The ridiculous workplace jargon smart people avoid at work

The ridiculous workplace jargon smart people avoid at workThe ridiculous workplace jargon smart people avoid at workDatafication. Operationalize. Lets parking lot this.These are just a few of the workplace phrases and words that people found most ridiculous, according to recent research.The American Express OPEN Get Business Done Survey, released recently, shows that some employees are just spewing words in the schreibstube without really grasping what they mean.Have you ever heard a coworker say something like, It ladders up to our overarching framework and optimizes the impactfulness of our deliverables, and wondered, HUH?Youre notlage alone, American Express says, comfortingly.We are all part of the problem the research found that 88% of respondents said they use jargon without understanding it, and 64% reported using words and terms like this multiple times weekly.Make no mistake you do have to break the habit. These words make you look silly.Lynn Taylor, a workplace expert and a uthor who has partnered with American Express to give insight on productivity, told Ladders about how we can perform better at work, based on the research.If you want to engender trust from not only team members, but your boss, be yourself and youll attract so much more commitment and loyalty from people, Taylor said.She later added that you can use thisconcept as a litmus test, saying, if you catch yourself using this sort of cringeworthy jargon, think about if you transport yourself into a comfortable setting in your home or a party- would people look at you and roll their eyes?Heres the worst office jargon.Dont say thisat workFor the research, Morar Consulting surveyed 1,061 US employees working in offices with at least 5 people. They got a small monetary incentive for participating.Curious about what other jargon the respondents identified really didnt like?Take these from the survey. We provided the translations.Blue-sky thinkingThinking creatively.In the weedsToo detailed.Net -netWhen you add up the pros and cons, this is the answer.SynergizeCollaborate.DataficationAdd numbers to improve the analysis.OperationalizePut into action.Lets parking lot thisWait.Siloed thinkingForgetting to consider the impact on other teams or parts of the company.RecontextualizeLets stop thinking of it this way and think about it this other way.Its time to eat a reality sandwichBack to the real world for a second.Its time to put the soup through the strainerTheres a lot of junk here we dont need.Its like trying to put a horn on a donkey and call it a unicornA variation on the old standby trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear.Those arent the only ones. American Express also provided other examples of irritating office jargon, like run it up the flagpole and see who salutes, which sounds a little militaristic for our tastes.Why we talk like this even though we know betterAmerican Express asked respondents why they use jargon at work, even if it only obscures what they m ean.Twenty-eight percent of respondents said they drop industry jargon every day at work, compared to 36% who do two to three times weekly, 16% who do once weekly, 7% every 2-3 weeks, 4% who dont even use it once per month, and 10% who dont at all.There are different reasons why people put jargon to use. Forty percent surveyed said theyre unaware that they use it because its a habit, 35% do for fun/to secretly test people, 25% do for assimilation purposes, 24% do tocome off as intelligent, and 19% do so toavoid questions.When they use jargon, 48% said its enjoyable, 45% said they are amused, 14% dont like it, 11% said they stop paying attention and 11% are puzzled by it.Other drains on productivityA lot of time is spent in meetings each day. Thirty-seven percent of the people said they spend 1-2 hours in meetings daily. Even more people said most of their workday is spent in meetings 20% said they spend 3-5 hours there, 20% also spend under an hour, 16% say 6-8 hours because they co me with the job.Only 7% of the survey respondents have no meetings. (We dont get how thats possible, but we hope they will teach us.)Some of the things people catch themselves daydreaming about during pointless meetings are what they need to do outside of work, vacation, and even coworkers outfit choices.The study touched on other ways we decrease productivity, like the culture of no, such as when ideas are quickly dismissed. Instead, they encouraged that ideas be considered before theyre rejected, and preferably adapted into something better.The research also explored what happens when we lose focus at work because of distractions.How to escape the lost productivity bubbleAs for the excessive meetings, Taylor said that managers shouldnt invite employees to ones they dont necessarily need to be a part of. But each team member should also think and act like a leader by using their judgment when deciding if they need to attend, instead of constantly asking their bosses.As for distract ions, Taylor suggested trying to cut back on them (the study identifies social media, news and coworkers) and said that not focusing on being liked by everyone at work so you can boost your performance. But she added that we should think of it more as an evolution, not a revolution, because no workplace is immune to these problems.As for the studys findings on the culture of no, Taylor told Ladders that its a lot more work for a manager to say yes, because then they have to go up hierarchy and get approval, and think about it, But she elaborated, saying that in the bigger scheme of things, if the manager is open to the possibilities of an idea, then it will actually reflect well on them and more importantly it could be a game changer for the company.

