4 Successful People Ask Their Boss About Projects - The Muse

4 Successful People Ask Their Boss About Projects - The Muse4 Successful People Ask Their Boss About ProjectsYou just left your meeting with your boss, and your head is spinning. She assigned you to a new project and you feel super unclear about several aspects of it.Ive been here before- a lot. Its not very fun. And while its ideal for supervisors to present their employees with all the necessary details from the start, it doesnt always happen. So because I hate feeling destined for failure, Ive outlined four questions I always when Im given a task with little to no instruction. Not only is it a great way to show initiative, but it makes the whole project a lot less painful.1. When Is it Due?Theres a very big difference between something due by the end of today and a deadline of next month or by next year at this time.When I started my current gig, my director told me all the goals she had for our team and my position. I walked the five yards back to my office, looked at my list, an d immediately put the pressure on myself to schliff everything right now, ASAP, by the end of the day, or elseWhen I finally expressed how overwhelmed I was to her, she clarified that, no, she didnt expect me to be a miracle worker. Because while some things, like the Safe Spring Break event, needed to be completed by a certain date (like, um, before spring break), others had much more lenient timelines- or none at all.You dont want to assume it has to be done right this very moment and drop everything else to tackle it, nor do you want to operate under the assumption that its not urgent (because if it is- and you dont finish it on time- well, thats a problem. And awkward). 2. Is There Anyone Else I Should Talk to About This?There very well could be people whove worked on this exact assignment before. Youll want to know if theres a certain place you should pick up, if there are methods they tried that didnt work, or if they have any other helpful tips for you.Furthermore, there may be individuals who you should be collaborating and splitting the workload with. You dont need to take on every single assignment completely solo. (Because you dont need to be a miracle worker, either)Lastly, itll help ensure you gain any approval needed. For example, if Im told to provide a statement to the university paper about something in our office, I need to andrang it by the communications director before I make any sort of peep. 3. Why Am I Doing This?I know, I know- this seems snarky at first. But in no way do I intend for you to lace this question with sass. What I do intend is for you to ask your boss for the purpose of what she assigned you.Not only do I think this can help you tie more value to the work youre doing, but it can also provide important context thatll help you decide which direction to steer in.For instance, if Im asked to plan a stress management tips workshop and leave the room without asking the question, Ill risk going about it the wrong way. Because if the targeted audience is undergraduate students, Im most likely going to choose an evening time slot when most dont have class. Itll reference the typical stressors students face- balancing schedules for class, organizations, studying for finals, and so forth.If its for the staff, though, Ill schedule it during the typical of 9-to-5 workday and address topics such as dealing with an impossible co-worker, work-life balance, taking care of the kids or an aging family member, etc. If I dont know who the program is for, its hard to make it relatable. 4. What Exactly Are You Expecting From Me?At the beginning of the fall semester, my manager asked me to assist with a student organization fair. I ensured some of our students signed up to work at the table and gathered all the materials.And then, the day before, I had a slight freak out. Oh crap, I thought. I completely forgot to book the actual table for this event, and the scheduling system usually takes at least three days to confirmA few hours later, I learned my supervisor had already done that part. Phew But if Id known from the beginning which items were on her to-do list and which ones were on mine, I could have skipped the two hours of trying to bring down an extremely elevated heart rate.Yes, as I mentioned before, its nice when your manager lays out everything for you from the get go. But heres the thing You may not have a great boss. And, even if you do, hes probably not perfect, and he probably has a lot going on. Its also part of your responsibility to be asking the right questions and to get as much information as possible. Setting yourself up for success is fun- I promise- and these four questions will help you do so.

