Tuesday, May 12, 2020

How to Get More Done When You Have Fewer Resources

How to Get More Done When You Have Fewer Resources Imagine this scenario: “Congratulations â€" you’ve been promoted, and the organization is entrusting you with greater responsibilities!” But before you can even start thinking about celebrating your promotion, you discover two team members have left the organization. On top of that, there’s a headcount freeze so they can’t be replaced. What’s more, the regulatory environment means you’ll have to spend most of your time managing compliance and reporting rather than growing the business. It seems you’ll have to re-prioritize an already prioritized (and urgent) list. Frankly, there’s no way you’ll get it all done. So how do you overcome these challenges especially when you’re still an individual contributor or not yet senior enough to change the rules? Doing More with Less If you’re facing this situation and reaching a breaking point, here are three things you can do. These have helped me through times when we lacked the resources to get everything done. 1. Assess What’s in Your Control Check your own thinking and understanding of the situation. Start by looking at what’s in your control. What are the things you can decide or change without having to get anyone’s permission? When you’re in a tough situation, start by looking at what’s in your control. What are the things you can decide or change without having to get anyone’s permission? Your brain is hardwired to jump to conclusions and take shortcuts, which is a good thing. Otherwise, you’d have a hard time getting anything done if you had to give due consideration on every single step you take. But the side effect is that you can sometimes make inaccurate assumptions and fall back on existing habits. Here are some questions to help you do your own assessment of the tasks and deliverables you’re responsible for. Purpose: What needs to get done, why is it needed, who is asking, and what is the intention behind the request? What do you need to clarify and with whom? Is there a simpler way to fulfill the intention than the specific task you’ve been assigned? Standards: To what standard does it need to get done? Where can you allow yourself to do “B+ work”? To what extent are perfectionist tendencies driving your thinking? Assumptions: What assumptions are you making about the assignment or task and what’s required? What if you were wrong in your assumptions (for example, you may assume you have to perform the task yourself when that isn’t the case)? And what would that mean for the way you approach your “to do” list? How could you find out whether your assumptions are valid? Who would you ask and what would you want to know? Assessment: What could you stop doing or pause for the time being to make room for the essential assignments or tasks? Your answers may bring insights to help you find a way forward. But whether or not that’s the case, it’s also useful to reach out to others. 2. Learn From and Enlist Others Once you’ve considered everything in your control, zoom out and look at your wider sphere of influence. What are the things you can influence by reaching out to others, whether they’re peers, seniors or external parties like clients or service providers? Who does this well? If there are people who handle this type of situation well, can you speak to them to learn their methods and strategies? Who’s in the same situation? If you have colleagues (whether internal or external) who are facing the same issues, can you get together to share ideas on how you handle these situations? Could you join forces to reimagine how the work can get done? Who’s in the “supply chain”? Many tasks are part of a bigger effort where your task depends on the input of other groups and vice versa. When that’s the case, how could you get other teams in the supply chain to pitch in on their parts to make it easier to complete the overall task? By the way, connecting with others is also a great way to get to know people in other parts of the organization or even the broader ecosystem beyond your company. And convening others for the benefit of the organization is a great way to show leadership. 3. Talk to Your Manager(s) Managers are often unaware of what it really takes to get things done and it’s up to you to let them know. When you do, it’s important to frame the conversation in a constructive way so they are most likely to embrace your viewpoint and suggestions and see you as a responsible leader rather than a complainer. Managers are often unaware of what it really takes to get things done and it’s up to you to let them know. For example, doing the precise thing they’re asking might take a huge effort while a variation on the task would take a fraction of the time to complete. In those cases, you could check before you embark on the huge effort by saying something like, “I see what we’re getting at. I wonder if doing variation X would be sufficient because doing Y would take several days and affect the timeline on Project Z.” When you’re having these conversations, it’s all about the how. Here are a few questions to consider as you prepare for the conversation. Goal: What are you seeking to accomplish through the conversation? What would success look like? To what extent are you asking for something your boss can sign off on, or will they need to raise it with others? Timing: When would be the best time to raise the topic? When is your manager at their best? When are you at your best? Can you speak to your manager before you embark on the task? Understanding their perspective: Before you have the conversation, it’s essential to understand your manager’s perspective. What pressures are they under? What’s the intention behind their request? Approach/Content: What would be the most effective way to get their attention and have your communication “land” well with your manager? Is this something they’re grappling with too? Is this likely to be the first in a series of conversations or will one conversation be enough? One way is to frame the conversation as an update on what’s on your plate and getting their input on how you plan to take the next steps. If you’re reluctant to say anything, keep in mind you could be putting yourself in a worse position by staying silent if your manager thinks it’s an easy task but you end up spending a lot of time on it and looking inefficient. Invest in Relationships In a world where you’re likely to be asked to do more with less, it’s worth investing time to develop strong working relationships with your manager, colleagues and people in the broader ecosystem. It’s the best way to ensure you can have these kinds of conversations when needed. It’s also a way to get support from others if there’s really no way around having to get it all done without new resources. Now would be a good time to start building your relationships… especially if you don’t need to make an ask just yet! How do you handle situations where you’re asked to do more with less? Leave a comment â€" I’d love to hear from you.

