Loving What You Do

Article Category : Career Management

Man is a social animal and survival is his major need. There are needs that he needs be fulfill. The needs can be physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. A common thread that connects all the above need is a means to sustain physically. He can barter his skills to sustain himself.If the urge to contribute physically arises then he can do physical labor, like bringing about movement on the physical level. If there is an urge to contribute mentally, he can choose to be an organizer, one who can overlap events and schedule activities. An emotional urge will be satisfied if he chooses to be a mentor. Spiritual urge can be addressed by spreading the word of the infinite.

The choice of his work mainly depends on his current frame of mind. Normally, a person chooses his profession depending on the market feasibility and the highest financial benefits. Though this seems to be the most obvious choice of choosing a profession but surely will lead him to be utterly frustrated and mentally unstable as time passes by if this is not in alignment with his life’s purpose.

Time waits for nobody and later on in life there is the time for retrospection the most obvious question that would come up are: “How did I spend my time? Was I of any help to anybody? Will I every be remembered when I’m bygone?” These are very common questions anybody would have encountered. These questions arise at different phases in our life. A student towards the end of his vocation will be encountered with these questions. A lawyer at the conclusion of a case would be questioned by his conscience. And almost all of us on the last day of our professional life.

The question now one would ask is, “I have now realized that this is not a profession of my choice and I have taken it up just to sustain my physical and social needs, but this is not the profession that I would give my life for. What do I do now? I possibly can’t abandon my present commitments? The only alternative I see now is abandon the profession of my life and make my self believe that there is more to life than your job.” Its very comfortable to be part of the rut and postpone the most dreaded questions till you retires.

One can’t afford to abandon one’s current profession and create an internal civil war. One would prefer to look at his job differently. Suppose you realize there is an inert pull towards writing. You would want to hang around with people who have a similar bend. If there is an urge to teach then you would want to volunteer your time at a night school. One common thing that would stand out is your commitment to have a fulfilling life. The initial infatuation will always wither out and you would yet again be stranded with the same dreadful questions. But one’s commitment towards finding a job one loves will help one see through this turbulence.

One can look at an alternative approach to discover the job of his life. Start with the end result in mind. For example you would want to be of some help to the people around you. How would you possibly contribute? You would have a wealth of experience that you would have accumulated in your professional life. You would want to mentor the new comers with your experience. You would never have someone come to you and say “Hey I want you to mentor so many people” Though not impossible this may seem a remote possibility. You need to reach out and let people know that you are willing to contribute. You need to take the first step. This is what most people fret. They fret to ask. First and foremost one needs to be more social and approachable. Secondly, one needs to be focussed on the reality that this is an opportunity that one is working towards.

It is very important that one reads and listens a lot during this phase. You would have accumulated a wealth of experience during your career but there is a difference between knowing and the ability to articulate one’s thoughts. Reading and listening helps one to have a uniform stream of thoughts.

Let then the knowledge flow through you. An element of doership normally creeps in when one thinks that one is doing something noble. Your experience is a gift of nature. It was an opportunity that was given to you at that point in time. This knowledge will just flow through you where it is needed the most. In most instances you would be surprised by yourself at the impact that your experience has created on people around you.

Altaf Merchant is a software engineer by profession. He lives in Bangalore, India. You can get in touch with him on merchant_altaf@yahoo.com

Category :


Success at Work : People Skills : Networking

Article Category : Career Management

Getting along with your co-workers is critical to your
happiness and success at work. You may find yourself
spending more time with your co-workers than with your
spouse and family. Each individual in an organization is
just a small cog in a big wheel. Without the assistance of
co-workers, you will find your assignments much more
difficult.The first step toward getting the assistance of your
co-workers is to accept others uniqueness and
idiosyncrasies. People come from many different national
origins, races, genders, and ages. Corporate America calls
this “diversity”.

You may think an individual with a different race or
national origin is peculiar or has strange habits. I find
that all people, regardless of race, national origin,
gender, or age, want the same things. All people want a
safe place to live and employment that gives them the
ability to provide for themselves and their family. What
a boring world this would be if we all dressed the same,
acted the same, and had the same ideas.