Think Youre Ready to Retire 6 Things to Consider

Think Youre Ready to Retire 6 Things to ConsiderRetire? 6 Things to ConsiderThink Youre Ready to Retire 6 Things to ConsiderTheres a question many 50- and 60-somethings may ponder today as the economy teeters on the edge of recession, retirement nest eggs fail to grow amid a down stock market, and health care costs keep rising as they have done just about every yearShould I retire around 65 or work a bit longer?Its elend an easy decision, given lifes uncertainties. Sure, the thoughts of taking that cruise with your spouse, or maybe playing golf twice a week, fill your head with happy thoughts. But can a life of leisure also make one miserable?Some people are hitting their 50s and 60s today and either working at or searching for that one thing that can boost their sense of fulfillment. In some circles, the one thing is called an encore career or encore job, a later-in-life career change to a field or position that more closely aligns with their interests and passions.If youre close to retirement or facing it within a decade or two (heck, even if youre already retired and wondering why), here are six questions you must ask yourself to determine where you want to go1. Am I doing what I like to do or what I feel I have to do?If youre a Baby Boomer (born between 1946 and 1964), you probably thrive on accomplishment. Does your current job give you that sense of accomplishment? If not, what kind of job would? If it pays less, and you can absorb the financial hit, think about making a switch to an encore career.2. What do I (or would I) really like in a workplace? Is it the work? The people? Working inside? Outdoors? How we like to work can be just as important as where, and it can color our views of our current situation. If, for instance, you hate being stuck in a cubicle all day but like being around people, you may want to consider a change. Ive met people past retirement age who worked part-time driving airport limousines because they like being on the road and me eting people.3. What work skills can transfer to another role?Are you adept at using many software applications? Windows and Mac operating systems? Do you excel at managing your time well? Prioritizing work? Can you communicate effectively? Many employers want unterstellung as much as they want someone with the raw skills to do the job.4. What shape are you in? (Really)If a job requires you to be on your feet for most of the day, or commute a long distance, can your legs, hips, and back handle it? Hows your vision? This will be critical if the job requires a lot of reading, driving, or just observation. Although you might like to think otherwise, youre not getting younger. Remember that growing up is optional, but growing old is mandatory. If your present job is starting to cause physical difficulties, a change might alleviate those problems.5. What shape are you in financially?Retirement portfolio aside, do you have enough saved to cover three to six months of living expenses, more if you reduce your income by taking a lower-paying job? As for your retirement portfolio, be sure - if you decide to retire - that you have enough that you can add to Social Security to cover about 80% of your current income. If not, best to stay in the job market, at least part time. Investment and financial advice sites have online tools that can help determine your portfolios future value based on how you invest it.6. Got good health insurance?Heres the potential 800-pound gorilla. Does (or will) Medicare provide enough to cover your prescriptions and doctors visits? Will you need supplemental insurance? Would long-term care insurance make sense to protect your assets if you or your spouse should need more expensive medical care? Also, pay close attention to changes in either the delivery of health care or health insurance in the U.S. now that theres a growing will in both major political parties to change the system.If, after answering these questions, you decide its time for a n encore, go ahead and update your resume and launch a job search.

How to Become a Web Producer

How to Become a Web ProducerHow to Become a Web ProducerA web producer is a hybrid position that combines aspects of journalism, design,and marketing. Web producers are responsible for driving besucherzahlen to web pages, which means they must understand search engine optimization(SEO). What the Job Involves Web producers must go beyond expressing their particular style when designing or enhancing the look of a website. They must focus on the user experience and anticipate what the particular audience for a site wants to see and how they want to see it. This means deciding how content is presented. Should the content appear as an article, a slideshow, a poll or a quiz? Should it be presented in video form? Web producers must consider the most effective ways for users to interact with a site to make that determination, and the choices they make must align with the sites brand and voice. Some web producers play mora of a technical role while others may be more heavily involved as c ontent creators. How much content a web producer creates can vary from one job to another, but youll find more opportunities if youre ascomfortable editing and creating content as you are with web production and maintenance.If you dont see yourself mastering both roles, you should consider focusing oncontent creationfor the web or gaining experience inweb maintenance. Gauging a Job Well Done The more positive experiences users have on the site, the more likely they are to return. Repeat visits and the length of time visitors spend on those pages provide measures for how well a website is performing. This is key to successfully monetizing the site. How to Become a Web Producer You dont need a diploma for the job, but many schools offer degrees in web production. Because theres no formal education requirement, earning a degree will certainly help your resume stand out. But the bottom line remains that this a career in which experience can count as much as any degree. Starting as an intern- possibly while youre still in school- can be a perfect way to build a resume that will earn you that first paying job. Creating and maintaining your own website also provides an opportunity to showcase your skills. Skills Needed Not only will you need solid writing skills to become a web producer, but youll also need to be comfortable creating content for the Web. Youll have to be familiar and proficient with certain programs such as Flash, HTML,and others, in addition to being able to demonstrate your ability to drive traffic to a site. You should learn how to track and decipherweb metrics because web producers need to be able to measure the traffic coming to a site. Websites are up 24/7, so you should be prepared to work long hours and be able to deliver results against the crunch of a tight deadline.

