On The Job
DECEMBER 31, 2008
While I thought about writing an uplifting, inspirational post today -- the last day of 2008 -- the truth is that I'm very much a realist at heart. Sure, I believe in hoping for the best -- but I'm one of those people who always prepares for the worst. I do have great hopes for 2009. I hope that the economy will improve, that those who have been laid off will find jobs and the St.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 23, 2008
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Corp. House. Not a keyboard was stirring, not even a mouse. The screens were on standby, the hard drives as still. As the stars in the sky and the snow on the sill. The workers were gathered all snug in the bars. With visions of turkey and good R&R. So the office was empty, except for the sight.
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On The Job
DECEMBER 29, 2008
If you've ever been out of work, you know the feeling when the job offer finally comes. You want to scream, cry, kiss the feet of the hiring manager and dance in the streets. You're a wild mix of emotions and yet it's never been more important that you think clearly and put your brain in charge. It's time to negotiate. Now, some people may think that there's no room for negotiation in this job market.
On The Job
DECEMBER 26, 2008
I've been impressed by the number of blog posts I've read lately that urge people not to give in to despair in these despairing times, to remember that most of us have all that we really need: our friends, our family, our health. At the same time, I know that despite these pep talks there are people who, no matter how much they try, aren't feeling better.
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On The Job
DECEMBER 22, 2008
I sent out a HARO request the other day asking for input on resume do's and dont's. I was flooded with so many good suggestions I couldn't use them all for my Gannett News Service and USAToday.com column, so I'm offering you a great deal today: Super resume advice at no cost to you! (I think I'm spending too much time reading the retailer ads that bombard my e-mail every day.
On The Job
DECEMBER 19, 2008
I want you to think back to the last person you met for the first time and name as many details about the person as you can. Now, look at your list and consider the first three items. Do they look something like this? 1. Limp handshake. 2. Rarely made eye contact. 3. Awkward conversationalist. Or, more like this: 1. Great smile. 2. Confident manner. 3.
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On The Job
DECEMBER 15, 2008
Would you do your job if you didn't get paid? If you burst out laughing after reading this question, then this column is for you. If you've broken into tears at the question, this post is for you. If your stomach cramps and your vision starts to blur, this is definitely for you. This post is for all of you who can't imagine who or what you'd be without your job, but you do know that the word "love" or "passion" has never entered your consciousness when you talk about what you do for a living.
On The Job
DECEMBER 11, 2008
"Welcome, Ms. Jones. Thank you for coming in for an interview today. I'd like to spend some time talking with you about your application and past work history." "Oh, thank you for calling me. I'd be very happy to answer any questions you might have." "OK, well let's start with an obvious one: Why do you want to work here?" "Well, I just think it's a great company.
On The Job
DECEMBER 8, 2008
You're trying not to grin like an idiot, but the truth is, you're feeling pretty full of yourself. In this rotten, stinky, abysmal economy -- you've been offered a job when you aren't even unemployed! OK, so now comes the time to decide: Do you accept the new job or try and get a counteroffer from your current employer? The truth is, your current job feels safe, and you're not 100 percent sure the new employer can offer you the same job security.
On The Job
DECEMBER 5, 2008
This post is a bit different for me. Robert Hruzek at Middle Zone Musings put this challenge to me, and I decided to accept. (Anyone can participate.) You'll note, however, that this post actually does have something to do with the workplace, and the difference one person can make on the job. Everyone has a story about 9/11 – where they were and who they were with when they learned of the terrorist attacks.
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On The Job
DECEMBER 4, 2008
After opening my recent investment report, I decided that the thing should come equipped with a defibrillator and a tank of oxygen. That way I'd at least not hit the ground unprepared when I read how the *&%$ stock market has hit my portfolio. I know I'm not alone. I know that everyone is looking for ways to tighten a belt, to trim costs. That's why I think we've got to be a bit creative to make our jobs pay off even more.
