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Lee Thompson
Atlanta, GA
Project Manager, GE Capital
General Business
Fans (16)
Groups (27)

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Kat Argonza Question: How many hours a week do you work out? How many "rest days" do you take?

96 weeks ago from Fit Freaks

Barbara Hall: I usually get in 3-5 days a week depending on my schedule. I do a lot of cardio/strength intervals so the amount of time spent on the workout ...MoreI usually get in 3-5 days a week depending on my schedule. I do a lot of cardio/strength intervals so the amount of time spent on the workout isn't as important as the intensity. I trust how my body is feeling on a certain day and do what feels right - even if it means sleeping in.
93 weeks ago
Justin R. Papreck: I make it to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. One day is reserved for spin class. Otherwise, I have quasi-programs that I made and follow that work ...MoreI make it to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. One day is reserved for spin class. Otherwise, I have quasi-programs that I made and follow that work different parts of the body. I usually lift enough to feel it the next day, but don't really over-do it and end up sore for 3-4 days later. ??
93 weeks ago
 
Kat Argonza Barefoot running, anyone ever tried it? I bought the Vibram five finger shoe and I've loved it! I had knee surgery a year ago, and I've been troubled with knee pain (it's all in my head, really) when I run. After training in these shoes, I've noticed my calves developing and no joint pain.

96 weeks ago from Fit Freaks

Eric Sforza: The problem with shoes now are that they are too advanced. Shoes that are too cushioned and correct for over/under pronation actually make the ...MoreThe problem with shoes now are that they are too advanced. Shoes that are too cushioned and correct for over/under pronation actually make the stabilizer muscles even weaker. Bigger cushioned shoes also allow for poor running technique - this causes over-striding and heel crashing (landing on our heels instead of the ball of the foot).

Dont have to go crazy on buying expensive footwear - just get a pair that has a thin sole (i like Onitsuka's) and focus on stepping under your hip when you jog.

93 weeks ago
Sid: Planning on purchasing some Vibram FiveFinger KoS's soon. Heard the physical benefits are outstanding!
93 weeks ago
 
Alexa Johnson Question- The "Objective" line in a resume. Is it necessary anymore? I hear so many conflicting things anymore. I ask because I'm revamping my resume (once again, good grief) for a DC Job Fair for governmental agencies. A friend let me take a peek at his, and I really cannot get behind this "Objective" business... Thoughts?

98 weeks ago from Resume Feedback

Sean Masters: Put another way, you leave objectives off because what you want is not important. What matters is what value you will bring to the organization. ...MorePut another way, you leave objectives off because what you want is not important. What matters is what value you will bring to the organization. Ask not what the company can do for you, but ask (well, tell) what you can do for the company.
98 weeks ago
Jean DeVries: I ditched the objective section because I wanted someone to read my resume, not fall asleep in the first sentence. I wanted something that would ...MoreI ditched the objective section because I wanted someone to read my resume, not fall asleep in the first sentence. I wanted something that would stand out, and it seems like Objectives all say the same thing: "To obtain a meaningful position where I can contribute blah blah blah." My resume currently has the following summary statement at the beginning: "Seven years of increasing responsibilities in the eCommerce division of the insurance industry. Concentration in data analysis and voice of the customer initiatives."

Then again, I'm still unemployed, so please factor that into your opinion of this post :)


98 weeks ago
Sean Masters: Amazing read. Thanks for passing this along, Lee.
98 weeks ago
Lee Thompson: Thanks, Sean!
98 weeks ago
 
Elysa Rice Do It Yourself or Hire Help? Personal Finance Bloggers Sound Off http://bit.ly/cmeYpr I'm kind of a little of both, more towards do it myself. How about you?

98 weeks ago from Personal Finance and I am Gen Y

Elysa Rice: Lee I am also a big Mint.com fan, especially since I got the iPhone app. I have things on my list that I would rather pay someone to do but is not ...MoreLee I am also a big Mint.com fan, especially since I got the iPhone app. I have things on my list that I would rather pay someone to do but is not in the budget quite yet - I guess that's your category of things you hate doing.

