up your current job and start looking for a new one.
1. Uncomparable living conditions with the people at same age.
Though money is not the main criteria, it is the best indicator to
express your popularity.
2. Dictatorial boss.
It sounds unrational to work without alternatives.
3. Get more telephone calls from other companies HR department
than those from your boss.
It is a sure thing that outsiders can recognize your value gifts and
capabilities better than insiders do.
4. A dozen of pens is all you get when asking for stationary.
If you have never been approached with decent incentives and
propositions, your workplace may not perceive you as their valuable
asset.
5. It takes more time to solve problems than developing new things.
New product launch represents risky but glittering opportunity. Though
changing jobs may be risky, working without progression is also risky.
6. Your PC at the office is displayed in the museum.
Appropriate tools are required to improve work performance.
7. Your only colleague is postman.
This means you cannot adjust yourself to the workplace and this issue
represents a serious problem. What if your colleague care nothing
about yourself but your dressing style.
8. The long-awaited promotion means you have to bear the
responsibilities of those who has resigned.
It's good to work hard but it's not right to be taken advantage by your
office to rut the monthly expenses.
9. The skill improvement scheme you can get is to watch the distance
learning programs during your lunch time.
Your package should not cover only salary but other benefits should
also be taken into consideration.
10. if you can read up to this point.
You should ask yourself if you still want to work at the current
workplace.
12. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Dealing With Stubborn Subordinates
Dealing with stubborn but competent subordinates is quite
challenging for testing executives' ability to govern the your
workforces. You may need to combine psychological techniques
with authorities to deal with them.
Dealing with stubborn subordinates requires:
1) Open mind: this is important as you may experience some of their
strange actions such as the way they look at you, the counter-action,
argument or even ignorance.
2) Listen up: an open mind would help you listen to their opinions and ideas.
The stubborn subordinates can be categorized into two types,
including the "outgoing" one and the "silent" one.
Now, let's take an insight look at both types.
1) The "outgoing" one
The subordinates under this category will always argue with you,
although they are wrong.
On the other side, they are self-confident, energetic and creative. All
you need to do is open up your mind for their argument and listen to
their opinions. They may be a great source of outstanding idea.
If you listen to and consider their idea, you may get quality and
exceptional outcome.
Working under friendly or controversial atmosphere can yield different
outcomes as individual idea is based on one's view, perception and
creativity. To obtain the maximum outcome, you need to welcome and
mix all the contributed idea.
When the successful outcome is achieved, your subordinates should
also share the credit and pride with you. Above all, you will get more
friendly subordinates. This will cast away the "dark corner" and
negative attitude in the workplace.
2) The "silent" one
Normally, the subordinates under this category should give you more
troubles to deal with since you cannot guess or understand their idea.
1 The first thing you should do is to understand their hidden messages
and idea. If you would like to know their idea, all you can do is to
notice the way they look and their body languages during the
conversation. For example, they may act restlessly.
2 The next step is to tune up the attitude. You should open your mind to listen to them and encourage them to speak up. Lack of proper
communication will worsen the situation.
3 The best solution is to initiate the conversation and open up your mind without pride and prejudice. You should tell them what you think and listen to what they think. Even they are wrong, you should not force them to apologize.
NOTE : Spirit, generosity and forgiveness are the key factors
for a great leader. If you are a great leader, dealing with
stubborn subordinates should not be a problem for you.
13. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Urgent Job VS important Job
URGENT seems to be the common term in your office and you
may question someone requesting for urgency that "How
urgent?" Even in government document, urgency can be
classified into "Urgent", "Top Urgent" and "Extremely Urgent".
Sometimes, you may need to simultaneously handle both urgent
jobs and important jobs. Then, you start question yourself "What
should I do?" or "How can I prioritize both of them?"
Well, we have some tips to help you cope with such circumstance by
classifying urgency and importance into four groups:
1) Urgent and Important Jobs: you should give the highest priority to
these jobs and leave all unrelated issues behind to get these jobs
done. Assignment with deadline or tax form to be filled up before the
submission date are good examples of urgent and important jobs.
2) Not Urgent but Important Jobs: these jobs can prove how efficient
your working habit is such as special courses to enhance your
knowledge and ability or additional computer courses. You can always
postpone them until you are ready of forget them.
When you are always assigned to endless stream of urgent jobs with
deadline, you may keep ignoring "your" important jobs until you cannot
accomplish your own important jobs.
3) Urgent but Not Important Jobs: these jobs have to be finished
immediately, though they are not important for you. You need to
consider the job objectives to see if you should do it. For example,
you are invited to attend the conference and the invitation does not
expect your attendance but require you to confirm your attendance
within a limited time.
You can solve such problem by assigning your subordinate, who is not
assigned to important jobs, to attend the conference and report you of
what is going on in the meeting. Now, you can turn back and finish
your important jobs.
