The Fine Line Between Job Hunting and Networking

The Fine Line Between Job Hunting and NetworkingThe Fine Line Between Job Hunting and NetworkingWhere do you draw the line between networking to share best practices and fishing for a better offer from a competitor?When is it networking, and when is it cheating?If youre employed and not looking for a job, the most likely way to get a job offer from a competitor is by networking with peers at other companies and leaders in your industry.Its done at conferences, formal meetings and casual lunches and gatherings. Most employers consider it good career development and a way for employees to stay connected to the latest processes in the industry. But where do you draw the line between networking to share best practices and fishing for a better offer from a competitor?The line probably rests on your intentions, said Clark Christensen, a senior-level executive in Coca-Cola Financial Management. Clark is a dedicated networker who advanced from consulting, auditing and accounting roles at Del oitte to Coca-Cola, Miller Zell, Global Link Logistics and PS Energy Group before landing back at Coca-Cola.You have to stay connected and keep your name out there and let people know what youre about, he said. But, if youre truly networking to stay connected, youre not out there asking for jobs, Clark said.Instead, youre asking peers what problems theyre facing and doing what you can to help, offering your expertise as a speaker or perhaps acting as a go-between to link contacts for their mutual benefit.Not only do you end up being owed a lot of favors, you find out a lot more about the business environment in which you operate than you would relying only on contacts within your own company, he said.Clark belongs to several industry organizations and attends regular meetings to stay current and keep his name in circulation among peers. He also tries to have lunch with a new contact two to three times per week.It also helps you and your company when it comes time to hire, he said. T hat same network is likely a good source of candidates and beats sifting through a stack of resumes, he said.But dont waste the companys time or your familys, Christiansen warned. You can burn up a lot of time doing this at the expense of your family and employer A vigilant reading of the tea leaves at home and work is your guide to striking the right balance.

Procrastinators share how procrastination works for them

Procrastinators share how procrastination works for themProcrastinators share how procrastination works for themOne of the most viral TedTalks of all time was led by Tim Urban, who explored the mind of a master procrastinator. He proudly admits hes guilty of waiting until the very last minute to schliff a project, write notes or even prepare for that very speech he was given. Though these types of folks are often given a bad rep (especially when theyre part of a group project), Urban argues that some professionals have the ability to use this habit to their advantage.After all, not everyone functions the saatkorn way while at the office. While some power through tasks and cant stand the sight of a notification on their iPhones home screen - otzu sichs purposefully delay so they get a rush of urgency. Here, self-proclaimed procrastinators explain how they ultimately always get the job done.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivi ty, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreAsk for deadlinesIf you want founder of the Tampon Tribe, Jennifer Eden, to do something for you, its in your best interest to ask for a deadline. And frankly, its in herbei best interest, too, since she says she works fantastically under pressure. However, the moment something has no specific date or requirement, her mind starts to wander and eventually will focus on a task thats more enjoyable. Ill find an urgent errand, or podcast or lunch date and then end up working late to get things done. I have some very strict rules for myself to avoid this occurring, she shares. If you know youre the type of person who cant self-motivate without a timeframe, ask your manager or client for one. Or even suggest a deadline when you first start working on a project. This will allow everyone to stay on task - and keep you from playing hooky.Focus on your strengthsIf hes honest with himself, Frank Mancuso, the SVP of Business Development for GlobalFit has been a procrastinator his entire life. However, like Urban, hes figured out how to hone the routine and use it to his advantage in both his personal and professional life. This mindset shift is essential for procrastinators who may feel a tad guilty or inferior in their habits. Instead, he encourages those who delay to really dig deep and analyze their work.As you will find, you probably have been working and thinking, just not in the same way your colleagues do. Most would say that I lack concentration or the ability to organize my day or my thoughts I spent so much of the past 24 hours, thinking, planning and rehearsing in my head. Procrastinators are not ill-prepared or wasting time, but can master the art of procrastination like a chef creating a new menu based on the ingredients readily available, he shares.Time block your daysEven if you cant be held to the same structure as others as a procrastinator, you can set yourself up for success by time blocking your days, accord ing to Eden. She begins every single day by looking at her priority list and creating a time block within the day for every task. She tends to be a bit old school with an appointment book, but it helps her to write down her schedule so shell stick to it. If she starts to lose track, shell check in with her calendar and get back to the task of the hour. You can set aside 30 minutes here, an hour there, but however you slice it, structure will do wonders for your procrastinating self.Find energy in the last-minuteOne of the biggest reasons some leaders are guilty of last-minute habits is due to the surge of creativity and emergency that comes with a deadline. Though some people are overanxious and stressed by the possibility of missing an important deliverable, procrastinators actually use those antsy feelings to their advantage. When faced with a weekly report to the COO, creating a proposal or presenting to clients I tend to procrastinate in order to be spontaneous. I consider mysel f the prepared procrastinator. Unlike most typical procrastinators who are often consumed with perfectionism or who are simply afraid, I am energized by a looming deadline or a presentation, and procrastinating stirs my creativity and allows me to be present in the moment, he explains.Give yourself a rewardAbhi Lokesh, the CEO and co-founder of Fracture tends to put off beginning big, hair projects until the very last moment. Because he knows its going to be daunting, slow and even messy, its easier to put it off than to dig in and get started. He tends to fill his days with other types of busy work - schmelzglass, research, you name it - to feel productive when he really is just delaying the inevitable. As a way to structure his attention span, Lokesh uses rewards. It doesnt even have to be something big or incredible, but something that will inspire him to move forward. Its usually something small - like a cookie, or a slightly longer lunch break, he shares. I talk to myself ab out how much more relaxing itll be to do the fun stuff after I tackle the big hairy project than if I were to do to the fun stuff first, before the big hairy project. By utilizing basic principles of delayed gratification, I convince myself of the benefits of tackling the big hairy project first and then enjoying the fruits of my labor with a little reward.Change your email habitsIf youre a procrastinator you probably love checking your email. Not only because it makes you feel like youre contributing, but its a great, constant distractor from what you should be working on. Its something Lokesh is guilty of, and even admits hell open and read an email and forget to respond. If I do that often enough, Ill usually end up with an inbox full of emails that Ive read but havent done anything with, which is worse than not having read them in the first place, he explains.Over the past few months, hes forced himself into getting in the habit of taking action on an email the first time he ope ns it. Im basically not allowed to move onto anything else until I either delete, answer, or otherwise take productive action on that email, he continues. This makes my email checking routine far slower, but much more productive.

