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Alison Rayner
I find when blog post ideas come up in my head it's to do with changes happening in my life. My career's been up and down since graduating from school and I'm always nervous that if I post on my feelings about changes in my job status my new employer's going to get nervous about me.
Kate Davids:
If you are comfortable with your new boss, you could talk to him (or her) about it. Some bosses would not mind you discussing what it's like to be ...MoreIf you are comfortable with your new boss, you could talk to him (or her) about it. Some bosses would not mind you discussing what it's like to be new in a company, some would even encourage it! But I would, as always, steer clear from naming names or talking about anyone else at all. I did this once and it was a great way to get closer to my new boss and work out some transitions I was going through.
84 weeks ago
84 weeks ago
Elysa Rice:
I've had a couple people guest post on my blog articles that they didn't want to be "tied to". One of them was from a girl who was in the same ...MoreI've had a couple people guest post on my blog articles that they didn't want to be "tied to". One of them was from a girl who was in the same career as me (at the time) and I had a few people email me and say, "was that really just you trying to be incognito". So, that's a suggestion if you really want some feedback but don't feel like it's the right time to "go public" guest blogging is always an option.
84 weeks ago
84 weeks ago
85 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
I've realized as a Gen Yer that I am imperfect, and so is my perspective. My new post is about the gaps in my Gen Y thinking.
http://bit.ly/bEprKe
Alison Rayner:
When I was working with clients on a daily basis I used the "tasks" function of Microsoft Outlook to organize my communications with them. It ...MoreWhen I was working with clients on a daily basis I used the "tasks" function of Microsoft Outlook to organize my communications with them. It listed them alphabetically for me (I used by company) which made it easy to deal with.
Thanks for the post!
109 weeks ago
Thanks for the post!
109 weeks ago
Scott Asai:
@Stanley - Thanks! Brief & Practical is what I shoot for
@Alison - Nice suggestion, I'll have to check that out myself!
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Shayna
How do you save money while shopping? Do you buy less expensive clothes, bargain hunt? I enjoy bargain hunting for the ooh la la outfit at a price I can afford, and lately have been using Ebates (http://tinyurl.com/22sw6u6) to get discount codes and cash back
Danielle Albright:
I really love using the customer appreciation cards to my advantage. So many of them give free stuff for different qualifications. It's just ...MoreI really love using the customer appreciation cards to my advantage. So many of them give free stuff for different qualifications. It's just important to remember to pull them out when you're actually in the store before heading to the check out line!
87 weeks ago
87 weeks ago
Juha Liikala
Poll (2 questions):
1. Do you watch / listen to iTunes podcasts?
2. Do you prefer those as video or just as plain audio? Does it matter to you?
88 weeks ago from Nomad Couch, Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers, Gen-Y Professional Bloggers and Nomad Couch3 more
Amy Thibodeau:
I listen to Bookworm and Pen on Fire obsessively. I tend to listen while walking somewhere or riding on public transport and I definitely prefer ...MoreI listen to Bookworm and Pen on Fire obsessively. I tend to listen while walking somewhere or riding on public transport and I definitely prefer audio to video content when it comes to a podcast.
88 weeks ago
88 weeks ago
Lindsey Sparks
Have you ever started a new job and hated it? Despite doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions during the interview process, & knowing my future boss & asking them a ton of questions, my new job is completely different from what I was told. I've addressed the issue several times with my manager & have offered solutions, but it seems to be falling on deaf ears. Have you guys ever experienced this? What did you do?
92 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer and We're Hiring
GenerationXpert Suzanne Kart:
I wouldn't be afraid to walk away. Too often we stick it out and it just ends up draining us.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Elizabeth Raley:
You're doing the right thing by talking to your boss and offering solutions. Sometimes you just need to look at your options and make another ...MoreYou're doing the right thing by talking to your boss and offering solutions. Sometimes you just need to look at your options and make another decision, which may be to resign. At least you know you tried and you can walk away with that life experience.
