3 signs a conversation needs to happen

3 signs a conversation needs to happen3 signs a conversation needs to happenProductive conversations turn conflict into collaboration, reduce costly mistakes and create a culture of accountability.However, productive conversations are often avoided because of a perceived difficulty in initiating the conversation. Ive heard everything from, I dont want her to cry, to Im afraid of blowing up, to Its the company picnic this week to I cant afford to lose them.What makes a conversation difficult varies from person to person. The variables include the depth of the relationship, the power structures, the timing and experience. But what all avoidance patterns have in common are three things Fear of the emotional experience,skill leveland the unwillingness to do theemotional laborrequired.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe hidden element is awareness. Many of us are unaware that we even need to initiate a conversation. The situation always looks like the aufgabe belongs to someone else, but until we as leaders take full responsibility, nothing will change.When executives blame middle managers for not initiating conversations, the lingering question is this Who is managing the managers? It always comes back to leadership, and it starts at the top.When senior-level leaders avoid, they create a culture of avoidance. You cant fix what you dont acknowledge and you wont acknowledge what you are unaware of. The signs that you need to initiate a difficult conversation is all around you if you know where to look. Here are three signs that indicate a conversation needs to happen.A negative intern landscapeYour inner landscape is your thoughts, feelings and emotions. If you find yourself thinking bad thoughts about someone, it doesnt mean your thoughts are true or factual. It means you are far over-due for a conversation. When you blame someone without talking to them first, it means you arent taking full responsibility for the situation. When you judge someone, it means you dont fully understand, and when you resent someone it might mean you failed to set a boundary.If you find yourself gossiping, running to a friend to dish on someone else, it means you are avoiding talking to the one person who could actually change the situation.Understanding your inner landscape is about growing inemotional intelligence. If you arent paying attention to your inner landscape and thus your inner dialogue, you are not aware enough to initiate a productive conversation.Unwanted business resultsYour hot-headed tantrum-throwing partner isnt just an emotional issue. Theres a business case happening before your very eyes. Besides irritating you and creating a toxic culture, you are losing employees. Or worse, you are keeping employees who arent engaged and arent speaking up. The result is loss due to turnover, or costly mistakes waiting to happen.Your Queen Bee you think is such a star performer, but isnt good at teamwork is not actually a star performer. The problem is that you dont equate team performance with overall performance. Theres always a business case for cleaning up bad behavior, you just have to notice how to connect the dots. Chances are your avoidance or lack of awareness is costing you productivity, reputation, teamwork or speed.MisalignmentLook for evidence that the behaviors you see in the workplace harmonize with the mission, vision and values expressed on the website. When it comes to bad behavior that needs to be addressed, the biggest excuse I see at all levels is Thats just the way I am or Thats just the way its always been.Its usually followed up with something relating to one of the dozens of personality assessments out there Hes a very high D on the Disc, therefore, fill in the blank. Or, according to her Myers-Briggs, shes an INFJ, thereforeRecently at an executive round-table I was asked this question What about the diffe rentmanagement styles?My answer was this I dont look at styles in the beginning. I look at alignment to the mission, vision, and values. The style doesnt matter nearly as much as alignment.Personality assessments can help you understand yourself, your colleagues, and your peers, or they can be used to avoid doing what is necessary to make the needed course-corrections.High D on theDisc?Doesnt mean its OK to throw fits if the values of the organization are trust, integrity and collaboration. Quick Start on theKOLBE?Doesnt mean its OK to go rogue without getting agreement from your senior executives.With that said, if the mission is to win at all costs and the top value is hustle, you will attract the right employees to play that game, as well.From this understanding its not about right or wrong, black or white. Its about making decisions in alignment and being able and willing to deal with the consequences as they come.ConclusionContinually avoiding the elephant in the room creates a culture of neglect and avoidance. Your conversations eitherdrive resultsor drive drama. Productive conversations is a key to creating adrama-free culturethat drives growth and reduces costly mistakes.This article originally appeared on SmartBrief.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

Is it OK to wear shorts at work

Is it OK to wear shorts at workIs it OK to wear shorts at workIts debate that comes up every summer. Is it OK to wear shorts to work? Some say no, some say yes. How comfortable is too comfortable at work?Ladders went out on the street to ask people whether or not shorts are acceptable and the answers were varied.