Dont Get Caught Up in a Fake Check Scam

Dont Get Caught Up in a Fake Check ScamDont Get Caught Up in a Fake Check ScamThe Internet can be a dangerous place. Scams abound on websites, emails, and social media. Those working at home are often prey to the scammers of the world. Knowing how to recognize work-at-home job scams is key. However, these schemes always look a little bit different, so its important to understand the underlying scams (which may or may notlage be job-related). One such example is the fake check scam. How Fake Check Scams Work Basically, the person running the scam convinces the victim to cash a check and then send, via wire transfer, a portion of the money to another location. (The portion kept by the victim is payment of a commission or prize.) However, the check (or money order) is a very convincing fake, and it will take the victims bank some time to discover that the check is no good. U.S. banks are required to make funds available within a few days, but it can take weeks for a fraudulent check to be discovered. However, wire transfers happen almost immediately. So the money that has left the victims account is long gone by the time it is discovered that the check is fake. What a Fake Check Scam Looks Like The variation in these scams come in the reason the victim is asked to cash and then send funds. Many of these are job-related. Beware of these Mystery shopping- Mystery shopping can be legitimate in fact, it often is. But there is a scam in which a check is sent to cover the cost of purchasing and returning goods, then you are supposed to wire back the money, keeping your cut.Payment processing jobs- These jobs can look very real when you apply. You are processing payments for people in other countries. You may even be asked to open a business checking account in your location, but it is in your name and you are on the hook when it is overdrawn. Lottery, sweepstakes and inheritance windfalls- Youve won. A check arrives but the scammer asks that an amount must be se nt in for taxes and fees. Seems reasonable but the check welches a fake.Auction/purchase overpayment- Never accept payment for more than the agreed upon price. This is a very common way to defraud. When you refund the overpayment but keep the agreed-upon amount, later you may find out the check bounced.Rental schemes- A new roommate or tenant offers to send you the rent and then some if you forward along a payment to the movers or someone else. Guess who is left with no roommate and an overdrawn account? Reshipping jobs- This involves receiving goods to be shipped elsewhere. Money Laundering and Check Cashing Scams In addition to losing your money in these kinds of check-cashing schemes, it is possible the victim could go to jail. In reshipping scams or payment processing scams, you could actually receive the money agreed upon, but only because you are participating in money laundering and/or selling stolen goods. In money laundering, the payment might come into the victims acco unt via wire or online transfer. How to Protect Yourself From Check Fraud Its simple. Do not cash checks for people you do not know. Do not wire money to people you do not know. There are no legitimate reasons for this.

