How to Find an Introvert-Friendly Work Culture

How to Find an Introvert-Friendly Work CultureHow to Find an Introvert-Friendly Work Culture Finding a job that fits your life can also mean finding a company that suits your work style and personality. Office environments put employees in group situations fairly often, whether thats official meetings or even just in the break room at lunch time, says career strategist Heather Huhman , explaining why sharing anything from a cubicle to an office kitchen can be a struggle for people who prefer one-on-one ways of communication or, quite frankly, to be left alone entirely. Executive coach Karen Elizaga agrees, adding that, unlike extroverts who happily absorb energy from being around other people, introverts need time alone. They get and need to recharge their energy in solitude. But how can an introvert get the alone time they crave and need in an office environment? Here are four expert tips for finding an introvert-friendly work culture you will love. 1. Look for a workspace with a door. You may be focused on salary and vacation benefits during a job search, but theres a less obvious perk you should be on the lookout for a job that offers you an office- or at least a workspace that boats some kind of door. Although a new college graduate might not have earned an office, this is the environment where an introvert will perform best, explains Huhman, adding that, smart companies will have multiple workspace options available- including the ability to work from home , if the job duties allow- so each employee can maximize their work quality and productivity . A job that offers a flexible schedule or remote work opportunities are ideal for introverts, Elizaga says. If its possibility, work from the comfort of your own home, she says. You can revel in the solitude and a charged battery and then go out into the world with excellent energy.2. Search for a forward-thinking leader. Does the organization youre interested in have a leader who plan s for the days and weeks ahead, or one who flies by the seat of his or her pants? When it comes to working with higher-ups, introverts respond better to planners, says Huhman. Introverts like to be able to see what theyre going to be working on the next day, the next week, and so on, Huhman explains. So, try to find a boss who can help you visualize your tasks so you can determine how you will tackle each one. Whats more, introverts should look for a boss who plays to peoples strengths, she says. Introversion, despite popular belief, is not a weakness. Even so, it may be a struggle, and a great boss will help individuals succeed in a way thats natural for them, Huhman says. 3. Find a company that uses asynchronous communication methods.Group meetings may make an introvert shutter. But using programs such as Slack- a type of group chat many business use today- and email to talk can make introverts much more comfortable, says Huhman. Slack and email allow introverted employees to wo rk independently, but still offer channels for support and feedback , she says. So, look for companies that use similar tools, or that are open to allowing you to communicate in writing, not in person.If you cant quite pin down a fhigkeit boss personality type or a company youre really interested in has never heard of Slack, you can still get a feel for whether youd be comfortable in its office environment by knowing your own limits and seeing how this place would fit within them, says Elizaga. For example, if networking would give you nightmares, dont snatch up a job at a company that would require you to attend events on a frequent basis. You know best what youre comfortable doing, Elizaga says.