How to Use a Guest Speaker to Boost Your Career - The Muse

How to Use a Guest Speaker to Boost Your Career - The MuseHow to Use a Guest Speaker to Boost Your Career Ever sat through a guest speaker at a work conference and used that time to make your grocery list? How about brushed up on your doodling skills? While these distracting behaviors are undoubtedly a common occurrence, theyre not typical of everyone attending a presentation or speaking event. Some people actually leave speeches rejuvenated, with a new sense of purpose. Not everyone can move a crowd like Sheryl Sandberg, Arianna Huffington, or Richard Branson, but you can learn at least one thing (and hopefully much more) from every presentation you hear- regardless of whether its a big-name person or a relative unknown. Here are seven ways to transition from simply being in attendance to seizing the opportunity and finding real inspiration no matter whos at the podium.1. Do Your Homework in AdvanceTake a few minutes to find out not only whos speaking, but what the persons hintergru nd is. Whats he or she known for? How is he or she qualified? When you understand what the speakers bringing to the table, you can set yourself up well to receive information thats useful to you wherever you are on your career path. 2. Arrive Early for a Good SeatSit where youre comfortable. Its a myth that smart guys sit in the front and slackers in the back. If youre happy front and center, grab that spot. If youre comfortable in the back, thats just fine too, and if you need an aisle seat to be content, better get there early to claim it.3. Find Camaraderie With the People Sitting Next to YouIts much easier to absorb a message when youre in a pleasurable environment, and a part of this is determined by whos around you. Bonding with your neighbors can create a snowball effect of positivity. So either have your buddies save you a seat, or introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you and quickly make a new friend.4. Minimize Distractions and Take NotesFocus Be in the moment. Even if everyone around you has a laptop open, it doesnt mean you should also bury yourself in your emails or the spreadsheet due by the end of the week. Take notes- they can be messy and disjointed so long as you can understand them later- about anything that sounds meaningful to you.5. Personalize the MessageA good speaker always puts focus on connecting with the crowd. You should direct attention toward receiving the message and applying it to your life. A friend once told me, You can learn something from every single person you meet. Write down a couple of key takeaways that you can bring back to the office and use to strengthen your everyday routine. Or, use the message to brainstorm an outside the box solution for a problem you may be facing or to start a new initiative in the workplace.6. Take Pics and PostUse social media to your advantage. Post a pic of the speaker or event on Twitter to increase internal excitement and drive external discussion among your network. As youv e likely noticed, a lot of events these days will have a hashtag associated with them that youre encouraged to use.7. Contact the SpeakerReach out via email or social media and express your gratitude. What person wouldnt appreciate confirmation that his message connected with the audience? Dont be surprised if the contact even leads to a new relationship. A few weeks ago, I was inspired while attending a local speaking engagement. Later, I reached out to the speaker via email and an invitation to connect on LinkedIn. I explained how the speech helped me gain perspective relating to my current career situation and that I would love to take her to coffee or lunch if her schedule allowed. A week later, we met up and chatted for two hours. I left with a new mentor.Hopefully, following these seven steps leads to inspiration. But, lets say you apply them and mucksmuschenstill dont feel inspired. Dont stress it- youll soon find yourself engaged with someone else if you follow these tips an d really force yourself to be present. All major cities and plenty of small towns have abundant opportunities to hear guest speakers who are experts on a number of topics. And, if you dont feel like leaving home, no worries, check out these eight TED Talks that will inspire you even on your day off.Put in the effort and transition from just attending to getting something out of your time You wont be sorry.

