Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Financial Advisor Interview Questions

Financial Advisor einstellungsgesprch QuestionsFinancial Advisor Interview QuestionsWhen you apply for a position with a finance firm, your prospective employer must make sure you are truly ready for the responsibility of handling clients money. A job bewerberinterview for a financial advisor position will be exacting, and you will need to present yourself at your best by giving clear and well-thought-out answers. Its not that there are right and wrong answers - the best responses are always the honest ones - but you should take some time to get your thoughts and words together before the interview. These questions include a combination ofbehavioral interview questions, questions about your knowledge of regulatory issues, and job-specific questions designed to determine your ability, qualifications, skills, and potential for success. Financial Advisor Interview Questions Some questions are designed to get at what kind of part you are, such as Why do you want to be a financial advisor? and Are you connected to the community? Your prospective employer wants to make sure that you are a good match for the company culture. A related group of questions addresses your character and your approach to your career, such as Describe a time when you had to help someone make a difficult decision, and What are yourcareer goals? Where do you want to be in five or ten years? Career Standing Some questions might vary depending on where you are in your career. For example, if you lack experience in finance, your interviewer may ask about your experience in other fields that demand a similar skill set, such as sales. If you are an experienced advisor, on the other hand, the interviewer will ask about the average portfolio of your clients, the tailored investment strategies you would recommend to different types of clients, and similar questions. In either case, you should elaborate upon the information provided in your resume by discussing your education andprofessional dev elopmentas they relate to the position youre interviewing for. Not only will your interviewer need to know what licenses and qualifications you have now, but also what plans you have to acquire additional licenses and certifications. Soft Skills/Interpersonal Skills A group of questions will address your professional style and some of your related soft skills. Especially if you are at an early stage in your career, your interviewer may ask, Are you comfortable meeting with clients in person and talking to them on the phone? Or, Tell me about your ability to establish rapport with prospective clients. Wealth Advising Skills Some questions will be more industry-specific and practical, such as, What are your preferred wealth management strategies? or How do you stay current on tax and investment laws and regulations? Depending upon the firm you are interviewing with, you may be asked about any areas of specialization Which specific demographic groups do you target? Do you specialize in particular stock options? Tell us about your experience with pre-divorce financial planning. Communications Skills/Integrity How you respond to your interviewer (your body language, tone of voice, personal composure, and professionalism) is just as important as your answers since the hiring committee will be assessing how well you might communicate in person with an actual client. They will want to see if you can keep your cool when challenged and whether you have the integrity to safeguard private client information. Along these lines, prepare for difficult questions, such as If I were a client, why should I work with you? and Without compromising any confidentiality, tell me about your success in wealth management for your clients. Trick Questions The question, How do you achieve your goals? might sound like character assessment, but it is technical. Not everyone can set and achieve goals, but a good financial advisor must. Get ready to describe your method succinctly and clearly . Another group of hidden technical questions involves how you build relationships with clients of different experience levels. Prepare to discuss how you respond to tricky situations or confrontational / escalated clients. Personal Strengths / Assets A question like If we hire you, what do you bring to the organization? is your opportunity to talk further about your strengths as an employee. Depending on the position you are applying for, this might also be your opportunity to talk about your ideas for the company, what suggestions youd offer, or what changes you might try to implement. These answers should be expressed in a consultative, non-judgmental manner dont risk appearing to criticize your potential employer. Tips for Acing the Interview Throughout your interview, be honest and straightforward, without appearing over-confident or puffing yourself up in any way. On the other hand, you do want to present yourself in a good light. If your interviewer asks you to explain wh y a client would want to work with you, or what you can bring to the organization if hired, have a positive and persuasive answer ready. Remember if you are hired, your employer will gain as much by their association with you as you will gain from having the job.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Using Resume Keywords (Keyword list by Industry)