Learn How Not To Get Sued in Business

Learn How Not To Get Sued in BusinessLearn How Not To Get Sued in BusinessDont break the law. This may sound like common sense, but thousands of small business owners routinely violate laws by Not Registering or Legally Establishing A Business,Failing to Report Income or File Taxes Properly,Copyright, Patent, or Trademark Infringement. In the eyes of the law, criminal cases may put the burden of proof on the prosecutor, but most business issues are handled in civil court where the rules are a lot different. It is not that difficult to sue a business, and even if the case gets tossed out or is decided in your favor, it could cost you thousands to hundreds of thousands to battle an issue out in court. Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Business Another common reason business owners (especially employers) get sued is because they create documents (employee manuals, contracts, legal forms, and even email communications) that tischset them up for lawsuits. It is important that you have som eone qualified to help you set up any document that shows or establishes how your business is set up or run. This is especially important with complicated business structures like corporations, and businesses with partners or investors. Just about anything in writing can be used in a court of law either to help you or to hurt you. Using the wrong words in documents hurt your business later down the road if you are ever sued. There are many free, or affordable legal resources available to women business owners, and when you do need the help of an attorney, ask the firm if they have a qualified paralegal (cheaper) who can help you set up or review your legal documents. Many attorneys will work on contingency (they get paid only if they win a lawsuit for you) or may even offer a free initial consultation. To find an attorney call your state bar association. All businesses, including home-based businesses, that generate income, sell a product or service, use a fictitious name, or take a ny sort of tax deduction must Be Properly Licensed and RegisteredHave an EIN Number (unless you are a sole proprietor)Report income, andFile Tax Returns (either on a personal return or a business return and sometimes, on both) If There is Money Involved, the IRS Wants to Know Even if you do not make enough money (or have enough credits or deductions) that you actually do not end up paying Federal income tax on a personal tax return, if you get any kind of a paycheck you will still need to Report Income EarnedHave FICA deducted, andIf you are self-employed, you may also need to pay self-employment taxes on any profits from a sole proprietorship. If you pay out any money to employees (including yourself or your spouse) the IRS requires you to submit certain forms and information about the employee(s). Forms you should be familiar with include IRS Form W-4 Employees Withholding Allowance CertificateIRS Form W-9 Request for Tax Payer Identification Number and CertificationIRS Form 1 040 Schedule SE (If you earn more than $400 from your business) If you run a tax-exempt organization, the IRS has strict reporting guidelines that require to you track how and where money is spent (in addition to where your income came from). Copyright, Patent, and Trademark Violations Understanding industry trends is important and you should study them routinely. You need to know your competition, as well as what products and services people are buying. But relying on knock-off ideas will never make you independently wealthy and could be breaking the law. Never try to capitalize on a marketing idea, product, slogan, jingle, or logo that has been protected by law. If you see something in print, or someone else is already selling it, assume that it is protected. Research what you can and cannot do before you launch a business idea. To Limit Liability Risks in Business, Get Insurance Every single business and business owner must have insurance Any time you conduct business you open yourself to some legal exposure. Even if your business is completely on the up-and-up, this will not prevent someone from at least trying to file a lawsuit of some kind against you or your company. Having the right type and amount of insurance coverage is not just a good idea but in many cases, business insurance is required by law, necessary to get funding and contracts or to simply operate your business.