If you have an attitude of discrimination against a
co-worker because of their national origin, race, gender,
or age, I’m not going to try to change your mind. I WILL
advise you that if you want to succeed at work, you better
at least act like you are on the diversity bandwagon.

The real difficulty in relating to fellow employees comes
from differences in emotional maturity, intelligence, and
level of dedication to the job. Emotionally immature people
may not want to cooperate with you because they feel
threatened. They feel that if they help you or reveal any
aspect of their job function they may lose job security.

Other symptoms of emotional immaturity are the inability
to accept criticism, feeling that the company should do
things the way that makes THEIR job the easiest, and just
plain bossiness. Other people’s emotional maturity is one
of the most difficult things to deal with on the job.

It’s also difficult to deal with co-workers who don’t have,
or don’t want to have, the intelligence required to do the
job. Sometimes people fain ignorance in order to avoid work
or responsibility. Sometimes an individual is in a job
position that they are not suited for.

Your job may provide your life with meaning and purpose.
Professionalism and pride in your work may be important to
you. But don’t expect everyone to have those same values.
Some people are more focused on friends, family, or other
preoccupations outside of work. They come to work only for
the paycheck. They want to make the least amount of effort
required to get the paycheck.

Your happiness and success at work requires you to accept
and embrace the uniqueness of other individuals. You need
to form good relationships with any co-worker whose
cooperation you need in order to perform your tasks. The
best way to do that is to care about them. Engage in small
talk and learn what their interests are and what motivates
them. Approach them with an optimistic attitude, praise,
and compliments. People gravitate towards other people who
make them feel good.

You must impress upon them that you are not a threat. You
will not criticize them, nor threaten their job security.
Help them understand that cooperation would be mutually
advantageous. Let others in the company compete and vie
against one another, while you team up with your co-workers
for your mutual success at work.

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Tips for Building a Successful Career

Article Category : Career Management

1. Develop excellent work habits ? for example, meet deadlines and don’t procrastinate.2. Read extensively about your primary career area. “Own” your profession by developing a disciplined reading program, so you’ll be aware of trends and developments.

3. Practice team playing ? learning from colleagues and sharing your knowledge.

4. Know both your job and your organization’s expectations, and be sure they’re on the same track.

5. Set goals, write them down and evaluate your progress.

6. Focus on understanding your client/customers. Come up with strategies that add value from them.

7. Don’t dodge administrative tasks ? it upsets most supervisors.

8. Volunteer for outside activities: Accept assignments to speak to outside groups, lead professional panels and write articles for professional journals.

9. Build executive communication skills and cultivate an executive persona by reading books on the subject and attending seminars.

10. Take risks with personal development, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses; build on strengths and correct weaknesses.

11. Seek out notables both inside and outside your profession, and watch and learn from winners.

12. Always seek opportunities. Success is not a sweepstakes waiting for the knock at the door.

13. If your employer does not emphasize learning and achievement, move on.

14. Think big ? but always manage the details.

15. Take manageable risks. Remember, without occasional failures, success is unlikely.

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There are many aspects that set us apart from our competition?low prices, great products, years of experience, etc. Ultimately, however, we offer exactly what today’s retail customer wants most: the best products at the best prices.

We’re committed to bringing you the products you want at the lowest prices every day, and to providing you with the convenient, secure shopping experience you deserve.

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Building Your Army of Supporters: How to Build Strategic Relationships in the Work Place!

Article Category : Career Management

Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the door and getting the job the real job of career advancement begins!You will soon learn (if you haven’t already elsewhere) that corporate politics are ALWAYS surrounding you. If it is not your boss who is fearful of you taking his job it is your co-worker who wants to ensure that they are seen “better” than you when promotion time comes calling. If it’s neither, you still have to be prepared to not be in position of being scape-goated. In essence avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time or saying the wrong thing!

But how does one demonstrate their great qualities and viewed as a team player without causing strife with your “competitors” (bosses and colleagues)?

Building strategic alliances in the work place is how!

What is building strategic alliances? Well it is the constant communication and trust building you have to do on a daily basis with certain bosses and colleagues and even employees that you may actually be managing.