Marine Corps Recon Screening - US Military

Marine Corps Recon Screening - US MilitaryMarine Corps Recon Screening - US MilitaryThe RECON Marine Screeneris conducted every month in Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. Motivated Marines who wish to join the reconnaissance community are offered the chance to take the RECON Screening Test and see if they qualify for the RECON Primer Course.The test is the following 500m swim in cammies, USMC PFT (pullups, crunches, 3 mile run) Obstacle Course, Pool Skills that include treading, brick swim, gear retrievals, Long Ruck and several other very physically demanding events. The Screener Details And Qualifications The beginning challenges of becoming a reconnaissance Marine takes place at monthly screening locations conducted at the East and West Coast swimmingpools and begin bright and early at 430 a.m. Any Marine wishing to obtain the reconnaissance military occupational specialty, 0321, must be a United States citizen and releasable by their MOS monitor. The Marines must meet the following basic requirements have a general technical score of 105 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, obtain a first class score on the physical fitness test, possess a combat water survival 1 qualification, be eligible for a secret clearance, have no page 12 entries in their service record book and have a minimum of 18 months remaining on current enlistment contract upon completion of the basic reconnaissance course. In addition, the Marines Battalion or Squadron Commander must submit a written endorsement for them to take part in the screening. Many qualifications are mandatory for becoming the eyes and ears of ground forces. Some go through the screening process several times before obtaining the RECON MOS or in this case, access to RECON training (Basic RECON Course). Due to this screener program and the RECON Primer Prep Course, the attrition rate is front loaded into the training. Having fully capable and qualified Marines attend the Basic RECON Course is the goal of the Screener and Prep. The attrition rate at BRC is small comparatively. Corporal Christopher B. Davis, patrolman, Provost Marshals Office and Twentynine Palms native explained he has been out to the screening on a few different occasions, but Im not going to give up until I succeed. It takes motivation, discipline, and persistence to be successful in this training pipeline and many Marines learn the first time the level of fitness and swimming proficiency needed to be successful the next time. With the logistical concerns out of the way, the screening process started off with a 25-meter underwater swim, a deep water rifle retrieval, a tower jump, a 30-minute water tread, a five-minute flotation with trousers and a timed 500-meter swim in uniform. After the pool portion of the screening was completed, the Marines performed a physical fitness test. The Next StepPrimer Course After the Screener, the RECON Primer is next. The Basic RECON Primer Course (BRPC)lasts five week s and is designed to prepare and select marines that are physically ready to attend and pass the Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC). BRPC focuses on swimming skills, pool drills, running, rucking, high repetition calisthenics, log PT, obstacle courses, land navigation and much more. The course is designed to test Marines both physically and mentally.All students regardless of rank must attend and complete BRPC prior to attending the Basic Reconnaissance Course. While BRC training can be physically challenging it takes more than just brute strength to be successful. Mental strength weighs heavily in navigating the rigors of training. Staff Sgt. Anthony J. Rivera, training staff, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, explained, to be successful, you cant just say it takes one type of person. You just got to have heart. You just have to have that desire. The motivation for desire can stem from different sources, whether it is the opportunity for travel or the advanced training the reconnaissanc e MOS provides. Davis said, (Reconnaissance) is something different, I wanted to be more pro-active instead of reactive. First Sgt. Erik Shirreffs, Headquarters and Service company first sergeant, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, explained another source of motivation, Recon Marines have a reputation as the best of the best. We bring the finest the Marine Corps have to offer. Once selected, Basic Recon Course Marines can expect to spend a lot of time in the water learning how to negotiate the surf and training with a Zodiac boat. Communication and land navigation skills are also covered during training. Screenings are held weekly at Camp Pendleton and at the end of every School of Infantry training. All screenings are open to local Marines. For more information, contact First Sgt. Shirreffs at DSN 361-2936 or (706) 763-2021.