5 Ways Youre Hurting Your Reputation at Work- The Muse

5 Ways Youre Hurting Your Reputation at Work- The Muse5 Ways Youre Hurting Your Reputation at Work- The MuseAs a professional managing the trajectory of your career, one of the most important assets you have is your reputation what other people think of you, your workplace performance, and how you behave around others. Your character says a lot about your competence, likeability, and credibility as a professional. I dont visit a restaurant without looking at online restaurant reviews. And I sure wouldnt choose an Airbnb without consulting the comments of people who have already stayed there. Its unlikely that anyone will hire you, accept an introduction, or share his expertise without others recommending you in a similar way. How people advocate for you, and what theyll say about you to others is sort of like a Yelp review of your career and overall demeanor. You want as many stars as you can get. The truth is that this social proof holds weight, whether youre deciding where to eat i n a new city, or tracking down the references of a potential hire. What other people think about you and how they speak of you and your accomplishments and work ethic matters to your career.These five tips will show you elend only how you might be sabotaging a glowing endorsement without knowing it, but also how to take corrective action. 1. Ignoring the Social SceneWhen you blow off company activities that involve employees and partners or spouses, you could be losing great opportunities for a praise-worthy review. You may think these events are not worth your time. Or you might be a berzeugt introvert and prefer to do your own thing after arbeitszimmer hours. But if you never participate in post-work social activities, youre failing to create memorable impressions with people who could be potential networking allies. Imagine having a lovely conversation with your colleagues husband, telling him how awesome his wife is and how much you enjoy working with her. Now imagine that one day some months later, this saatkorn husband, asks if his wife- your co-worker- knows anyone who might be the perfect candidate for a job in his own company. And it just so happens that you totally fit the bill and are looking to make a move. See where Im going with this? Every conversation could lead to an opportunity, a referral, an introduction, and eventually even a terrific job opportunity. If you come to the holiday gathering 15 minutes before the event ends and hover in the corner with your one office friend, you miss the possibility of making a great impression on a stranger. 2. Thinking Only People With Status MatterTheres a saying that goes, Treat the janitor with the same respect you treat the CEO. Theres a reason for this. People in positions of power are not the only ones you must pay attention to. Others will notice how you speak to the receptionist, the fresh-faced intern who just came on board, the waiter at a business lunch, or the maintenance crew. Being rude and condescending to those less powerful associates wont win you raving fans- itll just earn yourself a reputation as being bad-mannered. When you treat everyone, regardless of title, with the same respect you treat the CEO or other senior leaders youll telegraph a lot about yourself as a person whos respectful of others- regardless of title or stature. Besides, you never know where that fresh-faced intern will land. You could be sitting across from her in an interview one day. And believe me, if you treated her badly, shes not likely to forget it. 3. Not Building Relationships With Your ColleaguesIn our knowledge economy, one thing is clear None of us work in a vacuum. We accomplish work through our relationships with others. So, theres no way around it How you show up to do your work, and how you choose to interact with members of your team and people in other departments speaks volumes about both your character and integrity. Establishing good rapport, including with people you work with but dont know well, helps us live longer and more happily. It also reflects positively on your reputation and allows you access to more opportunities as your colleagues get to know, like, and trust you. A recommendation is as much a reflection on the giver as it is on the candidate. And if you arent comfortable fostering and cultivating professional relationships, its unlikely that people will put their professional credentials on the line to support you. 4. Taking Credit for Others WorkIf theres one thing that will keep you off the top people Ive worked with list, its this. When you claim leistungspunkt for the idea or work of others, youre pretty much proving youre not a team player, you cant stand the idea of co-workers being successful, and that youre willing to win at the expense of others. Theres nothing wrong with taking pride in your own accomplishments, but youll also do well to recognize, honor, and appreciate the laurels of others. And you certainly dont want to ma ke the mistake of taking all the credit for work that was a team effort. Philosopher William James said it brilliantly The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Your colleagues will notice your appreciation of their work, and theyll be much more likely to demonstrate the value that lies in yours. 5. Indulging in Office GossipParticipating in office gossip and criticism- malicious or light-hearted- of others will never serve your best interests- especially if you one day expect those same co-workers to speak highly of you when the time comes.Gossip is a trust breaker. If people know youll dish dirt about others, theyre going to wonder what youre saying about them behind their backs. Thats certainly not fertile ground for getting glowing recommendations in the future. If you want people to vouch for you, they have to see you as someone who is trustworthy. Stay away from the office chatter pool, and if you have an issue with a particular colleague, initia te a conversation so that you can resolve the matter between the two of you. Its far better to get in the habit of directly communicating with your peers than endlessly complaining about a person or problem, a practice thats bound to reflect poorly on you. Whether youre asking colleagues and managers for LinkedIn recommendations, or youre tapping a former boss for reference in your job search, what people think about you matters. You can affect that future outcome in positive way when you take care of how you behave each and every day. Because, fact, hiring managers remove about 21% of candidates from contention, when references paint a less than glowing light. Thats a burn that can throw a brutal roadblock in your career. So take steps today to get that enthusiastic review youll need in the future.

How to Manage a Successful Job Search

How to Manage a Successful Job SearchHow to Manage a Successful Job Search1Job seekers often complain about a lack of good opportunities or how long it takes employers to respond. But not every successful job searchinvolves hefty doses of patience or silence. Whether through timing, smart moves (thank you, networking), luck, the right combo of skills and experiences, or some combination thereof, candidates can find themselves in the fortuitous stelle of having too many possibilities.While abundance is a preferable problem, managing it can be a bit tricky.Use these strategies to get a handle on things and manage a successful job searchPrioritizeApplicants frequently cast a large net when looking for a job. Some view coverage as a way of guaranteeing something. Others havent figured out what they really want from a job, so everything sounds like an option.The biggest risk in applying for too many jobs is that you tend to include jobs that are below your target position or dead-end posi tions with no chance of career advancement. The risk? You might actually get the job, says Duncan Mathison, co-author ofUnlock the Hidden Job Market 6 Steps to a SuccessfulJob Search When Times Are Tough.Get clear about matters, such as tasks you like to do, workplace culture, schedule, and flexibility. Such knowledge will help you zone in on positions with the greatest likelihood of satisfaction and keep you from wasting time and effort. A bustling search may make you feel productive and desirable in the short-term, but it does little good without leading to offers from the employers for whom you really wish to work.OrganizeLife can feel chaotic when postings, leads, emails, names, and numbers seem to be coming in from every direction. Regain sanity by developing systematic ways to store all this information rather than relying on post-its or memoryKeep track of every application and every contact, Mathison says. You will need to be able to reference them quickly when you are calle d for an interview.In addition to a central place to maintain records, an up-to-date calendar that merges professional and personal obligations is a must. The last thing you want to do is schedule two events at the same time or forget your daughters dance recital amid a stream of interviews.EnergizeFinally, resist the temptation to take it easy. Todays fruitful yield may not last long. Your industry or geographical sphre may be experiencing a temporary hiring surge, or perhaps youre benefiting from a smaller applicant pool due to vacations or holidays.Whatever the reason, the time to strike is now You may have to give up a little more of your weekend to customize cover letters for all the promising job ads youve found or rearrange your schedule a bit to fit in additional interviews. But realize these efforts are temporary, especially if they result in ending a job search sooner than anticipated because you landed a perfect new position.Start Your Job Search

