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Scott Messinger
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Atmos Energy Corporation
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TOP IDEA: Dana Leavy How do you balance who you are behind the computer, and away from the desk? As a business owner and a fine artist, I find that it's far too easy for me to let my artistic interests slide when I get busy or involved with my work. But at the same time, I feel creatively inspired by the work I'm doing for myself, and sometimes that's fulfilling enough. Does your work or job support you as a person creatively and inspire you? http://www.aspyresolutions.com

62 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Entrepreneurs, Creatively Inspired and Brazen Careerists in New York City2 more

JRandom42: Well since my talents and skill are more scientific and technical as opposed to creative and artistic, it doesn't really matter to me otherwise.
46 weeks ago
Gil Elliot: I've come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as a personal life and a "work" life.
2 weeks ago
 
Diane L CNN reports that while top corporate positions (and any leadership position, really) are associated with extroverts, introverts can be great leaders too. http://bit.ly/ekVa7f Has there ever been a situation at work when you felt you needed to modify your usual persona/response to get a particular result/for any reason?

64 weeks ago

Justine Smith: Depending on the person I do change my approach but not my personality. I'm still me. If I dealing with someone more introverted that is very ...MoreDepending on the person I do change my approach but not my personality. I'm still me. If I dealing with someone more introverted that is very analytical I will make sure to present the data and have all the details ready. If I'm presenting to a direct, bottom line exec I will make sure to have a concise summary that bottom lines my recommendations before jumping into any detail.
64 weeks ago
Nelson Santiago: Any time your in a leadership role you must be able to adapt to the personality of others. Every employee is different and every approach must be ...MoreAny time your in a leadership role you must be able to adapt to the personality of others. Every employee is different and every approach must be different also. You have to be aware of what makes someone "click". Knowing your people and their circumstances will help you figure out how to deal with them in the most effective way. I experience this in my job every day. All my employees are from all over the country and, in some cases, around the world.
15 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: JenG When you're not happy in your job, sometimes it's hard to know if you need a different job, a new career, or just a long vacation. In a guest post for Zen Habits, I discuss the three scenarios when I think only a new career will do. http://zenhabits.net/3-clear-reasons-to-change-careers/

39 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love and Career Changers

Dan Becco: You mentioned a Chris Bilbo (sp?) how do i find out more about making money ideas? thanks. dan
36 weeks ago
Borislava Slavova: Dan, it's Chris Guillebeau, and you can read this article and the comments - MoreDan, it's Chris Guillebeau, and you can read this article and the comments - http://bit.ly/mVHy0A
35 weeks ago
 
Noel Rozny Do you feel like you're doing good work every day? And what does that phrase mean to you? Do you define "good work" by output, product, personal goals or salary? http://bit.ly/qDCB9v

38 weeks ago from myFootpath

Ben Donahower: Well, I'm going to use the word in the definition but good work, to me, is work that I feel good about. Do I feel like I accomplished something? ...MoreWell, I'm going to use the word in the definition but good work, to me, is work that I feel good about. Do I feel like I accomplished something? Is there empirical evidence backing it up?

I'd love to say that I produce good work every day. I come close most of the time, but I also think that good work is something that can't be forced. I might go through the motions one day for any number of reasons and another day be able to produce good work at a record pace depending upon my mood, the project that I'm working on, and other factors.

36 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: @Ben--so true, especially in knowledge work. Sometimes you might have a few days that don't seem productive, but in fact, your brain is chewing on ...More@Ben--so true, especially in knowledge work. Sometimes you might have a few days that don't seem productive, but in fact, your brain is chewing on that big problem or solution that it's going to unveil later in the week.
36 weeks ago
 
Edward Antrobus Leaving aside what the actual numbers are or how you actually go about getting there, if you had/have a budget surplus, what would you do with it? If you've covered the expenses of everyday life and got your savings for future needs (emergency fund, retirement, etc) squared away, and still have a solid chunk of change left over, what would use it for? Had a chat with a financial advisor and not knowing my own answer to this question limits my ability to move forward with a plan.