Using Resume Keywords (Keyword list by Industry)Using Resume Keywords (Keyword list by Industry)Not including keywords in a resume is one of the most common mistakes job candidates make. If youve ever applied for a job and were the perfect candidate but never received a reply, it is likely to be because you didnt include the rightresume keywords and phrases.Including resume keywords is a simple process but many candidates dont understand its importance. This is because people wrongly assume that their resume will be carefully read and considered. This is not the case.The keywords you include on your resume should be the specific job requirements. This includes skills, experience, and qualifications. Ideally, a prospective employer should be able to see that you tick all the boxes by just glancing at your resume.As job requirements differ for each role, every job posting contains a unique set of keywords. This means that its necessary to customize each individual job application to in clude the right resume power words. Many candidates use aresumebuilderas its a time effective way of making quick edits. Create your resume now ATS and the importance of resume keywordsEmployers often receive hundreds of resumes for each job posting. To tackle this problem many recruiters now use application tracking systems (ATS). An ATS acts as a resume keywords scanner which filters out the resumes which dont contain the right words.This means that a resume which doesnt contain enough of the keywords will not even be seen by human eyes. You could be the perfect candidate, produce an attractive, well-written resume, but could fall at the first hurdle if you dont pay attention to the resume keywords.Even if an employer doesnt use an ATS, they leise follow a similar process. They dont want to read through long paragraphs and read your resume line-by-line. They will skim through your resume looking for the correct keywords.Which keywords should you use in your resume?You may ask Wh at keywords should I use in my resume? Thankfully, they are not difficult to identify and to work into your resume.To find the keywords, carefully read through the job posting and highlight the job requirements. These will include hard skills, soft skills, qualifications, and previous job positions. You need to include all the resume keywords (if possible) to get through to the interview stage.You can also check the company website for keywords. Look at the words a company uses to describe itself on its homepage and mirror the language to show why you are a good fit. For example, if the company describes itself as creative, or dynamic, you should too.How to include keywords in your resumeOnce youve identified the keywords in a job posting, the next step is to add them to your resume. However, its no good to just write the words. Anyone can say theyare a leader or have strong communication skills, its unconvincing.At the same time, employers dont want to read through long chunks of t ext. The middle ground is to use concise bullet points in your resumewhere you use the keyword and give an example or provide evidence to back up your claim.One effective way of doing this is to use an action verb combined with numerical evidence (where possible). This will be convincing to employers and will get past the ATS (as long as youve used the keyword).Resume keywords tipsKeep the following tips in mind when adding keywords to your resumeTry to use all of themThis isnt always possible but try to include as many of the keywords as possible from the job posting. Of course, you dont want to produce a resume which is mora than one or two pages so space is limited. If theres a long list of keywords, prioritize the most important job requirements.Use a variety of keyword typesAdd in a mixture of hard skills, soft skills, and qualifications. Try to use industry-specific terminology to show your expertiseas well as more accessible language, as the person reading your resume may not have extensive knowledge of your field.Use the keywords and synonymsTry to avoid repetition. You can use synonyms and paraphrasing to say the same thing without using the same words.Include resume keywords in each sectionDont just limit keywords to the work experience section of your resume. Take advantage of every part and scatter resume keywords in your skills section, education section, resume objective, and any other sections you choose to include.Edit your job titlesThere are often various job titles for the same role. You can change your previous job titles as long as it accurately reflects your duties. Lets imagine youre applying for a job as a Customer Services Advisor and you previously had a job as a Call Center Agent which was effectively the same role. In this case, you should change your job title to Customer Services Advisor as youre not lying or being inaccurate and it will help your application (especially with the ATS).Use resume templatesTailoring your resume to i nclude keywords can be time-consuming. The quickest way of editing your resume for each application is by using resume templates. They allow you to quickly produce professional-looking resumes.Use keywords in your titel letterYou should also include keywords in your cover letter. ATMs also scan cover letters, as do employers, so the same rules apply. Using keywords in your cover letter will give you an even better chance of reaching the interview stage.Resume keyword list by industryHere is a resume keywords list of words and phrases which typically appear in job postings. Remember you need to identify the keywords for each application by reading through each posting and tailoring your resume.Nurse keyword examplesAdaptability, Caring, Professional, Strong listener, Emotional Intelligence, Assertive, Stamina, Critical Thinking, Thorough.Teacher keyword examplesDynamic, Engaging, Inspirational, Classroom-led activities, Understanding, Patient, Discipline, Classroom leader.Marketing M anager keyword examplesWritten communication, Organized, Social Media, Email Marketing, SEO, Analytics, DigitalMarketing, Project management skills.Web Developer keyword examplesCreative, Word Press, Frontend development, Backend programming, Javascript, Experienced, Attention to detail.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Top 5 Most Stressful Jobs