91 weeks ago
91 weeks ago
Andrew Heinzerling
HELP! I set a very high goal for my team, with the reward of each persong getting to throw a pie in my face. Well, they hit it, and I was then told that they would rather not, that it was not really a reward. This event would have brought most (if not all) of Senior Management, as well as many other teams to celebrate the win. We don't have the option to give them $ or time off for hitting goals, so I tried to come up with a fun event. Did I do something wrong? What are your thoughts?
92 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Ask Penelope Trunk! and XY Cusp1 more
Elizabeth Marling:
It seems like your staff responded to the 'Betcha can't make THIS goal" taunting. Having the opportunity to really surprise and impress a boss is ...MoreIt seems like your staff responded to the 'Betcha can't make THIS goal" taunting. Having the opportunity to really surprise and impress a boss is a good reward. So the pie was a tricky detail--your idea was good. Sometimes it's good to shake things up by antagonizing the team a little. It's great to have a positive work environment, but a lot of places take it too far--only saying positive things and keeping quiet about any honest feedback. I don't think people perform any better in that environment than one with negative, tyrannical management (not implying you in either example, just a thought).
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
GenerationXpert Suzanne Kart:
I thought the same thing as Penelope. Why would a reward for your team have you as the center of attention. I'd give them a Friday afternoon off.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
TOP IDEA:
Alison Rayner
Here's one way to figure out your personal brand as you head into job interviews. I wrote a SWOT analysis about myself & the job I was applying" for. Check it out at http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/you-as-brand.html
Megan (Williams) Heckman:
Thank you for posting this! I read it through in prepping for a job interview so I could better answer the "where do you see yourself" type of ...MoreThank you for posting this! I read it through in prepping for a job interview so I could better answer the "where do you see yourself" type of questions. I never thought to analyze my own goals and attitude in this way but it's incredibly effective.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Alison Rayner:
Thanks Megan! : ) Hope it helps you land a job that is totally in sync with who you are & what you want to achieve.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
Here is a fantastic post (via @the99percent blog) that outlines the 20 questions you better ask or be ready to answer. http://bit.ly/cYs3DU
Cameron Evenson
Any Albertans on here?
92 weeks ago from Canada
Cameron Evenson:
How small? I am in the Calgary area, not finding work out here. And it is now impacting my health.
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Alison Rayner:
Pretty small. You could do what I did... Start a Facebook group & buy some ads using keywords potential employers might have interests in. ...MorePretty small. You could do what I did... Start a Facebook group & buy some ads using keywords potential employers might have interests in. They started contacting me for jobs!
92 weeks ago
92 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
In an interview last week I asked two questions that went over really well with the managers who were interviewing me, and gave me good insight into them as managers as well as the company culture.
1) Is there anything your employees do that really bothers you?
2) How does company culture exist within your departments?
92 weeks ago
Jenn
As I was perusing my new 'employee handbook' I came across the section on 'personal image', at first I thought, this is a joke, right?. The specifics of the dress code are amazing. Ladies, before leaving the house, sit in a chair, if your skirt raises above your knee it's not appropriate for the office.
What are your thoughts? What defines professionalism to you? Is it the way others are dressed or is it their attitude, experience and abilities that define them?
Jeremy Tadman:
Then we all agree. Pick people based on their suitability for the job. But what do you do when it's a tie? This assumes we're talking about ...MoreThen we all agree. Pick people based on their suitability for the job. But what do you do when it's a tie? This assumes we're talking about choosing between two women (I don't think anyone's discussed what happens when there's a man in the mix. Strange don't you think?).
Many self-styled "feminists" (the very word itself seems to indicate female superiority over equality) would deliberately choose the one who hid their "assets". Is this any less sexist? I'm not trying to accuse you personally, but I have met MANY of that type of person. That's just as dangerous a trap.
You'd probably be surprised that we probably also all agree that the current idea of what's attractive is dangerous. I can't speak for Paul, but a man (or a woman) admiring a "nice rack" is hardly unhealthy. A nice rack doesn't necessarily mean "boobzilla on a stick". It often means a well-proportioned body, indicating good health and fertility. This is hardly the crime against humanity (and it is a crime) you spelled out in your response.