Friday, May 8, 2020

A Job Search Dating Analogy One Womans Quest on Both Fronts - Hire Imaging

A Job Search Dating Analogy One Woman’s Quest on Both Fronts - Hire Imaging I recently had the joy of working with Lana, a client in her thirties, who came to me with dual goals. “I’m searching for two fitsâ€"my soul mate and my soul job,” she said. The job search parallels the search for a fulfilling personal relationship. Whether you’re dating or or in a job search,   you’re reviewing potential matches, trying to simultaneously show your value while evaluating them at the same timeâ€"and trying to be diplomatic about the whole thing. Here are some examples from Lana: Job Search Dating: There are many fish in the sea, so get back out there. 1. Lana felt rejection on both the job and personal fronts. Her boyfriend of six months had broken it off. Her employer of four years had eliminated her position. She was feeling wounded. Having been in a serious car accident as a teenager resulting in a fractured jaw and broken hip, she was told to get back in the car and drive. She applied this story to her current situation. Yes, she was banged up and bruised, shaken that the world could be right again. Instead of retreating, she told many people that she was looking for her dream career; and she signed up for a well-known dating site. She discovered that it’s about confidence and that opportunities present themselves when least expected. Job Search Dating: Figure out what you love and need. 2. Lana wanted to find a guy with a sense of purpose, loyalty, and an ability to laugh at himself and life in general. A technology whiz who did not take herself too seriously, she also sought a workplace where the work was valued highly; but the nature of fun at work was equally important. In the social and job search arenas, she did informational interviews all the time. She talked to people online and offlineâ€"a lot. Job Search Dating: Work your magic charm. 3. Lana listened to and practiced positive self talk. She created separate personal and career pitches as to why whoever got her would be lucky. It was not boastful, but it was confident. There was not a trace of anxiety or insecurity. She did not rely on winging it. She was prepared to talk about who she was,   what she liked, what she was good at, and why she was a value. She was also prepared to be an expert listener, focusing conversation on the other person or organization to really hear their pain, their joys and their needs. Job Search Dating: Kiss a lot of frogs but shy away from rebounds. 4. Lana believed in the old adage, “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” She enthusiastically networked. She renewed old connections and made new ones. She went on every interviewâ€"even those she wasn’t excited about. She did not take every job offered her. During our work together there were several job offersâ€"and one “please be my steady” offerâ€"that she evaluated and turned down. They didn’t feel right. Job Search Dating: Be proactive and intense. 5. Lana loved to find antiques. She tackled her soul job-and mate search with the same intensity. She did call them; she did not hound them. She stayed in touch and on good terms. She dripped personality, credibility and a zest for grabbing the brass ring.   She had both her résumé and on-line dating profiles meticulously ready to go. She did her research. She made a good impression. She followed up. She did not waste her energy on going for anything. She was discerning on people and career relationship opportunities. Lana approached her dual search for a meaningful career and relationship with enjoyment, patience and hope. At this writing, she is on her fourth interview with an emerging website design company; and into a three-month relationship with a man she met through a reputable online dating site. The chapters are yet to unfold. But as Lana puts it, “These are major investments. There are always risks, but I can say I have done my due diligence.” Photo:   Don Hankins

Monday, April 27, 2020

Tough (Question) Tuesday What is enough

Tough (Question) Tuesday What is enough Flying Girl Gets a Gift or I Am Enough by Rowena Murillo Lately, Ive been hearing the word enough over and over in the mouths/words of my clients. As in: I didnt do enough. Im not good enough. It wasnt enough. So I must ask, for you: What is enough? Ill be in the comments section this morning with my answer. Itll be enough if you join me! (ba dum bum) ************************************************************************************************************* Sensational Spring: It’s Authenticity month â€" come join us! Super Secretnessity: Have ya heard about my coolaboration with Jess Swift, The Declaration of You? Come check out the top secret info, subscribe to our newsletter to get more top secret info, grab our button for your site! Ooh pretty!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