Career Paths With a Degree in Communication

Career Paths With a Degree in CommunicationCareer Paths With a Degree in CommunicationEarning a communication degree involves studying how humans create information and share it both on interpersonal and organizational levels. Students who major in this subject will graduate with the ability to present and exchange information- whether it is written, visual, or oral- in an appropriate manner for the audience and context. The communication major encompasses several areas of specialization including JournalismInterpersonal communicationMass communication Subspecialties are television, radio, and filmStrategic communication Subspecialties are health, public relations, and advertisingGames and interactive media designVisual communicationSports communication While communication majors at some schools study all of these topics, some ?allow or even require, their students to have a concentration in one.Communication is a versatile major in that graduates can take one of a variety of career paths. Students can earn associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degrees in communications. Most associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to bachelor-level programs, but there are some that offer a terminal degree in communications. Masters degree programs focus on teaching communication theory, research methodology and practice, therefore preparing students for academia or the workplace. Doctoral programs emphasize original research and students are expected to develop an area of specialization. Earning a Ph.D. prepares students for academic careers or for managerial or consulting positions that draw upon an individuals area of expertise. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Introduction to Communication StudiesHistory of TelevisionPrinciples of Persuasion and InfluenceRhetorical CriticismMass Media and SocietyTechniques of SpeakingPrinciples of Public RelationsPublic Relations CampaignsMedia WritingAudio ProductionStorytelling for CommunicationsInterpersonal CommunicationDigital Design in CommunicationHistory of JournalismCommunication Law and Ethics Masters Degree Courses Rhetorical TheoryIntercultural CommunicationResearch and Writing MethodsCommunication in PracticeMedia Policy and RegulationRace and MediaOrganizational Strategy and LeadershipStrategic WritingThe Role of Communication in Conflict NegotiationMedia RelationsDigital Media ProductionPublic Relations ManagementDesigning and Evaluating Effective Communications for the WebWriting for MultimediaNew Communication Technologies Ph.D. Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration) Media TheoryPhilosophical Foundations of CommunicationTechnical WritingEthics for Science and Technical CommunicationMethods of Communication ResearchInformation Needs, Seeking and UseCommunication Research DesignSpecial Topics in Cultural and Visual StudiesNew Media Research Studio Career Options With Your Degree Bachelors Degree (entry-level or one to two years of experience) Public Relations SpecialistMedia Communications ManagerMarketing AssistantMarketing Communications SpecialistTechnical WriterEvent Marketing SpecialistCustomer Communications SpecialistContent Marketing Campaign ManagerMarketing SpecialistMedia Specialist (Traditional and Emerging Media)Social Media and Communications CoordinatorPublic Affairs SpecialistCommunications Coordinator Masters Degree Senior Communications SpecialistPublic Relations ManagerSenior Manager of CommunicationsCommunity College Communications Instructor Doctoral Degree ?Professor, Consultant *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in communications. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in communications only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings Strong communicati on skills are invaluable in many occupations which gives those who major in this subject a wide range of choices. In addition to the more obvious choices listed above, including jobs in media, marketing, and public relations, communications majors can take some alternative routes. They typically work in offices but may find themselves in jobs that involve interacting with people in a variety of settings. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major If you are a high schoolstudent who is thinking about studying communications in college, take classes in writing, speech, journalism, and theater. What Else You Need to Know This major may also be called communication studies, mass communications, strategic communications or communication, and media studies.Some undergraduate programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism Mass Communications (ACEJMC).A bachelors degree in communications isnt necessarily a requirement for acceptance into a ma sters degree program. Undergraduate students may major in other subjects.Some doctoral programs require a masters degree in communications or a related field for admission, while others require only a bachelors degree. Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation.It can take from four and six years to earn a Ph.D.Some masters degree programs require students to write a thesis.Universities require, or at least encourage, students to get practical experience by doing internships. Professional Organizations and Other Resources Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)The American Communication Association (ACA)Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)National Communication Association (NCA)NCA Doctoral Program Guide