4) I'm busy: everyone used to complain that they are busy and have
no time. That is because everyone does not know how to prioritize the
importance of jobs. For example, everyone would give high priority to
opening envelopes and documents and reading e-mail. Later on, when
they are assigned to more important jobs, they will say that they are
busy.
14. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Happiness at work!
We have to make a living under stresses and pressures from
various issues, such as personal issues, uncertain economic
condition and constrained society. These issues always cause
an uncomfortable working day. That's why we come up with
these useful tips to make every working day a perfect day for
you. You may think that it is a piece of cake to implement but it
is hard to practice. Now, let's pick these practical tips to brighten
up your working day.
1. Start off with a cheerful mind
After struggling through the traffic jam every morning to get to the
office, upon arrival, you should put a smile on your face to bring in the
friendly working environment.
2. Every problems can be solved
Keep in mind that to work is to face obstacles and problems. Being
nervous and restless would only make you feel bad about your works.
Therefore, you should keep calm and find out solutions by yourself. If
this does not work out, you may seek advice from your supervisors or
colleagues.
3. Change your environment
When you are fed up with the surrounding environment, cleaning up
your desk and decorating it with your favorable items such as flowers,
plants or photo frame with the photo of your beloved person(s), would
be a great idea. Such renovation can enrich your working environment
and ideas.
4. Relaxed with body movement
Sitting in front of PC all day can cause muscular pain and fatigue. You
should get up from your chair and walk around to change your motion.
Otherwise, it would be helpful if you could exercise with simple body
movement such as flinging your hands, legs or move your neck.
5. Be optimistic
Optimism is the primary factor towards positive attitude. It would be
great if you can initiate positive attitude towards your supervisors,
colleagues, customers/ suppliers, subordinates, companies to
enhance your feeling and performance.
6. Laughter at work
Laughter is one of the best ways to create happiness at work. You
should think of the story that can make you laugh or smile at least
once a day to brighten up your colleagues' or your working day.
15. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
E-Training : a new dimension of Professional Development
1 In today's Internet economy, business, news, and the exchange of
information are constantly moving at swift Internet speed 24 hours
a day. The Internet has changed everything, including your
competition which is now only a click away. With higher business
competition and a higher demand for knowledge workers
worldwide, a shortage of knowledge workers continues to rise.
2 We believe that the basis to success in business today is how a
company obtains, trains and retains knowledge workers.
In this fast-paced environment, you need to get your work force up
to speed on the latest knowledge, products, services and
processes quickly as possible. It takes a smart force to win and
you need to start with making the people you already have smarter.
3 The Internet has also changed the way we learn, and e-Training is
the name for this revolution. The change in learning isn't taking
place by evolution, but it is rather a paradigm shift.
Today, it has reached a whole new level for it's now interactive,
engaging, affordable, and available anytime, anywhere.
SmartForce's e-Training can provide your organizations a distinct
competitive advantage - the ability to create a smart force of highly
trained and responsive people.
4 e-Training is a tool and an investment that you can get a return back
in the operation related areas such as cost reduction, productivity
improvement, marketing management, and overall performance.
5 At present, majority of the international leading companies
in the world are using one form or others of the e-Training technology
to develop their human resources. As a result, corporate training
is now becoming strategic business assets, and they are starting with
the IT managers to make these initiatives work. You can afford to
learn now, so let the e-Learning experience begin! Learn Fast. Go Fast.
16. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
The Top 10 Ways to Turn Around a Bad Relationship With Your Boss
Having problems with your boss is the big deal as your work and
happiness in workplace are in his/her hand. Once the problem
occurs, you should try the following solutions.
1) Try to compromise
It is no use for no matter how hard you try to win over your boss as
he/she possesses the superior power and authority. Therefore, it
would be wiser to compromise with him/her.
2) Accept your own mistakes
Though your boss characters are not favorable, you may need to
reconsider yourself if you are the only one who has problems with him/her.
3) Understand the situation
You should try to find out why your boss are not satisfied with you.
Once you know what going on, start to solve the problem from there.
4) Start first, solve first
You have to solve the problem no matter who start it or even you are
not at fault for that problem.
5) Understand your boss
It is very hard to find the boss, who can outperforms both business
and personal issues. Therefore, you need to understand him/her and
adjust yourself.
6) Concentrate on your work
You have to choose either to keep finding out your boss weakpoints
or to keep the focus on your work. Some subordinates love to
counterattack their boss to cover up their poor performance.
7) Seek for a chance to talk with your boss
It would be a good idea to ask your boss out for a lunch to talk to
him/her. The boss must act formal in the office but office rules cannot
enforce the unformal, but essential, chat between you and your boss
while you are not in the office.
8) Shut up
Never gossip your boss with your colleagues as most of the them
would not stay on your side. The situation may be worse when
unfovarable party join your gossip society.
9) Give up
If you think your boss is fair enough, all you need to do is keep the
focus on your work.
10) Resign
Should the situation makes you feel worse day by day and the
problems cannot be solved, your may consider to find a new office.