Raquel that's really frustrating, I've had bank mixups before as well. Can you find a replacement since the person you hired before isn't available now?

98 weeks ago
Raquel Elle Bell: @Elysa ~ No it's the person that is not working out. Not reliable. If it's not one thing it's another I find myself having to babysit and make ...More@Elysa ~ No it's the person that is not working out. Not reliable. If it's not one thing it's another I find myself having to babysit and make sure things were done correctly which is not a good use of my time considering I am trying to get it off my plate not make more work for myself fixing issues.
98 weeks ago
 
Lee Thompson Running - I don't enjoy it, but I'm hoping to get to the point that I do. I imagine that'll come once I'm somewhat good at it. Any tips on the best way to improve? I alternate workouts between peak, moderate, and easy effort...using a heart rate monitor and switching between running and biking. What's the best way to improve time geared toward a 5k run? Intervals?

100 weeks ago from Fit Freaks

Ryan Healy: Hey Lee, running definitely does get more fun as you continue to improve. Also, for me it's a great time to relax, think, and enjoy the great ...MoreHey Lee, running definitely does get more fun as you continue to improve. Also, for me it's a great time to relax, think, and enjoy the great outdoors! For training, I would go with intervals to improve your speed, and also try to do some long runs so your body is used to going further than the 5K. When you need to do the 5K it will be much easier to go quick.
100 weeks ago
Lee Thompson: Casey/Ryan - thanks to you both for the feedback...managed to put together a fairly solid training plan to use going forward. I really appreciate it!
100 weeks ago
 
Lee Thompson I'm by no means an expert, and while there are plenty out there who are and who have opinions that trend in both directions, I'm curious for your feedback. Are interest rates going to sky-rocket in a couple of years? Are stocks staring in the face of a very long bear market instead of a recovery? What are you doing in your lives to remain prepared?

100 weeks ago from Personal Finance

 
ravi If a senior manager (not my boss) is making bad decisions and causing undue pain to others, is it right to oppose his views in an open meeting? should i be disagreeing (rightly) openly or try to beat around the bush to make him understand that he is wrong? What is the right way of showing disagreements in a meeting without creating a bad/hostile work environment? Most of my meetings with that person end up being very unpleasant as making him feel insecure.

101 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!

Jean-Victor Côté: Melissa gave helpful pointers about how to frame the issue for the boss.
100 weeks ago
JRandom42: Quote from Donald Trump, when he was challenged openly on "The Apprentice" about being wrong: "You're Fired!"
99 weeks ago
 
Ellen Nordahl When you're researching companies for career opportunities, how important is the company's name or brand recognition? Are you more inclined to seek out opportunities with a company that is well-known because of media coverage and marketing (e.g., Google, Apple, Target, P&G), or are you more interested in the long-term growth and stability of the organization? How do you find out about opportunities with companies that aren't well-known by the general public?

101 weeks ago from JobSTART 101, We're Hiring, Brazen Careerist's Top 50 Gen-Y Companies and Career Changers2 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: Two questions here:

In response to your first question: Just because you haven't "heard" of a 'brand' does not mean that it's not long term or ...More
Two questions here:

In response to your first question: Just because you haven't "heard" of a 'brand' does not mean that it's not long term or sustainable. Vice versa, just because you have heard of a brand, doesn't mean it's sustainable or long term either (we can all see this from BP's issue now). Hence, I use 2 things to determine where I'm going to get the most traction in terms of careers/clients. 1) Connections - as you know, 92% of jobs are found via connections / recommendations vs. just "applying" so I go for where there is a higher likelihood of me getting int the door. 2) I then go to Linkedin. I join the networks in the industry I'm looking and then review the 'members' lists / see where they are working. If the individual + the company looks interesting, I build a connection that way to get in as a recommendation.

Second Question: To find opportunities that are not well known, I do the same thing. Pro-actively engage in LinkedIn networks.