The Top 5 Most Stressful JobsThe Top 5 Most Stressful JobsTop 5 Most Stressful ProfessionsIf you hate feeling stressed out, you may want to reconsider before transitioning into one of ansicht five careers.Have you ever stopped and looked at the stressful situations at your job? Maybe it was two colleagues in a strenuous debate over this months budget and acquisitions, or you may have witnessed a nervous breakdown over a crucial deadline. Career and stress can often become synonymous and unpreventable. Yet, your work situations may not be as bad as these stressful jobs they never seem to get a moments rest or break. What careers are these? Continue reading to find out what the five most stressful jobs are.FirefighterFirefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs, not counting active military in war zones. They face life-threatening situations in ever-changing conditions, entering burning buildings to extinguish fires and rescue individuals. This makes the list of most stressful car eer fields because while most people think firefighters only work with blazing buildings, there are other areas requiring their responsiveness. They provide advanced medical care and triage for the wounded and rescue individuals from all types of dangerous environments. Their job stats, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, includeMedian Pay $48,030Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree awardJobs in 2016 327,300Outlook 7% (as fast as average)Airline PilotFlying a tuch is harder than it looks, and not everyone is trustworthy enough to sit in the captains chair. This makes our list because pilots are responsible for the safety and security of thousands of passengers every month. Passengers and crew place their lives in the hands of each pilot. Even though computers monitor most of the controls and autopilot has replaced many of the skills required to fly a plane, pilots and co-pilots still have to mitigate concerns with passengers, guard against potential threats, monito r the computer for accuracy, and handle emergencies. The job stats includeMedian Pay $105,720Entry-Level Education Bachelors degree in any subject/commercial pilots license/ATP certificate from the FAA.Jobs in 2016 124,800Outlook 4% (slower than average)Police OfficerPolice officers risk their lives every day to serve and protect, never knowing what the day will bring whether it be drug-induced violence, a lost child, or a homeless partie looking for a place to sleep. We place our trust, lives, and community safety in the hands of each officer, but often police have to walk a fine line. They must use similar skills as top ambassadors, and their first job is to prevent violence. When diplomatic reasoning is not achieved, they take on the stressful conditions of battle. This can be considered one of the most stressful career fields because while not all situations require force, police have to respond to disgruntled speeders, angry jaywalkers, and nosey neighbors. The job stats inclu deMedian Pay $61,600Entry-Level Education High School Diploma/Academy TrainingJobs in 2016 807,000Outlook 7% (as fast as average)RelatedAre You Stressing Out at Work for No Reason?Event CoordinatorNot all stressful jobs are dangerous. insolent CEOs, bridal divas, and bossy parents hire event coordinators to make their special day perfect. Since perfection is elusive, event coordinators require the best negotiation and mitigation skills to calm frazzled nerves before they turn into disaster situations. Many tasks include registering and coordinating events for several thousand conference goers, creating a Paris Hilton wedding on a school teachers budget, and designing new, inspiring events that have never been done before. Since setting up these events means meeting strict deadlines, and the groups involved can span a wide range of attendees, the stress associated with this job can be high. Job stats includeMedian Pay $47,350Entry-Level Education Bachelors DegreeJobs in 2016 116,700O utlook 11% (faster than average)PhotojournalistWhether crawling in the trenches with soldiers, hiding several feet away from a mother lion and her cubs, or navigating a presidential press conference, photojournalists take stress and danger to new heights. Journalists may report the news, but the photographers capture the moment. They risk their lives to record history and educate the people on whats going on. Its on this list because some photojournalists have even been imprisoned for filming news in countries less hospitable to journalists and freedom of the press. The job stats includeMedian Pay $34,070Entry-Level Education High School Diploma or equivalentJobs in 2016 147,300Outlook -6% (decline)Reduce your stressDont these examples of the most stressful jobs make those missed deadlines and sleepless nights seem a little less stressful? We all have our moments when stress consumes us, but it doesnt have to be that bad.Here are some great techniques for reducing stressSeek counsel from like-minded colleagues Your co-workers face similar issues at work ask them how they deal with stress.Take time each morning to clear your head and to do list We often pack our daily routine with more than we can handle. Take time each morning to prioritize.Ask a counselor for help Counselors are there to help you work through stress and teach techniques to reduce conflicts.Eat your lunch with friends How many times did you pack a lunch and eat at your desk? Theres a reason federal guidelines require lunch breaks. Use yours to mingle and get away for a while.Click on the following link for more advice on how to get ahead.Looking for a less stressful job? Make sure your resume is ready for the job search with a free resume critiqueRecommended Reading12 Tips to Manage Workplace StressProductivity Tips That Really Work9 Habits That Will Make You Happier in the Office

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

What You Need to Know About the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test