Endnote: You should try the first nine ways before taking action on
last options.
17. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
10 things you should not do during job interview
1) Do not make interview appointments with many companies
within one day as you may not be able to go there due to delay
in interview or traffic. You should make one appointment in the
morning and another in the afternoon.
2) Do not speak while your interview(s) speak or raise too many
questions as if you are the interviewer yourself.
3) Do not ask about holidays, annual leave, lateness or leaving the
office before the office hour is over since it may signify that you do not
like to work hard. Also prohibited re labor union and strike.
4) Do not wear sunglasses, put your hand in front of your mouth while
you are speaking or put your hand together tightly on the knee.
Rather, you should occasionally put your hands on the table to show
self-confidence.
5) Do not express your nervous attitude by trembling your hands or
feet. In case you are excited, you should take a deep breath or go to
the restroom and speak to yourself that you are not afraid of the
interviewers.
6) Do not tell a lie as interviewer(s) would be able to trace the lies.
Instead, you may provide the indirect but truthful answers.
7) Do not answer "I don't know" unless such question is something
beyond your knowledge.
8) Do not ask about the salary until the interviewer shows interest in
you. Leave this question to the interviewer's decision.
9) Do not speak about your former employer in a negative way as the
interviewer(s) may think that you will treat the same when you leave
the company. You should provide the answers as clear as possible.
Do not forget the word such as "thank you" or "sir".
18. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Upgrade Your Skills To Win Other Job Candidates
Are you desperately waiting for your future company to give you
a call? Ever tired of applying for jobs after jobs, but still no
response no job offer? Ever wonder why?
Well, in this Internet Age and under current economic situation,
it's just getting tougher to find a job and your competitors appear
from all corners. Employing companies now have more choices
to choose from and it appeared that all of their candidates have
college degrees, just like you. So, what do you do to get their
attention?
Don't waste time thinking or feeling sorry for yourselves, you should
get up and find a way to develop your skill in computing which is
essential in a real-time world. Your basic knowledge in computing is
no longer adequate and you need to continually upgrade to improve or
develop your computer skills.
Now it's time to try MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) and
MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) Programs as your
employment solutions. Both programs will undoubtedly improve your
chance of employment. MOUS Program will prepare you for the
Certification of Microsoft Windows 2000, and MCSE Program will train
you in the system administration, using Microsoft Windows 2000 as an
operating system.
These mentioned programs are pivotal and necessary for company's
working environment. If only you get either one or both of these
certificates in your portfolio, it will easily glide you in the job market.
It's a win-win situation, both you and your employer/s will benefit from
your effort. You're now equipped to work, and your future companies
now no longer need to invest in training you.
Regardless of your college background, you can learn and improve
your future career by attending these two classes. Now it's your
responsibility to explore and find out yourself your ability to handle
these programs. So don't let your chance to learning
for developing pass you by.
By using the Online Learning method, it gives you knowledge with
technology and at the same time improving your learning skill and
discipline. e-Learning can be one of the best tools in effectively
obtaining knowledge and make learning fun again.
Further more, it helps economize both training and traveling expenses.
It's convenient for learner not to go out saving your precious time, it's
fun and you can learn and understand in a short time. It helps
organize your skill and confidence in working and, in the Information
Technology Age, learning by e-Learning for MOUS and MCSE
examination is the most proper and perfect for upgrading your
knowledge.
19. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
STRATEGIES FOR RETAINING EMPLOYEES!
Recruiting the right people is paramount to your business but retaining
them is the key to future success. Having secured AWS and the
year-end bonuses, some of your employees may tender their
resignations. This need not happen if you have put into place some of
the following strategies.
Incentives and Rewards Most companies do put into place an incentive
or reward scheme for their employees. However, it is important to know
how your employees wish to be rewarded. When management decides
the type of rewards or incentives to be given they need to include
employee feedback. A short survey on what motivates each employee
will provide valuable insight into possible perks to offer staff.
Time as Money
Employees want more personal time. Why not explore redesigning the
work schedule as to allow for more flexible work schedules if possible?
You can also reward employee with great performance by giving them
additional days off instead of monetary rewards. Most employees see
rewarding with time-off or employers insisting they go off punctually at
their finishing time as working for a nurturing organisation.
Vary the Rewards
Demographic surveys generally show that older people, over 35 prefer
money as a reward. They usually have household commitments to meet.
Every dollars towards this goal counts. Similarly, younger people
especially under 35 value time as a reward. Most of them are enrolled on
some form of study or learning programme. They appreciate time-off for
supplementary studies. However, they still appreciate monetary rewards
to pay for their course fees, books and examination fees. Create a
flexible system that allows you to use either incentive.
Recognise Contributions
Recognise each staff member's contribution to the organisation. Be
specific about how his or her work added value to the business. Even if
you are a small department within a larger organisation, it would be
useful to print monthly or quarterly department newsletters highlighting
the achievements of your team members. With availability of inexpensive
desktop publishing, it is a small cost with big returns. Make sure you
distribute this newsletter to the entire company.
