One Of The Most Compelling Reasons To Blog

One Of The Most Compelling Reasons To Blog This is the second-to-last post celebrating my two years of blogging. Im big on blogging.   I started the Personal Branding You Get It award to recognize normal professionals who are using this technology to develop their personal brand, perhaps establish themselves as subject matter experts, and even thought leaders. Maybe they didnt start out that way, but it happens. I love how blogging builds personal and professional credibility.   My very first industry-specific speaking gig was approved, in large part, because of my blog.   People could hear my voice, know what my breadth and depth was, and determine if I would be an appropriate speaker.   I think without the blog I would not have had much of a chance speaking at that conference. But that is only one reason to have a professional blog.   Theres another reason a reason no one told me about before I started. Blogging is the most significant thing Ive done with regard to networking. Finding new network contacts (or, being found by them), and nurturing network relationships. If you start a blog, and do it right, and get out there, and become known (within your industry or profession), I think youll be absolutely amazed at who you get to know. I know I have been. One Of The Most Compelling Reasons To Blog This is the second-to-last post celebrating my two years of blogging. Im big on blogging.   I started the Personal Branding You Get It award to recognize normal professionals who are using this technology to develop their personal brand, perhaps establish themselves as subject matter experts, and even thought leaders. Maybe they didnt start out that way, but it happens. I love how blogging builds personal and professional credibility.   My very first industry-specific speaking gig was approved, in large part, because of my blog.   People could hear my voice, know what my breadth and depth was, and determine if I would be an appropriate speaker.   I think without the blog I would not have had much of a chance speaking at that conference. But that is only one reason to have a professional blog.   Theres another reason a reason no one told me about before I started. Blogging is the most significant thing Ive done with regard to networking. Finding new network contacts (or, being found by them), and nurturing network relationships. If you start a blog, and do it right, and get out there, and become known (within your industry or profession), I think youll be absolutely amazed at who you get to know. I know I have been.

Simple Acts that Improve the Outcomes of EVERY Conversation

Simple Acts that Improve the Outcomes of EVERY Conversation Are Your Conversations Really Productive?    Whether you’re in a leadership position or simply a member of a team, you have the power to fuel productive and meaningful engagement, which ultimately will help you shine. Two simple practices are all you need. Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement How often do your workplace conversations spin around problems, complaints, or talking trash about disengaged and unproductive colleagues? You can change that in a heartbeat! Here are two simple practices to use any time you want to create a conversation worth having. Ask generative questions. Asking questions that generate conversations about what you want are far more productive and engaging than focusing on what you don’t want. Instead of trying to fix a problem, focus on the desired outcome. “What is it we are trying to accomplish here?” shifts the focus from the problem to a broader context, which means expanding possibilities for solutions. So often we start coming up with solutions without clarifying what we’re trying to do. Getting really clear on what we want opens the door for greater creativity and innovation.  Asking questions for which you don’t know the answer invites people to share their perspectives, their knowledge, and their ideas. Anytime someone thinks they have all the answers, instead of getting frustrated, ask questions that make the invisible visible. Discover the assumptions, limiting beliefs, and the potential blind spot that keep a person or group from truly being innovative.   Doing this will make you a valuable asset for your organization! Create a positive frame. When you are the person initiating the conversation, make sure you set a positive tone and direction. Share your intention for “moving towards” desired outcomes instead of spinning around issues. Flipping is tool that helps you turn a problem or an issue into a positive frame, which will inspire a conversation that is both invitational as well as inclusive. Flipping This is a simple three-step approach to move from a negative, deficit-based frame to a positive frame, allowing you to work towards solutions by engaging in conversations worth having.   The three steps are: Name It. What is the problem, complaint, or the thing you don’t want? Flip It. What is the positive opposite, the thing you do want? Frame It. What is the positive impact if the flip is true; what is the desired outcome?  Talking Trash The most destructive conversations found in the workplace are those where people are complaining or just trashing their colleagues for one reason or another. For some reason, these kinds of conversations make us feel like we are bonding and securing our place in the group. In fact, they are divisive and create fractions of “us” against “them.”   If someone tries to bring you in to such conversations, ask them questions to help shift towards a conversation worth havingâ€"one that will ultimately strengthen relationships among the whole.   For example, Sam comes up to you in the break room and starts badmouthing a colleague: “Tom is so frustrating. I’m so tired of listening to him go on and on without ever thinking we might have something to say. Aren’t you just over it?”  You might be, but instead of agreeing, ask, “Have you tried sharing your ideas with Tom? I haven’t, but I’m thinking I should. He actually might be interested and just doesn’t know any of us have different ideas.” If your colleague continues down the negative pathway saying, “That would be a waste of time. You know he thinks he’s got all the answers.” You can reframe the conversation by suggesting, “Let’s not write him off before we even give him a chance. I’d be willing to go with you and let him know we’ve got some ideas we’d like to share, ideas we think will help move the department forward. Are you willing to give him a chance?”  Continuing to focus on collaboration and what’s best for the department, all the while using questions to uncover hidden assumptions and limiting beliefs is magic. It can change office dynamics in a heartbeat! Problem Solving Typical problem solving begins with root cause analysis. This can zap the energy and vitality from a room like nothing else. The more you talk about it, the bigger the problem gets.   Instead, create a positive frame and inquire into it.   You are still focused on resolving the issue, but your conversations actually energize and enliven people.   For example, imagine the issue is high turnover. When you begin to identify symptoms and reasons for high turnover, you’re likely to start surfacing everything that is wrong and demoralizing in your organization. Such conversations might even encourage more turnover. Instead, flip the problem to its positive opposite: strong retention. Then ask yourselves: What would ensure high retention? What’s our desired outcome? One healthcare organization’s answer was Being Here and Loving It. This was their positive frame. Your inclination will be to start brainstorming what you can do to create an environment where everyone loves being there. STOP! Instead, do some research! Start asking generative questions: Where and when in our organization do people love being here? Is there a department that has high retention? What’s going on there that makes employees stay? What would employees say if we asked them what would make them love being here? If you ask these questions BEFORE you brainstorm, you’re going to have a lot of real, hardcore data about what already works and about what employees actually want.   In addition, simply asking employees these questions gives them a sense that someone cares and something good might come of it. Anytime, Anywhere, Any Situation These two practices can be use anytime and anywhere to create conversations that support connection and strong relationships, resolve even the most complex challenges, and foster strategic conversations that help teams and organizations flourish. To learn more about how to build your capacity for conversations worth having, check out Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement. You can download the Preface and Introduction for free at www.conversationsworthhaving.today This guest post was authored by: Jackie Stavros Jackie Stavros  is a professor at College of Management, Lawrence Technological University; Appreciative Inquiry strategic advisor at Flourishing Leadership Institute; and an associate at Taos Institute. She works across all sectors and in a variety of industries in leadership development, strategic planning, organization development, and change using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and  SOAR. She has presented her research and work and trained others in AI and SOAR in over 25 countries. Cheri Torres Cheri Torres    is the author of  Conversations Worth Having, and is a senior  catalyst and  consultant at  Collaborative by Design, NextMove, and Innovation Partners.  She works with  leaders  and teams in every sector,  enhancing  their  conversationalintelligence to support  excellence,  creativity, and success.  Her change management strengths  includes  facilitating strategic whole system conversations and train-the-trainer programs  that give organizations the skills and tools to change culture from the inside out.