Computer Skills for Resume Options

Computer Skills for Resume Options The placement of your skills section is also a rather important thing to contemplate. The skills section also tells what youre able to increase the company for a cashier and not what youve been doing so long. A Key Skills section, on the flip side, is listed at the very top of a resume. Your skills section stipulates a window into how much capability it is possible to bring to the provider. If you are in possession of a wide variety of technical abilities, however, your abilities might end up being precisely what gets you hired. There are styles of preparing your skills section that may still show you in the very best light. If people focus too much on building a point as opposed to listening and finding the root of an issue conflict emerges and intensifies. Before you jump into writing down all of the awesome talents youve got, lets learn a little more about what skills employers typically search for on a resume and see whether it is possib le to incorporate any in your skills section. How to Choose Computer Skills for Resume Especially when good protection is readily available for free, and is extremely simple to set up. Just concentrate on the experience gained at the occupations youve had. The sorts of computer skills employers expect will vary depending upon your career or industry. If youve got a working knowledge of widely used software, you might be able to more easily learn to use new programs. MS Office skills are arguably the fruchtwein frequently encountered computer abilities. Most jobs require that you have a fundamental comprehension of computer programs including Excel and Microsoft Office, along with skills in internet navigation, social networking sites and email systems. There are a lot of sites offering courses you may take, or certifications you may increase your resume. A critical part of your CV needs to be your skills section. You have to offer relevant, concise details. In addition, it is going to help you show off your very best PC skills effortlessly Computer Skills for Resume Can Be Fun for Everyone Another skill thats required is the capacity to type quickly. Its fast and simple to use. Its ideal to be ready The War Against Computer Skills for Resume Everybody can use a computer but not everybody is aware of what information technology is about. Besides security problems, you dont need all of your cheap neighbors to use your Internet and downloading movies at your expense. My recommendations for problem resolution have been quite powerful. The problem was, I might get a exakt between questions. Its also vital to develop the skills necessary to both excel and guarantee a thriving career in the business. Only then are you going to be able to place the rightcomputer skills in the limelight. You dont have the fundamental computer skills you will need to acquire the job that you desire. There are lots of other computer skills, however, that are normal ly used across all industries which are important for most job applicants to know. Job applicants with computer skills are highly sought-after due to the gain of technology at work. On-line learners should be ready to bring an active part in their learning to guarantee a successful learning experience. Computer skills comprise the great majority of hard skills that companies desire away from their employees. Accounting computer software skills are important if youre applying for positions in the finance or company sectors. The Most Popular Computer Skills for Resume Many businesses have a site which is integral to their company, and that website needs constant upkeep as a way to continue being relevant and bring in operation. If youre searching to work within the medical business, you will find there are hundreds and hundreds of jobs in a number of industries to pick from. When youre looking to land up a job in a trusted business house you will want to get a detailed resume. In addition, you can look for accounts receivable jobs on Monster. ur resume builder gives you tips and examples on how best to compose your resume summary. If you replied yes to each of the above, youre probably alright. Mobile is rising and nobody is strong enough to stop it.