Levitating with a Tornado of Sound Waves

Levitating with a Tornado of Sound Waves Levitating with a Tornado of Sound Waves Levitating with a Tornado of Sound WavesHow do you keep an object suspended in the airin defiance of gravitywithout magnets, fans, or advanced yogic techniques? Try an acoustic tractor beam with virtual vortex.Thats what Asier Marzo, a research associate in the University of Bristols mechanical engineering department, has created. With it, hes managed to suspend the largest object ever levitated by acoustic means a polysytrene ball eight tenths of an inch wide. The technique may someday help cushion delicate items on the assembly line or direct drugs to specific sites within the body.Marzo is not the first to try schweben with sound waves. Previous researchers have used ultrasonic speakers to create a kind of tornado of sound a particle in the eye of that acoustic storm would get pushed to the center. The only problem welches that the swirling vortex would also put enough spin on the particle to send it flying.What we did was to change the direction of the tornado so fast, every millisecond, that the particle does not have time to react to this rotation.Asier Marzo, University of BristolWhat we did was to change the direction of the tornado so fast, every millisecond, that the particle does not have time to react to this rotation, Marzo says. We call this phenomenon virtual vortex, since it has the large aperture of the vortex but it does not transfer rotation and thus it is stable. The sonic tractor beam is able to levitate objects through the power of sound waves. Image Asier MarzoThe trickiest part of the project was the mathematical modeling. How sound waves transfer rotation to particles is still not fully understood, so we did our best to get a model that was in good agreement with the experiments, Marzo says.But the actual device is a cinch to assemble. The sonic twister uses hundreds of cheap ultrasonic speakers in a phased array. Each puts out 120 decibels at 40 kilohertz. Anyone that would like to build their own can learn how from his DIY video.The word levitation causes most imaginations to conjure images of humans hovering above the ground. Though theoretically possible, Marzo feels that acoustic levitation is not suited for humans.You would need around 165 decibels to levitate a human, and even at 40 kilohertz it is not recommended to surpass 145 decibels, he says. I think your eardrums will burst and you skin will start to heat up. Also, you may have problems breathing.Marzo has more practical applications in his sights. Hes creating a device that would work through the body to move drugs to where they are needed. There is little acoustic contrast between blood, muscle, fat, and other tissues.Ultrasound will travel through them without reflecting, Marzo says. On the contrary, the drug capsules will reflect this sound and be subjected to the radiation forces.Also for You Engineers Break Down BordersOn an assembly line, delicate c omponents could be held in the air without cushioning. At the moment Marzo is working on controlling not just the levitation of objects, but their orientation as well.For instance, in the assembly of printed-circuit-boards, controlling the orientation of the tiny components is a vital requirement, he says.Marzo hopes to eventually create shapes of suspended particles using a kind of acoustic hologram. The speakers would be arranged in a 2D plane, but by controlling their phases he could create 3D sound fields.Michael Abrams is an independent writer.Read MoreBuilding a Better Warmer for NewbornsClean Clothes Green10 Arguments For and Against Net Neutrality For Further Discussion

Pongo Resumes Customer Support Team Now on Twitter!

Pongo Resumes Customer Support Team Now on TwitterPongo Resumes Customer Support Team Now on TwitterPongo Resumes Customer Support Team Now on TwitterFor all you social media-loving job seekers out there Follow on TwitterPongo is a Twitter handle specifically created for ur super-helpful Customer Support Team. Their goal is to help your job search be as successful as can be, whether youre a member or not.You can ask them anything about your job searchfrom resumes, to job ads, to figuring out how to prepare for an interview. And if you are a member, you can use it as one more way to contact our support team with questions regarding your account.Check it out today

Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Resume Work

Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Resume Work The discipline of information technology gets more important each and every day. One of his goals is to demonstrate he is a specialist in all kinds of mail room duties. Finally, you wish to attempt to strike a balance between including experience thats both timely and relevant. To purchase essay online, you simply will need to fill in the application form and youll get excellent work on the desired topic. Your resume work experience section should consist of several parts of information. If your experience exceeds 10 decades, its going to be hard to stick to a single page without the possibility of foregoing key details. Then, list the simple info about your work experience. The 5-Minute Rule for Resume Work My aim is to find the job. Possessing a strong resume will enable you find numerous great jobs. All you should know to earn a stunning resume job description. When a geschftlicher umgang is seeking to hire, they want somebo dy who will seek out problems until they become urgent and your job on an interview is to express that youve got exceptional problem-solving skills. Write your work title Provide your work description. Well, lets say you have these 2 people applying for work in sales. Look at every work description and customize your work experience to use a number of the main keyword phrases. My credo regarding resumes has at all times been, you wish to make it as simple as possible for the employer to see at a moments glance that youre perfect for the job. To begin with, it is going to help you figure out if youre missing any critical skills that recruiters want to get. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilized to secure new employment. They may be organized in different ways. Regardless of the sort of resume you decide on, aim to tailor your resume to the job that you are applying to. Retroactive work for hire isnt permitted. There are a lot of basic form s of resumes used to make an application for job openings. Regardless of what your employment history is, keep in mind that you always learn skills at work. So look at your resume and be sure that it mentions all the important requirements. Its possible for you to use our resume building software to create your own from scratch. Holding back the rights might be forceful tool when its crucial to compel a commissioning party to satisfy its obligations. Its only that the principal intention of your resume is to provide the prospective employer a larger preview of your work experiences. To assist you in getting started, have a look at the sample job descriptions below. It is possible to also utilize bullets, check marks and other basic graphics to make certain your very best work is noticed. Until you become in for an interview, that piece of paper is all you need to show what sort of employee you may be. Your resume is among the most significant parts of your job application. Theres no debate concerning the value of the field placement experience. The functional resume is utilised to concentrate on skills that are particular to the kind of position being sought. If you cannot answer their questions or youre caught in a lie, you will surely lose out on the work prospect. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously provide you an advantage. Youre able to have a look at our Sample Resumesas you may discover a good example of a chronological resume there. Resume Samples can effectively abet in the finished preparation and visual appeal. Resume examples and templates are incredibly helpful, especially when youre writing one of your very first resumes. To find some formatting suggestions for your resume, take a look at our samples. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. 1 advantage for employers to internet resumes is the substantial cost saving in contrast to traditional hiring methods. The formatting of your employment histo ry may not appear to be a huge deal, but its important. A little investment of keyword research may help you land the career youre dreaming of. Attempt to acquire an understanding of who the provider is in the same that the company is going to attempt to acquire a thought of you who are from your resume. Focus on how youre an advantage to the companynot the way the business can help you. Make certain its tailored to not merely the position, but the business too. The medical industry can be quite competitive.

