We all know that success in any career takes communication skills.
Whether you're interviewing for a new job, working on a promotion, giving a toast, leading a meeting or persuading a customer, the way you speak will set you apart.
And there's no other discipline that will hone your communication skills more sharply than learning the craft of public speaking.
Why Learn Public Speaking?
Whether you're in retail sales or aspiring to become a CEO, public speaking is your ally. Learning to draft and deliver the perfect speech will propel you on a journey of discovery, leadership and personal success. Public speaking develops confidence, organization of the mind and clarity of purpose. It's how celebrities, politicians and business legends have achieved success in life.
It's a fact, plain and simple: if you want to succeed, you need to become really good at communicating effectively.
The Greatest Public Speaking Secret of Them All
Any guide to success will tell you that there is no magic formula. But in a lot of fields, there does seem to be an inside secret - some intangible that makes one person outshine another. And taking on the challenge of becoming a truly great public speaker is no exception. If indeed there is an insider secret that makes the difference between good public speakers and great ones, it would have to be simple, old fashioned hard work and preparation.
The more advance preparation you apply to your presentation, the better your public speaking will be. Instead of that feeling of terror when you address a crowd, preparation will give you confidence, clarity and a sense of leadership.
Three Steps To Getting Started:
1) Research Your Topic: Even if you're already an expert in the field you plan to discuss, put some time into developing your topic through research. Have an idea about your audience, and be clear about what has already been offered to them on the topic.
2) Write Your Outline: Come up with the main points of your topic and draft them into outline form. Make sure that the points lead coherently from one to the next.
3) Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse: When you give your talk, you should be speaking to your audience naturally using your outline as a guide - not reciting lines from memory. You should be so well prepared that you have the sense you'll never run out of material to cover. This is the same technique that the legendary Dale Carnegie pioneered a hundred years ago.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
SHARPEN YOUR SAW
In Oregon, with its history of agriculture and forestry, the
concept of "sharpening your saw" has real meaning. It refers
to keeping your tools, your skills, and your attitude
maintained, sharp and ready.
This week, I read an article about applying these principles
to your computer, and I thought about how they apply across
the board in business. To expand your business or achieve
any significant goal, you need the best tools you can find.
Whether the challenge is harvesting lumber, making a sale,
or teaching high school, the person with the best tools will
always do the best job. Here are some critical areas to re-
examine:
1. Your computer. Get and USE good maintenance tools. Run a
thorough check for viruses, de-fragment your hard disk, and
check for errors at least once a week. Norton and McAfee
sell tools that make this easy and automated.
2. Voice communication. Get and use a great voice mail
system. If your clients, customers, friends and colleagues
can't talk to you, they won't do business with you. And
NEVER use caller ID that requires people to identify
themselves before they call you. Don’t make if difficult for
people to contact you!
3. Get and use a SmartPhone or similar system. Every
professional has a vital list of appointments, phone
numbers, names and data that you must have with you at all
times. Don't leave home without it.
4. Superb email and Internet services. It's not enough to
"have" email. Make it work for you! Become an expert at
quickly sharing articles, notes, data and humor with your
clients and customers. Check email often; respond instantly.
5. Specific tools for your niche and profession. Every
industry has it's own tools, language, skills and standards.
Become an expert in them, become known as a person who
invests heavily in new technology and the latest solutions.
It costs money; it pays in profits.
concept of "sharpening your saw" has real meaning. It refers
to keeping your tools, your skills, and your attitude
maintained, sharp and ready.
This week, I read an article about applying these principles
to your computer, and I thought about how they apply across
the board in business. To expand your business or achieve
any significant goal, you need the best tools you can find.
Whether the challenge is harvesting lumber, making a sale,
or teaching high school, the person with the best tools will
always do the best job. Here are some critical areas to re-
examine:
1. Your computer. Get and USE good maintenance tools. Run a
thorough check for viruses, de-fragment your hard disk, and
check for errors at least once a week. Norton and McAfee
sell tools that make this easy and automated.
2. Voice communication. Get and use a great voice mail
system. If your clients, customers, friends and colleagues
can't talk to you, they won't do business with you. And
NEVER use caller ID that requires people to identify
themselves before they call you. Don’t make if difficult for
people to contact you!
3. Get and use a SmartPhone or similar system. Every
professional has a vital list of appointments, phone
numbers, names and data that you must have with you at all
times. Don't leave home without it.
4. Superb email and Internet services. It's not enough to
"have" email. Make it work for you! Become an expert at
quickly sharing articles, notes, data and humor with your
clients and customers. Check email often; respond instantly.
5. Specific tools for your niche and profession. Every
industry has it's own tools, language, skills and standards.
Become an expert in them, become known as a person who
invests heavily in new technology and the latest solutions.
It costs money; it pays in profits.