What You Need to Know About the Air Force Officer Qualifying TestWhat You Need to Know About the Air Force Officer Qualifying TestThe Air Force Officer Qualifying Test is used to select college graduates for entry-level officer positions in the U.S. Air Force. It helps determine which military occupation would be the best fit. The tests are rigorous but designed to measure skills and aptitudes based on what the Air Force needs in its recruits. The 2015 revision of the AFOQT makes several changes. It has a new reading comprehension test that was based on officer professional military education materials. It tests for instrument comprehension with modernized instrument displays. It has a situational judgment test that uses realistic scenarios. What the AFOQT Measures The updated AFOQT assesses candidates on verbal analogies, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, math knowledge, reading comprehension, physical science, table reading, instrument comprehension, block counting, aviatio n information, and situational judgment. Changes Made in the Form T AFOQT The test questions were updated throughout the test when it was revised in 2015. Specific sections were also changed. The reading comprehension subtest was added, and its score contributes to the composite scores for Verbal and Academic Aptitude. It is based on being able to understand the content of officer Professional Military Education (PME). Another subtest, situational judgment, also was added. It scores how you use judgment in interpersonal situations that an officer is likely to encounter. The instrument comprehension test was added to include graphics and modern instrumentation of Air Force aircraft. And the physical science subtest replaced the general science test. Subtests andComposite Scores on the AFOQT The subtests include Verbal Analogies, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Math Knowledge, Reading Comprehension, Situational Judgment Test, Self-Description Inventory, Physical Science, Table Reading, betriebsmittel Comprehension, Block Counting, Aviation Information Scores from the subtests generate verbal, quantitative, academic, pilot, combat systems operator, and air battle manager composite scores. Pilot Composite Score Used as part of the overall Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PSCM) score. Subtests included Math Knowledge, Table Reading, Instrument Comprehension, Aviation Information. Combat Systems Officer (CSO) This was formerly the Navigator-Technical composite. Subtests included Word Knowledge, Math Knowledge, Table Reading, Block Counting. Air Battle Manager (ABM) In addition to elements of the pilot composite, it includes the subtests for verbal aptitude and spatial ability. Subtests included Verbal Analogies, Math Knowledge, Table Reading, Instrument Comprehension, Block Counting, Aviation Information. Academic Aptitude Includes the verbal and quantitative composites. Verbal Composite Verbal Analogies, Word Knowledge, Reading Comprehension. Quantit ative Composite Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge. The total time required to take the test is almost five hours, with two breaks allowed. All questions are multiple-choice with four or five possible answers. You are scored on the number of correct answers and not penalized for incorrect answers. Passing Score on the AFOQT The test does not have a pass or fail scores. The better you score, the better your chances are of being considered for officer candidacy. Each commission source determines what scores are needed to be selected or considered for their programs. To pass, applicants taking theAFOQTmustscoreaextremumof 15 in Verbal and 10 in Quantitative. For aspiring pilot applicants, you mustscorea minimumof 25 in pilot, 10 in navigator, and possess a combined pilot-navigator scoreof 50.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Why You Can Be Both Tough and Compassionate - The Muse

Why You Can Be Both Tough and Compassionate - The MuseWhy You Can Be Both Tough and Compassionate Lauren C. Anderson learned early on that being tough doesnt mean you cant also be compassionate. The former FBI executive, geopolitical expert, and social justice advocate remembers a day many years ago when she stepped into a crowded elevator in the Federal Building in Milwaukee and a man she didnt recognize greeted her. Hi, how are you? he said. Sensing the confusion on her face, he added, You dont remember me. She didnt. So he explained. Well, you arrested me.As a young agent less than a year out of the FBI Academy, Anderson was working on a squad that dealt with national security. But she was eager to learn and often volunteered to help other teams, including the white collar crime squad whose investigation led to the arrest of the man she ran into in the elevator. Theyd driven him almost an hour to get to the jail that day. On their way out, he said, Excuse me. Andersons fellow agen t told her to forget about it and tried to rush her out, saying Screw him in words that are even less safe for work. But she insisted on going back to see what he needed. The man said was really cold and asked for a blanket, which Anderson made sure the attendant would get for him. Her irritated colleague lit into her when they left, but she dished it right back. She didnt regret spending the two extra minutes. That was probably the worst day of my life, the man later told her as they rode up to their respective floors. But you treated me with such compassion, I will never forget that. I just wanted to thank you.That brief interaction had an enormous impact on Anderson, underscoring the idea that yes, were going to arrest him, but we can treat him with dignity and respect, she says. Compassion doesnt contradict toughness. I think that to be a good human being you need to have both, she says. I see no dichotomy at all.Early incidents like the one in the elevator were incredibly reinf orcing to me throughout my career about treating people with civility and courtesy, she says. Doing so didnt harm the investigations. In fact, it was far more effective to find the right balance. Some people think that to be tough you have to be nasty, she says, but thats a really bad mistake to make. Anderson views being tough, rather, as being laser focused to ensure the success of a mission or project. But theres still room for compassion. She learned from her own experiences as well as from senior leaders at the FBI. The ones with the best reputations, she says, were tough when they had to be but also demonstrated humanity, toward both bureau employees and subjects under investigation. Thats what makes good leaders, she says, when people see you as a human being. So sure, most careers dont involve putting anyone in handcuffs or bringing them to jail, but the lesson applies broadly. I dont care what the job is, Anderson says. Whether youre working in the financial sector, at a no nprofit, in the media, or in any other job, theres no reason people cannot be treated with civility and courtesy.If Anderson was able to summon compassion while remaining focused and tough in extreme situations, we can all remember to do the same when we go to work in the morning. (Full Disclosure Lauren C Anderson is a former employee of The FBI, The FBI is a current client of The Muse.)