Receptionist Job Description Sample - Algrim.co

Receptionist Job Description Sample - Algrim.co Receptionist Job Description Template Download our job description template in Word or PDF format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Using Your Template Follow these instructions to use your new job description template Step one: Fill out all details in your job description template using the provided sample on this page. Step two: Customize your requirements or duties to anything special to your workplace. Be sure to speak with team members and managers to gauge what's required of the position. Step three: When the census of the team has agreed on the description of the work, add in a Equal Employment Opportunity statement to the bottom of your job description. Step four: Check with your legal department, management team, and other team members to ensure the job description looks correct before creating a job advertisement. Choose a job board that's specific to your needs. Related Hiring Resources Receptionist Cover Letter Sample Front Desk Receptionist Cover Letter Sample Medical Receptionist Job Description Sample Receptionist Resume Objective Examples

How to Renovate Your Home for Your Home-Based Side Hustle

How to Renovate Your Home for Your Home-Based Side Hustle Do you want to start a home-based business? If so, youre not alone. With the layoffs and downsizings in todays economy, this may be your time. A dedicated space to conduct your business has many advantages. The following are tips and suggestions on how to remodel your home so you and your business can succeed. Decide What Type of Renovation You Need Here are some questions you should ask yourself to determine how you will modify your home to create your new office:   What is your business? Is it going to be a one-person operation, or will you have employees? Will you have customers? Will they have to visit your office? Can you do your job with just a laptop and a cellphone, or do you need space for lots of equipment? Your answers will help you decide if you can use a spot in your kitchen or need a space large enough to have its own entrance and waiting area. Choose a Contractor Because of all the intricacies involved in a renovation, you need to hire professionals. You can choose your own architect and then hire a general contractor, or you can go with a design-build contractor that covers it all. How do you determine who to hire? Ask friends for recommendations. Check out the many home improvement contractor rating websites. Ask the pros youre seriously considering to provide you with recommendations. Then visit these people to not only check out the work, but to ask them what their experience was like â€" not just with those in charge, but with the workers on their team. Are they professional and courteous? Do they try to keep mess to a reasonable minimum and clean up after themselves when the job is finished? Price is always a major consideration, but dont go with the cheapest price and end up paying more later for fixes and repairs. Also, if any contractor says you dont need permits because the project is small, run! Always get the necessary permits. It will save you from wasting valuable time and money.  Modify an Existing Space   You decide to finally use your unfinished basement or attic, or you elect to combine two small rooms on the first floor of your home. Maybe you choose to rework an already existing expansion. Just because youre not adding onto your home doesnt mean there isnt a lot that needs to be done. Heres a partial list of projects: The building or demolition of walls The rental of needed construction equipment and a dumpster or bagster to haul away debris The installation of new flooring The addition of sufficient connectivity. This can include adding well-situated wall outlets, internet and cable jacks, wiring for extra electricity and installing a wireless network The purchase of new equipment, including a computer, printer and phones if what you have currently wont be able to handle your new workload The purchase of new office furniture Your contractor and designer will walk you through the process and help you coordinate all of the necessary plans. Build Something Completely New You have decided to build an office addition. In addition to everything listed above, you have to determine where you want to add the office space. You can go up, like over a garage, or you can go out, like an office extending from the back of your house. This is where design is key. In addition to your office layout, youll need to choose an exterior that works well with your home. After all, your offices new roof is part of the change to your homes look. You get to choose the materials for the exterior and interior that either match or complement your home. From siding and stonework to windows and tile, its like designing a mini-home. Dont forget the HVAC, either. This is an area that is often shirked on with extensions. Youll be spending a lot of time in your office, so you want to feel comfortable in it all year long.  