Virtual VIP Lunch Learn

Virtual VIP Lunch Learn Dont miss this opportunity to have your negotiation questions answered LIVE, THIS FRIDAY by top NYC Labor Attorney, Nicole Page, at our exclusive VIP Lunch & Learn Sign up today bit.ly/2L3DvXb One of the biggest challenges in almost all industries today is achieving gender parity. Gender diversity provides huge benefits in the workplace. pWhile some industries have made significant advancements in gender diversity, some industries lag further behind... and the construction industry is well-known for being in the latter category. If someone says, construction workers, youll likely picture a group of men in yellow hard hats analyzing an architects plans or laying bricks on top of a scaffold. And men at work signs only help to reinforce this image.pThis stereotype is rooted in reality. When was the last time you actually spotted a woman on a construction site? Or hired a female plumber or carpenter? Your answer is mos t likely never. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statisticsreports that only 3.4% of the total of 8.3 million construction employees are women.pBut the construction industry has a lot mora to offer than steel-toed boots and hard hats, and it needs women to help advance the industry in this era of rapid change. Here are 5 reasons why women joining the workforce or looking to make a pivot should consider a career in construction.h21. Fuel Innovation/h2pNot only is diversity the socially and morally right thing to do, but it is also actually an excellent business strategy. pResearch presented in the Harvard Business Reviewshows that diverse teams develop more innovative ideas. This is further supported by a study conducted by Gallupon the performance of gender-diverse teams versus single-gender teams, which found that the difference in backgrounds and perspectives led to better business performance and problem-solving. h22. Capitalize on Demand/h2pThe construction industry is currently exp eriencing a labor shortage. The industry itself is booming and projected to be one of the fastest-growing industries, with total spending projected to exceed $1.45 trillion in 2023/a. However, most construction companies are unable to meet the rising demand. pAccording to the Associated General Contractors of America/a, more than 80% of contractors are experiencing difficulties filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce.pAnd demand isnt limited to individual contributor roles. Given the industry boom, there are a number of open stable and high-paying roles (any project managers out there?) waiting for the right candidateh23. Leadership Opportunities/h2pAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/a, women compose only 7.7% of the total 1 million managerial positions in construction.br/pBut given the highly collaborative nature of construction work, more women in leadership roles would help drive neuheit and enhance productivity.Furthermore, a s a woman in construction in a leadership position, youd have the unique opportunity to drive change for the industry and make it a more attractive option for other women.h24. High-Income Potential/h2pSalaries for many skilled positions in construction are on the rise, making a construction career a prime choice for women looking for a high-paying job,pThe 2018 Construction Craft Salary Surveyconducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research revealed that salaries for many skilled craft areas are increasing. Project managers and project supervisors topped the list at $92,523 and $88,355, respectively. The next set of highest-paying jobs include those of combo welders ($71,067), instrumentation technicians ($70,080), pipe welders ($69,222), power line workers ($68,262) and industrial electricians ($67,269). Of the 32 categories of workers in the survey, 19 positions earned an average salary of $60,000 or higher.h25. Sense of accomplishment/h2p The construction industry can give employees a unique sense of achievement. Yes, the job is stressful and the work can be demanding, but nothing beats the feeling of being able to build something from the ground up. pHow many professionals in other industries can point at a school, a hospital, or a skyscraper and say I helped build that?pThe construction industry has a long way to go in combating gender bias and supporting women in the workforce, but given the current demand for workers, theres no better time to pick up a sledgehammer (figurative or literal) and smash the gender stereotypes plaguing the construction industry.