Friday, November 18, 2011
5 STEPS TO DELEGATING AND SUPERVISING
Here are 5 steps to delegating and supervising that guarantee that your expectations are met and success results are achieved.
Step One
The first step in delegation is to become perfectly clear about the results that you desire from the job. The greater clarity you have with regard to the results expected, the easier it is for you to select the right person to do the job.
Step Two
The second step is to select a person based on his or her demonstrated ability or success at doing this job. Never delegate an important job to a person who has never done it before. If the successful completion of the task is important to the success of your business, it is essential that you delegate it to someone who you confidently believe can complete the task satisfactorily.
Step Three
Third, explain to the person exactly what you want done, the results that you expect, the time schedule that you require, and your preferred method of working. The reason that you are in a position to delegate a task is because you have probably already mastered this task. Taking the time to teach and explain the best way to do the task based on your experience is an excellent way to ensure that the task will be done as you wish and on schedule.
Step Four
Step four is to set up a schedule for reporting on progress. If it is an important task, set up a deadline for completion that is a day or a week before your actual deadline. Always build some slack into the system. Then, check on the progress of the task regularly, very much like a doctor would check on the condition of a critical care patient. Leave nothing to chance.
Step Five
Step five, inspect what you expect. Delegation is not abdication. Just because you have assigned a task to another person does not mean that you are no longer accountable. And the more important the task, the more important it is that you keep on top of it.
Action Exercise
What task can you effectively delegate to someone else? Which one of your employees can handle the task efficiently?
Monday, November 14, 2011
WHAT SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE HAVE USED TO ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS
Here are the steps that, as far as I know, every successful
person has used to achieve their goals:
1. First, every innovation and great fortune begins as a
simple thought. Often it begins as just a whiff of thought,
a glimmer or an intuition, a simple, "I wonder what would
happen if...."
2. Second, the vast majority of people dismiss these
thoughts or ideas. They get distracted and nothing develops.
But some people latch on to the idea and never let go!
They fertilize and nurture it. They ask questions about
how to proceed, who else might be interested, or where
they could get more information.
3. Third, successful people take action. It might be a tiny
action, but they read a book, make a call, jot some notes,
explore the internet. They do something to record and expand
their idea.
4. Fourth, they find people to help them. Too many people
keep their ideas to themselves and their dream dies like a
seed without water. Successful people form a team or a
MasterMind to ask more and better questions, and together
they find answers.
5. Fifth, they develop a strategy. At first, it doesn't
have to be a brilliant or even a very effective strategy,
but they find a way to move forward, building on what works
and learning from their failures.
6. Sixth, they persist and leverage everything "until."
They never give up and they never quit.
No one who reads this is powerless or without resources. You
can read. You have friends. There are books, and you have
the internet. There are coaches and models all around you.
There are investors looking for the "next big thing." You
may have to start small, and like an airplane going down the
run way, there may be a long period of slow-going while you
get started, but ultimately, airplanes do take off and soar!
Everything starts with an idea. Thomas Edison started with
ideas. Bill Gates started with ideas. Oprah Winfrey started
poor and alone, but she had some ideas. And all of them took
action. Share your best ideas with a "master mind" group of
friends, and ask great questions. Find the answers and take
action. Everything in life starts as an idea, a glimmer or
a dream. The difference is that successful people follow a
strategy and persist until their ideas become reality.
person has used to achieve their goals:
1. First, every innovation and great fortune begins as a
simple thought. Often it begins as just a whiff of thought,
a glimmer or an intuition, a simple, "I wonder what would
happen if...."
2. Second, the vast majority of people dismiss these
thoughts or ideas. They get distracted and nothing develops.
But some people latch on to the idea and never let go!
They fertilize and nurture it. They ask questions about
how to proceed, who else might be interested, or where
they could get more information.
3. Third, successful people take action. It might be a tiny
action, but they read a book, make a call, jot some notes,
explore the internet. They do something to record and expand
their idea.
4. Fourth, they find people to help them. Too many people
keep their ideas to themselves and their dream dies like a
seed without water. Successful people form a team or a
MasterMind to ask more and better questions, and together
they find answers.
5. Fifth, they develop a strategy. At first, it doesn't
have to be a brilliant or even a very effective strategy,
but they find a way to move forward, building on what works
and learning from their failures.
6. Sixth, they persist and leverage everything "until."
They never give up and they never quit.
No one who reads this is powerless or without resources. You
can read. You have friends. There are books, and you have
the internet. There are coaches and models all around you.
There are investors looking for the "next big thing." You
may have to start small, and like an airplane going down the
run way, there may be a long period of slow-going while you
get started, but ultimately, airplanes do take off and soar!
Everything starts with an idea. Thomas Edison started with
ideas. Bill Gates started with ideas. Oprah Winfrey started
poor and alone, but she had some ideas. And all of them took
action. Share your best ideas with a "master mind" group of
friends, and ask great questions. Find the answers and take
action. Everything in life starts as an idea, a glimmer or
a dream. The difference is that successful people follow a
strategy and persist until their ideas become reality.