Alternatively instead of a traditional newsletter, you may wish to do a
simple e-newsletter and distribute it via company email. This of course
would mean that the entire company should be networked and every
employee ideally has email.
You may also wish to start an employee of month competition with
nominations based on feedback from customers, fellow work persons
and managers. This does not have to only apply to front line staff or
customer service customers but also back room and supporting staff as
well. The winners can then be featured in the newsletter.
Educational and Personal Development
Offering opportunities to your employees to take up courses on a
cost-sharing basis or through the Skills Development Fund scheme is
another benefit worth exploring. This will help employees to be more
effective at the workplace and assist in their own personal development.
Bear in mind that you may have to be flexible in terms of study and
exam leave or time-off.
Today’s Business Tools
It important to be able to support your staff in their work by providing
them with the business tools and devices they need. In today’s
information technology world that equates into up-to-date PC’s with
current software, email, scanners, fax machines, photocopiers and other
similar devices. You’d be surprised at how many large companies still do
not have email for all their employees and some do not even have a PC
for each employee.
It can be frustrating for your staff when they have deadlines to meet and
clients to communicate with urgently but have to wait to use a shared
terminal and Internet access.
Better to Retain than Recruit
Retaining productive and valued staff is a strategy many employers and
managers often overlook in their competitive bid to maintain and grow
the business. The cost of losing a trained and experienced employee,
recruiting and training a new employee can outweigh the total cost of
some of the strategies outlined in this article. Retaining staff especially
when there is a war for talent needs effective people management
strategies. Planned turnover of staff may be necessary to keep the
business competitive but not when turnover is initiated by the employee.
20. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Managing Human Performance Problems
*** Calls for a compassionate, considerate approach, potential
problem analysis, used as thinking tool to identify and avoid
future problems, is of the greatest importance.
- Since the manager's job is to accomplish company goals
through and with people, resolution of human performance
problems is a key to success.
- Management of performance problems tells us that most errors
come about as a result of lack of solid data rather than through
misinterpretation of the data.
- Nobody likes to fire anyone. One of the best ways to avoid having
to fire people is give everybody adequate guidance from the outset,
telling them what is expected on the job. Equally important?
- As manager we have to work with and through all kinds of people,
some disliked by their peers, some by us. But people with unpleasant
personalitis may possess valuable skills. To use these skilled people
properly, we must assess them rationally and dispassionately.
Rational Management
*** The goal of rational management is to make full use of the thinking
ability of the people of the organization and to direct that ability toward
meeting the organization's problems and concerns.
- the four patterns of thinking most widely use in the day-to-day work
of an organization.
1. Finding cause.
2. Chosing the best course of action.
3. Foreseeing future problems.
4. Rendering a complex situation manageable.
- Can be sharpened and made more productive through entire
organization.
In Managing Human Performance Problems
*** We must set clear objectives because of the danger that BIAS and
EMOTION may entering, perhaps unconsciously, to sway our judgment.
Objective state explicitly, in visible terms, what we are trying to do
so that everyone understands the rules of the game in the same way.
Dealing with people
1. The 1st step :
- to specify " people performance " list all unacceptable features in the
IS column, and all good features in the IS NOT column.
- So we use a fragment of the problem analysis process to make
nature of people performance visible.
2. In this way we see how to deal with people.
21. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
BENEFITS OF TEMPING
Deciding what to do with your life after graduation or after
leaving a job can be frightening. However, during these current times,
it need not be the case. Today's economy provides the opportunity
for almost everyone to try before they buy… buy into a career, that is.
Growth of Temping
There is a growing trend for companies to maintain their full-time
employee staff at as low a level as possible, and rely on temps to
carry a major part of the required day-to-day tasks.
Temporary agencies have expanded from the clerical support office
to include industrial, financial, technical and most other career areas.
You can sign up with as many agencies as you want, try as many jobs
as you are capable of handling, and be kept as busy as you possibly can!
Temporary agencies are also required by law to contribute to EPF.
So as a temp, you can be assured that you will not be missing out
on these valuable savings.
Company Culture
Temping gives you the opportunity to learn more about the organization
and its culture. You are only able to objectively evaluate the kind of
environment present when you start working in that particular organization.
It also provides you a first-hand opportunity to discover what type of
employees is being nurtured.
If the beliefs and values of the organization are not aligned with yours,
you are likely to be dissatisfied in your job. When you leave a job after
a short stint, it is often perceived as a sign of a job hopper. This can be
avoided if you have an opportunity to "audition" the prospective
company as a temp.
Developing Your Skills
Temping provides you an opportunity to put to use your skills.
Feedback from the manager at your temporary work place will enable
you to enhance your skills, without "damaging" your personal record.
Working as a temp also gives you an opportunity to work in an organized
environment. This nurtures personal discipline that is required in all jobs.