Dont Forget to Take the Proper Deductions at Tax Time There are many benefits to having a home=based business, including a short commute time. Other great advantages you dont want to miss are the tax breaks your home office may provide. This can make available extra cash you can use for your business. The easiest way to utilize your home office tax break is to use the Simplified Home Office Deduction. Instead of calculating all your possible deductions and depreciations, you multiply the square footage of your office by $5 per square foot. The maximum allowed is 300 square feet for a maximum deduction of $1,500. You may be the kind of person who likes to sweat the details. If you have an accountant or tax advisor preparing your taxes for you â€" which is highly recommended â€" then the following list contains deductions and depreciation calculations you may want to consider. Be forewarned: Taking these deductions could lead to an audit from the IRS. What Can Be Deducted All expenses related solely to your home office are deductible Expenses that cover the entire house, like heat, electricity and home insurance, are only proportionally deductible Rent, mortgage payments and taxes can be proportionally deducted Home depreciation can only be deducted proportionally What Cant Be Deducted All expenses related solely to your home Lawn care service So, your cable bill cant be used as a home office deduction. Working for yourself can be very fulfilling. Create a home office that is your customized base for success. . Images via pexels and flikr.

5 Emotional Intelligence Tips to be a Better and Effective Leader - CareerMetis.com

5 Emotional Intelligence Tips to be a Better and Effective Leader When you visualize an effective leader, what are his or her traits that come to mind? Most people would say that they are confident, extroverted, passionate, and hardworking.‘Smart’ is almost always part of the list, but some people would claim that the intelligence quotation Emotional quotient, or EQ, is a person’s “score” pertaining to their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to know, understand, and manage emotions.Aside from being aware of his or her feelings, it also implies a highly emotionally intelligent person recognizes what other people are feeling and how their own emotions and responses affect their employees and workmates.Emotional intelligence, just like any other form of intelligence, is both given and nurtured. Some people were given a high sense of self and as they grew, this trait has become nurtured by their parents, relatives, teachers, and peers.Why is it important to be emotionally intelligent?As a leader, it’s important t hat you have high EQ because successful leaders are not just smart. A big part of leadership is constantly talking and socializing with people and if the EQ is low, there can be potential problems that might arise.One example would be, knowing how to address sudden bursts of emotion. An emotionally intelligent leader knows when and what to say whenever a colleague disappoints them. Instead of acting rashly and confronting them right away about their disappointment, most high EQ leaders would assess their emotions first before acting on them.What are the ways you can boost your emotional intelligence?Because emotional intelligence is nurtured, here are a few tips that you can do to boost your emotional quotient.1) Be self-awareevalevalAccording to Daniel Goleman, author of Working With Emotional Intelligence, one of the pillars of emotional intelligence is self-awareness.Self-awareness refers to how a person identifies and understands his or her own strengths and weaknesses. It’s a lso the ability to sense their feelings at a given moment.One way to be self-aware is by practicing pauses. Pausing allows you to give breathing space to your brain and it also gives you enough time to be aware of what you are feeling. Practicing the pause can save you from acting rashly.You can also try journaling. Keeping a daily journal will help you find a pattern for your feelings. When you journal, explain the situation and describe what you were feeling at that given moment. Also, write down how you got affected by those situations.2) Know and accept your flawsevalA good number of people are not aware of their flaws. Part of being self-aware is to know and acknowledge your flaws. But what really steps up your emotional quotient is your ability to be accountable to those flaws.People who aren’t emotionally intelligent often resort to defense mechanisms and projections. Defense mechanisms are mental processes A healthy outlet should be something that relaxes you or someone wh o grounds you to who you really are. Watching television is not one of them because most of the time, you will only be spending half your attention on the TV show or movie. A more productive outlet can be sports, meditation, a hobby, or even talking to a therapist.Having someone listen to your feelings can be a good way to vent out and release negative feelings and magnify positive ones. This person does not have to be a friend or relative. He or she can be a professional in any field.5) Be a proactive learnerevalYou will only be able to know yourself more through the things you learn and encounter. Reading is a good way to boost your emotional quotient because there are a lot of books that talk about increasing emotional intelligence. These books can give you more advice and encourage you to practice certain habits.Another form of learning is through socializing. Surround yourself with people who are emotionally intelligent because you will end up learning from their demeanor and m aturity. Their ability to handle their emotions well will also inspire you to be able to do so.Taking the time to work on your emotional intelligence will do wonders for your organization. It reinforces healthy relationships among colleagues and it also lessens the times when discord and demotivation arise because of emotions that were not managed.evalStart by being self-aware together with being accountable for your shortcomings, practice empathy, having an outlet for the feelings you have, and constantly improve on your emotional intelligence.