3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the Job

3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the Job3 Interview Tips to Show You Deserve the JobYou passed the phone screening after the lengthy online job application. Now, you have been called in for the job interview to meet in-person. If you think you only need to prepare for the interview with a nice outfit and great resume, the interview will bedrngnis go well. Do not think you deserve the job just because of an interview. Read these easy interview tips to the show the company you deserve the job1. Research the company inside and outNo one is saying you should be a stalker but it certainly may feel like it. But what you are really doing is the appropriate work to know the company (and if you should work there). Learn how to talk about the company by researchingYelp reviewsGlassdoor reviewsEmployees on LinkedInCompany blog and social mediaCompany homepage and what they say about their company cultureFind out who is working there, what they believe and prepare to talk about it.2. Show yo u are confidentConfidence is not arrogance. Showing confidence works when you do the followingDress appropriately for the interview. Show you care by how you dress.Use professional business language. Not informal language such as, Wassup or Hey man.Carry yourself in a positive demeanor. Make eye contact, be friendly, and use firm handshakes.Unfortunately, people given the advice to fake confidence usually end up coming across as insecure or arrogant. Confidence is a state of being comfortable and flexible not a state of pretending you are too good for a job or an expert. Great ways to make yourself confident include practicing all the popular interview questions. You can also practice some of the curveball interview questions.3. Always ask informed questions at the endIf you have done the steps in 1 this will be a million times easier. Informed questions are not, Can I come to work at 900 am instead of 800 am. Try these questions out for size in your next interviewHow would you desc ribe your company culture?Is this a position where I am taking over work or creating a new path?Where do you see this company 5 years from now?How is performance measured by this company?These are professional, informed questions you will want answers to whether you realize it now or not. Even if it seems a little rehearsed, your preparation will reflect positively on you.The one tip left out and whyThe tip of common courtesy was left out specifically because showing courtesy should be a reflex response when meeting people and interviewing for a job. Treat everyone you meet with the same courtesy you expect. It is a Universal truth when building business relationships First impressions are forever.So, remember to always do the followingTreat every person you meet with respect and kindness.Smile and be courteous to others.Always say Please and Thank you when required.Represent yourself as if you were the ambassador of your own career.You will not be right for every job you interview for but at the end of the day, you want employers thinking, What a good person. He/she should be working here.