Strategic relationships through a company are very important when it comes time for promotion (they support you) and for times you might be on the “pink slip” list. Having friends in high places is the ideal solution. But having friends spread out not only in your immediate area but in other areas/departments as well is just as important.

There will be a time when bad information might be circulating about you and you may never know it! having your network squash these harmful rumors is ideal. Therefore you never will have to be in a position to defend your character because your “network” already did it for you.

So how do develop you strategic alliances in the company? Follow these steps:

  • NEVER involve yourself in ANY gossip!
  • NEVER give a negative opinion of a colleague or boss
  • ALWAYS support your immediate boss
  • ALWAYS keep private conversations private!
  • DEFEND a colleague in your alliance if they are in the right.
  • NEVER joke about racial or gender issues. Nod your head in disagreement whenever anyone makes a off colored remark or joke about a “class” of people.
  • ALWAYS give people the benefit of the doubt.
  • NEVER get defensive
  • ALWAYS smile.
  • NEVER shout or yell at another.

The goal is to be perceived as a fair and balanced person whom people can trust. Trust, again, is one of the more important issues to succeeding and rising rapidly in a corporation!

From the E-Book ©“The Perfect Candidate! How To Win The Job Game Every Time!”

Paul Woodley is the Author of “The Perfect Candidate! - How To Win the Job Game Every Time! (By Unfairly Beating the Competition).” Visit “The Perfect Candidate!” Website at http://getrichnow.com


Career Tips: How To Start A New Career

Article Category : Resume Presentation, Career Management

These days most people accept that jobs are not for life anymore. People are more mobile and much more likely to change jobs every few years and even careers a number of times throughout their lives. And it is increasingly common that we may also find that we need to change jobs because of retrenchments, redundancies and closures. Having confidence in your skills and experience and your ability to deal with the challenges of starting over can give you a greater sense of confidence about your career, and whatever life brings your way. 

Get support. Surround yourself with family and friends and let them know your situation. Stay in contact with those you care about and continue your usual social activities. Although you might not feel like it, now is not the time to avoid people or stop socialising. Your support crew will help you to stay motivated and positive and they’ll keep their eyes open for opportunities for you.

It’s not about you. Jobs, not people, are made redundant. Redundancy is now a common term and accepted as a part of modern working life. It’s not a reflection on you or anything you need to feel ashamed about.

Set up a HQ. Create an environment that it conducive to your job-search project. Set up a basic office at home that includes access to a phone, stationary, postage supplies, computer and printer. If you have small children or pets keep them out of this area and ask your children not to answer the phone while you are job searching. If you are basing yourself out of a job café or other facility, be prepared. Make sure that you have the tools you need to apply for jobs that appeal to you, including an up to date resume, referees and an email address.

Create an up to date resume. Create a captivating covering letter. Provide a detailed description of the achievements in each of your roles and the timeframes you have been in the role. Provide all contact details including phone number (land line and mobile), email and where possible a fax number. If you don’t have a fax at home, find someone close to you i.e. local business and ask them if you can use their number.

Get out. Become involved in local networks and community events. Investigate groups that meet regularly in your area and get involved. This is a great way to meet new people, make new contacts and find out about jobs that are available close to home.

Mind your language. Avoid using negative words such as ‘unemployed’, ‘on the dole’ and ‘I can’t find a job’ and replace them with positive perspectives such as ‘I will find a job suitable for me’.

Stay well presented. It only takes seven-seconds to make a first impression. Make the most of your seven-seconds by smiling when you greet someone. Invest in a good suit, if you don’t have one, borrow one for interviews; polish your shoes and ensure that your hair is clean and tidy. It’s easy to get out of the good-grooming habit when you don’t have to do it every day. Remember how important is it both to your self-esteem as well as to people’s first impression of you.

Stay motivated. Finding a new job is hard work; treat it as you would any work assignment ? your fulltime job is finding a new role that you will enjoy. Just as with any job it can be frustrating and especially disappointing when you receive ‘rejection’ letters. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will receive these. They are not personal. Focus on keeping your goals in your mind and remind yourself constantly that there is a role out there just for you, it’s only a matter of time until you find it.

Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy ? and where they focus their attention ? Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://neenjames.com/.