New Questions About Writing an Effective Resume and Application Letter Answered and Why You Must Read Every Word of This Report

New Questions About Writing an Effective Resume and Application Letter Answered and Why You Must Read Every Word of This Report Update your resume regularly It is an excellent concept to update your resume on a normal basis. Sending work application is crucial for landing a work interview. What Does Writing an Effective Resume and Application Letter Mean? Whether it's necessary to generate a paper of one-of-a-kind flawlessness, just purchase an essay here and our writers will provide help. Resume writing can look like an intimidating job, but it's actually simpler than you believe. Get started writing your resume by developing a list of your accomplishments in every single job which you have held. Interestingly, resume writing isn't a skill that is normally taught in school so once you're prepared to start trying to find a job, you're left to fend for yourself. Resumes are generally used by employers and admissions committees who need to learn more about a specific candidat e. You may need a few distinct resumes based on the kinds of jobs in which you're interested. Easy-to-read resumes become read. Don't forget, you're not creating a duplicate of your CV. You will also find details about when to use unique letters. When it is included, consider the following to help you get through the application and interview approach. Also, there are various strategies to format your resume, based on your employment history and experience.

Monday, April 13, 2020

Wrting Resumes - Is it a Scam?

Wrting Resumes - Is it a Scam? The Wrting Resumes Trap Resume writing is a significant job to learn by the students. Drafting a difficult resume can be an intimidating endeavor. In addition, there are services which perform the endeavor of writing resumes but it's impossible for them to write as great as an individual can himself. As soon as you get a last paper, request a free revision if it's lacking something. To find out more about the job, consider the tasks you'd be asked to carry out. Informatica Sample Resumes whenever you are applying work, you've got to promote yourself. The Student resume needs to be easy and specific, particularly if there isn't much past work experience. Why Almost Everything You've Learned About Wrting Resumes Is Wrong The keywords in your resume can help you get selected for a work interview. You must use all business words and no random words that you use in your casual talks. The resumes should be in compliance with the work also. What's more, only some resumes stick out from the crowd. There are lots of normal types of information that employers will search for in your resume. So as to accomplish this, you can want to place long information lists under additional subheadings. One is to make certain the info is relevant. It is crucial to keep all your essential information handy. The Foolproof Wrting Resumes Strategy There ought to be a succinct explanation of how your service helped the company or organization. Resumes are definitely the most important thing in someone's career. While you might not have plenty of work experience, you still have plenty to offer you. You can search for numerous opportunities in only a couple clicks of the mouse. There's a lot to be said about how aggravating searching for a job is. There are a few things that don't belong on a resume for work. The 30-Second Trick for Wrting Resumes There are various types of keywords. Moreover there are lots of list of layouts readil y available online. There are various sorts of resumes you'll be able to create, depending upon your circumstances. In Canada, the majority of people do not include things like high school graduation information should they have completed post-secondary education. If you're fresher focus on your key abilities. If you're in the procedure for completing your degree or you took courses before, ensure you indicate that on the resume which will assist you in keyword searches. The resumes are extremely significant when folks wish to be in a salaried class because for applying in the working sector they'll need to get an excellent resume.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Top 10 WORST Jobs for Your Health

Top 10 WORST Jobs for Your HealthSome jobs are more hazardous to your health than others. But here are the top 10worst offenders, ranked on a scale of 0 to 100, according to data analyzed from the Occupational Information Network. Its best to know what youre up against if youre considering (or working in) one of these fields. Here are the top 10 worst jobs for your health. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) 1. Surgical and Medical Assistants, Technicians, and TechsWith high risk of exposure to contaminants, disease, infection, and hazardous conditions, assistants in the medical field like these workers are up against an overall unhealthiness score of 57.3.2. Boiler Operators and Stationary EngineersOperating or maintaining equipment can be quite unhealthy. This job scores 57.7 and the top three worker risks include contaminant exposure, hazardous conditions, and exposure to minor burns, cuts, and other injuries.3. Wastewater and Water Treat ment Plant and ordnungsprinzip OpsOperating or controlling an entire water system through machines or control boards can be extremely hazardous. With a score of 58.2, the top three health risks include contaminant exposure, hazardous conditions, and exposure to minor burns, cuts, and other injuries.4. Histotechnologists (and histologic technicians)These workers prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic analysis. Sound simple? The unhealthiness score here is 59, with workers risking exposure to hazardous contaminants and conditions, plus exposure to disease and infection.5. Immigration and CustomsYou wouldnt think this would be so bad, but immigration and customs officers inspect and investigate everything and everyone that passes through a border. With the constant exposure to contaminants, disease, infection, as well as radiation, this job gets a 59.3 on the unhealthiness scale.6. PodiatryAll those feet expose podiatrists to disease, infection, radiation, and c ontaminants on a daily basis. This job comes in at a score of 60.2.7. Veterinarians (and Veterinary Techs and Assistants)Treating animals can be a dangerously unhealthy enterprise when you consider the top three risks are exposure to disease, infection, minor cuts, burns, and injuries, plus exposure to contaminants? 60.38. Anesthesiologists and Assistants, and Nurse AnesthesiologistsAnesthesiologists, like surgeons, are constantly at risk of exposure to disease, infection, contaminants, and radiation. This job scores a 62.3.9. Flight AttendantsNo, its not the risk of crashing. The top three health risks to flight attendants are the saatkorn old exposure to contaminants, disease, infections, and the minor cuts, burns, and injuries of other professions. The relatively high rate of these risks gives this job an overall unhealthiness score of 62.3.10. Dentists, Dental Surgeons, and AssistantsBy far the biggest health risk in the working world, with a whopping overall unhealthiness score of 65.4. Dental workers are exposed to contaminants, disease, infections, and also spend an enormous amount of time sitting, which increases health risks considerably.What do you thinkwant to go another route?If so, make sure to sign up and get matched with the latest job opportunity