Writing a Blog Post Resume - Overview

Writing a Blog Post Resume - Overview As part of making your account, youll have to complete some personal info and opt for a file to upload your resume. Youre able to see our post to learn more and examples to help you compose a resume with minimum or no work experience. At times its really hard to say whatever you need to say about a single topic in 1 post, which is the reason why its helpful to your readers to recognize extra resources they can visit for additional particulars. You need to be able to communicate whatever you want to say on a single page.Creating premium quality posts or articles will merely add value. Your resume structure will also enable you to incorporate some achievements. If thats the case, then the functional resume format could be perfect. If you do choose to allow comments on your blog, be certain to keep an eye on them. When you go to a blog, you often locate a comment link below the text of each blog posting. You feel as though your blog is go od, but not terrific. Image Source Your blog is most likely one of your companys most valuable advertising and marketing tools. What to Do About Writing a Blog Post Resume If a person finds your Hub Article when theyre searching on a Search Engine like Google then odds are they are searching for a product. Blogs are a really good way to keep everyone in a family abreast of the newest family news without running up the telephone bill you can just read back over important updates to learn the most recent news. Not all comments desire a response, but be certain to react to ones that do. At times it can be difficult to develop your comment section, and thus dont be reluctant to ask friends or family members to comment and find the discussion going. Before you do any of the next steps, be certain to choose a topic that truly interests you.

Unanswered Questions About Experience Synonym for Resume

Unanswered Questions About Experience Synonym for Resume Facts, Fiction and Experience Synonym for Resume Then you arrive at the location, in the event the response to a number of the questions is yes It will enable you to emphasize a mixture of equally, but you have to be strategic about wherever and the best way to checklist information. Its about how you present the info. There are several ways you may present the info about each job. Featuring only the experience and abilities that mirror the job demands of the position youre seeking can continue to keep the length in order. When you have the job, you might express more of your very own personal style. Though you might not have work experience, youre still able to fill out this field with different varieties of experience. Make sure youre highlighting the most relevant and topical experience essential for the position. The Ugly Side of Experience Synonym for Resume Your no-experience resume is the sole introduction yo u have before landing that coveted job interview, therefore its vital that you make a great impression and provide a well-rounded look at your abilities and talents. To do this, you want to explain to new people what can give them confidence which you will have the ability to donate to the new team. Since recent graduates dont often have a bunch of experience, it is necessary to demonstrate the method by which they have the correct spirit to attack challenges they may groe nachfrage into in the workplace. The aim of your resume is to secure you the interview. The Basic Facts of Experience Synonym for Resume Instead, you will want to read enough about the enterprise to make a really personalized comment in your cover letter. Including that particular info in the cover letter indicates that youre interested and already have ideas for how you are able to assist the provider. Your cover letter should state what you can do to help the organization. An encounter letter also serves the particular exact same aim and follows precisely the exact same format. Applicants are somewhat more confident to reject work offer in place of a better one. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilised to secure new employment. They may be organized in different ways. You might also have a peek at some useful resume keywords to further increase your resume. Now you have to determine the resume keywords and phrases employed for your intended position. For ansicht reviewers, the option of phrases in the expert summary is particularly important. Its possible to use closely-related synonyms, but its best to simply use the exact adjectives and keywords. How to Get Started with Experience Synonym for Resume? Committed Show that youre devoted to your work, begin to finish. Building a resume can be a difficult task especially if youve got no prior work experience. Its particularly important if writing your work experience. Inside my case, I fe el like my resume needs to show not simply practical experience but a degree also, explained Lapple. If youre just beginning your career, you may not have the experience to back up lots of big, bold adjectives. Selecting the most effective words to spell out your experience can earn a massive impact for a prospective employer. These words are certainly the flavor of the month at the moment. It may be the individual who steadily got promoted every a few years for the previous decade. The Awful Side of Experience Synonym for Resume Use confident to demonstrate you know who you are as a man or woman and that it is possible to carry any tasks without being afraid or hesitating. Being aware of what words to use to demonstrate leadership should begin from carefully reading the work description, said Frana. An experience is something which happens to you or something which you do. Regardless of what you do, dont tell it to the individual reading your resume. Unless they are relat ed to your target position, there isnt any point including what you do personally to impress the individual reviewing your resume. This means that youre on the market for 25 or so verbs. Your resume ought to be customized for each position youre thinking about. But complicating this further even in the event the response to the previous question is yes, it still may not be prohibitive, based on what those 2 decades of growth afterwards looked like. New Step by Step Roadmap for Experience Synonym for Resume The very first significant section of your resume is known as the Career Objective. Writing a resume can be lots of work. Its also important to concentrate on skills that you will use if you receive the job that youre applying for. They ought to be skills you currently possess and ought to be level appropriate. Heres What I Know About Experience Synonym for Resume Possessing a baseline of subject matter experience will allow you to process the info and departure to appra ise the options. If Heinstrom does indeed attempt to remain in the health care field, he might discover that the degree of translation necessary for his resume differs from those needed by Lapple. Certification team gives you the source code of a single application and the list.