Build New Habits — Payday Will Come

Article Category : Career Management

Feeling that it never works is not a good excuse. You may even remember last year not getting past February. GOOD intentions. NO success. Don’t quit! Every year has a new beginning for each of us. Keep on working at it.NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

You knew that was coming. Wipe the slate clean for 2004. Most of us had a few UPS and some had more DOWNS. There is real power in your mind. Think positives even when it is most difficult. Negatives are destroyers that pull us down into the abyss.

Actually, you can make resolutions EVERY day. Hop out of bed with a great attitude. Begin by saying, “Good morning, God, what are you and I going to do today?” It may surprise you. Negative folk say, “Good God, it’s morning!” You decide!

DON’T QUIT

I know! Last year just left you defeated. Every change you were going to make fell by the wayside. None of your resolutions got done. Maybe you OVER reached. Be more reasonable. Don’t expect big leaps. Bite off the challenges in small chunks rather than going for the boulder.

Success is closer than you think. One step at a time. You can become the happier, healthier person that you envision.

All of us like to improve. There’s a sincere desire to learn. To stick with our new diet. To work out at the gym or go to aerobics. Walk a mile each morning or night. Our goal is to eat right; live right; exercise and be our very best.

OVER ZEALOUS

Suddenly, I’m going to change my habits. Our resolutions fill a complete page. All the things we haven’t been doing. Beginning tomorrow. You have just programmed failure into your New Year’s resolutions. Too much at once. None of us can handle it.

Put down one or two life changing challenges. Maybe you can take on another one or two in another month. Don’t overwhelm your psychic all at the beginning. Stretch your goals over time.

First, write down your new passions. A full page of resolutions is too much. Select those with the greatest benefit. Leave the others for now.

Don’t expect perfection. Good intentions pave the road but you need to allow for a detour along the way.

BUILDING NEW HABITS

Your real goal is to develop new habits. Replace the old ones. NO exercise turns into some exercise. Eating too much turns into pushing away from the table sooner. Drink more water, less cola. Putting your spouse before the children or grands. Doing fun things together. Go to the movies. Out to dinner. Long weekends to the mountains.

Don’t expect “old habits” to suddenly disappear. They are still lurking. Trying to get back into first place. Wanting to mess up your plan.

Few things are more rewarding than reaching your goal. Even if it takes longer than you expected. Moving in the right direction counts for success. Reach for incremental mile markers. Each step takes us closer to our destination.

PAYDAY IS COMING –

Keep that in mind. Not necessarily money. A much BIGGER benefit.

You quit SMOKING because (you don’t want to increase cancer odds; your breathe is cleaner; clothes no longer smell stale; eat in nicer places; kicked a bad habit, etc.)

Go on a DIET because (clothes look nicer; you look nicer; you feel better about yourself; cost less for food; and?..)

Quit drinking because?. (Don’t want DWI risk; no more acting a fool; risky addiction and family loss; and?)

Bad habits are hard to break. Only YOU can make the decision. No one can do it for you until you decide.

Many times our “bad” habits are patterns of behavior. Smoking gives us a break and often it comes with dinner and a drink. Must be a social issue. Everyone else is doing it so we “do it” to be “accepted” within our social group.

SUCCESS TEAM

All of us need support when striving to reach goals. Find those with the same mindset and desire to change habits. Working out is always easier in a group. To quit drinking is easier with NON drinkers. Non smokers help us kick the nicotine habit.

Cheerleaders are needed. Keep it up! Don’t quit. Hold on to your goals. Accountability keeps most of us on track.

Do something nice for yourself when you reach incremental levels. Buy yourself a new suit or a new dress when you drop a full size. Make every step a recognizable achievement.

Eat at a new restaurant. Go to the movies. Treat yourself to a massage. Relax and enjoy the NEW you.

One last admonition. HAVE FUN! In the end (December 2005) you can look back with pride on the success you have enjoyed in the last 12 months.

ACTION TIP: A better YOU and ME is worth the investment. Set reasonable goals. Bite off in small incremental pieces. Look for the BIG pay off. Get a support TEAM. Reward yourself for each success level. HAVE FUN in the process of changing your habits.