The Future of Electric Trucks is Now

The Future of Electric Trucks is Now The Future of Electric Trucks is Now The Future of Electric Trucks is NowWhile all eyes are on the much rumored Tesla Semi, legacy automakers are zooming full speed ahead with their electric truck offerings. Both Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have delivered their fully electric trucks to European customers in February.Whereas Tesla and other newcomers are all talk and little action, these e-trucks are already-in-production, no matter that they are smaller than a semi and intended for urban short hauls. Volvo and Daimler are one step ahead to take over the lucrative freight truck market. Anheuser-Busch, Walmart, United Parcel Service, and FedEx, are among the large companies placing big orders for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks.Volvo FL Electric trucks are developed for distribution, refuse handling, and other urban transportation tasks. Image Volvo TrucksJoin ASME and Leading Industry Experts for Offshore Wind Turbine Webinar seriesRead ASMEs To p Story Air Taxi Aces Test FlightThe main challenge electric truck-makers face is finding the right balance between battery capacity, weight, and placement. Obviously, having a larger battery makes for a more powerful electric motor with a longer range. While Tesla Semi is said to have a range of up to 500 miles, no other manufacturer is promising as much, yet. And no one yet knows how much Teslas Class 8 truck, which will use four motors, will actually weigh.The solution currently offered involves placing lithium-ion batteries that weigh more than half-a-ton on either side of the vehicle, and placing the electric motor or two in the middle, in place of a conventional gearbox. For one thing, truckers are likely to appreciate a quieter and smoother ride of an all-electric truck.Low-frequency engine noise and vibrations are totally absent, as are exhaust gases, said Anna Thorden, product manager of electromobility at Volvo Trucks. Electric power also offers rapid and linear accelerati on since the electric motor delivers full torque from start.Read More on Automotive Design Challenges Lighter Axle Reinvents Drivetrain. Does Detroit Care? Volvos pre-series FL Electric 16-metric ton capacity garbage trucks were recently delivered to a waste and recycling company. Teslas Semi, by comparison, is supposed to have a 36-metric ton capacity.Series production of Volvos FL, as well as of a larger FE Electric 27-metric ton capacity truck, is set to begin later this year. Both models are developed for distribution, refuse handling, and other urban transport applications, and are intended for the European market.FL has an electric motor with a maximum power rating of 130 kW. FE has dual electric motors for a maximum power rating of 370 kW. Discharged batteries can be fully charged in one to two hours with a 150 kW direct current, or in 10 hours from a 22 kW alternating current.The company is planning to begin producing a North American commercial version based on FE Electrics powertrain technology in 2020.Mercedes-Benz eActros 25-metric ton trucks are similarly intended for daily short hauls and have been delivered to a German logistics company. With a range of 124 miles, their rigs pretty similar to Volvo FE Electrictwo electric motors on the rear axle with an output of 126 kW each, with the energy stored in lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 240 kW per hour, which means that charging times are pretty much the same.Be Prepared for Tomorrow Who Are the Engineers of the Future? In North America, Mercedes sister brand, Daimler Trucks, has also delivered its first medium-duty truck, Freightliner eM2, and is working to deliver eCascadia, its Class 8 semi-trailer truck, for testing. eCascadia is said to have a 730 horsepower engine, with batteries providing 550 kW per hour, which means a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge.Apart from batteries there is another roadblock that zero-emissions trucks need to overcome Charging stations are scarce. M ercedes-Benz and a number of other auto manufacturers are looking into installing their own charging stations along their customers routes.Our eActros range of 200 kilometers (124 miles) has proved to be absolutely realistic. The eActros completes its transportation tasks regardless of the route or other factors, Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said. The expenses involved in installing one charging station at each customers premises are comparatively low.Read More on Green Tech Startup Suns Despite the additional cost, mechanical engineers from Carnegie Mellon University said the time to invest in electrical semi-trailers is now. In a recent study, Quantifying the Economic Case for Electric Semi-Trucks, theyve examined the point at which electric trucks become more cost-effective than similar diesel versions. The argument goes that electric trucks have a lower operational cost because they are more energy efficient and electricity costs as much as or less than diesel s till, investors remain skeptical because of the anfangsbuchstabe battery cost and its large size.In spite of those initial concerns, there seems to be an economic case for transitioning to electric semi-trucks, Shashank Sripad, one of the studys authors, said. However, to ensure favorable economics, certain, important aspects like the low-battery pack cost, high cycle life and low electricity price need to be ensured.Sripad and his co-author, assistant professor Venkat Viswanathan, concluded that investors will get their money worth in less than five years, as long as auto manufacturers continue to improve vehicles and battery design, and electricity cost remains low.Daria Merkusheva is a technology writer based in New York City. Register today for ASMEs Offshore Wind Summit to learn about the latest technologies, opportunities and supply chain strategies from leaders in the oil, gas and wind energy industries. Read Latest Exclusive Stories from ASME.org Robots to the Rescue Enginee rs Making Waves in AquacultureListen to ASME TechCast to Find Out How a High School Senior Helped a Wounded MarineIn spite of initial concerns, there seems to be an economic case for transitioning to electric semi-trucks. Shashank Sripad, Carnegie Mellon University

