More Than A Degree, You Need Skills (Validated)
August 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Ah, how the Wall Street Journal validates that which I espouse in all my programs, books, blog posts, and more!
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook 2010 survey lists the following skills as those that employers seek:
- Communication Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Teamwork Skills
- Technical Skills
- Strong Work Ethic
I highlighted them in green because they are where the money is. (Poor grammar; rich advice.)
Interpersonal Skills Pre-Screened for Industrial Hiring
March 9, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
"But I don't NEED to communicate well in person. I want to work with machines [or electronics or robots or on an assembly line]."
Learn, Follow, or Get Out of The Way (From Emerging Leaders – Millennials)
February 5, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
As an alternative to "Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way", here is an excellent point of view on how we Baby Boomers (that's me!) must consider – NOW – how we do business with our emerging leaders born after 1985.
http://artpetty.com/2010/01/31/leadership-caffeine-its-time-to-get-serious-about-learning-from-your-twenty-somethings/comment-page-1/#comment-15157
Workplace “Pet Peeves”
January 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Part of success language is getting along with people in your workplace (or other location where you work or volunteer with people). A question was posed in one of the e-groups to which I belong and the following list is a compilation of the responses to the question, "What bugs you in your workplace?" The learning point from this is to avoid doing or being the things on this list.
Workplace Pet Peeves
When You Have to Pick Up Where Others Leave Off
January 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Meetings and Conventions Magazine (MCMag.com) gives the following tips for picking up where others leave off after layoffs and reorganizations:
- Clarify expectations when you inherit responsibilities from a former colleague. Have your boss provide you with a detailed job description for the work you pick up.
- Share accountability by bringing your boss into the loop. Do this frequently. Ask for constructive feedback while making them aware of issues that arise. Frequent communications also helps to keep you both jointly responsible for those issues.
We’ve Got To Stop Meeting Like This
January 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
When I started my own business and became an independent writer, speaker, and business consultant, I thought my days of boring, unproductive meetings were over. "Never again!", I said to myself as I sat in my last few meetings before my "corporate re-organization" resulted in my becoming independent. Was I wrong! Only now, I usually have little control over the meetings I attend as I attend them as a potential speaker or contractor, there to make a good impression on my hoped-for future client. I cannot – outright, anyway – tell a client how to run his or her meeting without serious jeopardy to their considering me for my fee and services.
Sensitive Issue: Dealing With Employee’s Odor
January 30, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Heavy odors that follow a person around – whether overly sweet or noxious – are a concern in the tight confines of an indoor workplace. Many conditions can contribute to odors – cultural, smoking, hygiene, illness, and "freshening up", to name a few. How to approach and address someone for whom trailing odors are a reality? Wow! A tricky situation to address.
Phrases That Inhibit Change & Stifle Great Ideas
January 29, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
At times I work with an organization that states there is an Organizational Development (OD) issue. I continue when we realize there are communications issues. One of the challenges in Organizational Development is moving from identifying issues and developing solutions to actually effecting change. Individuals have enough of a challenge dealing with change. Convincing decision-makers to institute organization-wide change is sometimes akin to moving a mountain.
Phrases That Encourage Cooperation
January 29, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
(Well…you were looking for this after the last post, weren't you?)
In a previous post I listed phrases we use that inhibit change. They were phrases that tend to signal "We won't change", "It can't be done", and the like. One reader wrote me directly suggesting approaches to dealing with some of the change inhibitors. He suggested the following responses to change inhibitors that represent lack of commitment on the part of leadership (not enough time, money, personnel, equipment, facilities…resources):
Build A Strong Social Support Network, for Balance & Success
January 23, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
(Edited from: Mayo Clinic staff article)
Surrounding yourself with supportive family, friends and co-workers can have a positive effect on your mental well-being. A strong social support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times, whether you've had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. It is never too soon-nor too late-to cultivate important relationships that become your social support network.
Never Know Until You Ask
My 95-year-old mother underwent physical therapy to build strength in her legs. She was attempting to rid herself of the cane with which she walked. Just before we left the doctor’s office I returned to the physical therapy area and asked about alternatives to the recumbent bicycle the doctor recommended. At 90+ years of age my mother could use equipment either for the next few years (I come from solid stock!) or only the next month. One never knows.
2009_Jan-thru-Jun Summary: Pings, Tweets, Updates, Posts (Sylvia Henderson_Springboard Training)
January 17, 2010 by Sylvia · Leave a Comment
Effective Communications Month Tips:
June is Effective Communications Month.
(http://www.mhprofessional.com/?page=/mhp/categories/chases/content/special_months.html#june)
- Tip#11: Speak w/a telemarketer & ask questions. Make THEM listen & answer. More tips @ http://ping.fm/mOBxk
- Tip#10: Vary your vocal usage.
- Tip#9: Practice saying tongue twisters out loud.
- Tip#8: Enunciate.
- Tip#7: Listen to an audio broadcast & envision what the people talking look like. U hear vocal cues.
- Tip#6: Write a formal email note that is only 1 screen long (does not require scrolling). Here's why. http://ping.fm/WdSuN
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