Don Monteith spent 32 years in the Staffing Business. His firm placed thousands of job candidates in their dream job. Today, he shares his expertise. Learn more by visiting his website at: http://www.HowToGetYourDreamJob.com


Job or Career

Article Category : Career Management

>At this present time I have a job. It pays some of my bills, and again I have a job. I don’t think of my job as a career because I don’t have a passion for it. I dread going to work at times, so I know this isn’t a career for me. I’m working at a clinic at the present time, and it’s a stressful job, and not really my cup of tea.

A job is defined as a series of tasks or activities that are performed within the scope of what we call work, according to The Career Fitness Program, Exercising Your Options by Diane Sukiennik, William, Bendat and Lisa Raufman. They also define career as a sequence of attitudes and behaviors that are associated with work and that relate to our total life experience. An integration of our personality with our job activities can also be called a career according to the authors above.

A career, the dictionary continues, is defined as "an occupation, a way of making a living, especially with opportunities for advancement or promotion," and progress through life." It also means waking up excited, and ending the day with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

A job defined by The Oxford American Dictionary, is "a paid position of employment?got a job at the factory," and "something one has to do, a responsibility, it’s your job to lock the gates."

The dictionary mentions that job happens, but careers are planned down to the last detail. The development and implementation of a sound and detailed plan distinguishes the successful enterprise from the failure; the individual we admire from the one who has never earned or achieved anything.

"Many had been lulled to sleep by the gold handcuffs their companies placed on them; good earnings, good benefits, lots of vacation and an economy that seemed it would never end." Most people are comfortable with just having a job, and they have no intention of moving up the ladder of a career. I know a lot of people in this boat. I have a job, and it pays the bills, so why should I think about going back to school, and begin another headache all over again? I’m blessed to have a job and I’m going to keep it for as long as I can. I had to admit that I felt this way for a long time until writing came into my life, and I knew there was something out there better for me. I can have a career in writing, and then have it all.

Today according to Oxford hundreds of thousands of these individuals recognize they have a job, never had a career. They suddenly had to face the reality of life; their futures are their problems.

I think of a job as going to work and paying the bills; a career is something that I dream about doing, and being, and it’s a constant tumor in my brain. I think about it all the time, and it constantly nags me when I’m not doing it. This is a career.

I have friends who dream of being nurses, court reporters, attorneys, and doctors. Some made their career goals come true, but others went down the path of working because they needed a roof over they head. They had no choice but to defect because something to eat was much more important than going to school to pursue that diligent career.

We all dream of having that one career where we can get paid and still do what we love. It’s not a burden getting up every morning and going to work because this is a career.

My career goal is becoming an established writer. I’m pursuing this goal with my published novel, and a number of short stories, but I’m not writing on a full-time basis. I’m not making enough money to quit my full-time job, so this isn’t a career for me. I work on a job, and the bills exceed my pay check. I’m blessed to be working with the employment rate being high and then low, so I should be grateful. I am, but I dream when I can still pay my bills, and spend my time working on new novels, and new short stories. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don’t treasure leaving my house to go to a building to work. I want to work at home, and get paid for doing it.

Consider the path you have chosen and your current job. Ask yourself these questions to see if you master up to a job or a career:

1. Do I love getting up every morning and going to work?
2. Am I challenged on my job?
3. Does the pay equal my experience?
4. Can I still pay my bills, and be creative?
5. Do I enjoy this position?
6. Do I have a job or a career?

In the real world today everyone is busting their butts to make ends meat. We have to feed ourselves and make sure the children have the necessities to survive in this world. A lot of times we have to sacrifice our dreams for a husband or children. Along the way we forget about becoming a doctor or lawyer because the realities of life are more important.

My friend since the 9th grade of high school had this dream to be a nurse. She spoke about being a nurse, and she never stopped focusing on her dreams. When she was in high school she bought every book she could on nursing, and volunteered her services in hospitals to work with nurses so she could have a better understanding to see if this was the career choice for her. She did a lot of networking and reading to make sure she was making the right choice.