Top Tips of Top Skills for Resume

Top Tips of Top Skills for Resume Analytical skills are the ability to assemble information, visualize and solve complex in addition to simple troubles with the information available. In addition to the practical demand for developers in virtually every organization, programming skills demonstrate advanced problem solving skills that could bring about a well-rounded professional. Communication skills refer to the ability to convey data in a very clear and understandable fashion, the capacity to engage with various people and personalities and the capability to listen and comprehend what others are saying. Therefore, they are really important for the job. Many jobs out there ask you to work in the existence of different people. Fantastic people skills are a vital portion of what makes you such a standout employee whod be an asset to any company that provides you with an opportunity to shine. If youre able to do that, an employer will certainly notice. Even if you disagree wi th an employer, coworker, or employee, it is essential for you to understand and respect their perspective. The Meaning of Top Skills for Resume Resume writing isnt simple, and there are several different opinions on the best way to do it. The very last thing you wish to get started doing is second guessing yourself. Each word on your resume can be a trigger for a question via an interviewer, and youll frequently be requested to provide examples of the skills which youve referenced. Thus when writing down your job skills take some time to strategize and find out the very best approach to organize them in your resume. Remote jobs require a specific set of skills, however, regardless of what sort of job it is. Therefore, if you come to an interview, the deficiency of Soft Skills may be one reason you werent chosen for the job. CNA skills become sharpened with time. Your skills are an overview of what you could do for the prospective employer if you were offered the work at t he moment. You must have the capability to accept and learn from criticism. You ought to be in a position to prove youre passionate about the business and have both an analytical and creative mind. Not only are you going to gain skills, but youre going to present your urge to improve and give yourself opportunities to network. Recognizing fantastic talent is hardly something it is simple to learn. The Advantages of Top Skills for Resume Communication is a top skill valued in virtually every profession, but it gets especially essential in the plan industry. As stated earlier, assessing soft skills is quite a bit more difficult. Effectively showcasing your communication skills can help you distinguish yourself from different candidates. Choosing Good Top Skills for Resume The human resource field asks a lot of talking as the team is responsible for recruitment that entails a string of interviews. Thus, being thorough with the fundamental skills is extremely essential to c reate a stable career in the area. It is possible to find below a list of the greatest skills you may put on your resume based on the kind of job which you are applying for. Hard skills have a tendency to be more technical, and each business or sort of job will often have its personal essential set. The Pain of Top Skills for Resume An internet designer is to blame for creating and keeping the internet presence of one company, or a list of clients. Review their About Us page and see whether your soft abilities or attributes are aligned with the businesss core values. In order to acquire your internet developer resume noticed, you will have to have experience with a selection of Internet programming platforms and protocols. A great web developer resume takes the opportunity to outline the huge experience a developer has in all the disciplines that clients have to maintain and increase their internet presence. In truth, it could be appropriate to incorporate a more von rang c ore competencies section at the peak of your resume with comprehensive descriptions of certain skills if theyre absolutely central to success in the desired position. In reality, there are particular jobs in which its important to set a skill section at or close to the top of the resume. To begin with, if youre seeing a great deal of hard skills that you just dont have, it could be better to move on to the next position. It isnt surprising to see problem-solving skills at the peak of the list. What You Dont Know About Top Skills for Resume An excellent editing job will take a small longerand some particular tactics intended to catch resume errors. Perhaps your skill set is totally different. There are some different forms of skill sections and formatting options which you need to consider when crafting your resume. Your skills section stipulates a window into how much capability you are able to bring to the business. If youre not certain which skills that you want to share , consider your prior experiences. Some skills might be relevant while others arent. Considering all the above skills you must have a time management skill. Youve got to curate the few skills which are most relevant to them. Key skills are work-related skills that you will need to do a job. Hard skills arent skills that are tricky to learn. Professional skills are extremely important additionally to include on your resume. The more languages you know the more you are able to put on your CV and if youre widely skilled you are going to have a good possibility of beating the competition. Technical skills are either something youve got or you dont, but theyre always something which it is possible to learn. In the time of start-ups, colleges are bustling with students seeking to acquire their ideas out to real individuals whod be prepared to support them.

Business Why it#8217;s the Most Popular Major in America

Business Why it8217s the Most Popular Major in America Saying that todays job market is ultra competitive is an understatement. The economy isnt in the best shape, job security is a sought after (and rarely found) commodity, and the competition is truly fierce in every sense of the word. Its no longer enough to have a solid employment history and a good work ethic behind you. Todays employers are looking for that extra edge, so its important that you stand out from the rest of the crowd. One of the surest and best ways to do this in the geschftliches miteinander world is by obtaining a geschftsleben degree. According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, at more than 300,000 earned from 2009-10, bachelors degrees in business are the most common degree in America (business administration is the most popular).A friend of mine just finished a 5-year MBA program fr om a university. While many of his peers are graduating alongside him with undergraduate degrees, hes ahead of the game with a masters under his belt at just 23. What does this mean? He already has the necessary credentials (professional degree) and skills set to obtain a higher-level starting position that many now have to go back to school for. While others are sitting in class attempting to earn a masters degree, hell be working in his career field, and at an advanced level than where he would possibly be with just a bachelors degree.My friend is just one example of the benefits of obtaining a degree in business, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level. Lets take a closer look at what else choosing to get your business degree can do for your future employment1. Increase Job OpportunitiesAlthough its certainly not impossible to get a decent business job without a degree in your corner, its important to understand that having one makes you eligible for more and better opport unities. In fact, the best employers at the best companies out there today are probably going to consider a business degree a must so, keep this in mind when deciding whether or not returning to school is for you.2. Higher Salaries, Advanced SkillsWith a business degree in your corner, youre not only increasing your chances of gaining future employment, youre actually going to be able to earn more for the work that you do, something anyone can get excited about. Plus, youll acquire a whole new wealth of skills during the process of getting your degree that will not only impress potential employers in all the right ways, but will make it easier and more enjoyable for you to do a given job as well. Everyone likes to be good at what he or she does. A business degree has the potential to put you at the top of your game, which is a place every successful worker wants to be.3. Easy AccessThe days where you had to make college a full-time job are over. Todays options make it simpler than e ver when it comes to going back to school and earning the degree you need in order to be successful. There are more financial aid options available for people who need a boost in this arena. Schedules are more flexible today than they were even five years ago. Many schools even allow you to take most (if not all) of your classes online. Ive come across a myriad of people going back to school virtuallytheyve never gone into a classroom and have never met their professors, but theyre as much of a student as those who have. In other words, more schools are looking for ways to fit into your life so, its well worth your while to look into your available options.A good education is something that never outlives its usefulness or stops opening doors, so if youre looking to really get serious about your business career, it just may be time to take that leap.