What @Raquel states is true, however there are different kinds of notoriety in "brands". For example, there are companies that are very well branded regionally, but perhaps not nationally. Example - in TX, everyone knows what "Whataburger" is. In FL, I've never heard of it. So make sure you are not narrowing yourself to 1 region or area unless you are 100% certain you will stay there.

101 weeks ago
Ellen Nordahl: Great point about regional differences in brand notoriety. I also think a lot of B2B companies fly under the radar because we as consumers aren't ...MoreGreat point about regional differences in brand notoriety. I also think a lot of B2B companies fly under the radar because we as consumers aren't exposed to their marketing and advertising efforts. There are some tremendous opportunities out there if you take the time to research an industry and identify its key players.
101 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey Given the fact that many banks/financial services companies have taken a hit to their brands in the marketplace in recent years, has your level of interest in working in the industry changed? Do you see friends reconsidering working in the industry, or do you feel that people are looking more at the specific job vs. the company/industry?

101 weeks ago from Breaking Into Banking and Citi

Lee Thompson: Not at all. If anything, it's made the current and future environments more challenging. Who wants to be bored? To me, it's not about the issue ...MoreNot at all. If anything, it's made the current and future environments more challenging. Who wants to be bored? To me, it's not about the issue at hand as much as how the company and its employees handle it. If anything, all of the changes that have come about in the last couple of years have made life very interesting.
101 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Just read an article about a woman who told a little white lie in salary negotiation. When she was offered a new job, she said she made $5,000 more at her old job than she actually did. The offered to match her salary, but she said, "I'd like to be making more," and so they came back and said they'd give her $5,000 more, so her new job is $10K more than her old one. $10K is an avg salary jump, but I love this tactic. Do you think it's okay though to say such a lie?

101 weeks ago from Salary - Negotiating & More, Human Resources, ERE on Brazen, I am Gen Y and Ask Penelope Trunk!3 more

Joseph Tolentino: I've just read this article: MoreI've just read this article: http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/reveal-salary-history-negotiat...

I guess there are varied opinions regarding this matter but in order not to get in trouble this article advised to simply say that you are not comfortable discussing your financial history. That is why you are "negotiating", you want what is financially sound to what you are taking in especially if it is something different from your current job.

100 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Okay, BJP, I understand what you meant now. Thank you.
100 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Our CEO and President are traveling again today. It's so interesting how quiet it gets when they're not here. Not bad, just different. Does your boss' physical presence make a difference in your office? What does your answer say about the future of things like co-working, telecommuting and flexible work arrangements? Do you need to be face-to-face with your team to be successful?

101 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Travel for Business, Alice.com, Productivity & Time-Management and Coworking3 more

Jennifer Koren: I have managed in both an office an environment and also a work from home environment and I can 100% say that you do not need to be face-to-face ...MoreI have managed in both an office an environment and also a work from home environment and I can 100% say that you do not need to be face-to-face to have a successful team.

Actually I feel like people are more focused when they are not in the office since all of the office politics are non-existent. Excellent communication skills and having a stellar staff is a must for telecommuting but if you structure it correctly and have the right equipment then there is no need to work face to face.

My current staff is positioned all over the east coast and works all different hours. We have our own internal community as well as video conferences and trainings to keep the communication flowing on a daily basis to ensure that we all stay connected.

I do have an office to go to but when I go in I am distracted by the office politics and social atmosphere and it takes a few hours off of my day where I could have been more productive.

101 weeks ago
Lee Thompson: I agree with Jennifer...in having the flexibility to work from home a few days a week or to go into the office, either works. Face-to-face a few ...MoreI agree with Jennifer...in having the flexibility to work from home a few days a week or to go into the office, either works. Face-to-face a few of times a month seems to work well enough for the group in which I work and for me.
101 weeks ago
 
Lesley Heizman Brazen Peeps-I need your facebook votes for a Fitness Competition I am trying to compete in. Help me out today and vote for Lesley Heizman! http://www.facebook.com/dayla.penn?v=feed&story_fbid=112042958842409#!/photo.php?pid=4146404&id=183360774833&ref=mf First you have to "like" the KC Fit Magazine, then like my picture. I am sorely behind so help me catch up, voting ends today at 5!