39 weeks ago from Untemplater and Rocky Mountain Networking

JenG: I felt the exact same way! Having worked myself out of debt and then embracing saving like a zealot, it was hard for me to draw on my "safety ...MoreI felt the exact same way! Having worked myself out of debt and then embracing saving like a zealot, it was hard for me to draw on my "safety funds" when I needed them. I worked on it. I mean, what's the point in saving if you never, ever use it?!
36 weeks ago
Edward Antrobus: I don't see any point in having money if you don't spend it, but NOT spending is so ingrained that it would be easier if there was just enough ...MoreI don't see any point in having money if you don't spend it, but NOT spending is so ingrained that it would be easier if there was just enough money instead of too much.
36 weeks ago
 
Sadya Siddiqui Its 10th anniversary is on Sunday - so where were you when 9/11 happened? How did you find out about it?

37 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Brazen Careerists on Twitter, Personal Development, Slash Jobs and Ask A Coach3 more

Morana Medved: I was woken up by a girlfriend with the news. We had a class that morning and she asked if I thought the class was still on. Having lived ...MoreI was woken up by a girlfriend with the news. We had a class that morning and she asked if I thought the class was still on. Having lived through a war in my teens (Balkans) I found it unimaginable that an East Coast event would affect classes in California, so we went. I was wrong. Few people that showed up spent some time discussing structural implications of the crash in the typical fashion of an architectural class. Then I went home, stopping to buy a selection of my favorite foods and a bottle of wine, made myself a feast and went to bed, never turning on the TV. I did not want to deal with a potential of another war.
37 weeks ago
David Macauley: I was in a staff meeting at a federal building in Michigan. We were informed by a co-worker when the first plane hit. By the time the second ...MoreI was in a staff meeting at a federal building in Michigan. We were informed by a co-worker when the first plane hit. By the time the second plane hit, we were all in the dining area watching it happen on AV carts they brought in there...
37 weeks ago
 
Gerald Philip MacKenzie Hi Everyone! I recently decided to self-emancipate from my "employer" , in the name of freedom, happiness, fulfillment... and adventure! Woot!

48 weeks ago from Location Independent

Gerald Philip MacKenzie: Hi guys, thanks for the warm welcome, and sorry about the delay in responding. I guess I'm not quite used to hanging out at this site yet! I did ...MoreHi guys, thanks for the warm welcome, and sorry about the delay in responding. I guess I'm not quite used to hanging out at this site yet! I did get a very nice welcome message from the Brazen folks, and I'd like to know how to share of myself more here, how to contribute, etc.

45 weeks ago
Rosemarie: how is it so far?
45 weeks ago
Scott Messinger: Just wait until you're married and have kids! THen the weekend is filled with swim lessons, sports games, grocery shopping, clothes shopping, ...MoreJust wait until you're married and have kids! THen the weekend is filled with swim lessons, sports games, grocery shopping, clothes shopping, etc. Not to mention all the mess in the house that wasn't cleaned because you were too busy during the week!
117 weeks ago
: I like this; for me, the key to feeling like the weekend was productive is actually having at least an hour of complete downtime to myself where ...MoreI like this; for me, the key to feeling like the weekend was productive is actually having at least an hour of complete downtime to myself where I'm not trying to get anything done, but just enjoying a cup of coffee on my deck or reading a book. As you said, so important to leave space to just "Be".
117 weeks ago
Emily Jasper: @Barry, I love how you put it. I know for me, I may not shout it off rooftops at every moment, but especially after writing this, I think there ...More@Barry, I love how you put it. I know for me, I may not shout it off rooftops at every moment, but especially after writing this, I think there are more people who will identify with me instead of look down on me.

@Renee, this is a great example of where twitter leaves out a lot of context. I don't think I ever really considered "heading to a fundraiser for the mission trip" bragging, but when I put myself in a reader's shoes, it can come across as "I'm doing something good for my community, what about you?" Thank you for that perspective, something I'm always happy to hear!

117 weeks ago
Glenda Pitts: False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

The lie is that we have something to hide or be ashamed of or that somehow we are better than others because of ...More
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

The lie is that we have something to hide or be ashamed of or that somehow we are better than others because of who we live in. We are all sinners, just some are delivered and some are still trying to get "better". He loves you and He loves this world...it is about shouting it from the rooftops...and praying in the corner of your closet - for what you pray for on earth is bound in heaven when your faith is in the only one who has ever loved you unconditionally - we all talk about unconditional love, but there is only One who has ever shown it...and it isn't me, but He that lives within me. And for that, all I can say is "Thank you Daddy!". :-)

117 weeks ago
Scott Messinger: I'll speak up again, if only to hear myself talk (type).

It is entirely possible to use constant connectivity as a crutch for other support ...More
I'll speak up again, if only to hear myself talk (type).

