Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Is the Best Candidate the one Who#8217;s Good at Getting Hired
Is the Best Candidate the one Who8217s Good at Getting Hired Is the Best Candidate the one Whos Good at Getting Hired 1) Most people do not have a good enough resume. We see far too many resumes with structural issues, inconsistencies, and even grammatical mistakes.2) Many people rely heavily on ansprechbar job application, and therefore are depending upon their resume to get them noticed and selected. In a recent Beyond.com survey, over 60 percent of job seekers applied to jobs EVERY week.A well-written, focused resume can get results for candidates, especially those with in-demand skills and experience. We receive emails like this one weekly Last year you wrote my resume and I successfully landed 3 job offers.Ive come to the conclusion that- from a recruiting standpoint- the best candidates are those that are good at getting hired. They have a good resume, they know how to demonstrate relevant skills and experience on paper or in person, and they keep an up-to-date online social profile.There is a lot of talk about the skills gap. Ive dubbed a related gap the communications gap. The communications gap refers to job seekers who are capable of doing the job, but do a poor job of telling their story in a way that will get them noticed, selected for an interview, and hired.But perhaps the most critical skills gap is the skill to get hired. The Undercover Recruiter wrote an article on 7 reasons employers will hire you. Reason number 1? A great resume.Of course, the best way to get hired is by referral. Ive gotten my last several jobs by networking. In this case, resume is secondary or irrelevant. My question of the day When you review a referral candidate, how effective would their resume have been if they had applied blindly online? Would it have even gotten a second look? In my experience, referral resumes often come with the caveat, I dont really have an updated resume, but here is an old one. We then overlook their resume shortcomings because the person come s with a recommendation. Chalk up networking ability as an important skill to getting hired.I have talked with recruiters who try to mine stealth resumes, looking for that highly capable candidate who wouldnt typically make it through the process. Ive had several recruiters tell me that they find can find great candidates this way. The challenge becomes convincing hiring managers to seriously consider these candidates. A recruiter at Recruiting Trends last year relayed an example where a hiring manager refused to see a candidate even after the recruiter counseled him to ignore the resume and give this person a chance.This puts recruiters in a difficult position. They can become career advocates, and help candidates to polish their resume as well as prep them to stay focused in the interview. Or, they can put the responsibility back on the job seeker, because quite honestly, few recruiters have time to be career counselors, let alone review hundreds of questionable resumes to find th e diamond in the rough. Out of kindness to the job seeker, Id ask that you be honest with the individual. Tell job seekers that companies want to hire people who are good at getting hired. Tell them to improve their resume, hone their story, and talk more with colleagues. Or else theyll continue to play a numbers game, with the odds stacked against them.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Yes, allergies are ruining your career
Yes, allergies are ruining your careerYes, allergies are ruining your careerYour throat is scratchy, your eyes are watery, and youre staring at the towering pile of tissues youve managed to collect in the waste basket next to your desk. One more sneeze, and youre convinced your brain will pop out of your ears.Oh, the joys of allergy season. Pretty miserable, right? And, as it turns out, that constant sniffling, sneezing, and scratching isnt just undeniably annoying- it can also cause a major negative impact on your workweek.What exactly is allergy season? Youll hear the phrase allergy season tossed around a lot. And, for most of us, that equates to the spring when the beautiful blossoming flowers and budding trees seem to brutally attack our zur in der mitte gelegenen nase hin passages.But, heres a rude awakening for you There really isnt just one tried and true allergy season.Each year, in those areas of the US where three or four seasons take place, spring allergy season kicks into high gear during those months of late March, April, and May, explains Clifford W. Bassett, MD, Medical Director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, author of The New Allergy Solution, and faculty and NYU School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College.While that time of year tends to be the most problematic for people who struggle with allergies (which is an estimated 50 1000000 people in the United States), that doesnt mean its the only time you need to worry about those pesky reactions.It depends on what you are allergic to, explains Dr. Steven Cole, DO Allergist/Immunologist at Park Lane Allergy Asthma Center in Dallas.For those who are allergic to pets, dust mites, or mold, symptoms can be year-round. But, those who have stronger allergic reactions to pollens experience the worst symptoms in the spring or fall- depending on what types of pollens theyre allergic to.How allergies are hindering your productivityAllergies are annoying- theres no denying that. But, despite your efforts to struggle through and pump nasal sprays at your desk, allergies can also significantly decrease your productivity and focus at work. Nasal congestion leads to poor sleep quality culminating in a cognitive impairment the following day, explains Dr. Bassett.The consequences of allergies can stop even the most efficient people from getting a good workday in. The consequences include feelings of fatigue and drowsiness, reduced concentration and alertness, as well as a decline in learning and productivity.In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that allergies cost US companies $250 million per year due to this nosedive in employee productivity.And, while the disrupted sleep that your nasal congestion and drainage causes is pain enough, the medications you take to mitigate your allergy symptoms could actually be working against your productivity as well.Another issue oral antihistamines can make people drowsy and less alert - an effect c alled decreased mentation, says Dr. Cole.Believe it or not, one study projected that the use of sedating antihistamines by affected workers could result in a 25% reduction in productivity for two weeks per year.Dealing with your allergiesSo, what can you do- besides complain? It all starts with knowing