101 weeks ago from Fit Freaks

Lee Thompson: Just saw this - did you win??!
100 weeks ago
Lesley Heizman: nope, but it's all good...thanks for checking! :)
100 weeks ago
 
Jamie Nacht Farrell I have worked with and interviewed thousands of people who have past military experience and 1) Thus far, all work experience has been 100% positive (discipline, quick to think, reliable, etc). 2) I have also been in a position where I've wanted to hire people with prior military experience and have not been able to because they do not have a degree (yet). Based on the availability of online education and the GI Bill, why don't more military students take advantage of this?

101 weeks ago from Military

Heather Gaona: Like a lot of my fellow Soldiers in the medical field, I got my degree before enlisting (thank you for Student Loan Repayment!). I think many of ...MoreLike a lot of my fellow Soldiers in the medical field, I got my degree before enlisting (thank you for Student Loan Repayment!). I think many of our young Soldiers don't know where to start, so I send mine to the local Education Services Center. I'm pretty sure part of the problem is that our current promotion system does not value civilian education: if I get another degree, it does nothing to improve my chance of promotion. It does improve my chance of becoming an Officer, but even that isn't a guarantee.

For folks who are about to get out, or are already out of the Military, they should definitely be talking to their VA counselor about education benefits. The VA administers Post-9/11 GI Bill and Vocational Rehabilitation, both excellent programs.

101 weeks ago
Lee Thompson: Jamie - after our recent discussion, I thought you might find this of interest:

Veterans One Source Act of 2010

Senate Considers Establishment ...More
Jamie - after our recent discussion, I thought you might find this of interest:

Veterans One Source Act of 2010

Senate Considers Establishment of Online Veterans' Benefit Resource

If passed, Senate Bill S.3355, would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and maintain an Internet website that provides information on the benefits, resources, services, and opportunities available for veterans and their families and caregivers, including veterans' benefits provided through the VA and the Department of Labor, tax benefits, social security benefits, state and local resources, and small business assistance.

The bill requires the proposed website to: (1) consolidate, expand on, and improve information and links from other existing websites relating to such benefits, resources, services, and opportunities; and (2) integrate dynamic Internet features and virtual interface tools to provide a personalized, interactive, and user-centered Internet experience.

100 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I really love working with my co-workers. They are an extremely talented and nice bunch. But that doesn't mean our working styles always match. The main person I work with is very soft-spoken and sweet in contrast to my brisk and up-front style. She's one of my favorite people to work with now, but it was a rough beginning! Do you like your coworkers? Do they make work bearable or more difficult? Love to hear your guys' stories!

103 weeks ago from Working w/ Colleagues and Co-Workers, Productivity & Time-Management and Alice.com1 more

Lee Thompson: My co-workers are incredible. I'd say they most vary from function to function, but those within my group are very much Type-A personalities with ...MoreMy co-workers are incredible. I'd say they most vary from function to function, but those within my group are very much Type-A personalities with great drive. The best part about them, though, is that they will help you, no matter what. The people I work with are what make my job a great one.
102 weeks ago
Raquel Elle Bell: I'm queen bee but my employees are great. I go through a very specific behavior process to ensure I am putting the right people in the right job. ...MoreI'm queen bee but my employees are great. I go through a very specific behavior process to ensure I am putting the right people in the right job. That way I don't have to assume they are what they say they are,or expect things from them that are outside of their natural behavior. If I know what kind of behavior to expect from someone it makes it easier for me to know how they like to work. I constantly adjust my working style to accomplish the maximum efficiency.
102 weeks ago
 
Siddharth A colleague at work has to give a presentation to the senior management. She's uncomfortable giving such presentations and i want to help her out. What are the best articles you have read for making a good presentation or on public speaking? Also what are the best tips you have received regarding making an impression through such presentations.