Trial date set for Elizabeth Holmes regarding Theranos charges

Trial date set for Elizabeth Holmes regarding Theranos chargesTrial date set for Elizabeth Holmes regarding Theranos chargesElizabeth Holmes appeared in a San Jose, California courthouse on April 22 for a position hearing relating to the wire fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud charges, according to the Wall Street Journal.Holmes made her breakout debut in Silicon Valley in 2003 when she founded Theranos, a healthcare technology company that went from innovative to corrupt as news of crooked practices broke in 2015.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe WSJ reported that attorneys for both defendants used the status hearing as a way to delay the trial-date decision.CNBC reported that Holmess lawyer asked for a one-year extension, stating the team was alerted to four terabytes of new evidence, only that morning, but was denied by the judge.Holmes isnt allowing her looming legal tro uble to keep her from living her life. On June 24,Vanity Fairreported that Holmes, 35, got married to her 27-year-old fianc, Billy Evans, with absolutely no former Theranos employees present.While previous reports announced that there had been no official trial date set, CNBC San Francisco Bureau Chief Sally Shin reported on Twitter that a judge proposed the trial begin July 8, and all parties agreed upon that date. Shin followed up by reporting that the next status hearing is set for July 1.Former Theranos President Ramesh Balwani, who faces charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud as well, was also at the hearing. According to reports, neither defendant spoke during the hearing.Holmes and Balwani were charged in June 2018 by the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Francisco. Together, the duo faces up to 20 years in prison and more than $2 million each in fines, on top of restitution to victims.Monday was Holmess first court appearance since the release of The Inventor Out fo r Blood in Silicon Valley, the HBO documentary that aired in March.Additionally, it was revealed earlier this month that Hulu will be gaining The Dropout, a limited series starring Kate McKinnon as Elizabeth Holmes.The Saturday Night Live star will also act as executive producer alongside Rebecca Jarvis, The Dropout podcast host and creator.