what exactly youre allergic to. Get an in-office allergist-directed test to pinpoint your individual triggers, advises Dr. Bassett. The best offense is a robust defense.Once you know what inspires your misery, you can take steps to better stave off some of those dreaded effects.People with pollen allergy can take a shower or change clothes after they have been outdoors on days of high pollen counts, shares Dr. Cole, Keep the windows closed at home and in the car.Or, those with dust mite allergies can get covers to go over their pillows, mattress, and box spring. There are plenty of preventative actions out there- they all just depend on your specific allergy.Over-the-counter antihista mines and nasal sprays can also be helpful- as long as youre prepared for any side effects, like drowsiness.But, while youre likely used to taking these treatments once your nose is already actively running, its smarter to begin taking allergy medications 10 to 14 days before the start of your allergy season. This can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.If youre looking for a more permanent fix, both doctors mention immunotherapy as an option.Immunotherapy decreases allergy reactivity, making people less allergic than before, explains Dr. Cole. This sort of treatment can include injections or allergy tabs or drops placed under the tongue to provide more long-term relief.When to stay home with an allergyFinally, heres the big question Since allergies arent contagious, are you justified in staying home to wallow in your own self pity, rather than showing up to the office in your sniffling state? Plenty of people do take a sick day. In fact, one study estimates that allergies account for approximately 3.5 million lost workdays annually.But, whether or not you want to call in is really up to your own discretion.If the allergies are affecting their ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, they should stay home, explains Dr. Cole.If not? Make sure you have a big box of tissues within arms reach on your desk and a supply of allergy medication.We can all agree- allergies blow (pun very much intended). As if the groan-worthy symptoms didnt inspire enough misery, they can also slow you down in the office. While theres no guarantee that youll ever be able to prevent your allergies entirely, this advice should help you reduce the severity of your symptoms and carry on as best as you can.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
How can I retain talent despite budget cuts - James Caan
How can I retain talent despite budget cuts - James CaanHow can I retain talent despite budget cuts - James CaanHow can I retain talent despite budget cuts James CaanI know that many companies understand the fact that retaining good people is less costly and far less time consuming than recruiting good new people. And that issue generally worsens when budgets are tight. But its amazing how many companies dont actually practice what they know to be true or have a strategy in place to try to keep their best employees. When you lose a good person, youll have to find another and in the meantime your business may suffer a lack of performance which, right up until the time youve got the new person in place, can prove very costly.As a small to medium sized business , I believe that keeping your best people is even mora important in a recession. A large organisation can pay high salaries to get in the best people when they feel they need to. Small businesses rarely have t hat luxury so your business is going to find it hard to compete. Here are a few areas that Id be looking as part of my retention strategy and these arent a matter of budgets, but more about policy and culture. FairnessThe bottom line in retention is fairness. Being fair to all your people and making sure there are equal opportunities and no irrational promotions or favouritism is a starting point. Also, you should make sure salaries reflect performance. These are all situations that can result in people wanting to leave. If your organisation is unaware of these issues and does nothing to change it, then the steady drain of good people will continue until your company fails. Unsung TalentAnother problem is that sometimes your best people arent always the ones on show. They may be doing a great job without shouting about it. It might even be someone who goes the extra mile for customers, or someone who gets the best out of other people in your organisation. You need to spot these people and reward them somehow. This reward does not always have to be financial by the way. Sincere acknowledgement and recognition of good work can go a long way. If and when the situation for your company improves you can always reward these people retrospectively, and thats something that really builds trust and loyalty.Opportunity and RewardAlternatively a lot of talented employees might be easy to spot. They will be ambitious and money-orientated, they want to progress and they want to be acknowledged. These people will always be looking at whether the situation is better elsewhere and that means you need to be reviewing it too. You need to look at what your competitors are offering and doing, whether its money, opportunities, benefits etc. Where money is tight, why not offer training and mentoring. Your top performing salesman is probably goal and money-orientated but your back-office employees may want training and new responsibiliti es. You have to review these things constantly as part of your overall business strategy.Take an honest look at your company, and ask yourself if you are doing enough to retain your top talent. Dont forget, just because you havent lost many people it doesnt mean employees are happy to stay, it may just be circumstances keeping them onboard. Morefrom James CaanTop 5 tips on attracting talent for small businessesIs waiting to respond to a candidate after an bewerberinterview recommended?How to form a social media strategy for your brandHow can I help ease a candidates nerves
Monday, December 16, 2019
How to overcome the Monday morning slump