104 weeks ago from Personal Development and Personal Branding

Lee Thompson: One thing you may suggest is going to slideshare.com and searching for presentations on the best practices for giving them...what to do and what ...MoreOne thing you may suggest is going to slideshare.com and searching for presentations on the best practices for giving them...what to do and what not to do. There are plenty of them available at that site.
103 weeks ago
Siddharth: Woah thanks all for the amazing tips. Will pass them on and i hope it will be useful for me too sometime.
103 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman A recent study from MIT showed that employees with the most extensive personal online networks were 7 percent more productive than their colleagues (go Brazen!), and those with the most cohesive face-to-face networks were 30 percent more productive. They say this is because your community and network allows you stay accountable, refine ideas, etc. Have you found this to be true? As your network expands both online and off, are you becoming more productive?

104 weeks ago from Networking Tips and Productivity & Time-Management

Lee Thompson: I'd say networks, online or off, are definitely a key factor to productivity. Sharing ideas and being made accountable for actionable items for ...MoreI'd say networks, online or off, are definitely a key factor to productivity. Sharing ideas and being made accountable for actionable items for any project or task are the areas that seem to push me to improve. With that said, I still believe face-to-face has a greater impact - the study seems to support that as well.
104 weeks ago
Scott Asai: I'd definitely agree! I use social media to build relationships, preferably face-to-face ones.
104 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey If you asked me 10 years ago, I would have never considered a career in financial services because I had a (mis) perception that the culture would be too conservative or stuffy. I've been very pleased to find that's not the case in many organizations. Jobseekers: What are your initial impressions about working in a financial services company? What are your expectations about the company culture?

104 weeks ago from Citi and Breaking Into Banking

Nikki Schiro: Banks offer great management training programs and in different specialties - sales, IT, operations, audit and credit. I joined a bank's sales ...MoreBanks offer great management training programs and in different specialties - sales, IT, operations, audit and credit. I joined a bank's sales program 11 years ago. I learned about sales, customer service, credit and management. In my time here at the bank I have had 8 different jobs in 11 years without having to change companies. Also, I have been able to learn and grow as a banker, but leverage that experience and apply it to different areas like Human Resources and Marketing. Strong performers have great opportunities at a large bank, as long as you are patient and can execute.
102 weeks ago
Megan Alesci: I agree with most of you...I had an AVP job in Treasury Management at a large bank in WI. However, my husband transferred jobs to Dallas last ...MoreI agree with most of you...I had an AVP job in Treasury Management at a large bank in WI. However, my husband transferred jobs to Dallas last year...and I have yet to find a compatible job here in Dallas. I've come to find that especially in banking...it's all about who you know.
102 weeks ago
 
Chris Paugh Here is something to think about: What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?

108 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist

Chris Paugh: That's so exciting, Dustin, having your first child! Now that is something that will truly change your life! It is so great that you have short ...MoreThat's so exciting, Dustin, having your first child! Now that is something that will truly change your life! It is so great that you have short and long term plans in place to fulfill your aspirations. Volunteering in Africa is something I would consider, and a great way to give back.
103 weeks ago
Chris Paugh: Virginia I have to agree with you about learning from failures. Otherwise how would you possibly grow to be the person that you become. I know ...MoreVirginia I have to agree with you about learning from failures. Otherwise how would you possibly grow to be the person that you become. I know it has made me a stronger person in many ways.

The cupcake bus is such an great idea! I never thought that cupcakes could be taken to such heights! Seriously what a creative idea!

103 weeks ago
Interests
American Corporate Partners; General Electric Veterans Network; Army Engineer Association
Specialties
- Six Sigma GreenBelt Certified; Trained and experienced in Lean Process Improvement - Proficient in the use of: Microsoft Project, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Front Page, Visio, Minitab, All of MS Office Suite

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