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Key Pieces of Teaching Assistant Resume

Key Pieces of Teaching Assistant Resume It is very important to know that your resume is your very first point of contact with your possible employer. Resumes dont have to be long. Searching for a new job doesnt need to be difficult. For the very best chance of succeeding, you must include things like a new cover letter with each work application. Your experience as a sales rep is fantastic, but nevertheless, it wont really help you when you are asking for a software engineer position. By joining a masters or doctorate application, you will discover graduate teaching assistant jobs available to assist teach undergraduates at the university. Graduate assistantships might include a tuition waiver, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend. Additionally, all students appointed to an assistantship must certify annually that theyve met the prerequisites of the assistantship. Non-resident graduate students on assistantship appointments are entitled to a non-resident waiver for th e out-of-state parte of tuition during the very first year theyre on assistantship appointment at WSU. There is very little qualification necessary to be a graduate assistant except well you must be a graduate Judging from its type, resumes are broken up into several varieties. Or maybe youre just prepared for a fresh start in a new career. Otherwise, then it is possible to plektrum from the teacher resume samples from down below. The Basics of Teaching Assistant Resume If youre considering applying to be a teacher, then the very first step you will need is a resume to assist you. Thus, if youre trying to find a job for a teacher, as well as your resume, its also advisable to pay appropriate attention to your cover letter. In order to acquire the best chances of landing your teacher job, you ought to make sure youre making the best resume that youre able to. If youre on the lookout for your fantasy teaching assistant job, youre likely to have to understand how to compose a p ersonal statement. Teaching the area of example where safety is a key concern, obtaining a fantastic track record is critical, and a resume with no gaps or distinctive guide is a superb start. Dance schools stress that no former experience is required to join the certification training plan. As a substitute teacher, make certain that you dismiss the class at the close of the day in an orderly fashion and care for learners that are picked up late by ensuring they are safe. Make sure you understand in advance when you need to be in class, what you will do in and out of the classroom, etc.. As a chance to be a true support roles my everyday tasks included encouraging students that clearly. Youre able to learn a whole lot about the art of teaching by simply observing your supervising professors. Especially if you would like to obtain a work. If youre a student and do not own a lot of work history yet, list any part time jobs you might have held or any volunteer work you might have done. Determining what you would like to teach is a fantastic way to use your prior career in a new teaching career. Know which youre searching for a full-time teaching position. A sort of training you may undergo before becoming a full-fledged teacher is employed as a teaching assistant. Someone whos a teacher is deemed to be an educated person. Getting to know staff can help you to have a sense of the day-to-day environment, which will set you in an outstanding position when applying for a teaching assistant function. You need to always refer to the lesson plan that the normal teacher has prepared and be sure you follow it. Conclusion If youre trying to work as a teacher assistant, you most likely have lofty goals that go beyond just obtaining a job. As a substitute teacher, youre predicted to manage a classroom once the lead teacher is away for a short while. You most likely have terrific conflict resolution skills, and you learn how to communicate with all sorts of indivi duals. The term process itself connotes the worth of time. There are lots of chances in your job for quantification. When the work search starts, the practice of locating employment in the teaching field may be an overwhelming job, if youre unprepared.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