What 30 Days On Twitter Taught Me - Kathy Caprino

What 30 Days On Twitter Taught Me On April 26, I embarked on a 30-day Twitter Experiment, with an open heart and mind, excited to see what focusing intently on connecting through social media might bring.  It was a wild 30 days, and it did bring with some amazing opportunities, as well as some new insights. Here’s what I learned: 1) Real connection can’t be faked, bought, or sold.   If you connect to people from your heart, then benefits abound.   If you just “talk the talk” without authentic intention, however, it reveals itself quickly. 2) If you’re on the lookout for great things, great things come.   In these past thirty days, I’ve received requests for two radio interviews, a potential TV opportunity, several speaking gigs in Peru, great new participants in my Women Succeeding Abundantly research, two amazing new clients, and the list goes on.   These opportunities are not necessarily directly related to my being involved on Twitter more, but it’s all connected to putting yourself out there. 3)   When you’re clear about what you’re doing and what you want to come to you, you’re better able to filter out the noise and the unwanted (and there’s a lot of that too!). 4) The more you share, the more feedback you get, so you need strong boundaries that allow you to connect continually with who you really are, in the midst of lots of new energy. 5) It’s a heck of a lot more fun to be in community than to be alone (when you like your community!).   6) If you think there’s not enough to go around (of anything â€" help, advice, support, friends, creativity, opportunities, work, gigs, money, etc.), it’s time to think again, and make some changes in your life. 7) The need to be very concise (140 characters!) about what’s happening in your life is a terrific challenge, and a great gift.   It makes you efficient at articulating only the meat.  8) And finally, it’s a friendly universe â€" yes, struggles and pain are everywhere, but I’ve found that it’s a loving, compassionate and supportive universe, when you commit to seeing it that way. I’d highly recommend doing your own 30-Day Twitter experiment, and sharing the results with your community.   Please let me know when you do it â€" I’d love to follow and learn from you! Here’s to connection and community!

Should leaders focus on results or on people The answer is Yes! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Should leaders focus on results or on people The answer is Yes! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog This article from Harvard Business Review by Matthew Lieberman asks whether leaders should focus on results or people. It quotes a study by Jamez Zenger from 2009 who found that: If a leader was seen as being very strong on results focus, the chance of that leader being seen as a great leader was only 14% If a leader was strong on social skills, he or she was seen as a great leader even less of the time ? a paltry 12%. However, for leaders who were strong in both results focus and in social skills, the likelihood of being seen as a great leader skyrocketed to 72%. But heres the kicker: Less than 1% of leaders were rated high on both goal focus and social skills. Ouch! Our theoretical framework says that happiness at work comes mainly from results and relationships we need both to create happy workplaces. And while our traditional image of a leader is someone who is extremely results-oriented, it seems that great leaders have both skills. So why is that so rare? It goes against the way our brains are wired says Lieberman in the article and in his book Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect: These two networks (results and relationships) function like a neural seesaw. In countless neuroimaging studies, the more one of these networks got more active, the more the other one got quieter Its safe to say that in business, analytical thinking has historically been the coin of the realm ? making it harder to recognize the social issues that significantly affect productivity and profits. Moreover, employees are much more likely to be promoted to leadership positions because of their technical prowess. We are thus promoting people who may lack the social skills to make the most of their teams and not giving them the training they need to thrive once promoted. Again: Ouch! Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related