Friday, November 11, 2011
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE BOSS - IS REALLY DIFFICULT
I generally believe most people mean well, but simply execute their job poorly sometimes. Sometimes, there are BAD bosses. This series is intended to address the most common issues with a bad boss and steps you can take to reduce the impact on you both personally and professionally.
The problems we face when we have a bad boss are almost too numerous to mention, but the two biggest of these issues are:
1. They can negatively impact our work performance.
2. They can make life miserable
These two issues alone make it worth trying to figure out how to work more effectively with our boss, even when they are bad.
There is a catch-all term we use regarding bosses and co-workers called “being difficult”. It’s not too specific to exactly know what the issue is. Sometimes when we are in the midst of a constant barrage from the bad boss, it’s hard to know exactly where the difficulty may lie. All we know is it is difficult to work successfully with this person.
Here are some suggestions that might help reduce the level of difficulty:
Look to your own performance first. You might think they are being difficult, because they are demanding a different level of output from you. Make sure you are clear on what they expect from you.
Opposing styles. You might be expecting something from your boss that they simply can’t do. You might think they are unfriendly simply because they fail to say “Good Morning”. To them, that might simply be a waste of time. Examine your own expectations of what you think they should be doing. They may not be very outgoing or simply operate differently than what you’re used to. Reset your expectations.
Learn the boss. Spend some time really observing this person to see what they do that is impacting you. In the process, you might learn that they are getting leaned on by their boss and it’s creating extra stress. You could discover they aren’t a morning person, meaning you should delay important interactions until after lunch. Figure out their rhythms and modify your own.
The problems we face when we have a bad boss are almost too numerous to mention, but the two biggest of these issues are:
1. They can negatively impact our work performance.
2. They can make life miserable
These two issues alone make it worth trying to figure out how to work more effectively with our boss, even when they are bad.
There is a catch-all term we use regarding bosses and co-workers called “being difficult”. It’s not too specific to exactly know what the issue is. Sometimes when we are in the midst of a constant barrage from the bad boss, it’s hard to know exactly where the difficulty may lie. All we know is it is difficult to work successfully with this person.
Here are some suggestions that might help reduce the level of difficulty:
Look to your own performance first. You might think they are being difficult, because they are demanding a different level of output from you. Make sure you are clear on what they expect from you.
Opposing styles. You might be expecting something from your boss that they simply can’t do. You might think they are unfriendly simply because they fail to say “Good Morning”. To them, that might simply be a waste of time. Examine your own expectations of what you think they should be doing. They may not be very outgoing or simply operate differently than what you’re used to. Reset your expectations.
Learn the boss. Spend some time really observing this person to see what they do that is impacting you. In the process, you might learn that they are getting leaned on by their boss and it’s creating extra stress. You could discover they aren’t a morning person, meaning you should delay important interactions until after lunch. Figure out their rhythms and modify your own.
Don’t shrink. All too often when we don’t like someone, we go out of your way to avoid them. While I think this tactic can work to keep you under the radar, wait to do that until you clearly have exhausted all your options. You may also find that more, not less, communication can help you with this type of person. Shrinking away into a dark corner won’t help you.
Become indispensible. If you’ve attempted to learn more about the boss, take it to the next level and up your level of problem solving and support. This will help them shine to their own boss and will reduce reasons for finding fault with you. You can become the “go-to” person that they respect and depend on.
Let it roll off of you. We will spend a lifetime of running into people that are demanding, critical and downright volatile. You need to learn the skill of blowing most of it off. Certainly, there will be some of it that will still bother you, but most of the time you can simply not let it penetrate. I’m not suggesting ignoring the boss’s needs or demands; I’m saying to not let their method of delivery be what grabs your attention or reaction.
I have found that even the most difficult of bosses can be tamed or at least subdued. I once worked for a guy, who had even the most senior, sage people in tears. When I started working directly for him, I noticed he was quick to engage in verbal battle. If you stood up for yourself, he backed down. I soon figured out that he tested people. If they backed down, he was relentless. When I told him my observation, he laughed and told me I was the only person who had figured it out. He felt that if you were right about something, you would defend it and if you didn’t defend it, he couldn’t respect you. It was that simple. It was who he was – good or bad, but we always worked well together – and that’s the most important part. You can turn a bad situation around, but it does take work.
Become indispensible. If you’ve attempted to learn more about the boss, take it to the next level and up your level of problem solving and support. This will help them shine to their own boss and will reduce reasons for finding fault with you. You can become the “go-to” person that they respect and depend on.
Let it roll off of you. We will spend a lifetime of running into people that are demanding, critical and downright volatile. You need to learn the skill of blowing most of it off. Certainly, there will be some of it that will still bother you, but most of the time you can simply not let it penetrate. I’m not suggesting ignoring the boss’s needs or demands; I’m saying to not let their method of delivery be what grabs your attention or reaction.