Target Job Interview Attire

Target Job Interview AttireTarget Job Interview AttireAre you interviewing for a job at Target? The retail giant has nearly 2,000 stores across the United States and is frequently hiring cashiers, sales assistants, managers, and other positions. If youre applying for a job at Target, it may be one of your first job interviews ever. Read on for advice on selecting an interview outfit, along with how to prepare for common questions during an interview at Target. What you wear to an interview at Target depends on what type of position youre applying for. Entry Level Positions Choose abusiness casuallook, like a polo shirt with chinos, or a dress shirt with black slacks. Managers Your outfit should reflect a higherlevel of professionalism. If youre a male, consider adding a tie. If youre a woman, you might want to wear a skirt with a dress blazer. For any position, avoid wearing jeans. Make koranvers your clothes are clean and unwrinkled. Ultimately,its important to appear neat a nd well-groomed. Especially if youre applying for a position in which youll be interacting with customers, youll need to represent the company and seem approachable and friendly. Avoid wearing anything that might be controversial, like a T-shirt with writing on it, or off-putting, like sloppy sweatpants or messy hair. Another important part of presenting yourself in a professional manner is your attitude. You need to dress well, but, you also need to demonstrate to your interviewer that you will be a positive addition to the team and that you will be friendly and accommodate to customers. So, just as important as what clothes you put on- you should also wear a smile. Should You Wear the Target Uniform? Some candidates for employment at Target wonder if they should wear the Target uniform a red shirt with khaki pants. Unless you are explicitly instructed to wear this, its generally better to stick to a more basic business casual, generic look. You dont want to seem presumptuous, and wearing the uniform to the job interview could make you seem sure youve already landed the job. Target Interview Tips Practicejob retail job interviewquestions and answersbefore the interview. Target lists great guest tafelgeschirr as a key component to its mission statement, so its important that youre able to answerquestions about customer serviceand shop operations.Teamwork is another important part of a job at Target, so review thequestions you might be asked about teamwork during your interview.Also, you can also check out thelist of teamwork skillsto broaden your vocabulary and drop some buzz words when youre asked to describe yourself or your ability to work well with others. While youre at it, take a look at thecustomer service skill list, too, as well as thetop 10 skillsyou need to succeedin customer service.You can search job openings online, and you can submit yourjob application online, too. Heres more onemployment at Target.Take a look at Targetsmission and valu es statementso you can shape your answers in a way that aligns with the companys culture.

What You Dont Know About Fairfield University Resume Could Be Costing to More Than You Think