When she graduated from high school, she went right into a nursing program at the age of eighteen. She was thrilled to finally be making her dreams come true. I am her best friend, and I thought along the road of her growing up she’d change her mind about five or six times, but my friend was adamant in her dreams. She wanted to become a nurse.
She graduated from nursing school as a LPN, a RPN, and a Surgical Nurse. She also became the head nurse at her hospital. I admired her, and kept in touch with her as she got married right after high school, and still continued on with her dreams. She made sure that her husband understood that she was bent on being a nurse, and he was very supportive of her dreams. He had dreams to become an attorney. As their marriage progressed, the two worked diligently on making their dreams come true, and they both succeeded with a passion.

The children came along, but she was a certified nurse, and he was a pass the bar attorney. My point in this part of the article is to let you know that you can get married, and still keep your dreams going, especially if you marry someone who has the same goals in mind.
If you’re passionate about being a nurse, and an attorney, then nothing is going to erase that option from your lives. My friend and her husband had careers, and currently they’re still married with two children, and still a nurse and an attorney. Of course they have hobbies to keep them creative, but their main goals are still a part of their lives. My friend chose a career path, instead of a job path.

I chose the job path because I needed to make money, and I went wherever I was sent by joining an employment agency. I was a typist, secretary, legal secretary, teacher’s aide, office manager, etc. I never gave up on my writing dreams, but I spent more time concentrating on my job, and keeping it. It was a stressful and draining opportunity of a waste of precious time. I always admired my friend, and at one point I wanted to be her. I’m shaking my head now because you never have to wish to be someone else. If they could pursue an interesting and satisfying career, then the same success can happen to you.

It’s 2005 now and I’m living my career because my book is published, and I have a lot of short stories published also. I have another book coming out in 2006, and my writing is progressing very well for me. I can’t quit my day job just yet, but one day I’m going to do just that, and go from a job to a career. I have the drive, and it’s going to work for me. I just have to be patient because patience is definitely the key. I also have to keep telling myself that careers are made from determined and persistent people. I belong in that category.

So after reading this article, ask yourself do I have a job or a career? If you have a job and you’re satisfied at this point in your life, then more power to you; but if you’re like me, and want to turn that job into a career, then you better get moving. It begins with a career, education, and the will to make it happen. Let’s get paid for what we’re worth in our careers, and let’s love getting up every day and going to work. Life is just too short to be miserable.
I have a job now, but one day I’m going to have a career! Yes I am! (1,614)

My name is Carol Ann Culbert Johnson. I love writing, so I hope you check out my current articles as you check out this one. Also my debut novel, I CONFESS can be purchased at http://www.publishamerica.com

Visit my website to learn about me and my book at http://www.freewebs.com/jcarolann.


How To Take The Pain Out Of Performance Reviews - Careers-Employment

Article Category : Career Management

The Painful ApproachFor many years, “performance management” was of an annual event dreaded by both the management and the workforce. For a week or two every year the manager would virtually isolate himself and ponder the stack of review forms staring him in the face. Chances are there was very little data tracked, so he’d try to rack his brain for the past year so he could “evaluate” his employees. In the meantime, a silent tension was building within each of the employees. Always anticipating a “surprise”, they had no idea what to expect. After all, “how far back could the manager remember?” and “what will he remember?” Regardless of the outcome, everyone would breathe a sigh of relief when it was over.

It’s Different Today

Today more than ever before, the entire performance management process is in the spotlight. Companies need factual, reliable systems to make tough business decisions. Performance management data is being used not only to measure individual performance, but also to measure benchmark strength, the potential human capital, and the performance of segments within the company. It’s all crucial today, and it’s here to stay.

The timing is perfect for managers to optimize performance review processes and engage each employee in the process.

The Possibilities

Imagine what it would be like if the annual performance review process transformed into an annual strategy session. No tension, no getting blindsided and no negative energy. A time for the manager and employee to come together to reflect on the past year, formally acknowledge accomplishments, strategize development opportunities and identify goals. Yes, there would still be a fair amount of time involved, but wouldn’t it be worth it if both the manager and the employee could walk away feeling good about it?

Creating a partnership approach to the performance review process not only produces powerful results, but also empowers employees. By proactively contributing to the process, employees feel more in-control, and are motivated to perform better and achieve more.