The Company Culture of Smart and Inspiring Organizations

The Company Culture of Smart and Inspiring OrganizationsThe Company Culture of Smart and Inspiring OrganizationsThe Company Culture of Smart and Inspiring Organizations ChampyI have never shot a gun, so I was somewhat anxious when the CEO of Smith and Wesson, the venerable handgun manufacturer based in Springfield, Massachusetts, invited me to visit their plant. Smith and Wesson was one of the companies I had targeted to write about in a series of books examining new business models.I had been looking for companies that were innovative, both in what they offered to customers and how they operate and companies whose business propositions inspire customers to come back. I considered a sustained high growth rate to be an indicator of success, and Smith and Wesson had met the criteria.But the surprise of my visit was not handling a handgun. It was experiencing what I would describe as a company culture of engagement. My tour of the plant began in the stamping room where raw metal was for ged into a gun form. The room was dark, dusty, and had an 18th century feel. The gun forms then moved to highly sophisticated, digitally controlled milling machines. Eventually, the parts got to tables where workers assembled the final product.When I was introduced to the workers, they proudly began telling me about their success in cycle time reduction. They were continuously applying quality improvement techniques to shorten the time to assemble a gun. There were charts on the wall, showing their progress. They even lectured me on the techniques of Kaizen, the Japanese version of quality improvement. But it was the level of employee engagement in dramatically improving the performance of Smith and Wesson that was most impressive. behauptung are workers engaged in a mission to grow the company and grow with quality products.In all of the companies that I have written about, I have found an engaged workforce - encouraged and inspired to do the right thing. There are several cultura l characteristics that behauptung companies and their people share.A Culture of Innovation Many companies treat business neuerung as a process and take mechanical steps to generate new ideas everything from suggestion boxes to competitions. These techniques can produce results, but my research suggests that innovation is driven as much by culture as it is by process. Innovative people and companies just behave differently. They are always searching to improve their products, services, and processes.One of the most innovative companies that I have seen is Zipcar. Its pioneering the idea that urban dwellers can own a share of an automobile. In the Zipcar business model, cars are located in parking spaces in local neighborhoods. Members can access the car of their choice, when they need it, through IT and satellite links. The people at Zipcar work hard at constantly innovating around convenience and choice.When I visited the Zipcar headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I experience d a model of team innovation. The office had an open plan, where people could engage with each other and contribute ideas. Accomplishments and breakdowns were posted on the wall for everyone to see.Culture vs. Rules Smart and inspiring companies also use company culture, not written rules, to manage the behaviors of their people. In ansicht companies, culture dictates that people must do the right thing at the moment of truth. And that moment of truth is generally when a customer is in need or crisis. These cultures value the quality of the customer experience and allow people to do whatever is required to respond to the customer need.I have been impressed with the service models I find in smart and inspiring companies that are great places to work. Smartpak is one such company, serving horse owners with vitamin supplements for their aging or ailing stallions on a subscription basis. Its a much bigger business than you might think and grows because of a highly skilled and knowledgea ble customer service staff. Service reps are encouraged to stay on the phone with customers and advise them on animal health issues and all service reps have some form of veterinary training. You dont find rule books in companies like this, but you do find people doing the right thing.Authenticity People in these companies also have a penchant for truthfulness. They represent the products and services of their companies with authenticity. Whether in advertising or on a product label, they only make claims about what they can deliver on. People in these companies know that if their products or services do not live up to their claims, they will be caught by the Internet police. Authenticity is a cultural characteristic thats driven from the top, usually by a company founder or CEO. Everyone knows how they are expected to behave, and they work for the company because they enjoy being honestAuthenticity is a great virtue and I believe that it keeps customers coming back. The company, Ho nest Tea, goes so far as to assert authenticity in its name. And if you look closely at its products and how it operates, you will see that it is true to its espoused values of treating suppliers with respect, as well as its commitment to producing healthy products. One customer was so inspired by Honest Teas behavior that it declared, You are so honest, I wish that you were my bank.I have always believed that great companies have great cultures, cultures in which people share high-purposed values and the freedom to act. In the companies that I have researched and written about, these values promote excellence and quality and a caring for employees, customers, suppliers, and neighbors. It may sound old fashioned but these kinds of values drive success.Author BioJim Champy is the Chairman of Consulting for Dell/Perot Services. His latest books are OUTSMART How To Do What Your Competitors Cant, and INSPIRE Why Customers Come Back.