It is entirely possible to use constant connectivity as a crutch for other support structures. But you can compensate and still use the technology correctly.

For example: I work in IT. One of my responsibilities is to provide support to several computer systems. I repeatedly stress to my users that they can always call me directly if the issue is urgent, but they need to contact the corporate Help Desk FIRST. Because, when I am out of the office or unavailable, the help desk will know about it and find someone to help them.

I don't use my constant availability as a substitute for the regular company problem-reporting process, I use it as a enhancement. So I can turn off my phone when needed.

113 weeks ago
Ruby Subramaniam: It's definitely interesting to hear two sides of the story, isn't it? Of course, I wouldn't deny all the help I'm getting with technology on my ...MoreIt's definitely interesting to hear two sides of the story, isn't it? Of course, I wouldn't deny all the help I'm getting with technology on my side - everything is so instant. I'm just addressing the obsession I notice with my colleagues and friends. Perhaps it all depends how one addresses this, and if they know how to draw the line. Thanks for all the feedback guys! :)
113 weeks ago
Stephanie: "Kids won’t ever want to grow up if they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that once they leave school they’re destined for a life of non-fun 40 ...More"Kids won’t ever want to grow up if they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that once they leave school they’re destined for a life of non-fun 40 hours every week"

I've always been taught two things: one, that if I work hard enough at anything and become an expert in it, I can make it into my job, and two, all the work in school and at actual work is to help you get to the job or position that you want. So for instance, someone wants to write, so he/she can become an author, a blogger, a journalist, an editor, whichever job is the most appealing. Becoming the best in any of these fields can still become his/her "work," but it's also enjoyable.

Of course, you have to be realistic. There will be facets about your work (like the comedian example Marisa brought up) that you won't want to do for whatever reason: it's boring, it's tedious, etc. Well, suck it up! Life, and work, isn't going to be entertaining 24/7, and everyone should recognize that.

That being said, you have to enjoy SOME part of your job or you're in the wrong field or position.


110 weeks ago
anjum azad: Thank you dear Carlee. That was great!! God Bless you and parents and family.
100 weeks ago
 
Noel Rozny I've been thinking about high school a lot. Which do you think has served you better in your career: your high school classes or your extracurricular activities? http://bit.ly/lrRLs5

48 weeks ago from myFootpath

Scott Messinger: Since I discovered computers in a high school class, definitely my classes. Marching Band was fun, but I don't play the trumpet any more.
47 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: @Scott--great point!
47 weeks ago
 
Noel Rozny Have you ever worked in an office where silos form and departments don't cooperate? How did you deal? We offer some tips for breaking down silos here: http://j.mp/ihrk8J

49 weeks ago

Noel Rozny: @Marc--thanks for your response!! I agree with you -- companies are struggling to find a way to measure outcomes, especially for knowledge ...More@Marc--thanks for your response!! I agree with you -- companies are struggling to find a way to measure outcomes, especially for knowledge workers whose deliverables aren't always easily measurable. I think this is the wrong approach to take, because it really undermines your employees. Celebrating a team or department's achievements is a much better way to motivate and reinforce camaraderie!
48 weeks ago
Megan Atkinson: Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars by Patrick Lencioni. Excellent read.
47 weeks ago
 
Ty Unglebower There is a you, and a "you". "You" is the person people assume you are, expect you to be, and at some point if you are not careful, who you start to become. To act like. Because that is the understood place you hold. (The Dumb One or the Crabby One.) The good news is, you can stop being "you" and start being you whenever you want to. You don't have to accept that role in the play of life. I post more about this. http://bit.ly/jzaycN

52 weeks ago from Creating a Life You Love, Networking Tips, Washington D.C. and Baltimore Brazen2 more

Noel Rozny: I think this is a trap you really see highlighted on reality TV these days!!
51 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower: Thank, Jason. Glad you enjoyed. And Noel, I wouldn't be on one of those shows for that very reason. Even if I was paid. Never again can the people ...MoreThank, Jason. Glad you enjoyed. And Noel, I wouldn't be on one of those shows for that very reason. Even if I was paid. Never again can the people who have been on them, passed and present, just act as they really would. They have to keep up that image.


51 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast http://bit.ly/jZdCUG Do you do any of these? What do you do to get ready for your day?