When you start a permanent position, you are more likely to get ahead
of others as you have practiced and honed your personal skills at your
temporary job!
Building Your CV
Working as temp also provides a source of workplace reference, .
which you can call upon when you find a position that interest you.
Temping, while looking for a suitable position or during school holidays,
allows your prospective employer to evaluate your diligence and
maybe even offer you the chance to be a permanent member
of the company or refer you to another
Making Contacts
Working as a temp helps expand your business contacts. You meet
new people with whom you can build relationships, both at a business
and personal level. Such relationships are vital in a work environment
when there is no security in tenure of work.
If you have a good relationship with your employer, you may even be
able to request for a reference letter or use the contact as a personal
reference in your resume. You may never know what doors your
contacts could open for you.
Training
Temping is an invaluable training opportunity. It enables you to grow
and develop various types of work and interpersonal skills. You may
be able to pick up on the latest software or computer skills. You may gain
valuable work experience that would add value to your career.
Different companies and industries have different things to teach you.
However, you need to first have a keen interest in your duties before
you'll learn anything.
7 QUICK BENEFITS OF TEMPING
1. Immediate earning power.
2. Easier entry into top companies
3. The opportunity to gain valuable work experience and practical skills.
4. The chance to make job contacts.
5. The opportunity to expand one's CV.
6. Work-Flexibility.
7. The opportunity to work for leading companies and to learn from them.
22. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Interview Tips
How to handle tough questions during job interview
Suggestions on techniques to answer tough questions such as
'How much salary do you expect for this assignment?'
Interview Check List --- Dos and Don'ts
The short time you spend in a job interview could have a dramatic
effect on your career. Be prepared!
By Executive Connections Ltd
Did you come across such tough questions during job interview?
By Mr Vincent Tsui, Director, CountryTECH Recruitment
1 Q: Tell me something about your backgrounds?
A: This is a simple and open question but too general to answer.
Skillful candidates can focus on a certain aspect by a counter-question
asking the interviewer what specific area of background he would like
to know such as family, academic, working experience, etc. This
approach can show your attention to details and clear understanding
for the interviewer's question before answering instead of wasting time
on background introduction of all kinds.
2 Q: How much salary do you expect for this assignment?
A: This is a "knock-out" question which is critical enough to rule out
the candidate being proceeded to next round of interview or
consideration for the post. Actually the interviewer has a range of
salary budget for the post so it is unwise for the candidate to quote an
exact amount which may either be too high to rule out the candidate
from interviewer's consideration list or too low to make the candidate
receive a lower-than-attainable salary.
One appropriate technique for this question is diverting the focus from
salary to emphasis on the importance of career goal, long-term
prospect, etc. in order to show enthusiasm in the post and show the
confidence in a reasonable amount being offered by the interviewer.
Alternatively, the candidate can raise a counter-question to probe the
salary range offered from the interviewer to justify the appointment
3 Q: What are your greatest weakness?
A: Although this is a straightforward question, a frank answer listing
your defects definitely eliminates the candidate's opportunity since no
company will intentionally hire a employee with critical deficiency.
The key for this question is to convert the weakness to strength, for
example, less care and concern on family members due to eagerness
and devotion in the work could be a major drawback to an individual
but would be appreciated on the company side.
4 Q: What will you do if we turn down your application?
A: This is a test on candidate's emotional response and behavior in
case of failure. Candidate should continue to show positive and
aggressive attitude rather than immediate frustration. This question
can be handled by demonstrating one's desire to encounter challenges
in a company with good prospect and committing one's persistency to
improve oneself for fitting other relevant vacancies opened in the
company. Try to impress the interviewer by your calm mind and
sincerity.
5 Q: What are the things that you can do but not other applicants?
A: To manage this question, the approach should be qualitative
instead of quantitative. Quantitative qualification such as number of
degrees and years of working experience may not necessarily be
one's competitive edge since there is always someone ahead
in these aspects. Candidate should make himself outstanding among
other applicants of the post by putting emphasis on qualitative
competency which is the right and unique combination of skill set such
as self-initiative, team spirit, analytical power and organization ability
which must be relevant to the job. Addressing one's uniqueness in
aptitude is the competitive edge to beat other applicants since no
individuals is identical in the world.
Interview Check List
It is important to remember that the short time you spend in a job
interview could have a dramatic effect on your career prospects. First
impressions really do count; many interviewers will make a decision
about the interviewee in the first five minutes of conducting the
interview and the rest of the time justifying the decision made.
These hints, will equip you with valuable information on how to
prepare and conduct yourself during interviews with prospective
employers.
Preparation for the Interview:
Preparation is the first essential step towards a successful interview.
Company interviewers are continually amazed at the number of
applicants who drift into their offices without any apparent preparation
and only the vague idea of what they are going to say. Thus, it is
important to:
1 Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer1s full
name, the correct pronunciation, and his/her title.