On The Job
DECEMBER 2, 2008
Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, Miriam Salpeter tagged me for this meme, but I was rushing out the door for time with family, so I'm just getting around to playing along. Here goes: 1. I know firsthand the pain of layoffs. When I was a college senior, my Dad was laid off from a job he'd had for more than 20 years. The refinery employing more than 900 people closed, devastating my small town.
On The Job
DECEMBER 1, 2008
I think there's probably nothing more demoralizing than looking for work and being unable to find a job. Because let's be honest: Despite all the pep talks you give yourself, it's miserable to send out resumes and not hear anything back, or land an interview and then never get an offer. You try to stay upbeat, but day after day of not finding work is tough.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 22, 2008
Jack just gave two weeks notice to the boss. He's really looking forward to the freedom, travel, and new experiences his new business will provide him. Lately, Lou has been giving Jack all this wonderful free advice about VC funding, staffing up, and getting big fast. Jack didn't think all that was necessary. Lou says Jack needs to give him 50% of the company or risk certain disaster.
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Lateral Action
DECEMBER 19, 2008
A creative person looks at the same thing that everyone is looking at from a different perspective. He or she can 'notice and observe' better than others. This is where 'awareness' comes into the picture. If you are more 'aware' of what's happening around you, you have a better chance of noticing and observing what others are NOT noticing and observing.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 16, 2008
In our last article, Mark demonstrated why thinking INSIDE the box is actually good for creativity. In other words, imposing constraints on your thinking or a project can result in better and faster ideas and innovation. As existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, we already face real barriers to achieving our goals. The idea is to embrace these constraints as positives that kick creativity into gear and result in smart solutions.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 9, 2008
Last week, I watched the FOX Premiere of " A Secret Millionaire." The premise of the reality series is that a multi-millionaire lives in some of the worst poverty-stricken communities in the United States, and often for the first time, interacts with the poorest individuals under the conception that they are working on a documentary on poverty (and they, too, are poor).
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 8, 2008
'Think outside the box' is one of the biggest creativity cliches. The basic idea is that to be creative you need to challenge your own assumptions and look at things from a fresh angle. You need to break out of conventional thinking and take off the blinkers formed by past experience. But is that really how creativity happens? And will learning to 'think outside the box' help you become more creative?
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Lateral Action
DECEMBER 5, 2008
When you think of success, what comes to mind? One might say success is bringing home lots of money. Another might say that success is feeling like you're satisfied. A third person may disagree and say that success is feeling consistently productive and accomplished. Or that you're lucky. Or that you're happy without a worry in the world. What elements comprise your recipe for success, and how do you define it?
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 4, 2008
Something interesting is happening over at Merlin Mann's blog 43 Folders. As many of you will know, the name 43 Folders comes from David Allen's Getting Things Done productivity system, and Merlin's blog has a well earned reputation as one of the thought leaders in the productivity sector. But Merlin recently took a break from blogging, and returned to announce a bold change of direction for his site: R.I.P., Productivity Pr0n.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 1, 2008
Have a look at the picture below and answer this simple question: Which square is darker - A or B? (Don't scroll down and read the text until you've answered the question.). Easy huh? That's right - the correct answer is 'neither'. Squares A and B are exactly the same colour and shade. Don't believe me? Have a look at the image below, then move the mouse over it to isolate the two squares in question.
Lateral Action
DECEMBER 29, 2008
David Bowie is most famous for his glam rock creation Ziggy Stardust, but his best and most interesting work centres around his 'Berlin period' - the three years he spent living in Berlin, producing the experimental electronic albums Low , "Heroes" and Lodger. At least that's what the man himself thinks, and I'm inclined to agree with him. So you can imagine my delight when Santa left me a copy of Thomas Jerome Seabrook's new book, Bowie in Berlin , telling the story of this period of Bowie's ca
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Lateral Action
DECEMBER 15, 2008
Here's a little thought experiment for you. You'll need a watch or timer with a second hand. You have exactly 30 seconds after reading the instructions, to see what you come up with: Think of a story. How did you get on? Was it easy? Difficult? Were you pleased with the story you came up with? Okay here's another one. Same rules as before - 30 seconds after reading to come up with the best story you can.
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