I have found that even the most difficult of bosses can be tamed or at least subdued. I once worked for a guy, who had even the most senior, sage people in tears. When I started working directly for him, I noticed he was quick to engage in verbal battle. If you stood up for yourself, he backed down. I soon figured out that he tested people. If they backed down, he was relentless. When I told him my observation, he laughed and told me I was the only person who had figured it out. He felt that if you were right about something, you would defend it and if you didn’t defend it, he couldn’t respect you. It was that simple. It was who he was – good or bad, but we always worked well together – and that’s the most important part. You can turn a bad situation around, but it does take work.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
THE DNA OF TOP ACHIEVERS
DNA.....it is the source code that determines who we are. When we look at DNA we can see what a person will look like, what diseases they may come down with, etc. This has been a tremendous breakthrough for scientists and will continue to be so for some time, I think.
This got me to thinking about what makes up those who are top achievers. Is there a "DNA" to them? Obviously, all top achievers wouldn't have the same literal DNA but what about a figurative DNA? Is there a common "gene" that they all have? Are there common "genes" perhaps? I think so!
If we could get right down to it, I think these are the genes we would find in the DNA of top achievers:
A predisposition to setting high, lofty goals. Top achievers are people who won't and can't settle for the status quo. They see average as a place they want to keep in the rear-view mirror. Instead, they continually look for ways to stretch themselves, to get better, to do better, to be better! They set their sights on goals that others have never even thought of. They want to shoot so high that even if they miss, they go higher than everyone else.
This is what makes them top achievers.
An ability to focus intently upon reaching their desired destination. Many people can set high goals, but just as many people get sidetracked by one thing or another on their way to those goals. High, lofty goals usually take a while to get there so there will always be plenty of time to be tempted to stray away from the road that is taking you to those goals. Often, those things that sidetrack people are good things, but not the best things. Top achievers do not get sidetracked. They stay focused. They know where they are going. They have an ability to say "no" to the good things in order to get to the best things.
The willingness to personally sacrifice in order to get to their goal. When the going gets tough, many people quit. When the going get tough personally, most people quit. When the going gets tough for top achievers, they remind themselves of the high. lofty goals they have set for themselves. They remind themselves of what an accomplishment it will be for them and that the reward is worth pushing through the momentary trials. They are willing to sacrifice personally in the short-term in order to get the reward and the prize long-term. Keeping their eyes on the big picture enables them to persevere through any personal pain they may experience.
A predisposition to tenacity. Tenacity is the ability to "keep on going." Tough times? Keep on going! Financial troubles? Keep on going! People are suspect? Keep on going! You look like a dreamer? Keep on going! Tired? Keep on going! Want to quit and take it easy? Keep on going! Just remember this: Keep on going! The prize is ahead! Many people quit just before they were to get the reward, so keep on going!
The ability to see available resources and to use them accordingly. Those who are top achievers know that they cannot be lone-rangers on the way to the top. No one makes it by himself or herself. Top achievers recognize their weaknesses - the weaknesses that if they don't cover will keep them from becoming a top achiever! They see their resources and they work to get them into a helping position so they can continue the route to becoming a top achiever. And they don't use them, they utilize them. There is a big difference! People, finances, etc are all brought in to help by the top achiever.
A desire to help others achieve more for themselves as well. The top achiever knows that they can make a difference for others by becoming a top achiever. They know that the wealth they make can feed the hungry. They know that the position of influence they achieve can open a door for someone who may not normally get a chance. True top achievers look at how they can bring many with them, not how they can leave many in the dust. People are helped by the top achiever, not trampled upon!
I think if we could get to the DNA of top achievers, the things we talked about above would be at the core and fiber of their beings. What about you? Did you recognize yourself at all? I hope so! The good news about the DNA we are talking about today as opposed to real DNA is that you can go out and work on top achiever DNA whereas you are stuck with real DNA.
So if you lack a little in the above-mentioned areas, take heart - you can get better and work on them so that you can become a top achiever!
Go get 'em, tiger!
This got me to thinking about what makes up those who are top achievers. Is there a "DNA" to them? Obviously, all top achievers wouldn't have the same literal DNA but what about a figurative DNA? Is there a common "gene" that they all have? Are there common "genes" perhaps? I think so!
If we could get right down to it, I think these are the genes we would find in the DNA of top achievers:
A predisposition to setting high, lofty goals. Top achievers are people who won't and can't settle for the status quo. They see average as a place they want to keep in the rear-view mirror. Instead, they continually look for ways to stretch themselves, to get better, to do better, to be better! They set their sights on goals that others have never even thought of. They want to shoot so high that even if they miss, they go higher than everyone else.
This is what makes them top achievers.