2 Find out facts about the company - where its plants, offices, or stores
are located; what its products and services are: what its growth has
been; and what its growth potential is for the future. You can find
information about companies at the public libraries, the Trade
Development Council library in the Wanchai Convention Center or on
the Internet.
3 Refresh your memory about your previous achievements and duties.
You will also be expected to know the month and year in which you
were promoted or changed jobs. Be prepared to answer typical
questions like:
What were your achievements?
What kind of job are you looking for?
Why did you change jobs?
What are your strengths?
What areas do you need to improve and what have you done about
further developing yourself?
What do you know about our company?
Why did you choose your particular career?
What are your qualifications?
4 Prepare the questions you will ask during the interview.
You may want to ask questions regarding:
A detailed description of the position?
Reason the position is available?
Culture of the company?
Anticipated induction and training program?
Advance training program available for those who demonstrate
outstanding ability?
Company growth plans?
Best-selling products or services?
5 Select appropriate interview clothing and accessories. If the meeting is
on a Saturday, check whether "smart casual" or weekday business
attire is expected. Dress conservatively and preferably in darker
colors in garments that fit well. Pay attention to all facets of your
dress and grooming. i.e. clean hair, clean shaven, dark socks with
dark shoes (no white socks with dark pants), no outlandish ties and
they need to be fastened correctly. Ladies need to pay attention to the
length of the outfits and neck line -- showing too much of the body
sends the wrong message about professionalism. Hand bags and brief
cases need to be in good condition and shoes should be polished with
new heals.
At the Interview
The Do's
Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
Turn off your mobile phone or pager, do not answer it in an interview.
If presented with an application, fill it out neatly and completely.
Greet the interviewer by his/her surname.
Shake hands firmly.
Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times.
o Be a good listener. Follow the interviewer1s leads but try to get the
interviewer to describe the position and the duties to you early in the
interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the
position.
o When you speak come to the point, answering questions truthfully and
frankly. Usually, very senior managers want the "head lines" and not
too much detail while functional managers want the detail. If the
interviewer asks for the detail, they expect you to back up your claims
with good examples.
o Look your interviewer in the eye while you talk to him/her.
o Do not answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Explain
whenever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the
position.
The Don'ts
o Never make derogatory remarks about your present or former
employers or your colleagues.
o Do not "over answer" questions. The interviewer may steer the
conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be ticklish, it is
best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say more than is
necessary.
o Do not cover your mouth with your hand, fidget, crack your knuckles,
or bounce your legs. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
o It is not advisable to inquire about SALARY, HOLIDAYS, BONUSES,
etc. at the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is
interested in hiring you and raises the issue first. However you should
know your market value and be prepared to specify your required
salary or range.
o Always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you
are discussing. Never close the door on opportunity. It is better to be
in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs rather
than only one.
o Remember the employer will be lucky if they get you! If you do your
homework well, you can relax, smile, and enjoy your interview.
23. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
KEY FACTORS FOR CAREER SUCCESS!
You are responsible for the success or failure of your own career
regardless of the type of company or position you hold. No one cares
more about your career than yourself.
Businesses (public or private) provide growth opportunities and they
want to be fair but they are subject to market forces like changes in
government policies, the vagaries of the economy, international
competition, globalization and change in business strategies like
mergers, re-engineering and acquisitions.
The work place can be challenging and fun but it can also be a
difficult place to thrive. Different work at different places requires
different attributes, attitudes, skills and talents. While you may not fit
in at certain places, you may be an ideal employee at others.
Listed below are some key areas that individuals who want to succeed
in their career should consider. It is imperative to plan your career. If
you fail to plan, then you plan to fail!
Career Vigilance
You must be vigilant that you are not in a painfully dead-end job with
no prospects and future. With advances in technology some jobs may
become obsolete and disappear. Be alert to changes taking place in
the specific type of work or industry you are in.
For example, the growth of highly automated and computerized
warehouses means storekeepers have to upgrade their skill to
manage on the computerized inventory systems instead of the
traditional bin card. Retrieval of widgets is not by forklifts or ladders
but with an automated robotic system. This again requires new skills.
Hence, individuals must be vigilant to changes in order to adapt and
survive.
Self-assessment
This can be examined from two different perspectives. Take time to
assess your inner and outer self. Your inner self would be your likes
or dislikes, passions, temperaments and beliefs. Your outer self would
be your skills, aptitudes and talents. Some times these two areas can
overlap for example you may have a creative personality that is both
your passion and skill. Use these assessments to map out your ideal
work life. Think and evaluate whether your current job and its potential
growth path fits this life plan.
You may find that reality makes finding dream jobs just that, a dream.
In cases where by your ideals may not be economically viable, you
need to take a market savvy approach and target a career where by
you will find a good balance between economic success and a sense of
job satisfaction. For those entrepreneurial individuals if you can not
find a match to your ideal work life, think about creating a market
where you can create your ideal work life. The most important thing is
to take into consideration who you are and what you need.