How to overcome the Monday morning slumpHow to overcome the Monday morning slumpThe numbers are staggering about70% of American workers are not engaged and dread Monday mornings, according to an annual poll by the Gallup organization.Many are quick to blame their organization, the working conditions, or theirindustry. Many think If only I worked for the next Google, that would be exciting.But if it were that easy, then why were highly compensated key executives recently bolting from Uber like the building wason fire?In fact, the leader is often at the center of this problem, and heres why people often become demoralized when they conclude that they are showing up on Monday morning in order to enrich and empower the executives.Consider this simple test would the average American worker rather work toward a cause or toward theenrichment of their boss?Thats a no-brainer.Sadly, it seems that many ofAmericas leaders think that their mere title and position of power, by itself, is sufficie nt to earn the following of those in their charge. These leaders think nothing of behaving in ways that signal to their employees that the success of the organization hinges on the leadersbrilliance and raw managerial capacity.Think of those organizations that operate under the personenname of the founderor those where the CEO pays himself or herself two, three or, in some cases, more than10 times more than the others on their team. Think about those meetings where the leader stands in front of the room and dominates the conversation.While there are successful organizations that operate under this brand of leadership, these leaders run the risk of communicating to their employees that they dont matter, or worse, that they show up every Monday morning just to enrich the personwhose name is on the top of the building. Talk about deflatingTheres a common theme among organizations that are able to build a culture of impassioned employees the leaders adopt behaviors that communicate that they were more, or at least equally, committed to the mission of the company, as compared to their own selfish interests.These leaders actively seek to fuse their employees together in service of a shared mission or a common cause.Most of us are quick to assert our place on the right side of this selfish-ego vs. collective ego dilemma. Yet, when pressed, results show that few leaders take the time to carefully think this through.So what can we do?Communicating your commitment to the mission requires a vigilant, conscious awareness of the message you are delivering with each of the daily decisions that tempt your selfish interests.Ask yourself Who do you prioritize on your calendar?How much time do you invest with your front line workers? When you conduct a meeting, who emerges as the smartest person in the room? Whose job is it to step-up and serve that particularly challenging customer? When crisis strikes, who takes ownership?Truly successful leaders learn how to shift their cons cious focus and embrace the selfish-ego vs. collective-ego dilemma, recognizing that employee engagement is earned one decision at a time.Darrell Cavens, founder and CEO of Zulily, said he experienced difficult personal growth as he grew to understand his early career approach to conducting meetings. General Robert Van Antwerp, former chief engineer of the Army Corps of Engineers, didnt discover one of his most effective leadership tools until challenged by the stress and heat of the Saudi desert and Operation Desert Storm.These and other iconic national leaders demonstrate that the best technique to diminish the Monday morning slump begins with connecting their workers to the missionand communicating through their daily actions where they prioritize their self-interests relative to the organizations mission.Dudley Slater, the co-founder and formerCEO of Integra Telecom, is the author, with Steven T. Taylor,of Fusion Leadership Unleashing the Movement of Monday Morning Enthusiasts.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
The Number of Green Jobs are Growing by the Day
The Number of Green Jobs are Growing by the DayThe Number of Green Jobs are Growing by the DayThe Number of Green Jobs are Growing by the DayWith more attention being put on climate change and the environment, more companies are hiring for green careers.The need for people with the knowledge to help them be responsible to the environment is continuing to grow. The graph below shows the number of jobs in the clean energy industry as of Q2 2015, by sector according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Environmental Entrepreneurs in a survey titled Clean Jobs America - Environmental Entrepreneurs.If clean energy is an area of interest for you, these careers are worth looking into. Here are five popular green jobs that you might want to pursue.Environmental ScientistsA few tasks that environmental scientists will be needed for include studying the effects of population growth, as well as working with businesses and other organizations that will need help following environmental laws and avo iding running into any environmental issues when starting new projects.Green Building ProfessionalsPeople that build, design and maintain green buildings will also be in demand. Architects, engineers, urban planners, auditors and more will be responsible for running every part of these green buildings, including waste and water systems, energy, and landscapes.Solar, Water, and Environmental EngineersSolar engineers are responsible for the planning, designing, an implementation of solar energy projects. They usually work in offices as well as at job sites. Water engineers focus on water quality and water conservation, and find ways to use water most efficiently. Common responsibilities for environmental engineers include wastewater treatment, cleanup of contaminated sites and state and federal regulation compliance work.Science and Protection TechniciansTechnicians monitor the environment and typically work in teams with scientists, engineers and other technicians. They measure pollu tion, inspect businesses for environmental hazards, and conduct tests on environmental samples.Corporate Sustainability ProfessionalsCompanies are starting to hire sustainability professionals to help them be more responsible when it comes to environmental practices and being sustainable corporate citizens.The U.S. continues to invest in clean energy. A study done by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Sustainable Energy in America - 2016 Factbook, shows the investments from 2004 to 2015.Want help getting a green job? Try boosting your resume with some green experiences by bringing sustainable practices to your current workplace. Here are a few ways you can start being more green if you dont work for a green corporationStart a recycling program at your company.Start a gardening club.Plant flowers or trees nearby.Volunteer with other coworkers at nonprofits that work on green projects and initiatives.Need help with your resume?Get a free critique today.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
The Most Disregarded Answer for Receptionist Resume Objective