How To Create A Partnership Approach To Performance Management

The First Ground Rule

As with most new processes, communication is the essential factor that can determine the success or failure of your initiative, and especially a change. So, the ground rule is, communicate openly, honestly, often, and completely.

Getting Started

Start with communication to your team. Tell them what, why, and especially, what’s in it for them. Then schedule a series of meetings with them to work through the details as suggested below. It’s extremely beneficial to get a volunteer to document the outcome of each meeting. After the meeting send the document back to the group to confirm and/or clarify agreements.

Establish Shared Understandings

Establishing shared understandings and agreements takes the guesswork and assumptions out of the performance review process.

Work with your team to create a list of performance management criteria that needs to be understood by all. Some examples:

  • Definitions of each performance competency
  • Definitions of rating scales or systems
  • Performance standards
  • Success indicators
  • What will be measured
  • How it will be tracked

Create Support Processes

Creating support processes will become nucleus of the partnership approach. In other words, the support processes you create with your team become their critical opportunities to contribute to the process.

Again, work with your team to create the processes that will support your performance review process. Some examples:

  • Weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress, roadblocks, etc.
  • Monthly, quarterly or semi-annual reports to track accomplishments, progress, etc.
  • A proactive ongoing feedback process - both employees and managers actively seek feedback regularly (what’s going well, what can go better, what needs to change)
  • A year-end process for compiling the information and planning for the annual strategy/review discussion
  • A self-review process for employees - managers can request that self-reviews are submitted before the manager writes the review.

Integrate The System

Now, put your process in action. Think of your “shared understandings” as your guide to performance standards and measurements. Your support processes are the tools you use to gather and compile performance data. Now, all you need to do is to integrate the information into your performance management system and schedule the actual review meeting.

Reflect And Improve

At the end of each performance review cycle take time to get feedback from your team. It’s as simple as scheduling a meeting or sending an email. It’s a great time to review your shared understandings and support processes. Here are some questions to ask about the process:

  • What went well?
  • What could have gone better?
  • What needs to change?

In Summary

When it’s time for the annual performance review process both employees and managers have plenty of factual information, will already know how they’re doing, and best of all, will have established relationships and rapport.

The annual strategy/review discussion becomes a time for the manager and employee to come together to reflect on the past year, formally acknowledge accomplishments, strategize development opportunities and plan for the upcoming year. And best of all, the painful surprises have been eliminated.

About The Author

Lora Adrianse is passionate about inspiring the enrichment of growth and development in others. During her 28-year corporate career her most gratifying accomplishments included leadership development, customer/vendor relationship management, mentoring and training. Today, as the owner of Essential Connections, she is a catalyst for clients who aspire to achieve extraordinary results. She is the coach of choice for people who desire to unleash their potential and maximize their personal and professional development. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com; coach@connectionscoach.com


Image and Style Count

Article Category : Career Management

When I was a child, there was a pool nearby and every year my parents bought us season tickets. My brother and I swam there everyday. One day we were swimming the length of the pool underwater. As I came up at the edge of the pool gasping for air, the lifeguard was there to meet me. He asked if my brother and I would join the swim team. We were so excited; we talked about it for days.The next few weeks we prepared for competition. That day arrived and our first meet took us to a pool across town. We all piled out of the car and I still remember how our excitement was shattered. As I looked across the parking lot at the other team, each member was in a matching uniform. At that moment, I knew the thoughts of my teammates, “We were going to get creamed.” Our coach saw our faces and quickly said, “Shake it off, they just look pretty.” Yes, they did and we lost. After all, we looked like a bunch of kids from a watering hole. The other team even told us that. We all felt it. They were a real team with real uniforms.

That’s how it is in the business game. You’re judged by appearance. That’s because when you first meet a person, visual appearance is the first item sent to the brain. It’s the only data the brain has at that time. The minute I saw the other team in those splendid matching uniforms, my brain said, “They’re better than you.”

Hey ladies, get the Uniform! Since your image is the first piece of information the other person sees, that’s when their mind forms an opinion of you. Your clothes are your uniform. If you wear the uniform of business, the suit, then you’re considered one of the team. If you don’t wear the uniform, then you are not taken seriously.