You can't look at a person as a whole if you don't take their looks into account. It's a part of who they are, for better or worse.
107 weeks ago
Many self-styled "feminists" (the very word itself seems to indicate female superiority over equality) would deliberately choose the one who hid their "assets". Is this any less sexist? I'm not trying to accuse you personally, but I have met MANY of that type of person. That's just as dangerous a trap.
You'd probably be surprised that we probably also all agree that the current idea of what's attractive is dangerous. I can't speak for Paul, but a man (or a woman) admiring a "nice rack" is hardly unhealthy. A nice rack doesn't necessarily mean "boobzilla on a stick". It often means a well-proportioned body, indicating good health and fertility. This is hardly the crime against humanity (and it is a crime) you spelled out in your response.
You can't look at a person as a whole if you don't take their looks into account. It's a part of who they are, for better or worse.
107 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk
So, I've been thinking after the webinar with Seth Godin today. I've been thinking about how he told everyone they have to be in a dip. They have to be trying to do something hard. And I have this cynical hunch that most people are not doing this. They have ideas about doing it but they're not doing it. Do you guys think I'm cynical or on target?
Scott Cofer recommended this
Robert S. Nance:
You are probably right. I think Americans often look for the easy way. But doing hard things builds character. In fact, a couple of teens, Alex ...MoreYou are probably right. I think Americans often look for the easy way. But doing hard things builds character. In fact, a couple of teens, Alex and Brett Harris, started a blog called the Rebelution a few years ago to challenge their generation to "do hard things" as an antedote to the low expectations being placed on teens today. They are making a difference and there are more teens that believe in themselves and are "doing hard things." Check it out at http://www.therebelution.com/blog/.
107 weeks ago
107 weeks ago
Brice:
My great-grandfather was an immigrant coal miner, I think he would find this "dip" notion funny.
So really, what do you want to do?, after you ...MoreMy great-grandfather was an immigrant coal miner, I think he would find this "dip" notion funny.
So really, what do you want to do?, after you have your comforts and necessities taken care of? The sky is the limit...
I think people have gotten good at enjoying the status quo, and are scared of long term hard work to achieve something. Just look at 4 year degree graduation trends in the past X number of years...
107 weeks ago
So really, what do you want to do?, after you ...MoreMy great-grandfather was an immigrant coal miner, I think he would find this "dip" notion funny.
So really, what do you want to do?, after you have your comforts and necessities taken care of? The sky is the limit...
I think people have gotten good at enjoying the status quo, and are scared of long term hard work to achieve something. Just look at 4 year degree graduation trends in the past X number of years...
107 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
Powerpoint is the enemy, so says the military - http://nyti.ms/9Rn3p7. The military says they have serious concerns that the program stifles discussion, critical thinking and thoughtful decision-making. I too despise Powerpoint, and think we rely far too heavily on it's "dumb-dumb bullets" for persuasion. I have two speeches next week and preparing the Powerpoints has been the worst. The war on Powerpoint is certainly something I can get behind! How about you?
108 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Creatively Inspired and Inspiring Leadership1 more
Elizabeth de Bagara recommended this
Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo:
Jennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use ...MoreJennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use "classroom" style seating!!) the opportunity to debate/answer the question using a flip chart..... To force people to look at BOTH the pros and cons, I suggest they set the flip chart up using a Force Field Analysis.
BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
107 weeks ago
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use ...MoreJennifer G,
The way I use PP to ENCOURAGE discussion is to post a question on the powerpoint slide and then give each table (I NEVER use "classroom" style seating!!) the opportunity to debate/answer the question using a flip chart..... To force people to look at BOTH the pros and cons, I suggest they set the flip chart up using a Force Field Analysis.
BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www.build-project-management-competency.com
107 weeks ago
Virginia Merritt:
When I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication ...MoreWhen I instructed Public Speaking, powerpoint was my best friend. I embedded clips into it to help students break down complex communication concepts, used great funny graphics, had the ability to do clicker polling (they look like remotes and allow for data to be gathered survey style) and to teach via example.
In the corporate world and in the DOD... UGH. I can't tell you how many times I sat through something that could have been emailed to me.
It's not powerpoint, it's the public speaker and it illustrates a huge communication incompetence. Powerpoint is a visual tool to aid in public speaking (sales pitch or whatever) but most people utilize it as their note cards. And they are worse than my 18 year old first year college student presentations. No attention getters, no transitions, reading from the aid, no gestures, too many ums, ahs, likes. ugh, ugh, ugh.
I swear, I could make a killing by selling my services on powerpoint/public speaking training to businesses and etc and make a killing. ;-)
107 weeks ago
In the corporate world and in the DOD... UGH. I can't tell you how many times I sat through something that could have been emailed to me.
It's not powerpoint, it's the public speaker and it illustrates a huge communication incompetence. Powerpoint is a visual tool to aid in public speaking (sales pitch or whatever) but most people utilize it as their note cards. And they are worse than my 18 year old first year college student presentations. No attention getters, no transitions, reading from the aid, no gestures, too many ums, ahs, likes. ugh, ugh, ugh.
I swear, I could make a killing by selling my services on powerpoint/public speaking training to businesses and etc and make a killing. ;-)
107 weeks ago
Ashley Evans
Did anyone else have trouble transferring from high school to college? In high school I was basically running it. Interact club president, Anchor club secretary, Key club secretary, SGA senior class secretary and treasurer, yearbook business manager, NHS historian, athletic booster club volunteer... I was into everything! Now I feel like such a little fish in this big sea. I need to somehow build myself up again like I did in high school, but college is so huge!
Patrick Pho:
I think it depends on where you went to school- I went to a smaller college where I actually did the opposite. I went on to run my college after ...MoreI think it depends on where you went to school- I went to a smaller college where I actually did the opposite. I went on to run my college after doing not so much in high school.
107 weeks ago
107 weeks ago
Alison Rayner:
It depends on what your interests are. i think people get involved with student's unions just to increase their popularity & enhance their ...MoreIt depends on what your interests are. i think people get involved with student's unions just to increase their popularity & enhance their college experience. It's serious business because SU presents deal with big budgets--sometimes in the millions of dollars!
Another great way to get involved & have an impact (especially if you like writing or blogging) is to write for the student newspaper & after a year pitch an idea for your own column. Maybe job searching if that tickles your fancy.
When I first made the jump from high school to post-secondary it was really tough. You go from the top of the heap way down to the very bottom. I was in shock for a better part of the year & adjusting to work loads, studying, and the lonliness did not come easy. Being involved helps in a lot of areas, but it also can cover up things too. You still may be lonely if you are doing tons of stuff, you'll just be burnt from being so busy too.
107 weeks ago
Another great way to get involved & have an impact (especially if you like writing or blogging) is to write for the student newspaper & after a year pitch an idea for your own column. Maybe job searching if that tickles your fancy.
When I first made the jump from high school to post-secondary it was really tough. You go from the top of the heap way down to the very bottom. I was in shock for a better part of the year & adjusting to work loads, studying, and the lonliness did not come easy. Being involved helps in a lot of areas, but it also can cover up things too. You still may be lonely if you are doing tons of stuff, you'll just be burnt from being so busy too.
107 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman
Does anyone have experience creating a "Community Board of Directors" or a "Customer Advisory Board" or something to that effect? I'm not sure that's the right terminology, but would love to hear any ideas on how you get your customer or community evangelists more involved through more formalized relationships...
108 weeks ago from Community Managers, Entrepreneurs, Social Media Marketers, Nonprofiteers and Non-Profit Management3 more
Alison Rayner:
I was at a conference last week & sat in on a round table session on creating a board. The biggest thing I took away from that was you have ...MoreI was at a conference last week & sat in on a round table session on creating a board. The biggest thing I took away from that was you have to fully understand your values/organizational values & goals. What are you trying to achieve by having a board? This will give you direction as to what the board needs to accomplish. The people you ask to be on your board likely have lots of other committments so you need to be clear about what you need from them.