3 Ways to Be A Better Interviewer - Spark Hire

3 Ways to Be A Better Interviewer - Spark HireAs you are bewerbungsinterviewing candidates, its important that you make the right decisions when it comes down to the final selection. In order to do this, you must make sure you are doing the right things during the interview process. By ensuring that you are doing the right things during an interview, you are in fact becoming a better interviewer.1.PrepareBefore interviewing a candidate, make sure you are prepared, just as you would expect the candidate to be prepared.Review the candidates resume and get a good understanding of his or her background and experience. Know the candidates work history and where they have worked, as well as any key skills notlageed.Take a look at where the candidate went to school, subject concentration, and any hobbies or volunteer activities listed.Search for the candidate on LinkedIn to see any recommendations, connections, or interests. Make sure there are no large discrepancies between the LinkedIn pr ofile and resume.Some managers take it a step further and search for candidates on other social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter. However, Human Resurce Executive recommends that employers stay away from this practice due to legal implications.2.AskIf you have done your homework and thoroughly reviewed the candidates resume and LinkedIn profile, you should not only have typical interview questions prepared but also questions specific to that candidate.Ask questions surrounding their college concentration such asWhat made you decide to major in ____?How has your college degree in ____ assisted you in your career?Also, do not be afraid to ask about any volunteer work or hobbies listed. If the candidate has shared this information on their resume, it is okay to discuss.I noticed that you volunteer at ___ organization. What type of skills have you learned or utilized through your volunteer work? I see you coach little league, that must be rewarding. What do you enjoy the most abo ut coaching little league?The important thing in your questioning is to take an interest in the candidate. By asking questions specific to the candidates experience and noted items on his resume, you are obtaining information regarding what is important to the candidate in addition to the candidates decision making process.3.ShareI have always thought it a bit unfair when an interviewer asks all of the questions and doesnt bother sharing any information with the candidate. Why should the interview be so one sided, expecting the candidate to share and the interviewer only asks questions? After all, an interview is meant to not only ensure the employer is making the right choice, but also for the candidate to make the right career decision.Your interview will have a much nicer flow and be more conversational if you are sharing information along with the candidate. When you find something you can relate to the candidate with, share this information. Perhaps you went to the same school or majored in the same subject area.Dont be afraid to share information about the company. When I interviewed candidates to hire for my recruiting team in the past, I found it very enjoyable to share our companys history and line of business with a candidate during the face-to-face interview. Not only was I passionate about my company and the opportunity to paint a picture of its history for the candidate, but I found that the candidate truly appreciated this information. I also discovered that this gaveme the chance to see any passion or excitement the candidate initially had for our business. This was valuable to me, as I wanted to hire people who would be just as passionate about my company as I was.What have you done to be a better interviewer? Please share your tips and suggestions below.Image Wavebreak Media Ltd/BigStock.com

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Youll never believe what iconic summer fashion trend is now office appropriate

Youll never believe what iconic summer fashion trend is now office appropriateYoull never believe what iconic summer fashion trend is now office appropriateThere are things you can always look forward to in the summer. The weather, permission to eat ice cream at any time of day, beach time and a more casual, laid back type of dressing. For many people in the summer, a pair of cutoff denim shorts is as dressy as they get. Another casual summer staple? The tie-dye shirt.Though many people associate tie dye with those participating in hippie fashion in the 1960s, the process of tie-dye actually dates all the way back to the 8th century in Japan and Indonesia. It emerged in the US in the 1920s as a means for people to redecorate old items in their house by using cotton, coffee, flour and sugar when money was scarce during The Great Depression. But, of course, tie-dye really had its fashion moment during the 1960s when hippies embraced it as a protest against more subdued, normal clothes (after all, no tie-dye shirts are exactly the same therefore expressing individuality which the hippies were all about) with music icon Janis Joplin acting as the poster child for the aesthetic.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThey fell a bit out of fashion as the years went on but they still always remained a staple in certain musical genres and certainly for summer apparel. And now the fashion Gods have decided they are all the rage in the summer of 2019. Tie-dye was featured on the runways of Prada, Proenza Schouler, and Stella McCartney last season andthe shopping appLiketoKnow.itreported that the searches for tie-dye shirts were up 900% in June compared to May.But there is no way that tie-dye, the uniform of people who sell weed at Grateful Dead concerts, can be worn in an office? Or is there?Believe it or not, tie-dye is having a high fashion moment which means beautiful a nd expensive blouses, like this one, are available. Or if you are feeling really bold, you could opt for a tie-dye suit like this one. Or why not pair a tie-dye blazer with black jeans? Or pair a tie-dye top with a neutral colored blazer so your shirt makes a statement? Think of it as grown-up tie-dye. Youll feel like you are an outdoor concert while you are sitting at your desk.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Get Tips on How to Support Your First-Time Manager