An ability to focus intently upon reaching their desired destination. Many people can set high goals, but just as many people get sidetracked by one thing or another on their way to those goals. High, lofty goals usually take a while to get there so there will always be plenty of time to be tempted to stray away from the road that is taking you to those goals. Often, those things that sidetrack people are good things, but not the best things. Top achievers do not get sidetracked. They stay focused. They know where they are going. They have an ability to say "no" to the good things in order to get to the best things.
The willingness to personally sacrifice in order to get to their goal. When the going gets tough, many people quit. When the going get tough personally, most people quit. When the going gets tough for top achievers, they remind themselves of the high. lofty goals they have set for themselves. They remind themselves of what an accomplishment it will be for them and that the reward is worth pushing through the momentary trials. They are willing to sacrifice personally in the short-term in order to get the reward and the prize long-term. Keeping their eyes on the big picture enables them to persevere through any personal pain they may experience.
A predisposition to tenacity. Tenacity is the ability to "keep on going." Tough times? Keep on going! Financial troubles? Keep on going! People are suspect? Keep on going! You look like a dreamer? Keep on going! Tired? Keep on going! Want to quit and take it easy? Keep on going! Just remember this: Keep on going! The prize is ahead! Many people quit just before they were to get the reward, so keep on going!
The ability to see available resources and to use them accordingly. Those who are top achievers know that they cannot be lone-rangers on the way to the top. No one makes it by himself or herself. Top achievers recognize their weaknesses - the weaknesses that if they don't cover will keep them from becoming a top achiever! They see their resources and they work to get them into a helping position so they can continue the route to becoming a top achiever. And they don't use them, they utilize them. There is a big difference! People, finances, etc are all brought in to help by the top achiever.
A desire to help others achieve more for themselves as well. The top achiever knows that they can make a difference for others by becoming a top achiever. They know that the wealth they make can feed the hungry. They know that the position of influence they achieve can open a door for someone who may not normally get a chance. True top achievers look at how they can bring many with them, not how they can leave many in the dust. People are helped by the top achiever, not trampled upon!
I think if we could get to the DNA of top achievers, the things we talked about above would be at the core and fiber of their beings. What about you? Did you recognize yourself at all? I hope so! The good news about the DNA we are talking about today as opposed to real DNA is that you can go out and work on top achiever DNA whereas you are stuck with real DNA.
So if you lack a little in the above-mentioned areas, take heart - you can get better and work on them so that you can become a top achiever!
Go get 'em, tiger!
Monday, November 7, 2011
ELIMINATE THE BOTTLENECKS!
In any process, there is an upper limit to your results, and
the limit is always the same: A bottleneck.
In watering your garden, the smallest point in the line
limits how much water passes through the hose. The
bottleneck may be the valve on the house, the diameter of
the hose, the little washer inside the coupling, or the
nozzle on the end. Wherever the bottleneck occurs, it limits
the flow through the entire hose, and the solution is always
the same: increase the flow at that one critical point, and
the results are instant and dramatic!
The same thing is true in business and in your career.
No matter how smart or skilled or passionate you are, there
is always one critical point that limits you more than all
the others combined! Fix it, and like the flow of water
through your hose, the results are amazing!
Here are 3 common bottlenecks:
1. Not Acting as a Business. Many professionals and
entrepreneurs have a dream, not a business. They work
without focus, and without results. For tax purposes, the
government makes a distinction between a hobby (no matter
how hard you work at it), and a business. Customers can tell
the difference, too. The bottleneck is lack of clarity. Work
the business!
2. Ineffective Marketing. If you aren't getting enough new
customers, the bottleneck is in your marketing process.
Find a way to let more people know about your business.
Everyone wants great service at a fair price! Help them find
you!
3. Inadequate Value Added. To achieve unusual success, you
must transform customers into life-long partners. If people
are trying your product or service, but don't become repeat
customers, something is wrong. It may be a skill problem, a
pricing problem, or a delivery problem, but it must be
fixed!
What are the bottlenecks that hold you back? Find and fix
them. You can not afford to allow one small "pinch" to limit
your potential. Eliminate the bottlenecks!
the limit is always the same: A bottleneck.
In watering your garden, the smallest point in the line
limits how much water passes through the hose. The
bottleneck may be the valve on the house, the diameter of
the hose, the little washer inside the coupling, or the
nozzle on the end. Wherever the bottleneck occurs, it limits
the flow through the entire hose, and the solution is always
the same: increase the flow at that one critical point, and
the results are instant and dramatic!
The same thing is true in business and in your career.
No matter how smart or skilled or passionate you are, there
is always one critical point that limits you more than all
the others combined! Fix it, and like the flow of water
through your hose, the results are amazing!
Here are 3 common bottlenecks:
1. Not Acting as a Business. Many professionals and
entrepreneurs have a dream, not a business. They work
without focus, and without results. For tax purposes, the
government makes a distinction between a hobby (no matter
how hard you work at it), and a business. Customers can tell
the difference, too. The bottleneck is lack of clarity. Work
the business!