You also have to put a lot of thought into what's in it for them. People don't sit on boards for the good of their health because it takes time away from all the other really important things in their lives like work, family, etc. Once you identify your values you can choose people to sit on your board that align with those values & that gives you a better chance of having an engaged board who genuinely believes in your cause.
107 weeks ago
You also have to put a lot of thought into what's in it for them. People don't sit on boards for the good of their health because it takes time away from all the other really important things in their lives like work, family, etc. Once you identify your values you can choose people to sit on your board that align with those values & that gives you a better chance of having an engaged board who genuinely believes in your cause.
107 weeks ago
Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer:
This example is partially relevant - General Mills has a separate team that shortlists top food bloggers and establishes formal relationships with ...MoreThis example is partially relevant - General Mills has a separate team that shortlists top food bloggers and establishes formal relationships with them through annual meetups, personalized banners and even revenue for their blogs.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
Who knew finishing school would be so anticlimactic. Enter guilt. Why? Read on.
http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/so-this-is-it.html
Alison Rayner
In my pursuit to learn more about myself I took the Myers-Briggs personality test. The results were bang on. Read more about INFJs: http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/whats-infj.html
Alison Rayner
In my pursuit to learn more about myself I took the Myers-Briggs personality test. The results were bang on. Read more about INFJs: http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/whats-infj.html
109 weeks ago from Ask A Coach
NicoleJButler:
Hi Alison - the MBTI is interesting isn't it? I'm an INFJ too. We're a rare breed...
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Alison Rayner
@Ashley Evans' thread about personality quizzes reminded me of how shocked I was to read I am an INFJ. Curious? Check out my post: http://alirayner.blogspot.com/2010/04/whats-infj.html
Ashley Evans
Does anyone else take personality quizzes and actually ponder the results? I am always told that I am very outspoken and upfront but I actually hate getting into arguments. It's weird.
JenG:
Well as someone who is outspoken but doesn't enjoy getting arguments, I don't find this pairing odd at all. To me, the two stem from different ...MoreWell as someone who is outspoken but doesn't enjoy getting arguments, I don't find this pairing odd at all. To me, the two stem from different motivations. I'm a confident person who likes sharing my opinions (that makes me outspoken), but I don't feel like everyone has to agree with me or that my ideas are the only right ones. Arguing often leads to interpersonal conflict, and I genuinely like exchanging ideas with people. Argue too often and people will stop doing that with you. Does that help?
109 weeks ago
109 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell
Any helpful hints on going back to school after 8 years?
http://bizrelationships.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/why-am-i-back-in-school/
109 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Personal Development and Education1 more
Michael Dvorscak:
In graduate school everyone gets an "A." A "B" or lower means you really missed the boat! For me personally, I try to take what we learned in the ...MoreIn graduate school everyone gets an "A." A "B" or lower means you really missed the boat! For me personally, I try to take what we learned in the course and apply to my job. It is very important to take the material and make it your own.
Thinking musically on a Sunday morning, at graduate school it is not about learning the right scales, chords, modes, or even learning how to play piece of music. Instead it is about taking a piece of music, playing it once according to the notation and then playing it again. However, the second time, the notation is discarded, the performer improvises, and makes the music their own.
Graduate school is about making the "music" your own and understanding it enough to understand, combine, discard, and reinvent ideas, or "improvise."
108 weeks ago
Thinking musically on a Sunday morning, at graduate school it is not about learning the right scales, chords, modes, or even learning how to play piece of music. Instead it is about taking a piece of music, playing it once according to the notation and then playing it again. However, the second time, the notation is discarded, the performer improvises, and makes the music their own.
Graduate school is about making the "music" your own and understanding it enough to understand, combine, discard, and reinvent ideas, or "improvise."
108 weeks ago
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