What You Dont Know About Fairfield University Resume Could Be Costing to More Than You Think Theres something about the traditional pump thats sexy, refined and tasteful. Your creative work is a present which never fades. Its fine to share your experience but bear in mind that you arent the boss anymore. So, as you could have been at the very top of the totem pole in your very last job, someone else is chief now. For one, having someone whos available to answer questions big and small can help you feel a bit less lost. Ask lots of questions, and admit that you own a lot of learning to do. You would like your buyer to image themselves living there and then they are going to buy Steer clear of clutter in the least costs. Fairfield University Resume and Fairfield University Resume - The Perfect Combination Therell be tons on paperwork and records that youll need to complete and send in, but just bear in mind that lenders have a tendency to appear at short ausverkauf as a means f or them to drop money so theyll be rather demanding. The property owners were unknown, and all the necessary notices were sent out but there wasnt any redemption. It is crucial to understand that not all lenders will accept a quick sale. If youre considering a quick sale, you should first call the lender thats holding your home loan. Its simply not possible that you pay the sum thats still owed on the loan because the house isnt going to sell for that much. Recent adjustments to health care policies, expectations, and coverage hasplaced a larger demand on the industry to provide superior care at a fair cost to a greater patient base. Do not merely say that you lost your job and cannot pay the complete volume. In many scenarios, you cannot sell the house for the quantity that is owed. Who Else Wants to Learn About Fairfield University Resume? Theres several approaches to do that through the Common Application, while its in the personal essay or within a brief one-paragraph ex planation. Otherwise its the identical application. Requests to leave early wont be honored Valid drivers license is imperative. The intent is to obtain the interest of the individual reading the letter. The state hasnt been seriously contested since 1992. Its an extremely official sounding word. Quit making excuses for poor behavior. Faculty that are acting in the range of their employment as an instructor have zero duty to guarantee the protection of students outside the classroom students are liable for themselves when carrying out assignments. You also need to choose the school youre taking CLS courses through below. Its often less difficult to keep going with school when youre already in school mode. As well as the school goes from the way to find the cops to block the parties. All About Fairfield University Resume In reality, Wyoming and Idaho are a couple of the reddest states in the country. Small businesses are a crucial feature of the international economy. Bot h activities support a students individual growth and learning in a variety of ways. Taken together, each one of these events resulted in the fall of the Roman Republic. I got a non comparable worldwide experience, for my very first time from the country. Im confident that topping the majority of our lists of great inventions have become the most harmful invention, weapons of war. Its a aussicht to tell us why theyre different and could be the ideal fit for Sacred Heart. This site has various information including over 300 syllabi from a number of disciplines, recommended reading, and current news within the field of service-learning. When youre ready, you can get in touch with a native Avalon community to find out more and to schedule a tour. Pay a visit to the Learning Communities website for more info. There are separate admission requirements for the internet FNP program, and a bigger time commitment from you to finish the degree. The program can be finished in no more than 18-24 months, although this is based on the range of classes one takes in addition to the amount of credits transferred. Students that are accepted and who opt to enroll at the University need to submit a nonrefundable acceptance deposit. Speak to the College to find out more about its degree programs.