2. Ineffective Marketing. If you aren't getting enough new
customers, the bottleneck is in your marketing process.
Find a way to let more people know about your business.
Everyone wants great service at a fair price! Help them find
you!
3. Inadequate Value Added. To achieve unusual success, you
must transform customers into life-long partners. If people
are trying your product or service, but don't become repeat
customers, something is wrong. It may be a skill problem, a
pricing problem, or a delivery problem, but it must be
fixed!
What are the bottlenecks that hold you back? Find and fix
them. You can not afford to allow one small "pinch" to limit
your potential. Eliminate the bottlenecks!
Friday, November 4, 2011
8 POINTS FOR RANKING YOUR NEXT COMPANY: HOW TO HELP YOURSELF DECIDE BETWEEN.
Before you jump at every seemingly viable job option, have you prioritized what you want in a job? The temptation is to keep your options open and scoop up everything that sounds interesting--thus putting as many eggs in your basket as possible.
Most job seekers drop the ball early by sending out résumés and just waiting for responses. Finding your perfect job takes an immense amount of thought, soul searching, preparation, and attention to detail before you begin contacting companies!
Eight points are essential to your job search preparation because they force you to think about the attributes of your ideal job and to what degree--if any--you are willing to compromise. Why bother with this beforehand instead of just going job hunting, seeing what is out there, and figuring it out after the interview?
• It highlights opportunities worthy of a closer look. This saves time and gives you focus. Do not spread your time and attention too thin, or you will include options that sound good but do not really meet your requirements.
• Most people go on an interview and then decide if they like the job and want to pursue it. This is backward. If you do not know what you want first, you are not likely to go after it as hard.
• If you are presented with two offers, each from a different company, you are assured of making an objective decision according to your goals and values. When you have not given careful consideration to what you want in a job before beginning your search, puzzling through which offer is best can be confusing and painful.
The eight factors that apply to new job opportunities follow.
1. Location
The job's geographical location is important, whether you are relocating or commuting. The time to discover that you do not want to leave your house at 6:30 to be at work at 8:00 is not on the second day of your new job.
2. Growth
This applies to the company, your movement within the company, and your knowledge. The key is knowing which factors apply to you. Your progress up the ladder does not have to hinge on the company's growth, any more than the company's growth will ensure your progress up the ladder! But if you are looking for a promotion, you will want to know if the company posts jobs internally before looking outside itself.
Are they looking for someone to pick up new challenges? Will you need to adapt your skills? Will they be grooming you for a larger role? You need to know which scenario you prefer and which is applicable to the job for which you are interviewing. Make sure they match.
3. Philosophy
If a company's most important factor is bottom line contribution at all costs--even if it means perhaps compromising the customer--and you'd prefer to give up the sale rather than sell the wrong product to the wrong person, your performance in the eyes of your employer will suffer. What is more, you will be uncomfortable and unhappy working there.
The most productive way to find out the answers to philosophical questions is to ask the hiring authority directly. Be willing to ask tough questions, especially if there appear to be inconsistencies. This is your career, remember?
4. Chemistry
The money is great; the commute is easy; the company is an industry leader; the company philosophy sounds ethical and compatible with yours; and you love the idea of what you will be doing. But gee, the interviewer just rubs you the wrong way. What is more, you will be reporting to the person! You cannot quite put your finger on what you dislike. Do not discount that, but do not jettison the whole opportunity because of it either.
Set up another interview (or phone conversation). Can you meet with a prospective peer in the department? If so, include questions about your potential manager.
5. Stability
This applies to both the company and the position. Some ideas you will want to explore follow.
• What is the position's turnover rate? If it is high, chances are very good that it is more than a coincidence. You do not want to learn about it firsthand.
• Has upper-level management changed frequently?
• How long has your boss been in his or her position?
• Was the company recently downsized? Did a larger company absorb it?
• Is it a well-established company?
• Maybe you groove to the challenges that come with a small start-up. Is there a risk that comes with the position?
6. Money
If there is relocation involved, know the difference in costs of living. Are you willing to take a pay cut, and how much? Most importantly, know why you are making that trade-off.
Be aware that the willingness to take a pay cut is met with suspicion by most hiring authorities because they fear that eventually, you will become dissatisfied and leave. Frequently, people equate salary with personal worth. Even if you do not and money is low on your priority scale, you may have a tough time convincing someone else of that.
7. Can You Do the Work?
If you are looking to change your responsibilities slightly or to shift in your industry a little, you need to make sure that you are realistic about your ability to perform the job or that training is provided.
8. Will You Like the Work?
Do some research. The library, the Internet, job boards, and discussion forums are all excellent places to learn if what you think sounds like a great new career actually will be a great new career.