The Most Disregarded Answer for Receptionist Resume Objective Details of Receptionist Resume Objective Deciding what things to write in the expert experience section is frequently the most difficult part of the resume writing process. Get a few examples of hotel receptionist resume templates from using this website. Resume examples for free will help you in a detailed process on how best to compose your resume. Finding Receptionist Resume Objective If youre looking for a position for a receptionist, then youll need to make sure that your resume holds the pertinent information an employer seeks in a receptionists resume. Hunting for employment might seem to be a daunting job, but there are jobs as a receptionist waiting for you whether you know where, and furthermore how to look. Discover how to approach the work interview and what things to write in the resume to ensure it is great. Nearly every office wants a capable Receptionist to deal with the outward-facing sides of i ts operation. Furthermore, you can look for medical receptionist jobs on Monster. You dont need to be certified or licensed to be a Medical Receptionist. Conclusion To allow it to be much easier for your healthcare receptionist resume to get read, you are in need of a captivating career objective statement to begin it. Think about applying for a position for a receptionist. Ok, I Think I Understand Receptionist Resume Objective, Now Tell Me About Receptionist Resume Objective Specifically, resume writing is among the most searched topics on the web. Thus, the receptionist has to be in a position to operate voreingestellt computer computer software programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Whether this Hotel Receptionist resume example was not sufficient for you, youre absolutely free to review several other samples and templates from our website. If this Medical Receptionist resume example was not sufficient for you, youre absolutely free to review various other samp les and templates from our website. But What About Receptionist Resume Objective? There is a vast selection of basic resume examples here and one will be proper for purpose. Theres an utterly fine heritage you must walk in order to come up with the most effective realistic resume. When you compose an objective, make certain that it effectively highlights your capabilities as theyd appear in detail in different parts of your resume. An objective ought to be completely pertinent to the own objective. Below are the most frequent abilities and abilities necessary for receptionists. Receptionists act as the public faces of the companies which employ them. An independent worker whos equipped to complete many tasks efficiently and accurately. Possessing a strong resume objective is able to help you get paralegal jobs. If youre interested in acquiring employment for a dentist receptionist, its critical that you demonstrate you have these critical skills to possible employers. Cl ient greeting receptionist with good oral communication skills along with a large selection of capacity in agency administration. The Downside Risk of Receptionist Resume Objective Your resume is the very first contact your upcoming employee gets, and its critical to make a wonderful impression. The receptionist resume is the principal supply of information for your employer. It is essential that you specifically build each resume objective to target a possible employer. In any objective statement, you always have to deal with the possible employer. The Awful Secret of Receptionist Resume Objective Our resume builder will provide you with tips and examples on the best way to compose your resume summary. You may set the accent on sections of a resume using an alternate typeface or size or by employing bullet points. Theres no need to apply particular accents like fancy font styles, colours or borders. It is possible to write such resume by employing the ideas and example gi ven above. If you wish to understand how to do this, your resume objective is an outstanding place to begin. You wont ever get a 2nd unintended to create a very first impression, in light of that make the the majority of the unintended you get. Mistakes arent going to paint you in an excellent light. Technically, a resume objective is not anything more than an introduction of the individual who is writing it. The Chronicles of Receptionist Resume Objective The degree of education often is based on the business. College educated receptionist searching for a position where ability to perform basic duties effortlessly and competence with very little supervision, and to improve the smooth running of the organization is required. Possessing a highly captivating career objective statement starting your healthcare receptionist resume will boost its likelihood of being read, which will also raise your opportunity of being invited to an interview. Interpersonal skills Having the ca pacity to interact with people on a one on one fundament assists in getting the work done.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Learn to be a professional project manager
Learn to be a professional project manager Learn to be a professional project managerPosted April 20, 2012, by Mike KermodeWhat is project management?Life is full of projects. But what exactly is a project as defined in todays working world, and how has project management become a prominent industry unto itself? You might think of a project as simply a distinct task that needs to be performed and completed. But according to the US-based Project Management Institute (PMI), one of the key organisations in this area, a project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. So while we project manage every day going through the necessary steps to shop and make a meal, or get the kids to and from school officially, project management (PM) is the discipline and process of developing and achieving organisational goals and arranging, acquiring and managing various resources to achieve those goals. It is both a tool and a discipline, designed to div ide projects into manageable portions and stages so theyre easier to control, and provide a structure for contributors to work under. A project manager is, therefore, someone employed exclusively to achieve that purpose. Project managers are responsible for making sure that projects are completed to a high standard, on time and within budget. Project managers differ from other kinds of managers, in that they often oversee a range of business areas towards the completion of a goal that is relatively short-term and discrete, rather than permanent or ongoing. Whereas a design manager for a shoe company will manage operations in the design department, a project manager for the development of a new pair of shoes in that company will manage staff across design, marketing and manufacturing, until the new design is completed. To be a good project manager, you need to be a good problem-solver, an effective team leader, a fantastic communicator and be assiduously organised. You need goo d people skills, as your job pivots on good communication with all stakeholders and team members and enough enthusiasm to keep you and your team