7 reasons you should start taking cold showers everyday

7 reasons you should start taking cold showers everyday7 reasons you should start taking cold showers everydayMost people view cold showers as a negative thing mostly used in the vein of trying to fix something (as in lack of sobriety or being overheated) as they can be rather shocking to the system. However, you may consider taking one at least once a week after you hear this information.Cold showers can actually help with your metabolism. Basically, when you get in a cold shower, it sets off your cardiovascular system as it tries to keep your body thermisch despite the cold. As a result of your body temperature lowering, you go into something called non-shiveringthermogenesis and this means you are burning more calories.A brisk cold shower can be very invigorating and give your metabolism a quick boost, Dr. Aviva Romm, a family medicine doctor, and herbalist, told Well Good. One of my daily practices is to end my hot shower with a very brief cool rinse.Follow Ladders on FlipboardF ollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePlus, according to holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman when your body is in cold shower mode it activates healthy brown fat that contributes to eliminating harmful adipose (white) fat. She suggests alternating between 20 seconds of hot water and 20 seconds of cold water. Now we are not saying that just taking cold showers will lead to weight loss but a 2009studythat used exposure to cold temperatures that activated those brown fats predicted that people could lose up to nine pounds per year if they participated in this activity regularly.Not convinced yet? Here are a few other benefits of cold showers (and when it is a super hot day in the summer you have to admit they are quite refreshing.)They can help fend off infectionsAccording to MSN, cold showers help your lymphatic system by aiding in the process of exiting waste from your cells which helps ward off infections.They help with stressA cold shower actually helps you get better at dealing with stress because it helps make your nervous system more resilient. As you start to adapt to this new environment the antioxidantglutathione increases which actually helps reduce stress.They boost testosteroneListen up, guys. Hot showers can be lovely but they can have a significant lowering impact on proteins in your testes, according to Healthline. Plus, a cold shower can boost sperm count. A recent study from the University of California at San Francisco found that men who were exposed to 30 minutes of wet heat (so showers and baths) per week that they stopped this practice saw their sperm count increase by 491%. If you and your freund are trying to conceive this is pretty important information to keep in mind.They are good for your skinDid you know hot showers can actually make pre-existing skin conditionssuch as psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea worse? And they can even lead to acne breakouts. Cold showers, however, are great for your pores.They can help with depressionCold water increases the levels of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline which play a big part in depression. Additionally, due to the high density of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect, researchers said.They just make you a happier personA2016 reportfound that even a 30- to 60-second hot-to-cold shower can decrease the number of sick days, help you sleep better, make you more productive and help your self-esteem.