If your new job involves a promotion, make sure you know about new responsibilities, that you will like carrying them out, and that they are within the scope of your ability to learn. Be aware that sometimes what looks like dissatisfaction with your current title or job is actually dissatisfaction with your company or career choice and vice versa.
It is far easier to know if an opportunity meets these priorities when you have given thought to them in advance. During an interview you are less likely to be swayed by factors that sound attractive but do not really meet your goals.
Before you begin interviewing, list the eight points by priority. Later, when you find yourself debating a decision, come back to your list. For any opportunity you are struggling with, assign a value of 1-10 to each point, with 10 being the best. Total the scores.
Anything over 50 is fine, as long as your higher numbers are toward the top three priority items. A score below 50 means you need to ask yourself why you are considering the job in the first place!
If you are having difficulty making a decision between two offers, the eight points are ideal for helping you choose. Examine your priorities and their scores. You might find that some factors seem to be so attractive that they overwhelm what would otherwise be a clear signal to move away from the position.
Your perfect job might land in your lap by grace and good fortune. But more likely, you will need to look for it. It is there--but to recognize it, you will need to know what it does not look like as well as what it does.
Most job seekers drop the ball early by sending out résumés and just waiting for responses. Finding your perfect job takes an immense amount of thought, soul searching, preparation, and attention to detail before you begin contacting companies!
Eight points are essential to your job search preparation because they force you to think about the attributes of your ideal job and to what degree--if any--you are willing to compromise. Why bother with this beforehand instead of just going job hunting, seeing what is out there, and figuring it out after the interview?
• It highlights opportunities worthy of a closer look. This saves time and gives you focus. Do not spread your time and attention too thin, or you will include options that sound good but do not really meet your requirements.
• Most people go on an interview and then decide if they like the job and want to pursue it. This is backward. If you do not know what you want first, you are not likely to go after it as hard.
• If you are presented with two offers, each from a different company, you are assured of making an objective decision according to your goals and values. When you have not given careful consideration to what you want in a job before beginning your search, puzzling through which offer is best can be confusing and painful.
The eight factors that apply to new job opportunities follow.
1. Location
The job's geographical location is important, whether you are relocating or commuting. The time to discover that you do not want to leave your house at 6:30 to be at work at 8:00 is not on the second day of your new job.
2. Growth
This applies to the company, your movement within the company, and your knowledge. The key is knowing which factors apply to you. Your progress up the ladder does not have to hinge on the company's growth, any more than the company's growth will ensure your progress up the ladder! But if you are looking for a promotion, you will want to know if the company posts jobs internally before looking outside itself.
Are they looking for someone to pick up new challenges? Will you need to adapt your skills? Will they be grooming you for a larger role? You need to know which scenario you prefer and which is applicable to the job for which you are interviewing. Make sure they match.
3. Philosophy
If a company's most important factor is bottom line contribution at all costs--even if it means perhaps compromising the customer--and you'd prefer to give up the sale rather than sell the wrong product to the wrong person, your performance in the eyes of your employer will suffer. What is more, you will be uncomfortable and unhappy working there.
The most productive way to find out the answers to philosophical questions is to ask the hiring authority directly. Be willing to ask tough questions, especially if there appear to be inconsistencies. This is your career, remember?
4. Chemistry
The money is great; the commute is easy; the company is an industry leader; the company philosophy sounds ethical and compatible with yours; and you love the idea of what you will be doing. But gee, the interviewer just rubs you the wrong way. What is more, you will be reporting to the person! You cannot quite put your finger on what you dislike. Do not discount that, but do not jettison the whole opportunity because of it either.
Set up another interview (or phone conversation). Can you meet with a prospective peer in the department? If so, include questions about your potential manager.
5. Stability
This applies to both the company and the position. Some ideas you will want to explore follow.
• What is the position's turnover rate? If it is high, chances are very good that it is more than a coincidence. You do not want to learn about it firsthand.
• Has upper-level management changed frequently?
• How long has your boss been in his or her position?
• Was the company recently downsized? Did a larger company absorb it?
• Is it a well-established company?
• Maybe you groove to the challenges that come with a small start-up. Is there a risk that comes with the position?
6. Money
If there is relocation involved, know the difference in costs of living. Are you willing to take a pay cut, and how much? Most importantly, know why you are making that trade-off.
Be aware that the willingness to take a pay cut is met with suspicion by most hiring authorities because they fear that eventually, you will become dissatisfied and leave. Frequently, people equate salary with personal worth. Even if you do not and money is low on your priority scale, you may have a tough time convincing someone else of that.
7. Can You Do the Work?
If you are looking to change your responsibilities slightly or to shift in your industry a little, you need to make sure that you are realistic about your ability to perform the job or that training is provided.
8. Will You Like the Work?
Do some research. The library, the Internet, job boards, and discussion forums are all excellent places to learn if what you think sounds like a great new career actually will be a great new career.