motivated.Methodologies and approachesProject management has become an industry in its own right, with its own unique language. Different approaches have emerged over time, but most involve establishing a plan, communicating with stakeholders and managing resources, time and cost, as well as conducting regular reviews. Up until a few decades ago, large and small-scale projects in project-driven industries like engineering, construction, architecture, telecommunications and computing were undertaken without a systematic, templated approach to get them underway and completed as efficiently and quickly as possible. Nowadays, professional project managers utilise specialised PM software in order to keep on top of every detail, and ensure all involved are on the same page. Its common for methodologies to group processes into a structure tha t incorporates project initiation, planning, production, monitoring and closing. This kind of approach is generally classified as traditional, and favours sequential instructions with clear milestones to reach. Its generally acknowledged that this approach works best when the goal is predictable and not subject to change. Hence their use and origins in the construction industry, where changes to the product after the fact are impossible or difficult to implement. Agile methodologies also exist for projects that require a more flexible, adaptive approach. They approach projects less as an entirely pre-planned procedure, and more as a series of smaller tasks and goals that are completed as the situation calls for them, and which can be adapted to changing conditions and requirements. One of the most common methodologies for project management is the Project Management Book Of Knowledge (PMBOK), which can be classified as a traditional, process-based approach that is globally recog nised. It provides a tischset of useful general guidelines and standards for PM that can be applied to any industry, broadly accepted as best practice in the profession. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers project management courses based on the PMBOK methodology.PM trainingWhile many people slip into project management from technical or administrative roles, more and more businesses seek specialised PM professionals who possess a formal qualification and training. By taking a project management course, you will develop a set of valuable and transferable skills that you can take to any industry. Youll learn how to create organisational documents, determine client business needs and translate them into technical requirements, apply project integrative processes, manage project risk, implement change management processes, and design, manage and close complex projects. Youll also learn to use project management software and develop key data collection skills. In short, youl l learn to think like a project manager and will emerge ready to tackle projects of all shapes and sizes. Interested in getting involved in project management? Check out our project management courses.Project Management ResourcesConstruction project manager sample resumeConstruction project manager sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health Construction (Management) +...Enquire verbunden Enquire OnlineDiploma of Project ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Project ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of Project ManagementEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMike KermodeRelated ArticlesBrowse moreDesigningFashion DesigningFashion career fact sheetConsidering a career in fashion? Check out this fun fact sheet for everything you need to know about the industry, at a glance.Employment trendsFuture trendsAI Does it Mean Boom or Doom for Your Career?The times they are a changing, but is it all for the better? What should you be studying to future-proof your skills and what do the advancements in artificial intelligence mean for your career?Communications5 Hottest Media And Communications CareersIf youre an ideas person with a flair for writing, you cant go past a career in communications for diversity and creative stimulation.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
This is how long you need to be alone to reset your brain
This is how long you need to be alone to reset your brainThis is how long you need to be alone to reset your brainFor some of us, the idea of being alone with ourselves scares us mora than any other challenge well face in our life. Solitude scares us so much that we prefer to be out doing something instead of sitting in solitude doing nothing, even if that something causes us pain. In a recent (depressing) study, psychologists found that when given a choice, people would prefer to shock themselves with electricity as opposed to sit alone with their own thoughts.Technology allows us to escape our troubled minds mora easily than ever. With our smart devices attached to our hands and ears, we never need to be alone with no one to talk to and nothing to do. There will always be some app to converse with or a person to call.But a new study inPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletinfinds that solitude away from devices and people is a necessary and healthy way to recharge and reset our o verstimulated brains.Study 15 minutes of alone time is enough to deactivate your stressful emotionsStudent participants in the Solitude as an Approach to Affective Self-Regulation study were split up into two groups those who got to talk to a researcher about their studies and those who were told to sit away from their electronic devices and do nothing for 15 minutes. Although the students who talked to the researcher experienced no changes, the ones in solitude experienced significant decreases in positive and negative feelings like excitement, anger, and anxiety.What you can doIf you need to reset your emotions, go somewhere where you can be alone.The set of studies thus suggested that people can use solitude, or other variations on being alone, to regulate their affective states, becoming quiet after excitement, calm after an angry episode, or centered and peaceful when desired, the study concluded.Having the intensity of negative emotions decrease is good, but how can people enj oy their solitude more, so that they can be calm and peaceful without being more lonely?It starts with seeing solitude as an opportunity.When you see the option to be alone as a choice, as opposed to a life sentence, that affects how your brain sees your time alone. Researchers found that participants would report feeling less lonely and more calm when they actively chose to be alone.So, next time you feel yourself getting overwhelmed with emotions, turn off your phone and walk away from your chatty colleagues. It may be the small yet impactful breather you need to keep going.