Career Maintenance
In a growing or expanding industry, changing jobs is not difficult. But
each industry or type of operation has a “shelf” life. In sunset
industries jobs are shrinking. Changing from industry to industry is
also not easy. Therefore, keep yourself relevant by undertaking
re-training even if needs be at your own cost. Think of it as an
investment.
As an asset yourself, you have to incur “maintenance” expenditure to
keep yourself upgraded with the latest intellectual power. Explore
further learning and other modular programs offered by professional
organizations, institutions of higher learning and training schools.
Select a program that will enhance your core competency or teach
you a new relevant skill that will enable you to become a value-adding
employee.
Networking
View your career as part of your public relations campaign. You want
people to know you and like you. In order for people to know you,
network and join relevant social groups, become a volunteer and
participate in recreational activities. You are likely to meet other
professionals and entrepreneurs who may be looking for a person with
your profile.
Attend industry events and briefings to meet other professionals and
specialists. You will be able to discover new business trends that will
help you navigate your career path. Bring along adequate business
cards and exchange “generously” with those you meet at such
events. This is an integral part of your personal marketing strategy.
People Skills
“People skills” are equally important as “technical skills”. It is quite
common to come across People who are technically very competent
but lack People skills. An increasing number of job advertisements
request for “pleasant personality with ability to get on with People
at all levels”. “People skills” is a value-added service you can offer to
potential employers.
Success Inventory
Keep an inventory of your accomplishments. Maintain a journal or
portfolio of work and projects to record your success in work and in
life. These will come in useful at interviews. Quantify these
achievements in measurable terms. In marketing yourself, your
results count. Contribute something, add value and do
something-measurable everyday at work. When it comes to selling
your services, all this counts!
Employed by life
Never become unemployed. Even if you have lost or left your job,
continue to find work to do. This can be temporary work from direct
contacts or through an agency. Another option is volunteer work.
There will always be People around who need help. Doing voluntary
work will expose you to many People who are less fortunate then you.
It will also enable you to network with like-minded People who care
and share. Giving your time to voluntary work is like handing over your
wages for that period to the voluntary organization as a donation. The
important thing is that this shows that you are proactive and seek out
opportunities. There will be no blank periods in your career where your
skills are not actively utilized.
Balance
If your work or job is your whole life, you are vulnerable to
disappointments and setbacks. You are likely to encounter burnout.
This may lead to depression. Too much success is not a good thing
if you are unable to balance it. Learn to listen to your body and mind.
Know when enough is enough. Seek a balance. Do everything
in moderation. Success is pointless if you are unable to enjoy it.
To sum it all up take a holistic view of your career & life as most of
our lifetime is spent at work. Career success means different things to
different People and perhaps to some it may mean being high up in
the corporate ladder or making tons of money but not to all. Find what
works for you and work at that!
24. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
Ten tips for moving to career freedom when you really hate your job
Begin focusing on what you want instead of how much you want to
escape. When you find yourself sharing the latest horror story, stop in
mid-sentence and say, "What I want to have is..."
Create an image that describes you in your job. Are you on a
riverbank with no way to get to the other side? Lost in a jungle?
Poking through a thorny hedge? When you get comfortable with the
image, begin visualising a change in the obstacle. Imagine building a
bridge across the river or finding a path in the forest. Don't force the
image or the change. When you're ready it will come.
Think of developing skills, not serving time. Take every course that's
offered and focus on skills that can lay a foundation for your own
business or next job. Can you learn HTML or PowerPoint? Can you
use some evenings, weekends and lunch hours to solicit some free
lance gigs?
Focus on satisfactory, not superior performance. Use the time
difference to build your new life. People often say, "I can't do
anything -- I work ten hours a day!" If you are firing yourself or
expecting to be fired, your job is finding a new job. Be ethical: you
owe your company the minimum you need to earn your salary." But
don't be surprised if you start to accomplish more than ever and find
yourself getting promoted.
What conflict are you escaping? Dishonesty? Corporate greed? Hypocrisy?
Allow yourself to wonder if these qualities are mirrored in your own life
or even in your mind. If everyone around you seems dishonest, are
you being dishonest with yourself? with others? After you resolve your
own conflict, you may find the workplace has changed or you have
been catapulted into a new, more satisfying life.
Put on your shield and armour when you enter your workplace.
Everyone should learn how to create a psychic shield. Imagine that
you are surrounded by an outer shell that is made of a solid material
so strong that nothing can get through to hurt you. Some people prefer
to imagine a protective golden light, but I think the solid shield is stronger.
Take two or three minutes to put on your shield, every day, before
you enter the workplace.
Give yourself a gift every day -- a splurge of time or sensual taste
buds. Read a book, talk to a friend, eat your favorite food. Don't
deaden your senses with alcohol (although if you're a wine
connoisseur, your special wine can be a gift) or spend big bucks at
the mall. Think simple.
Find at least one thing in your life to appreciate: the softness of your
cat's fur, the winter sky, the spontaneous hug from a friend. Appreciate
as much as possible about your job: the money, the view from the window,
the new computer, friendly conversations with the guy down the hall.