53 weeks ago from Citi, Ask A Coach, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Personal Branding2 more

Scott Messinger: I stumble through getting my son ready for school. Wake up at 6:00 PM to get him out of bed to say goodbye to his mon before she leaves for work ...MoreI stumble through getting my son ready for school. Wake up at 6:00 PM to get him out of bed to say goodbye to his mon before she leaves for work (she picks him up from school before I get home). Get him breakfast, get dressed, give him his ADHD nedication, pester HIM to get dressed, get his lunch, get MY lunch, gather our stuff (laptop, his school books, other stuff) and leave for school and work. If I'm lucky I might have time to read the paper a bit during this time, because I won't have time when I get home at 6 PM. I'll need to wolf down dinner and play with my son and goes to bed at 8:00 PM (after practicing reading and getting bath). Then I get to spend time with my wife for a hour until we get sleepy enough to go to bed. I might stay up later to get some 'me' time, or maybe do some work (less and less these days)

Who has time for anything more?

52 weeks ago
Cheryl Roshak: I get up, that's the big thing, and stumble downstairs for coffee in a fog and check my email and have more coffee till the fog in my head clears, ...MoreI get up, that's the big thing, and stumble downstairs for coffee in a fog and check my email and have more coffee till the fog in my head clears, then I'm good to go, before that, I'm not of this world! :)
51 weeks ago
 
La Donna Lokey What is your greatest lesson from working in the corporate world, and what advice do you have for those who are new to corporate? #brazen

52 weeks ago from inCORPorated and Citi

Scott Messinger: Corporate vs what else? Isn't almost everything corporate (except academic and non-profit?)
52 weeks ago
Obi Okere: I've learned how important it is to learn the corporate culture as soon as possible and understand who the major influencers are.
52 weeks ago
 
Dawn Lennon Ideas matter and thought-leaders, idea advocates, make a difference. Oprah Winfrey just finished 25 years (4,561 talk shows) focused on giving voice to ideas of all stripes. She's had a huge impact and we can too. What's been your foray into thought-leadership? The impact? Here's more on Oprah's ideas and mine. http://wp.me/pJhPc-kS

52 weeks ago from Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and Inspiring Leadership1 more

Scott Messinger: I have a problem with Oprah, since she has a habit of using her popularioty to promote ideas harmful to people, specifically popular medical ...MoreI have a problem with Oprah, since she has a habit of using her popularioty to promote ideas harmful to people, specifically popular medical myths: http://scienceblogs.com/whitecoatunderground/2009/06/oprahs_website_of_w...
52 weeks ago
Cheryl Roshak: @Dawn - thank you, your words are very gracious and mean a great deal to me. :)
52 weeks ago
 
wendy aron In my quest to reinvent myself, I took a vocational/personality test to find a suitable occupation. On the basis of this, I was told to explore being a private investigator or photographer. Since I am afraid of my shadow and never owned a camera, I got to thinking this test was really bogus. Have you ever taken a personality/vocational test? Did it help you at all?

62 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Career Changers, Professional Writers and Editors and What I Wish I Knew Then2 more

Regina Richardson: I use them as a source of laughter...the only one that's ever come CLOSE to being correct is the DISC test
55 weeks ago
Steve Tuffill: I took one not so long ago, and frankly, it told me a few things about myself. Apart from the Myers/Briggs stuff, it went into three distinct ...MoreI took one not so long ago, and frankly, it told me a few things about myself. Apart from the Myers/Briggs stuff, it went into three distinct areas and came out with the fact that....guess what? They told me I should have been writing for much longer than I have been!
54 weeks ago
 
Scott Messinger This is definitely an INTP group!

54 weeks ago from INTPs

 
Jamie Nacht Farrell I've always felt like (and now it's been documented numerous times) I only want to work with people I can have both professional AND personal relationships with. Although I've been told numerous times (by boomers) that you need to separate work and personal. What are your thoughts? Do you separate the 2 or do you have personal relationships with people you work with? What would you rather have? http://bit.ly/i6lZ23

57 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, I am Gen Y, Creating a Life You Love, Creatively Inspired and Professional Development3 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @dawn - gotcha -makes perfect sense. ty. @Kim - phenomenal explanation. @Jrandom ( ; going to read now - thanks.
57 weeks ago
Tatiana Christian: I think that because we spend so much time at work, it's difficult not to make friends with the people you work with. But what I've experienced ...MoreI think that because we spend so much time at work, it's difficult not to make friends with the people you work with. But what I've experienced however is that it's difficult to maintain relationships with former employees because all we ever talked about was work. So once the work was gone, there was nothing left to discuss. So if you want long lasting work friends to become personal friends, you have to make a greater effort to spend time together outside of the workplace. But I don't mind either way. I've always managed to make at least one friend whereever I worked.
56 weeks ago
 
Allison Cheston Today's NYT article about college debt will make you mad, especially with more government education cuts coming our way. Do you have college debt? If you could do it over, would you attend a less expensive school? Here's my two cents: http://www.allisoncheston.com/blog/jobs-and-the-economy/gen-ys-college-d...