Why Employee Retention Doesnt Matter

Why Employee Retention Doesnt MatterWhy Employee Retention Doesnt MatterWhy Employee Retention Doesnt Matter PicoultEvery geschftsleben book youve read, every guru youve heard speak theyve probably all extolled the benefits of retaining top employees.But if youve held fast to that message, Im afraid youve been misled. If your goal is to create a highly engaged workforce a gruppe of people truly committed to your business success then retaining employeesis entirely the wrong focus.Retention for the Wrong ReasonsYes, employee zurckhalten (also known as low employee turnover)does deliver many benefits lower separation costs, reduced recruiting and training expenses, more experienced staff, etc. These are very real, tangible benefits that many firms routinely underestimate, if not overlook entirely.But as good as zurckhalten is, its not the whole story. To illustrate why, consider your own experience as a consumer.Focus on Satisfaction and EngagementHave you ever patronized a business with which you werent really enamored? It happens all the time perhaps due to a lack of competition (think cable TV) or a contractual limitation (think cellular phone service).A retained customer doesnt necessarily mean they are happy the same holds true for employees. In fact, there are many reasons why an employer may retain a dissatisfied employee (e.g., family obligations, relocation obstacles, the absence of a suitable alternative job opportunity).This is where employee retention, as a metric and a goal, falls short. It fails to account for staff who are, in essence, held captive due to circumstances that are largely beyond their control.For this reason, employee retention is a poor proxy for gauging your staffs satisfaction and engagement.Knowing if your employees are truly happy requires that you look at the employee/employer relationship from an entirely different perspective.A Better AspirationWhat every business should really be striving for in its employee relationships is employee loyalty. With loyalty, you can be assured that people are sticking with you not because they have to, not because they have yet to find a better alternative but rather, because they want to.It can be tempting for business leaders to interpret low turnover as a sign of employee satisfaction and loyalty (wed all like to think that the work environment we oversee is a healthy and appealing one.) But low turnover particularly in todays tight job market might not be a cause for celebration. It could be masking other workplace issues while obscuring looming risks.Thats why its important to complement your employee retention metric with other indicators that are either direct measures of, or good proxies for, employee loyalty. In this way, you can drill into what might seem like a strong retention result and clarify if it is a truly positive signal.Where possible, assess your performance on these measures by benchmarking against similar companies in your industry. If that d ata isnt available, then benchmark against your own historical results and aim to improve your performance over time.Likelihood to recommend. If you conduct periodic employee satisfaction surveys, be sure to include a question about how likely the individual is to recommend your company to a friend or family member who is seeking employment. If an employee is willing to make such a referral, it suggests that they like your workplace enough to direct others to it. The likelihood to recommend question (with a five or eleven point response scale) is commonly embedded in customer surveys, where its been found to be a good indicator of loyalty and predictor of retention.Employment referrals. Take likelihood to recommend one step further. Calculate what percentage of your new hires in the past year came via referral from existing employees. Presuming your business practices provide some basic motivation for referrals (for example, publicizing job openings to existing staff, explicitly ask ing for referrals and rewarding/recognizing employees who refer candidates), this metric can say a lot about how pleased people are working for your company.Improvement suggestions. If youre loyal to an employer, then youre more likely to feel vested in making the firm a better place to work and a stronger competitor in the marketplace. Over the past year, how many of your employees have made suggestions to improve the business? As with employment referrals, assuming you provide some basic encouragement to staff to submit ideas (for example, by providing live, written and/or electronic avenues for suggestion submittal, responding to every suggestion put forth and rewarding/recognizing employees for innovative thinking), the volume and quality of those employee suggestions is another indicator of how engaged your staff really is.Employee behaviors. While less quantifiable than the indicators listed above, there are also behavioral cues worth monitoring. Do your employees frequently v olunteer for new assignments, or is it like pulling teeth to get them to be proactive? Do people consistently come into work on time, or do they straggle in late, trying to shave a few minutes off of their workday? Behavioral signals like these can also be a good gauge of employees interest in and loyalty towards their employer.The Power of LoyaltyFocusing on employee retention is like committing to mediocrity. Theres no question strong retention delivers very significant benefits, but they pale in comparison to the advantages of real employee loyalty.Employee loyalty results in true employee commitment. You get a workforce that sticks around, not for lack of a better alternative, but because they believe in and are passionate about what your company is trying to accomplish. As a result, these employees are more productive, they go above and beyond for your customers and they actively work to improve the organization.If your company is focused on employee retention, there is one pie ce of good news Youre one step ahead of all the firms that either ignore the impact of turnover or simply accept it as a cost of doing business.But if you really want to take your company to a new level, look beyond retention and instead platzdeckchen your sights on loyalty. The difference between the two will be significant, both to your workforce and your bottom line.Next Watch a video with Jon Picoult Competing for Top Talent Author BioJon Picoult is Founder of Watermark Consulting, a business advisory firm that helps companies impress their customers and inspire their employees. Jon is a frequent writer and speaker on workplace issues. Prior to founding Watermark, he held senior executive roles in service, technology, sales and marketing at Fortune 100 companies. Learn more, or read Jons blog, at watermarkconsult.net.