Savor the experience. Appreciation is the engine that attracts good things
into your life.
Write this down somewhere: After you've left -- and you will -- all that
time will seem to have gone in the blink of an eye. You will have
trouble remembering what bothered you so much. The rest of your
life will still be ahead of you.
25. MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
USING YOUR PERSONAL GOALS TO GET THE JOB YOU WANT
Every human mind is a great slumbering power until awakened
by a keen desire and by definite resolution to do.
THE QUESTIONS
What are your personal goals for working? Where do you see yourself
in five years? These are questions which most of us are not prepared
to answer, when asked.
These are also inescapable questions often asked by every employer
who wants a new hire. Coming from a friend or relative, such queries
may seem benign, perhaps even a little whimsical or philosophical as
those closest to you are truly interested in your future plans.
On the other hand, during a job interview, the same questions can
disqualify you for employment and send you straight out the door.
The basics of goal management are simple and easy to apply to any
career advancement strategy. They include:
o setting priorities;
o taking a long-term view;
o planning your daily monthly, yearly activities;
o taking time to organise; and
o maintaining a sound mind and body.
DOING THE RIGHT THING
1 Long-term goal management offers you the skills and tools required to
decide how best to utilise your time right now so that you will be more
likely to be doing the right thing for your career in future.
2 How then do you guard against the myriad of interruptions and
distractions that can throw you off course? The first step is having
clear long-term and short-term goals and prioritising what you need to
do to achieve them.
3 There are always more things to do than there is time to do them. The
number of responsibilities we are obligated to do have greatly
increased especially in the last 10 years but there is still only 1,440
minutes in a day. That is an element that will never change
Tom Bay, a former consultant for Franklin Covey Co. Inc., recommends
designating tasks you simply must do as priorities. If you have ten or
fifteen items on your to-do list, choose three to five that are truly double
AA priorities. "Invest your time in those [priorities] that will give you the
best ROI - return on investment," he says.
TAKE THE LONG VIEW
When making decisions about how to spend your time, weigh the
short-term benefits against the long-term ones. Choices made for the
long-term ones often lead to a greater payoff.
Tom Ferrara, 29, President and CEO of CareerEngine.com says that a
common mistake people his age often make is chasing money rather
than opportunity. "I could have, at any time, taken a sales job and made
more money than starting up a new business, ," he says. "If I was just
after the money, I'd have chosen a path other than the one I chose, which
was more time consuming and more stressful."
But, he says, the career experiences and satisfaction of building
a business from the ground up far outweigh the short-term financial
benefits of working for someone else.
When thinking about what you want to do, consider what will be
best for you in the long run.
DAILY FOCUS TIME
Call it quiet time, planning time or focus time. Make time to prepare
for the coming day. Tom Bay, author of "Change Your Attitude:
Creating Success One Thought at a Time" (Career Press, 1998),
says, "Get focused either at the end of the day for tomorrow or
at the beginning of the day for that same day. You've got to take time
in the morning to really get yourself organised."
Take 15 minutes to plan and focus on what you want to accomplish
for the day and the amount of time you have to do it. "Instead of
just charging ahead, as so many seem to do, in a reactive mode,
carefully consider all the possibilities and actively plan the steps
you will take," says Mr. Bay.
This will help make sure you plan to do the right thing.
UPGRADE TIME
Being organised will also save you time. While you need to concentrate
on your high-priority tasks, you won't be able to find those crucial
documents and papers you need to work on if you are disorganised.
Budget time for organising. It could be just an hour every day,
week, month or even just 15 minutes… whatever suits your work style
and schedule.
Consider fitting an "upgrade" day into your schedule. This will motivate
you to finally learn the software you have been using but never really
understood, or experiment with new equipment that could multiply your
productivity tenfold.
Use this time to take a seminar, hire a consultant or attend a trade show.
The time and energy you devote to upgrading skills and equipment will
work to boost your career.
SOUND MIND, SOUND BODY
Many say, "I don't have time to exercise" or "I don't have time for lunch."
Think again, if you want to maximise your efficiency and advance your
career in the long run. Taking some time to exercise, even if it means
taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car a little
further from the door, will increase your daily productivity as
it improves your fitness and stamina.
THE ANSWER
Questions about future career plans have become interview classics.
Job seekers cannot expect to avoid the issue. Therefore, if someone
asks you about your next five years, you should realise that there is
no perfect answer.
After being out of the comforting structure of college a while, you will
realise that life doesn't often respect your plans. While it is good to
have goals, it is not recommended to stick to them too rigidly.
An important point to remember: companies want people who are flexible
and will not panic if the unexpected happens. But you also do not want
to seem disorganised by just giving an "I don't know" answer.
Be honest, focused, realistic and flexible. Just keep in mind what your
interviewer really wants: someone who will work well on the job.
That should guide you to giving an appropriate answer.