Friday, November 22, 2019
12 books that every leader should read
12 books that every leader should read12 books that every leader should readI have been maintaining and occasionally updating - a list of Books That Every Leader Should Read on my oldWork Mattersblog since 2011. These are books that have taught me much about people, teams, and organizations - while at the same time - provide useful guidance (if sometimes indirectly) about what it takes to lead well versus badly. This is the latest update, which I overhauled in 2015 and tweaked each of the last two years. I left out many of my favorites and probably many of yurs as well. After all, some 11,000 geschftlicher umgang books are published in the United States every year.Many on the list are research-based, others tell detailed stories, and only two are quick reads (Orbiting the Giant Hairballand Parkinsons Law). That reflects my bias. I lean toward books that have real substance beneath them. This runs counter to the belief in the business book world that people will only buy and read books that are very short and simple and have just one idea.So, if your kind of business book isThe One Minute Manager (which frankly, I like too but you can read the whole thing in 20 or 30 minutes), then you probably wont like most of these books.1.The Progress Principleby Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer. A masterpiece of evidence-based management - the strongest argument I know that the big things are the little things.2.Influenceby Robert Cialdini. The classic book about how to persuade people to do things, how to defend against persuasion attempts, and the underlying evidence. I have been using this in class at Stanford for over 25 years, and I have had dozens of students say to me years later I dont remember much else about your class, but I leise use and think about that Cialdini book. I also am impressed with Cialdinis 2016 bestseller,Pre-Suasion, which adds wonderful new evidence-based twists. And while some of the examples in the original book are getting a bit dated, I suggest starting with the classic and then reading the new one.3.Made to Stickby Chip and Dan Heath is a modern masterpiece, and already a classic after just a few years.How to design ideas that people will remember and act on. I still look at it a couple times a month and I buy two or three copies at a time because people are always borrowing it from me. I often tell them to keep it because they rarely give it back anyway. And, for my tastes, it has the best business book titel of all time - the duct tape even looks and feels real.4.Thinking, Fast and Slowby Daniel Kahneman. Even though the guy won the Nobel Prize, this book is surprisingly readable. A book about how we humans really think, and although it isnt designed to do this, Kahneman also shows how and why so much of the stuff you read in the business press is crap. Ive also read rave reviews for Michael Lewis new bookThe Undoing Project,which tells the tale of the complex relationship between Daniel Kahneman and his col league the late Amos Tversky (who would have shared the Nobel with Kahneman if he had lived). I bought it, but havent read it5.Quiet, by Susan Cain. I have long been a fan of this book. The blend of storytelling, Cains writing voice, and evidence is something to behold. There are three reasons Ive moved to my leadership list. The first is that the influence seems to grow every year every leader I know now talks about the difference between leading introverts and extroverts. Leaders and future leaders who are introverts now are more confident, and understand better how to blend their style with extroverts. And, from the academic perspective, I believe it is no accident that, since Cains book was published, there has been a big upswing in research on the virtues and nuances of extroverts - as leaders, group members, romantic partners, and on an on. Second, Cain does a magnificent job of taking down open office designs - which are especially tough in introverts but undermine producti vity, satisfaction, and healthy social interaction for all employees in ways that advocates have denied for decades (despite all the evidence of drawbacks). Cains book has, I believe, played a substantial role in the pushbackagainst open offices. Third, and on a more personal level, my wife readQuietfor the first time this year. She is an introvert and has beena successful leaderfor the past 25 years or so, first at a large law firm, and as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northern California for the last decade. The book helped her understand why she has been successful and how to fine-tune her leadership style depending on whether the staff, adult volunteers, and girls she works with are more introverted or extroverted.6.Orbiting the Giant Hairballby Gordon MacKenzie. It is hard to explain, sort of like trying to tell a stranger about rock and roll, as the old song goes. But it is one of the two best creativity books ever written, and one of the best business books of any kind even thou gh it is nearly an anti-business book. Gordons voice and love creativity and self-expression - and how to make it happen despite the obstacles that unwittingly heartless organizations put in the way - make this book a joy.7.Creativity,Inc.by Ed Catmull. One of the best business/leadership/organization design books ever written this andHairballare a great pair. I wrote a more detailed review of Eds wonderful bookhere. As I wrote in my blurb, and this is no B.S., This is the best book ever written on what it takes to build a creative organization. It is the best because Catmulls wisdom, modesty, and self-awareness fill every page. He shows how Pixars greatness results from connecting the specific little things they do (mostly things that anyone can do in any organization) to the big goal that drives everyone in the company making films that make them feel proud of one aelendher. I read this book