Get Tips on How to Support Your First-Time ManagerGet Tips on How to Support Your First-Time ManagerThe hard work of developing a new manager begins, not ends, at the time of the promotion. Unfortunately, too many senior managers get this entirely wrong. They identify an individual with leadership potential, extend a promotion, fund a training course and then proceed to disappear, leaving the first-time manager to flail and often fail. This flawed formula is painful for all individuals involved and costly for the organization. Sadly, this process is repeated over and over again in our organizations. When addressing this issue in workshops and coaching programs, a number of common themes emerge, including First-time managers often describe being left to sink or swim in their new role. Armed with little context for the challenges of directing and developing others, the rookie managers frequently resort to morale killing micro-managing and dictatorial practices.Senior managers often des cribe believing that on the job training is the best and only way to learn how to manage others. They cite their own experience in being tossed into the fire in their first management role.New managers almost universally describe wanting more coaching, feedback, and feed-forward to sttze learning. Team members of unguided first-time managers express significant frustration over the aberrant behaviors and styles of their rookie bosses. Theywish that observation, coaching, and on-going training were parte of the start-up process for their new manager. Put an End to This Slipshod Approach to Developing New Leadership Talent. If you are involved in identifying and managing first-time supervisors or managers, your commitment to the following mentoring and coaching activities will significantly reduce the odds of first-time manager burnout. Remain Involved, Regardless of Other Pressing Priorities This point is critical. The success or failure of this individual is your responsibi lity. They are a reflection of you and your leadership, and you owe it to yourself, the new manager and the extended team to do everything in your power to help the start-up process succeed. Challenge the New Manager Early to Define Leadership Approach and Values A powerful question I repeat regularly and that works perfectly here At the end of your time with this team, what do you want them to say that you did? I love the practice of challenging managers at all levels to articulate what they stand for and what they want to be known for. While our perspectives change over time, running this activity with a first-time manager forces him/her to articulate their early leadership philosophy and values. Observe the New Manager and Offer Timely, Behavioral Feedback and Feed-Forward Nothing beats observation over a variety of settings to develop an understanding of where an individual is succeeding and struggling. While you do not want to have to be present constantly, a blend of p lanned and spontaneous observations will help you offer meaningful feedback and coaching guidance. Extend Training Programs Beyond the Classroom and Into the Workplace Too often, the learning ends with the training program. Work hard to help your manager implement, apply and extend the trainingbeyond the actual event. Encourage the individual to develop and present you with a post-program action-plan. Remember to review progress against the plan in your regular coaching sessions. Meet New Managers Team Members One-On-One to Gauge Reactions This idea is often controversial. It should not be. Make it clear to your new manager that you will continue to talk with his/her team members and that you will listen carefully to their perspectives for hints on potential strengths and gaps. Be certain to let your manager know that you will not use this input to pass judgment, but rather to help identify additional areas for observation and possible coaching. Meet Regularly With Your N ew Manager and Use Questions, Not Statements to Promote Reflectionand Learning How are you doing?Whats working?Whats not?What is the most difficult part of the new role for you?How do you perceive people are responding to you?Why?What do you think you should do about it?What will you do differently the next time? Enlist an Experienced Peer-Manager to Serve as a Sounding Board for New Manager Your involvement isnt priceless, however, it helps if the new manager has a peer to discuss difficult issues and share experiences. Challenge Your New Manager With a Series of Increasingly Difficult Assignments As your manager displays competence at the fundamentals, ramp up the scale and scope of the challenges. Ask the new manager to lead an initiative to solve a particular problem. Later, ask the manager to form and coach but not lead a team in pursuit of a particular issue. Timely and deliberate exposure to increasingly difficult challenges will turbocharge development and help identi fy additional strengths and gaps. Give the New Manager an out During the First Year. Not everyone is cut out to manage. If you or both of you decide it is not working, provide an exit path and allow the individual to return to a contributor role. The promotion should never be a prison or life sentence. Nor should this developmental initiative cost you a good employee. The Bottom-Line for Now Developing the leadership talent on your team and in your firm offers a remarkable return on investment. Prioritize your efforts accordingly.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Life lessons from a psychiatrist whos been listening to peoples problems for decades