Monday, March 9, 2020

4 Tricks to Stop Checking Email After Work

4 Tricks to Stop Checking schmelzglas After Work Did you know French workers arebarred from sending or answering work schmelzglassafter hours?Ill admit that when I heard this news last year there welches one part of me that applauded the law and one part of me that questioned its wisdom. I could understand preventing companies fromrequiringemployees to answer work emails in the eveningbut to prevent all employees from even sending emails, of their own volition, after a certain time?For the first couple years of my career, I was that employee. I was always sending and answering emails from home, no matter the time, and sometimes even getting frustrated when my co-workers failed to respond until nine in the morning the next day.What changed my mindset first was pure necessity when my daughter was born, juggling motherhood with work forced me to take things down a notch. I couldnt always get to my phone or laptop right away because I had a baby in my arms or I was driving to and from da ycare. Yet I saw that despite my inability to be available 24 hours in a day, my work did not suffer. In many ways, my performance improved because I was giving myself time to step away and reset.So although now I feel mora settled in a routine, and more able to answer those late emails again, I try to avoid doing so when its unnecessary (and lets face it, its usually unnecessary). Here are a few ways that I fight the itch to pick up my phone for work in the evenings1. I keep my email app off the home screen of my phone.I use a phone that allows me to choose which apps appear on the home screen and which remain hidden. I force myself to go to extra effort to search for the email app so that its less of a reflex, and more of a deliberate choice.2. I turned off the push notifications.Its hard to ignore any type of notification on your phone or computer. Back when I took three weeks off for an zwischenstaatlich family vacation, I made a point of disabling my email notifications. When I returned to the office I never turned them back on. It feels freeing to cut that cord tying you to the inbox, and it means that you only have to think about work on your own terms, rather than because someone else forced it into mind.3. Ive taken up more hobbies.When youre accustomed to thatalways onfeeling, and youre never truly off the clock, you have less space in your mind for anything besides work. But now that Ive given myself permission to forget about work most evenings, I find I have more mental space to pursue the things I love, which I had set aside for too long. I read and write more, I go on walks with my family, I play with my daughter, I meet up with friends. Whats funny is that I feel these healthier activities benefiting my work because I am giving myself space for creativity, which leads to more dynamic thinking in the office.4. Stop sending emails at 5 p.m.Im guilty of this one. Ill fire off an email just before I leave the office, but then Im eager to see the re sponse, so I find myself refreshing my inbox over and over at home. Yet Im not likely to see a response until the following dayand Im pushing someone else to have to answertheirwork email after hours. Often these end-of-day emails can wait until morning. You might even consider getting an extension or addon that allows you to schedule your emails ahead of time, so you can write the email before clocking out, but know that it wont send until tomorrow.I am far from perfect when it comes to dividing work from my personal life, but these strategies have helped me strike a healthier balance. I am constantly striving to improve this aspect of my life because I can see the greater energy and capabilities Ive benefited from after making small steps. We all deserve a breakso stop checking your work email after work.--Kelsey Down is a freelance writer in Salt Lake City who has been featured on publications including Elite Daily, VentureBeat, and SUCCESS. Shes covered fun stuff like why TV reb oots need to stop and how to hack sleep as a workout, and she also writes about personal and family wellness. Follow her on Twitter kladown23.