6 Ways to Combat Age Discrimination at Work

6 Ways to Combat Age Discrimination at Work6 Ways to Combat Age Discrimination at WorkIts a sad reality, but age discrimination against older workers is an issue that exists across many industries. Officially, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act forbids age discrimination against people who are 40 or older. This is a difficult law to enforce, and workers age 50 or older sometimes feel that employers are biased against them. The solution Use your age to your advantage. Here are six ways to effectively tackle age discrimination. 1. Stay current in your field. While it may not be something you want to spend your free time on, you need to stay abreast of the most current facets of your field. And not only should you be familiar with whats changed in your area of expertise, you should do some training or coursework in those areas to enhance your knowledge. This could be in the form of free or paid online training, in-person workshops or courses. 2. Learn new technology. If you hav e trouble using Microsoft Word, you should invest some time in learning it. This is one of those things that employers expect everyone to know. Depending on the type of job youre going for, it may be important to learn other software programs. If youre in a technical field, its an absolute necessity to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and how to use them. While your information technology skills from 1985 may still come in handy, you need to come up to speed on whats changed and how the newest systems operate. 3. Become a thought leader. When youre seen as an expert in your field, you build credibility. Become a thought leader by authoring a piece for a trade journal or industry publication. Market yourself as a speaker for local industry panels or conferences. Publish your own blog on LinkedIn or a personal website. You can also answer questions in LinkedIn group discussions to showcase your knowledge. 4. Seek out community leadership positions. Assuming leadership role s in your community, whether its as a volunteer coordinator or board member, helps you stand out from the crowd. This shows that you are applying your expertise to commitments outside of work. At the saatkorn time, it demonstrates that you are a respected member of your community. 5. Keep your network fresh. While this is vital for people at any stage of their career, its particularly important as you age. It may be helpful to use a spreadsheet or calendar to keep track of correspondence with key people in your network and remind yourself to get in touch with them every four to six months. If you wait to reengage with people until you need them to forward your resume to someone, you may not get a positive reception. Ongoing communications are essential to maintaining a good impression and getting the help you need when you need it. If you can schedule coffee meetings or brief phone calls to catch up, that makes the relationship even more valuable and sustainable over the long term. 6. Broad experience means extensive knowledge. The goal of a large number of corporate teams is to spend the least amount of money possible on the next hire. However, this can be a big mistake. Cheaper folks are typically younger and have a lot less experience than their older counterparts. If you feel like your age may be counting against you in the course of discussions with an employer, tell them exactly what you would do in the position to make their business better. For example, describe the specifics of a training program you would develop or how you would empower a sales team to increase their numbers. While it may seem expensive to hire you, it could end up being a lot more expensive to hire several inexperienced people who end up not working out. Dont be afraid to mention that if the discussion reaches a point where you are being told that you are too expensive or have too much experience for a job. The best thing you can do is emphasize how your comprehensive knowledge across your field will enable you to do a few specific things to improve their bottom line or operations. Spell it out. It will be hard for an inexperienced person to make the same argument without the practical experience to substantiate it. If youve kept current in your field and are seen as a thought leader in your space, youll have an even better chance at convincing the employer that youre the right choice.