If your new job involves a promotion, make sure you know about new responsibilities, that you will like carrying them out, and that they are within the scope of your ability to learn. Be aware that sometimes what looks like dissatisfaction with your current title or job is actually dissatisfaction with your company or career choice and vice versa.
It is far easier to know if an opportunity meets these priorities when you have given thought to them in advance. During an interview you are less likely to be swayed by factors that sound attractive but do not really meet your goals.
Before you begin interviewing, list the eight points by priority. Later, when you find yourself debating a decision, come back to your list. For any opportunity you are struggling with, assign a value of 1-10 to each point, with 10 being the best. Total the scores.
Anything over 50 is fine, as long as your higher numbers are toward the top three priority items. A score below 50 means you need to ask yourself why you are considering the job in the first place!
If you are having difficulty making a decision between two offers, the eight points are ideal for helping you choose. Examine your priorities and their scores. You might find that some factors seem to be so attractive that they overwhelm what would otherwise be a clear signal to move away from the position.
Your perfect job might land in your lap by grace and good fortune. But more likely, you will need to look for it. It is there--but to recognize it, you will need to know what it does not look like as well as what it does.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
DEFINE YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE
Do you have a definite purpose that guides your ambitions,
vision, and goals?
It doesn’t matter how you think you arrived here on this
planet or under whose direction – the fact remains that each
of us has specific talents and gifts that are uniquely coded
within our own DNA.
As you go through life, you don’t just pick up things you
like doing by chance. You discover what you’re good at
because you were meant to discover it, just as you were
meant to figure out what your fingers do, and how your
elbows work.
Your unique gifts are hardwired into your system just as
surely as your lungs are given their blueprint to breathe.
And it’s from these specific talents and gifts that you’re
able to define and determine your definite purpose… the
reason why you’re here.
What’s in you cannot be found in another living human
being. In fact, it’s quite possible that what you bring to
the table hasn’t been duplicated – ever – since time began.
That’s right! This “purpose” is serious business.
If you fail to determine your definite purpose, everything
else is wrong. It’s like working with a broken compass – you
may think you’re going North, but you’re not. You’re not
sure which direction you’re heading, so, you’re just
wandering aimlessly.
Without your purpose identified firmly in your mind, you
will wander through life, never quite feeling that you’re
“in the flow.” I say, then, that it’s imperative you
recognize what it is you’re good at – what it is you really
love to do.
Your purpose in this lifetime is to do the thing that you
love.
People will tell you they already know what they’re good
at, and what they love to do most, but they’ll never earn
money doing it. Whoever gave you that idea?
When you’re sorting out your purpose, I don’t want you
thinking about that non-issue at all. You can earn money at
anything. Once you determine your purpose, you won’t even
have to think hard on how to earn money – it’s as if you’re
being guided by an unseen hand, heading in the right
direction… and everything falls into place.
The key to your life is not that you settle for the “safe”
thing that will bring in the money. The key is to turn and
do what you really love. Fall in love with an idea. That’s
your life! That’s your purpose.
vision, and goals?
It doesn’t matter how you think you arrived here on this
planet or under whose direction – the fact remains that each
of us has specific talents and gifts that are uniquely coded
within our own DNA.
As you go through life, you don’t just pick up things you
like doing by chance. You discover what you’re good at
because you were meant to discover it, just as you were
meant to figure out what your fingers do, and how your
elbows work.
Your unique gifts are hardwired into your system just as
surely as your lungs are given their blueprint to breathe.
And it’s from these specific talents and gifts that you’re
able to define and determine your definite purpose… the
reason why you’re here.
What’s in you cannot be found in another living human
being. In fact, it’s quite possible that what you bring to
the table hasn’t been duplicated – ever – since time began.
That’s right! This “purpose” is serious business.
If you fail to determine your definite purpose, everything
else is wrong. It’s like working with a broken compass – you
may think you’re going North, but you’re not. You’re not
sure which direction you’re heading, so, you’re just
wandering aimlessly.
Without your purpose identified firmly in your mind, you
will wander through life, never quite feeling that you’re
“in the flow.” I say, then, that it’s imperative you
recognize what it is you’re good at – what it is you really
love to do.
Your purpose in this lifetime is to do the thing that you
love.
People will tell you they already know what they’re good
at, and what they love to do most, but they’ll never earn
money doing it. Whoever gave you that idea?
When you’re sorting out your purpose, I don’t want you
thinking about that non-issue at all. You can earn money at
anything. Once you determine your purpose, you won’t even
have to think hard on how to earn money – it’s as if you’re
being guided by an unseen hand, heading in the right
direction… and everything falls into place.
The key to your life is not that you settle for the “safe”
thing that will bring in the money. The key is to turn and
do what you really love. Fall in love with an idea. That’s
your life! That’s your purpose.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)