On The Job

OCTOBER 27, 2008

Watch out: 5S may be coming to your workplace. And if it does, well, you have my condolences. I first read about 5S several months ago, and hoped it was a bad blip on the radar screen, sort of like a new High School Musical cast being assembled. But no, there it was on the front page of the Wall Street Journal this morning. For those who haven't heard of 5S (sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain), it was originally designed for the manufacturing floor as a way to keep things neat and

Manufacturing 180

Manufacturing Solution Communication Performance 180

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.

Creativity 52

Creativity Accounting IT Management 52

On The Job

OCTOBER 22, 2008

When was the last time you did something courageous at work? I'm not talking about cleaning out the office fridge (although that does take gumption) or trying a new font on your report. I'm talking about stepping out of your comfort zone, doing something that made your palms sweat or your knees quake. You may be wondering why in the world you would do something scary at work, when just being at work these days is frightening enough.

Career 179

Career Performance IT 179

On The Job

AUGUST 13, 2008

Recently I ran into a friend of mine who told me he's quitting his job and going back to school to become a registered nurse. I was a bit surprised: Quit a job in this economy? Take on more student loan debt? When I asked him why he was leaving a job that he seemed to love the last time I spoke to him about a year ago, he told me that he was simply exhausted, both emotionally and mentally.

Management 170

Management Management Mining Recruitment 170

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Training Program

On The Job

JULY 21, 2008

Before I get into discussing the issue of whether you can -- or should -- go over your boss's head, I'd like to share a little story with you. Once upon a time there was a young woman named Letitia Hood. Because her hair was a vibrant auburn color, and she was a bit vertically challenged, she was known in her office as Little Red Riding Hood -- or "Red" for short.

Career 165

Career Management Management Accomplishment 165

On The Job

MAY 27, 2008

OK, time to fess up. I don't care how nice you are, there's someone at work who is driving you nuts. It's either the guy who clips his fingernails while on the phone and leaves the droppings all over the floor, or the woman who complains nonstop about her worthless, freeloading kids. It could be the person who constantly interrupts, butting into your conversations or the guy who has to always trumpet his every success, no matter how small.

Career 154

Career Solution Communication IT 154

On The Job

MARCH 6, 2008

You stroll into the job interview, feeling pretty confident. You’re got the qualifications the employer is looking for, and believe you really connected with the hiring manager. When you leave, you expect to be getting a call soon. You feel you’ve got this job in the bag. But after you leave, something happens. The executive asks the administrative assistant, or secretary, to step into the office.

Management 145

Management Management Consulting IT 145

On The Job

JULY 2, 2008

Anyone searching for a job knows the excitement of finally landing an interview. But just imagine how you would feel, after prepping for hours to make sure you're ready to answer questions about why you'd be great for the job, to have a hiring manager lean earnestly forward and ask: "If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?

Creativity 125

Creativity Food Career Management 125

On The Job

NOVEMBER 5, 2008

Do you sometimes think you've become the invisible employee? Do you think the only way your boss might pay attention to you is if you were holding a phone and saying: "I've got Oprah on the line for you!" You're not alone. Many people have felt ignored by their managers, but they are really beginning to fret more about it these days because they fear that "out of mind" may mean "out of a job" if layoffs hit their workplace.

Solution 114

Solution Management Management Creativity 114

On The Job

JANUARY 11, 2008

It’s no secret that many of us are doing twice -- if not three or four times -- the amount of work we were doing a few years ago. Downsizings and layoffs and the reliance on teams have caused organizations to ask each individual to perform a multitude of tasks, many of them simultaneously. And, of course, with all that works comes a lot of stress. Trying to find enough hours in the day to complete demanding projects while trying to please bosses and customers is a daunting task.

Management 114

Management Management Performance IT 114

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Creativity

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.

Real Estate 100

Real Estate Consulting Management Management 100

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.

Career 100

Career IT Management Management 100

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.

Career 100

Career Development IT 100

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.