Women often tell me that they don’t get respect from their male counterparts in the office. Their opinions are not taken into consideration. That’s because they look like us kids from the pool. Each of us picked our swimsuits and they showed our personality. I wore a two-piece pink swimsuit with white ruffles. My brother wore a yellow and purple boxer type suit. We looked colorful, but not focused!

Think about it. You walk into a boardroom full of men and they all have on suits. Their business attire is very similar and each is in a power color, gray, navy, or black. All men’s suits are alike. They have those splendid matching uniforms. How focused they look, just like that swim team. Now check out the business attire of the women in the office.

Oh, you see a pink dress with white ruffles and a yellow dress with tiny purple flowers. What about that beautiful peach colored dress with burgundy and peach shoes? Just look at that teal colored pantsuit with a floral jacket. How colorful they look. Oops, I just described your wardrobe. It’s okay, I felt that way too. One of the guys who taught me how to play this game politely handed me a book about dressing for power in business. I went home and discovered every piece of clothing I owned was either peach, pink, baby blue or lavender. Heck, I thought those were power colors. After all, I felt powerful in them. The guys teased me about it. They told me in jest, “No Gina, we said POWER colors, not POWDER colors.”

Wait, don’t grab that credit card and run to the store yet. There are a few things you should know before you go shopping. If you’re petite, you must have a black suit with a white blouse. This is pure power. If you’re tall, skip the black suit because it could be too intimidating, and go with burgundy. If you do business with men, stick to the solids colors such as gray, navy, and beige. Stay away from stylish suits and colors unless you have the money to buy the new style and new color next year. The suit styles that are “in” today will scream “out of style” next year.

While you’re at the mall, pick up a book about body types and how to dress them. You can usually find these books in the sewing or fashion section of a bookstore. Remember, a suit that looks great on that plastic model may not be advantageous to your figure. If you’re still not sure about what to buy, watch TV newswomen and see how they are dressed. Professionals dress these women and you get this wisdom for free.

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Gina Novelle (copyright 12-2004)

Gina Novelle is a published free lance writer. Her company sponsors the web site http://www.thirdpocket.com, a support site for the self-employed. Her book, “Business Secrets Men Don’t Tell Women” reveals how women and men view self-employment differently and will be available in 2005. She currently offers her services as an Ezine Writer to optimize search engine ratings. gina@exclusivemarkets.net


The Top Ten Ways to Jump Start Your Career

Article Category : Career Management

1. Do What You Love.Have you ever noticed we usually love to do the things we’re best at? So what’s your strength? Discover your passion and excel at what you do.

2. Create Work/Life Balance.

It really can be done with a little planning and prioritizing. Professional, Personal, Physical, Financial and Spiritual needs should be considered when palnning a life of purpose, satisfaction and success.

3. Manage Your Career.

Pay attention to industry and market trends and be proactive in making the changes needed to be a key player in your field.

4. Add To Your Skills and Further Develop Your Abilities.

It takes competency in technical AND soft skills to stay ahead of the pack.

5. Get the “4 C’s” of professional happiness.

When there is a good fit between you and your company in Culture, Chemistry, Competencies and Compensation, mutual opportunities will abound.

6. Build a strong network.

There’s no better way to stay informed, connected, and professionally known.

7. Stay Flexible.

You have to be able to bend without breaking in today’s fast-paced work environment to succeed. Always develop a few “just-in-case” plans to keep in your hip pocket to proactively adapt to change.

8. Learn to love change.

Ok, so maybe “love” is a little strong, but those folks who can adapt best, win

9. Demonstrate the difference between being busy and being productive.

10. Always work with integrity and honesty providing impeccable follow-up and follow through.

Jeannette Kraar the Breakthrough Career Coach is a highly- acclaimed Trainer, Speaker and Consultant. Jeannette is the author of BREAKTHROUGH, The Hate My Job, Need A Life, Can’t Get No Satisfaction SOLUTION. Learn more about the book at http://www.breakthroughcareersolutions.com. You are also welcome to email Jeannette at pmi@manageyoursuccess.com or visit her on-line at http://www.manageyoursuccess.com


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