5 Better Ways to Communicate with Clients During the Staffing Process - Spark Hire

5 Better Ways to Communicate with Clients During the Staffing Process - Spark HireClient communications should never be approached as one-size-fits-all. For your staffing kollektiv and your clients hiring team to succeed in the same hiring process, its critical that information is dispersed seamlessly between your firm and clients.Some clients prefer to text or chat via live videos, while others may want to fit in as much face-to-face time with you as possible. Whatever the case may be, you have to create a unique communication strategy to gain better insight into their talent needs.Check out these tips to better communicate with clientsBecome a part of the teamYou are an external consultant, but that doesnt mean you cant integrate with your clients company to aid in better communication during the staffing process. Rather than just becoming familiar with the hiring manager or HR director, get to know the whole team.Set a time to meet with the hiring team in the thick of the clients workplace to get a better feel for the company culture and work environment. If you cant visit, schedule a live video interview to chat with team members or ask for a virtual tour. You want to learn more about what makes the team click and landsee how they interact to get an organic feel for what types of candidates would fit best.Participating in a live video interview may seem strange at first. But this process allows you to plektrum up on non-verbal cues and, as an added bonus, look back on your conversation later.You can also create a one-way video interview for the hiring team where you answer their questions and dig deeper into how you plan to reach their goals. This will establish a more genuine relationship, which is the foundation for excellent communication and feedback.Meaningful contact is a chance for gaining insight into your clients needs during the staffing process.Click To TweetIncorporate new technologyA 2019 Bullhorn study found 78 percent of North American staffi ng pros believe the integration of technology into all areas of business will benefit them.Embrace new tools that will improve communication between you and your clients. This includes updated hiring technology. For example, our platform allows you to share candidate videos with your clients hiring team and get feedback directly.This makes the process of discussing candidate pros and cons much simpler. The hiring team can quickly review final candidates without needing to sort through a pile of documents, the entire team is included in the discussion without needing to CC 15 people, and both you and your client can easily reference past conversations to see what they did or didnt like about a candidate without needing to scroll through a lengthy email chain.Seek out feedbackSuccessful staffing means learning and growing from client feedback. Check-in with your clients regularly for both positive and negative input on how things are going. Are they satisfied with the staffing process so far? Are you meeting their expectations? What could you be doing better?These check-ins should be a personable means to gain ongoing insight into your clients needs, rather than just meaningless tasks. Openly discussing the clients satisfaction throughout the process not just after a successful placement will help you identify and rectify any communication breakdowns before they get out of hand. One way to do this is by using short surveys to measure satisfaction over time.Collect and share dataSharing data youre collecting through the staffing process is a great way to establish regular communication with your clients. This shouldnt just be after a hire is made. Keep the data flowing to your client throughout the process. Some metrics to track and share should include fill rates, time to fill, and submittal accuracy. All of these can be jumping off points for a mutually beneficial conversation.Sharing the data youre collecting through the staffing process is one great way to establish regular communication with your clients.Click To TweetKeep in touch after a hireDont let a client fall silent following a successful hire. Keep in regular contact so you can stay on top of their staffing needs. Check-in to see how the hire is performing on the job three months after starting are they still a good fit? After six months, check-in again are they meeting or exceeding expectations? Showing a genuine interest in the long-term success of the hire not only keeps you top of mind, but also helps you gain more insight into what the clients needs are.Make contact a bit easier by setting up an email campaign to reach out to your clients at various periods of time following a hire. You can even get creative and send out anniversary emails to congratulate clients when a successful hire has stayed with the company for a year or when theyve completed the contract.

Study Theres less bias against orientation and race, but more for weight

Study Theres less bias against orientation and race, but more for weightStudy Theres less bias against orientation and race, but more for weightAmericans have gotten less unconsciously biased against sexual orientation and race but not weight, a new study from Harvard shows.The study, published in the journal Psychological Science,analyzed data from the last 20 years of the website Project Implicit, which allows users to test themselves for implicit biases biases they arent aware of. The study collected data from 4.4 mio tests between 2005-16.Attitudes towards sexual bias changed quickly, the study found.The rates of explicit attitude change ranged from a rapid 49% decrease in explicit bias towards gay and lesbian individuals to a relatively slower 15% decrease in explicit bias towards overweight individuals, says psychological scientist lead author Tessa Charlesworth of Harvard University, in a release.Racial bias dropped as well 17% for attitudes towards race and 15% for attitude s towards skin tone.Unfortunately, bias against people who weigh more didnt neither did age or disability. Body weight bias is actually getting slightly worse from around 2004 to 2010, body weight bias actually increased by 40%, WBUR reported.We can only speculate, Charlesworth told WBUR. We often talk about the obesity epidemic, or about the problem with obese individuals.Also, we typically think about body weight as something that people can control,and so we are more likely to make the moral judgment of, Well, you should just change.Nevertheless, it may not be like that forever, as the research shows that it appears that biases can change over time.This research is important because it shows that, contrary to previous assumptions that implicit attitudes were stable features of the mind or society, implicit attitudes appear, in fact, to be capable of long-term durable change,says Charlesworth, in a release.Make sure bias doesnt take creep into your organization. HR Dive provides a Quick Guide to Bias Education for Your Workplace.