58 weeks ago

Heather Gaona: I joined the Army after completing college, so my student loans were repaid. Now I have Post-9/11 GI Bill and VA benefits to cover grad school, ...MoreI joined the Army after completing college, so my student loans were repaid. Now I have Post-9/11 GI Bill and VA benefits to cover grad school, and I have served my country.
57 weeks ago
Corbin Haresnape: @Allison Good stuff! It is frustrating to me that every time a university student is able to borrow more money the cost of school magically increases!
57 weeks ago
 
Scott Messinger According to the Terminator movies, Skynet became self-aware at 8:11 p.m. on Tuesday. I, for one, welcome our new robotic overlords!

57 weeks ago from Science Fiction & Fantasy

 
Vincent Marie Lee's Op Ed in the New York Times last weekend was a wake up call for me. It's easy to forget the impact some of my teachers have had on me when immersed in the daily battles within the profession and the cynicism directed at the profession from outside. Do you remember the teacher that "changed your life"? http://cranialgunk.com/blog/2011/04/10/remembering-sir/

58 weeks ago from Education Conversations and Education

Jason H. Parker: Yes, I actually was blessed to have many teachers in my life who affected my emotional, academic and career education. So glad! Thanks for this ...MoreYes, I actually was blessed to have many teachers in my life who affected my emotional, academic and career education. So glad! Thanks for this comment, it allowed me to rethink about my teachers!
58 weeks ago
Khaila Edward: Good reminiscing :) My English Literature teacher made Literature even more fun than it already was to me and definitely had something to do with ...MoreGood reminiscing :) My English Literature teacher made Literature even more fun than it already was to me and definitely had something to do with me getting into the Communication field.
57 weeks ago
 
Dawn Lennon The whole performance appraisal thing gets us in a knot, often for good reason. What supervisors forget is that their approach to reviewing our performance is a reflection on them. In fact, I believe supervisors and managers should themselves be assessed on how well their employees perform. What do you think? http://wp.me/pJhPc-i7

63 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, Career Rocketeer and Personal Branding1 more

Megan Atkinson: @Scott, I agree that goal setting and performance tracking is time consuming for busy managers. But it seems like you're putting all the ...More@Scott, I agree that goal setting and performance tracking is time consuming for busy managers. But it seems like you're putting all the responsibility on the manager, here. Why not push some of it back to the employee? It is the employees 'fate' at stake... staff should be more involved in their own tracking, in my opinion. I have two goals this year: More public speaking engagements and more experience with industrial customers. Granted, they are far less than specific but very measurable.

I keep track of every speaking event I've planned, organized, and presented at: dates, times, locations. I also keep track of all my efforts to get more industrial experience: lunch-n-learn seminars I've organized, external training and resources I've secured, new customers I've worked with, and technologies I've helped them to implement.

This way allows me to take the power of the tracking into my own hands - not leaving it up to my way-too-busy boss to "remember" all this stuff when it comes time for my review. I feel that the result of the review is MY responsibility and MY potential benefit - complaining that the boss is too busy is just a cop out, in my opinion.

57 weeks ago
Scott Messinger: @megan: I agree that employees should do the detail work of tracking their own progress. But the managers need to provide the framework. The ...More@megan: I agree that employees should do the detail work of tracking their own progress. But the managers need to provide the framework. The managers need to set the specific goals, tell the employees how to measure it, explain the expected outcome, set the priorities, etc.


57 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch It's the weekend, so I'm done with the work talk my fellow BCs. What movie are you most looking forward to this Spring/Summer? And do you predict Hollywood will give us better entertainment than last year?

59 weeks ago from Movie Critics and Film

Brett Kunsch: Quite true. And those 3D tv's are not going to do the trick, no matter how hard they try.
57 weeks ago
jlp1976: I don't normally see a lot of movies, but I really want to see the IMAX movie Tornado Alley.
57 weeks ago
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Oracle application development, Oracle forms & reports, SQL, PL/SQL.

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Jesse Goldman
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