Pausing therapy reasons why and what you should consider

Pausing therapy reasons why and what you should considerPausing therapy reasons why and what you should considerTherapy is hard work - sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Therefore, it can be tough to stop before youre ready, but sometimes life happens that way. Your therapist understands that youre busy and things come up when least expected.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard titelblatting Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreFortunately, if you have to stop or pause therapy, there are ways to make the process less painful.Why Pause Therapy?A number of things could prompt a pause, but common reasons include financial concerns, health problems, schedule conflicts, lack or time, money, or a move. Sometimes the problem isnt with you, but with your therapist. Therapists are people, too - people who may relocate, retire or take a medical leave.When you have to stoptherapybefore youre ready, you will have to consi der both the logistical and the personal sides of the change. Logistics involve the business-related stuff you will have to do to make the change. Personal matters include how to manage the emotional side of it.The Logistics of a Therapy ChangeMost logistical problems occur when its the therapist who must stop your therapy. But whether its you or your provider, there are several elements to consider.Find a new therapistIf your therapist is leaving a group practice, can you go see another provider in that same practice? If not, can your therapist recommend someone who might be a good fit? You might considerzugnglich therapyas a replacement as well as a way to get matched with a new Talkspace therapist that is right for you.Make arrangements for final payments and/or insurance claimsInsurance filing isnt always done immediately after your appointment and then the company takes even more time to pay the claim. Ask your therapist what happens if problems arise with this process.Find out how to get your recordsTherapists usually dont hand over notes the same way a doctor might give you a vaccination record. Therapists must follow certain guidelines about explaining notes, so you might have to schedule another visit and pay a copying fee. Transferring records directly to another professional is usually faster and cheaper - you only have to sign a release form.Make arrangements for referral sooner rather than laterWait times for mental health services can stretch to weeks or months, especially if your area doesnt have many providers. If youre transferring therapy, follow up on the referral as soon as possible. If youre stopping but hope to go back, keep in mind that you might need to start the process two or three months ahead of time - try not to wait until you have an emergency.The Emotional Side of Pausing TherapyTherapy is such an intensely personal experience that stopping, even when you want to, can be quite unsettling. If you have a great relationship with y our therapist, the change may affect your mood noticeably. Here are some ways to make the transition easier.Ask your therapist about the termination processOften, therapists arrange a specific number of ending sessions to allow time to discuss any feelings this change brings up. In some cases, the termination has to be faster, but its best to have at least one session identified as the end, so you can process the separation at least a little.Think about what you want to cover in the time you have leftYour therapist can help you identify priorities and plan how to address those as much as possible before the relationship ends. You probably wont be able to cover an entirely new topic in depth, but at least you can hit the high points on the work youve already begun.Decide is this just a pause or can you terminate?Any time you plan to take a break, its good to consider whether youre ready to stop altogether. Therapy has great benefits, but sometimes it becomes a comfort zone were afrai d to leave. Your therapist can help you determine whether you shouldconsider a short-term pauseor a full stop.Address feelings of loss or abandonmentThese common reactions can make the end of therapy a time of sadness or even anger. Many people are surprised by the intensity of these feelings, but your therapist should anticipate them and help you process them. This is why its especially important not to skip final sessions or end treatment abruptly if you can help it.Pausing or ending therapy isnt always ideal, especially when you dont feel ready. Nevertheless, procedures and safeguards within the profession make the process easier. Whatever you feel about it, you wont be the first person to have felt that way. With some forethought, you and your therapist can work together for a gentle end. And remember, you can always return to therapy when the time is right. And if youre interested in therapy that fits your schedule and budget, consider trying online therapy.This article first a ppeared on Talkspace.