Retail 100

Retail Career Coaching Career Coach Career 100

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Education

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.

Career 100

Career Networking IT 100

On The Job

DECEMBER 17, 2008

Let's say someone held a taser to your chest right this minute and said: "Tell me the story of your career." Could you do it? I'm not sure I could -- being zapped by a taser is bound to make me a bit nervous and the most I might be able to do is give my name and e-mail address. But more and more, people want you to tell them career stories. They want to know of a time when you handled a problem at work, when you dealt with a difficult customer or when you led an important project.

Career 100

Career Solution Creativity Performance 100

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.

Executive Coach 100

Executive Coach Executive Coaching Career IT 100

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.

Education 100

Education Management Management IT 100

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Strategy

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.

Management 100

Management Management Communication Career 100

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.

IT 100

IT 100

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.

Creativity 100

Creativity Communication Career IT 100

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.

Career 100

Career Management Management IT 100

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Management

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.

Management 100

Management Management Leadership IT 100

On The Job

NOVEMBER 24, 2008

When I was a child, my mother often talked about living through the Depression. As the oldest child, she was sent to live with relatives when her family could no longer afford to feed all three children. Even though her time away from the family only lasted about a year, it greatly affected her life. She hated antiques. She thought of them as old, and old stuff meant poverty.

Career 100

Career Finance Banking Government 100

On The Job

NOVEMBER 20, 2008

My last post generated a lot of comments regarding the tougher stance employers may be taking regarding truthfulness from job seekers based on President-Elect Obama's criteria, and it got me to thinking about just how far the new administration may be willing to go when it comes to vetting job candidates. The Obama Administration is reportedly going to check into everything from an applicant's friends, family and associates to past e-mails, texts, online comments, etc., looking for anything that

Food 100

Food Accounting Career Management 100

On The Job

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

With the economy in the crapper, most people I know wouldn't even think of uttering the words "work/life balance." As more people are laid off, it's up to the survivors to pick up the work load and do it without complaint -- if they want to keep their job. But it's tough. Real tough. That's why I thought I'd end the week with a sort of optimistic view of what many of us are going through right now -- work/life imbalance.

IT 100

IT 100

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Professional development

On The Job

NOVEMBER 12, 2008

Want to know a key player many people forget to network with these days? The boss. Yep, the head honcho. The big kahuna. The top dog. You may wonder why you need to network with the boss when a) you see him every day; and b) you see him every day, dammit. But networking involves much more than just trying to get new business or find a new job. It's about understanding what the other person needs, what will help make him or her successful and how you can develop a quality relationship with the pe

Networking 100

Networking Mentor Development Career 100

On The Job

NOVEMBER 10, 2008

When this nation was in it's formative stages, many people were struggling with low wages, few jobs and limited opportunities. "Go West, young man," advised many. So, thousands of people headed West, seeking their fortune and new lives. Now, I'm about to offer the same advice. Want better wages, a new and growing career and unlimited oportunities? Go green, ladies and gentlemen, go green.

Engineering 100

Engineering Government Construction Manufacturing 100

On The Job

NOVEMBER 3, 2008

"Hello?" "Mr. Jones? This is Mr. Smith from Acme, calling for our telephone interview?" "Oh, yeah, sure. Can you hang on a sec?" "Sure." (A toilet flushes.) "Whew! OK, much better. Wassup? Mr. Smith.you there?" "Uh, yes, I'm here. Now, Mr. Jones, I'd like to ask you about your work experience." "Sure.prob.lots of." "Mr. Jones? Are you there? I seem to be losing you.

Management 100

Management Management Food IT 100

On The Job

OCTOBER 30, 2008

After 9/11, I was struck by the sense of caring we showed for one another. It was a horrible, stressful time, but it seemed to bring out the best in us. We began to look out for one another, even at work. We shared our mutual pain about what had happened, and even expressed our fear for the future. Office squabbles seemed ridiculous, and petty jealousies even more so.

IT 100

IT 100

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