The year is nearly over what now 12 reso-YOU-tions for 2019

The year is nearly over what now 12 reso-YOU-tions for 2019The year is nearly over what now 12 reso-YOU-tions for 2019This year is nearly over and you might be looking at the New Year with some skepticism. You didnt accomplish everything you had wanted to at the beginning of 2018. You might not have gotten the promotion you wanted, the new career role you had wished for or over the doubt the holds you back from the executive presence that commands the attention necessary to be effective. You are probably thinking about your resolutions for 2019.Would you take a trip without a map? Of course not. We think we can create a resolution and get there just because we want to. It doesnt work that way. The reason most resolutions fail is because they are simply notions centered on getting something and not grounded in the root of what drives people authenticity and values.12 Reso-YOU-tions for Results in 20191. Write down your goals. Studies show that people who write down their intentions reach them far mora than those who dont.2. Define what you will let go of. Whats the head trash that inserts itself in your life every time you want to make a leap? Sometimes we need to eliminate before we can add.3. Define who you will let go of. People are toxic too. Who would you be without negative influence?4. Sure up a financial safety net. Max out your 401(k) contributions. Take only short term car loans. Automatically deposit from each paycheck into a non-accessible savings fund. Revisit your estate plan and bank accounts for changes in beneficiary status. Delay social security.5. Put a mirror on your desk. Do you smile on the phone? What can you learn from inviting feedback without self-criticizing or being defensive?6. Tame your head trash by labeling the root feeling, being curious and affirming that the feeling is OK. What is at the root of your behavior? It is certainly a feeling. Im feeling a little freaked out by the risk and its ok Im capable not I am so freaked ou t and overwhelmed I dont have time to do that.7. spielblttchen one word to describe your intent for the next year. Post it with the anniversary date where you will see it every day. Open, Influence, Leverage, Courage, Explore, Welcome, Innovate etc. Pick a new word in a year.8. Build your self-awareness by working from the inside out. Name brand suits, designer shoes and expensive accessories are no substitute for character, humility, talent, influence, self-awareness and charity. Who are you no matter where you are seated at the table? Slow down and name what you are discovering.9. Invite compassion in by intention. When feeling afraid, conflicted or guarded think, I will pause to switch to deep listening for the big picture issue, or May I be the catalyst for compassion here.10. Start a Gratitude Journal to release expectations and center in the present moment. Write one thing you are grateful for each day. Write one thing you notice about yourself each day. Its hard to compare w hen the bright light of thanks is shining on the good things.11. Simplify by scheduling systems into your life. Bookkeeping night, laundry day, grocery shopping day, expenses analysis time, date night, monthly measurement of key indicators.12. Plan one BIG Leap. It should be something that really scares you and excites you You should be able to describe it in four words or less. Leap with an intent to learn where failures are learning tools in the process. Within the next year I will If you dont know where you want to be next year at this time, youre already there. Here is a link to my free Career and Life Planning Tool https//www.maryleegannon.com/p/Your-Yearly-Career-and-Life-Planning-Tool that I give my executive coaching clients at the end of each year. Wishing you a vibrant start to 2019.MaryLeeGannon, ACC, CAEis an executive coach and corporate CEO who helps busy leaders get off the treadmill to nowhere to be more effective, earn more, bemore calm and enjoyconnected relations hips with the people who matter while it still matters.Watch her FREE Master Class training on Three Things to Transform Your Life and Career Right Now atwww.MaryLeeGannon.com.

Create an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your Family

Create an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your FamilyCreate an Emergency Layoff Plan for Your FamilyFamilies are prepared for a fire or hurricane. Take the same measures to ensure youre also prepared for an emergency job loss.Many families have an earthquake, hurricane or disaster plan, but how many have a layoff plan? A job loss is a time when the Earth unexpectedly moves from beneath your feet, so it should require the same preparation.Though were living in a time of great upheaval in the American workforce, people are still unprepared for a layoff. I knew my employer welches having a tough time, but I didnt think it would affect me is what many people still say when handed their pink slips. In January of this year, even amid the huge layoff numbers already posted, a study by Sausalito, Calif.-based Glassdoor.com showed that only one in five employees thought they might be laid off. Obviously, with the layoff statistics of 2009, these results suggest that people simply resist frightening facts.Of course, living in the doom and gloom of maybes is not the answer, but just-in-case preparedness can give you a sense of peace - and power.Here are a few points to consider to ensure you could handle a worst-case scenario1. Dont avoid the void.Thinking of a possible layoff can get you down, so most people avoid the discussion. Getting into the mindset of how youll deal with it, rather than the negativity surrounding it, will actually pick you up - because youll know you can handle whatever comes.2. Know your mates job-loss mentality ahead of time.The time to know how you can rely on your partner to share the load of raising a family is before you have one. Similarly, the time to know how youll both endure the stress of job loss is before it occurs. Does she actually love what shes doing now? Would he want another job just like it? Or would an unexpected layoff give him the opportunity to go a different direction - or even departure his own business? Discuss possible opti ons before youre faced with them.3. Fortify your belief in one another.If your partner loses her job, it can lower her self-esteem and that lowered esteem can impact the dynamics of the relationship (such as not being the provider). Though you cant always know how someone will actually be affected unless and until it happens, earthquake-proofing your relationship for possible esteem shakeups can create a deeper connection when it counts. Work together to create an inventory of all the skills, talents and aptitudes you each possess, and remind each other of those truths - when you need it most.4. Create a job-loss financial plan.The scrambling and differing opinions about how to deal with finances when an unexpected layoff hits can create friction when you need to pull together the most. Come to an agreement about how youd deal with the loss of income, what things would take priority and to what degree either of you could hang on for the right job before just accepting any offer. Pl an ahead to make the most of stretched resources.5. Create a job-loss emergency checklist.Agree on what rules will be followed in the case of an actual job loss. Think about everything fromhours to be spent in the job searchgetting out of the housecommunication strategiesexercise programHelping each other to be effective while keeping family life stable will go a long way toward a peaceful household in a time of transition.