Life lessons from a psychiatrist whos been listening to peoples problems for decadesLife lessons from a psychiatrist whos been listening to peoples problems for decadesHow you approach life says a lot about who you are.As I get deeper into my late 30s I have learned to focus more on experiences that bring meaning and fulfillment to my life.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreI try to consistently pursue life goals that will make me and my closest relations happy a trait that many individuals search for their entire lives.Nothing gives a person inner wholeness and peace like a distinct understanding of where they are going, how they can get there, and a sense of control over their actions.Seneca once said, Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.No people can be truly happy if they do not feel that they are choosing the curse of their own life, states theWorld Happiness Report 2012. The report also found that having this freedom of choice is one of the six factors that explain why some people are happier than others.In his best-selling first book,Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart Thirty True Things You Need to Know Now,Dr Gordon Livingston, a psychiatrist whos been listening to peoples problems for decades, revealed thirty bedrock truths about life, and how best to live it.In his capacity as a psychiatrist, Dr Livingston listened to people talk about their lives and the many ways people induced unhappiness on themselves. In his book, he brings his insight and wisdom to the subjects of happiness, fear and courage.Lifes two fruchtwein important questions are Why? and Why not? The trick is knowing which one to ask. Acquiring some understanding of why we do things is often a prerequisite to change. This is especially true when talking about repetitive patterns of behavior that do not serve us well. This is what Socrates meant when he said, The unexamined li fe is not worth living. That more of us do not take his advice is testimony to the hard work and potential embarrassment that self-examination implies.Most people operate on autopilot, doing the same things today that didnt work yesterday. They rarely stop to measure the impact of their actions on themselves and others, and how those actions affect their total well-being.They are caught in a cycle.And once you get caught in the loop, it can be difficult to break free and do something meaningful.Past behavior is the most reliable predictor of future behavior.If your daily actions and choices are making you unhappy, make a deliberate choice to change direction. No matter how bleak or desperate a situation may appear to look, you always have a choice.People often come to me asking for medication. They are tired of their sad mood, fatigue, and loss of interest in things that previously gave them pleasure. Their days are routine unsatisfying jobs, few friends, lots of boredom. They feel cut off from the pleasures enjoyed by others.Here is what I tell them The good news is that we have effective treatments for the symptoms of depression the bad news is that medication will not make you happy. Happiness is not simply the absence of despair. It is an affirmative state in which our lives have both meaning and pleasure.In general we get, not what we deserve, but what we expect, he says.Most people know what is good for them, they know what will make them feel better. They dont avoid meaningful life habits because of ignorance of their value, but because they are no longer motivated to do them, Dr Livingston found. They are waiting until they feel better.Frequently, its a long wait, he says.Life is too short to wait for a great day to invest in better life experiences.Most unhappiness is self-induced, Dr Livingston found.The three components of happinessare something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to. Think about it. If we have useful work, sustain ing relationships, and the promise of pleasure, it is hard to be unhappy. I use the term work to encompass any activity, paid or unpaid, that gives us a feeling of personal significance. If we have a compelling avocation that lends meaning to our lives, that is our work, says Dr Livingston.Many experiences in life that bring happiness are in your control. The more choices you are able to exercise, and control, the happier you are likely to be.Happiness is an inside job. Dont assign anyone else that much power over your life, says Mandy Hale.Many people wait for something to happen or someone to help them live their best lives. They expect others to make them happy. They think they have lost the ability to improve their lives.The thing that characterizes those who struggle emotionally is that they have lost, or believe they have lost, their ability to choose those behaviors that will make them happy, says Dr Livingston.You are responsible for your own life experiences, whether you a re seeking a meaningful life or a happy life.If you expect others to make you happy, you will always be disappointed.You can consistently choose actions that could become everyday habits. It takes time, but its an investment that will be worth your while.Virtually all the happiness-producing processes in our lives take time, usually a long time Learning new things, changing old behaviors, building new relationships, raising children. This is why patience and determination are among lifes primary virtues,Most people are stuck in life because of fear. Fear of everything outside their safe zones. Your mind has a way of rising to the occasion. Challenge it, and it will reward you.Your determination to overcome fear and discouragement constitutes the only effective antidote to that feeling on unhappiness you dont want.Dr. Livingston explains.The most secure prisons are those we construct for ourselves.I frequently ask people who are risk-averse, What is the biggest chance you have ever t aken? People begin to realize what safe lives they have chosen to lead.Everything we are afraid to try, all our unfulfilled dreams, constitute a limitation on what we are and could become. Usually it is fear and its close cousin, anxiety, that keep us from doing those things that would make us happy. So much of our lives consists of broken promises to ourselves. The things we long to do?- ?educate ourselves, become successful in our work, fall in love?- ?are goals shared by all. Nor are the means to achieve these things obscure. And yet we often do not do what is necessary to become the people we want to be.As you increasingly install experiences of acceptance, gratitude, accomplishment, and feeling that theres a fullness in your life rather than an emptiness or a scarcity, you will be able to absprache with the issues of life better.Closing thoughtsDr. Livingstons words feel true and profound.The real secret to a happy life is selective attention, he says.If you choose to focus you r awareness and energy on things and people that bring you pleasure and satisfaction, you have a very good chance of being happy in a world full of unhappiness, uncertainty, and fear.This article first appeared on Medium.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people