from cover to cover again about a month ago there is so much there as Ed brings in so much of his amazing life and gleans so many lessons about leadership and lifeI confess that I am biased about this book. I have met Ed several times and swayed by his modesty, smarts and how well he listens. The last time we met, Ed told me a great story. He and his editor were having trouble with the flow of the book. So he asked a couple of the Pixar script writers who worked on the filmMonsters INCto read the draft and make suggestions. Ed said they spotted the problem right away and came up with a great solution. Ed has resources that other authors dont That beautiful cover is a Pixar design too.8. Leading Teamsby the late J. Richard Hackman. When it comes to the topic of groups or teams, there is Hackman and there is everyone else. If you want a light feel good romp that isnt very evidence-based, readThe Wisdom of Teams. If want to know how teams really work and what it really takes to build, sustain, and lead them from a man who was immersed in the problem as a researcher, coa ch, consultant, and designer for over 40 years, this is the book for you. Oh, and if you want the cheat sheet although you are missing enough that you are mostly cheating yourself - check out HackmansHBRpiece, the very definition of profound simplicity, a lifetime of wisdom and (I am guessing) the results of 1000 studies summarized in six concise points.9.Give and TakebyAdam Grant. Adam is the hottest organizational researcher of his generation. When I read the pre-publication version, I was so blown away by how useful, important, and interesting thatGive and Take was that I gave it one of the most enthusiastic blurbs of my life Give and Takejust might be the most important book of this young century. As insightful and entertaining as Malcolm Gladwell at his best, this book has profound implications for how we manage our careers, deal with our friends and relatives, raise our children, and design our institutions. This gem is a joy to read, and it shatters the myth that greed is t he path to success. In other words, Adam shows how and why you dont need to be a selfish asshole to succeed in this life. America - and the world - would be a better place if all of us memorized and applied Adams worldview. I love this book - I give it to Stanford students and executives all the time, especially when they worry aloud that, to get ahead, their only choice is to be a selfish asshole.10.Parkinsons Lawby the late C. Northcote Parkinson. Youve probably heard of Parkinsons Law, which he first proposed inThe Economist in 1955 It is a commonplace observation that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. I had as well, but I never knew much aboutC. Northcote Parkinson, nor had I read his 1958 gem of the same name (I didnt even know it existed) until Huggy Rao and I started writingScaling Up Excellenceand my well read co-author pointed me to this collection of essays. Parkinson was quite a guy - a scholar of public administration, naval historian, and author of over 60 books. For our scaling book, I was especially taken with his arguments, evidence, and delightfully polite English sarcasm about the negative and predictable effects of group size and administrative bloat. I am also a big fan ofThe Peter Principle, which is similar in some ways, (I wrote the forward to the 40 Anniversary Edition),butParkinsons Lawis an even better book.11.To Sell is Humanby Dan Pink. You might ask, what does this have to do with management and leadership? Read the book. Dan does a masterful job of showing how, to lead and motivate others, to protect and enhance of the reputations of the people, teams, and organizations we care about, and to have successful careers as well, we all need to be able to sell people our ideas, products, solutions, and yes, ourselves. Dans ability as a storyteller is what makes this book stand above so many others - his stories are not only compelling, they make evidence-based principles come alive. To be honest, I h ad not devoted much attention to this book until my wife picked up a copy and read the whole thing from start to finish in about a day. She then spent the next week raving about all the ways Dans book would help her as CEO of a non-profit in everything from fundraising, to inspiring employees and volunteers, to dealing with the media, to convincing new prospects to join her organizations board. Then I read it myself. As much as I admire Malcolm Gladwell, I believe that Dan Pink just might be the most skilled writer we have at translating behavioral science research. His stuff is so fun to read, it doesnt distort or exaggerate findings, and he does a masterful job of teaching us how to apply the lessons in his books.12.The Path Between the Seasby historian David McCullough. On building the Panama Canal. This is a great story of how creativity happens at a really big scale. It is messy. Things go wrong. People get hurt. But they also triumph and do astounding things. I also like this book because it is the antidote to those who believe that great innovations all come from start-ups and little companies (although there are some wild examples of entrepreneurship in the story - especially the French guy who designs Panamas revolution - including a new flag and declaration of independence as I recall - from his suite in the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and successfully sells the idea to Teddy Roosevelt).As my Stanford colleagueJim Adamspoints out, the Panama Canal, the Pyramids, and putting a man on moon are just a few examples of great human innovations that were led by governments. If you want to learn about what world class scaling clusterfug looks like, read about how the French messed things up and if you want to learn about skilled scaling (with some horrible side-effects) and the amazing U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt, find the time to read this rather massive