3 Steps to Becoming a Better Version of Yourself

3 Steps to Becoming a Better Version of Yourself3 Steps to Becoming a Better Version of YourselfI recently finished reading 99Us new book Maximize Your Potential (which I cant recommend enough), and it ended with a lovely little essay by Jack Cheng about the Better You.The idea of the essay is that there is always a version of yourself slightly ahead of where you are now. This you isnt perfect, but he or she is a little more organized, gets up a little earlier, is a little better at focusing on the task at hand. Its the person you know you could be if you just tried a little harder. Its not scary impossible, but youll have to push to get there.I loved this idea of a better me sitting next to me at work and pushing me to achieve my potential. For the next week or so, I would think with every move I made- what would better me do?But even with a nice metaphor like this, keeping up with your better self is not an easy task. It takes hard work and persistence, and its easy to just want to revert to your self that hits the snooze button a couple of times and hops over to Pinterest for just five minutes in the middle of the workday.To help you (and myself) out in this quest for continual self-improvement, Ive come up with a couple of strategies that make staying on track with my better self a little easier.1. Break the NormSometimes you already know the changes you want to make in your life. But sometimes, its not as clear what behaviors are holding you back from your full potential.The best way to figure it out? Start trying different things. Make a list of productivity tips youve read about or friends behaviors youve been wanting to try, and challenge yourself to do things differently. It doesnt have to be big things If you usually get up and check your phone, instead get up and relax for five minutes to start the day fresh. If you usually check your email first thing when you get to the office, instead try spending an hour working on your big task for the day first .Not every change you make will be one you want to continue, but experimenting like this will start to give you a sense of whats holding you back and what will help you move toward the better version of you.2. Do it Regularly for a MonthOftentimes when people get excited about improving themselves, theyll think about all the things they want to do differently and make it a goal to change them all at once. I fall prey to this far too often, too- this week, Im going to stay organized at work, devote time to side projects, eat healthier, and actually exercise. It doesnt take a genius to figure out what happens in this scenario Monday Im gung-ho for all of them, but by mid-week Im back to my old ways.Changing habits is hard, but its nearly impossible when we overwhelm ourselves with too many changes at once. Instead, its better to focus on one major change at a time, and give yourself ample time to establish this change as a habit. I find the fruchtwein effective way to do this is to pr actice the new habit every day for a month. Even if you arent looking for this to be a daily habit in the long run, doing it every day at the start makes it easer to condition the behavior as a regular part of your life. Scott Young explains this well in his article on 99U.For example, over the summer I was working out approximately never. I wanted to get to the point where I was active three or four days a week, so I made it a goal to work out every day in September. By spending a month focusing on how working out could fit into my life every single day, doing it a few times a week is now a piece of cake.This could apply to things at work, too. Want to start devoting more time to special projects at work? Devoting even 15 to 30 minutes a day to these projects for a month can help get you there. It may feel like slow progress, but in just a year of doing one thing a month, youll be closer to your better self in 12 major ways.3. Give Yourself a wertzuwachs ReviewNothing makes a goal fail faster than not keeping yourself accountable. Its all well and good to say youll wake up half an hour earlier every day, but if youre not checking in on yourself, youll probably start hitting the snooze button again before you know it.So, set up a regular time to check in with yourself on your goal. Every evening, once a week- whatever cadence you think you need to stay on track. Sit down and think about what youve been doing well and where your weaknesses have been, and then come up with action items for how youre going to overcome them. Better yet, write them down so you can keep up with your progress.And if youre still having trouble staying on track, find someone else to help you stay accountable. It could be your roommate, your best friend, or even your boss. For example, I had a goal to start writing more. After sharing it with my boss, we set up regular times during my work week that were blocked out for writing, and she checks in with me at the beginning of each of thos e times to see what Im working on that day. Shes even started joining me in this writing time- meaning were both making progress towards our better selves.All of this is not to say that you should be constantly self-critiquing and never be happy with where you are in your development. But when you do find ways you can change your habits to make your life a little easier? These strategies will do wonders.Photo of man smiling courtesy of Shutterstock.

How Remote Workers Can Get a Promotion - The Muse

How Remote Workers Can Get a Promotion - The MuseHow Remote Workers Can Get a PromotionEver heard the saying Do things, tell people? Its sage advice for any employee, but its even mora important when youre on a remote team, and ansturm the risk of being out of sight and out of mind. Sure, some people assume thats a benefit of working from home (e.g., How would your boss know if you took a two-hour lunch?) But theres a flipside to that coin When youre exceeding expectations and there are no casual stops by your boss desk to fill her in on all youre doing- how will she ever know?If you want the saatkorn raises, gold stars, or promotions youd receive if you worked in an office, youve gotta make some noise. And you have to do it without being all socially-awkward-penguin about it. Try these four strategies1. Build Your NetworkYou want everyone possible to know you and the value you bring, so that when new opportunities show up, you come to mind. For this to happen, you need to build rela tionships within your team. No matter how small the group is or how far-flung the zip codes are, your colleagues are part of your network. Here are two easy ways to get this relationship-building going.Swap PraisePretty obvious, right? Right. But its a surefire way to connect with the people youre working with. Skip the slimy flattery or half-hearted kudos here Im talking about expressing gratitude and calling it like you see it. When someone else saves the day, helps you out big time, or goes above and beyond, make some noise. Shootum a thank-you badge on Slack Let your new boss know. Mention it during your next conference call. People dont forget this kind of thing, especially when its done publicly. The next time they spot you dishing out some awesome, theyll reciprocate. Theres leidhing like having someone else make noise for youSeek Out a MentorFind a mentor. Acting on feedback is crucial to getting better at your job and earning recognition. With the help of a mentor, the gett ing better part explodes, and heres the best part You can still seek out a mentor-mentee dynamic when you work remotely.You probably wont find the same structured arrangements you world in an office. Weekly coffee dates will be harder to come by, no question but this relationship is less about form and more about content. As long as youre connecting with someone you admire who can give you clear advice, youre golden.Ideally, choose someone who can introduce you to others within the company and your industry. Most importantly, select a person who has the skills youd like to master, because you can learn from his experience. Which brings me to me next point2. Acquire New Skills and Ask for More ResponsibilityIts great when your manager looks for opportunities for you to grow, but truth talk Your professional development is no ones responsibility but yours.Now, dont get me wrong. Internal workshops, seminars, and just plain gaining skills on the fly are terrific- if you want to move ah ead at the same rate as everyone else on your team.But Id bet that you want to stand out. Apply the extra hour or two you save by not commuting every day to some outside training. There are a million ways to up your game. Some of my personal favorite learning platforms include edX, lynda.com, and Coursera.From there, seek out avenues where you can apply your new skills. Asking for more, new, or different responsibilities increases your value within an organization. It also puts a spotlight on your growing capabilities. If there arent new and exciting opportunities floating around your team, volunteer to help other departments. Yes, this can be harder when Steve from marketing and Tara from engineering dont stand around the same water cooler, so youll have to find out yourself. Ask your boss is there are company-wide or cross-team projects. If theres no room for you to contribute that way, ask about big picture strategic goals and study the needs and challenges of the company to see if you can spot a neglected area. Create your own opportunity by pitching a new project or position that you could take on to address the weak spot.3. Track Your ProgressConsider this your new Friday ritual. Take a few minutes to jot down an outline of everything youve accomplished that week. Include all of the items that you feel great about. This record- I call it my Lookit Me file- serves a few important purposes. Long term, when its time to update your resume, youll have a treasure trove of accomplishments and metrics to pull from. Future you will be grateful, I promiseMore immediately, this practice reinforces not only your personal awareness of how things are going, but also the awareness of your boss. On particularly good weeks, fire off your Lookit Me summary to your boss, explaining what you feel great about and the things youre excited about in the week to come. Theyre perfect for when youve really been on fire. Maybe you closed a hefty new account, implemented a new syste m or tool that quickly showed positive results, or delivered a project early, not to mention one that wowd a client- I think you get the picture.Its fine to toot your own horn, as long as its not too often or loud.4. Ask for What You WantYouve networked, paired yourself with a mentor, and trained up. Youve also flaunted your skills (and the value they create). Its time for the big ask- though actually, at this point its not so big. You did most of the work already Still You have to make some noise. Again.The first step in asking for what you want is finding the right time to do it. Since youre remote, you may have to be twice as proactive in initiating the discussion. Be sure to ask your manager to set a time to talk- over video if at all possible. (You do not want to ask for a promotion over email.)Besides setting aside a dedicated time to chat, make sure you know exactly what youre asking for. If its a raise, whats the dollar amount? If its a promotion, what are the specific dutie s youre ready to tackle? In an office setting, a small presentation covering your recent milestones might be appropriate, but in a remote dynamic, a formal pitch will likely weigh the conversation down. Everything moves fast in a virtual setting, so keep it simple. Your best bet is to have a brief (updated) resume to send over in case youre asked for one, and a brag sheet on hand to look at so you can rattle off examples of your work.Working remotely comes with lots of independence, but that shouldnt stop you from proving your worth. Network, get a mentor, build your skills, look for new challenges, and track your progress. Make noise for yourself, do it with style, and youll find the recognition and advancement youre looking for.Photo of remote worker courtesy of Shutterstock.