masterpiece.In addition to these twelve, I was tempted to addCollaborationby Morten Hansen, the best book on the topic ever written andThe Silo EffectbyGillian Tett, which is stunning analysis of why - once organizations are broken into specialized groups - all sorts of bad things that undermine the greater good, along with some mighty thoughtful ideas about how to overcome these problems and make the best use of such specialized and isolated stovepipes. And while I removedWho Says That Elephants Cant Dance, by former IBM Lou Gerstner from my top 12, it remains the best book on the transformation of a large company that I know of - the first half is especially strong.I would love to know of your favorites - and if want a systematic approach to this question, dont forget the 2016 update ofThe 100 Best Business Books of All Timeby Jack Covert, Todd Sattersten, and Sally Haldorson.Bob Sutton is aStanford hochschulprofessorwho studies and writes about leadership, organizational change, and navigating organizational life. Follow me on Twitterwork_matters, and visit mywebsitean d posts onLinkedIn. My latest book isThe Ahole Survival Guide How To Deal With People Who Treat You Like Dirt.Before that, I publishedScaling Up Excellencewith Huggy Rao.My main focus these days is on working with Huggy Rao to develop strategies and tools that help leaders and teamschange their organizations for the better - with a particular focus onorganizational friction.Check out my Stanford FRICTION Podcastat iTunesorSticher.This column first appeared on LinkedIn.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Less is more when it comes to your resume Ladders 2019 Resume Guide
Less is more when it comes to your resume Ladders 2019 Resume GuideLess is more when it comes to your resume Ladders 2019 Resume GuideWe all deal with loss in our lives - in this chapter youre going to deal with loss also - the loss of past achievements that are very near and dear to your heart, but that dont support your job goals.We all have them - me included. As a freshman at Yale, an enterprising group of us living in the same residential college (thats what they call dorms at Yale) put together a proposal to take over the colleges coffee shop. The professor assigned to manage the dorm agreed and we giddily took over The Buttery and ran it for the next several years. Our enthusiasm was only marginally damaged when we did the math and discovered that we were making less than minimum wage for all the hours we put into it.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreNonetheless, that ac hievement stayed on my resume for well over a decade because I loved to be reminded of it. Bright college years is the old Yale school song, and thinking about my time in college, and the antics we got into, and the friends made there, felt wonderful. Even years later, it was a happy trip down nostalgia lane for me every time I reminded myself of those times by glancing at my resume.It made me happy to binnensee The Buttery there.But all of those wonderful feelings didnt justify this achievement taking up 3 lines on my resume in the years ahead. While I thought it showed pluck, and energy, and entrepreneurial zeal, it was largely lost on recruiters, and hiring managers, because absolutely nobody really knows what a Buttery is. (Turns out its a funny old word from Europe related to where the butler stashed his stuff - Yale had adopted it for some of our coffee shops).You, too, have achievements from back in the day that dont belong on your resume. They come from a time in college, o r at your first job, or even just a really wonderful experience you had in your last position that you are fond of in a way that doesnt reflect the achievements value in your professional advertisement, but instead reflects the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you think back to that time.Or perhaps it was an achievement that was hard-fought, that caused you nights and weeks of anxiety, and when the triumph came one misty morning, it smelled like victory. Sometimes those battles, and conflicts, and times of terrible effort and concentration that go along with huge achievements have a rosy glow in hindsight. When those achievements support your professional advertisement message, they ought to be included.But when those achievements are simply self congratulatory, represent the joy of victory, or mark a struggle that was more important emotionally than it was professionally, it is important for you to leave them off your resume.Only the achievements and accomplishments that support yo ur professional message deserve to be included. And every achievement that you select to show on your resume should help deliver the message to your future babo about the benefits you can deliver to them in the coming years.So youll need to go through a painful, bittersweet exercise. Review all of your past experiences that you loved - an internship, a college course, a lifeguard job, an early achievement. If it, in fact, supports a key part of your benefit to your future boss, then definitely keep it on your resume.But if, as I discovered in the case of my college nighttime snack shop experience, it is on your resume for reasons that are more sentimental than they are practical, youll need to make the hard choice and remove it.But dont mourn its departure too wistfully. After some time passes, youll discover that your enjoyment of the event is just as great with it off your resume. And youll be even happier with the outcome of having a cleaner, crisper resume that makes the case f or your future employment more concisely.This article is adapted fromLadders 2019 Resume Guide Best Practices Advice from the Leaders in $100K $500K jobs (Ladders, Inc. , 2019). Purchase the Kindle Single for immediate download here.**Disclosure Ladders from time-to-time uses affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people
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