Michael Bloomberg An open mind is the most valuable asset

Michael Bloomberg An open mind is the fruchtwein valuable asset Michael Bloomberg An open mind is the fruchtwein valuable asset Its graduation season, and we here at Ladders have decided to take a look back and showcase some past commencement addresses that stand the test of time. Below is the full transcript of Michael Bloombergs commencement address to University of Michigans Class of 2016Thank you, President Schlissel, and to the hauptplatine of Regents. Good morning, everyoneIts a real honor to be on this great campus where so much history has been made. And its a thrill to walk in the footsteps of Gerald Ford, James Earl Jones, Lucy Loo, and Tom Brady Im told that no quarterback has played in more Super Bowls than Tom Brady and in case there are any New Yorkers here, I would just notlagee that he played against the Giants in two of them.Im honored to have been asked to speak to all of the faculty, administrators, alumni, and most of all, to the great class of 2016So, graduates T his is a great day, but theres another group here that also deserves a big round of applause yur parents and families.Of course, there were many other people who helped you on your journey, so after you receive your diploma, and as you make your way in the world, remember that your greatest achievements like todays will owe an awful lot to the people around you.Itscommencement seasonFollow LaddersCommencement Addresses magazine on Flipboardto watch and read all of the most inspiring speeches from this year and years past.If theres a secret to success beyond hard work and good luck, its that the more you say we, and the less you say I, the farther youll go. Its something that the most effective leaders understand and take to heart. Remember There is almost nothing we do in life that we do alone.The most useful knowledge that you leave here with today, like the importance of teamwork, has nothing to do with your major. Its about how to study, how to cooperate, how to listen carefull y, how to think critically, and how to resolve conflicts through reason. Those are the most important skills in the working world and its why colleges have always exposed students to challenging and uncomfortable ideas.The fact that some university boards and administrations now bow to pressure and shield students from these ideas through panzerschrank spaces, code words, and trigger warnings is, in my view, a terrible mistake. The whole purpose of college is to learn how to deal with difficult situations not run away from them.A micro-aggression is exactly that micro But in a macro-sense, one of the most dangerous places on a college campus is a safe space because it creates the false impression that we can insulate ourselves from those who hold different views. We cant and we shouldnt try, not in politics, or in the workplace. In the global economy, and in a democratic society, an open mind is the most valuable asset you can possess.Today, Id like to talk a little bit about why thats true based on the lessons Ive learned over the course of my career. Lets start with the global economy, and let me put in perspective the job market many of you are entering. For the first time in human history, the majority of people in the developed world are being asked to make a living with their minds, rather than their muscles. For 3,000 years, humankind had an economy based on farming till the soil, plant the seed, harvest the crop. Hard to do, but fairly easy to learn.Then, for 300 years, we had an economy based on industry mold the parts, turn the crank, assemble the product. Hard to do, but also fairly easy to learn.Now, we have an economy based on information acquire the knowledge, apply the analytics, use your creativity. Hard to do, hard to learn, and even once youve mastered it, youll have to start learning all over again, pretty much every day.If you have the luxury of more than one job offer now or in the future dont pick the one that pays the most pick the o ne that teaches you the most and dont worry if the people around you seem quicker or smarter. You cant control that, but you can decide that youre going to outwork them.In my company, I always give the most complex and important projects to our busiest employees. Why? Because they are the hardest-working and most dedicated. Theyre the first ones in the office and the last to leave. Theyre the ones who take the shortest lunch breaks and the least vacation. It may not sound like great fun, but in the end, you have to set your priorities.The secret to success is not rocket science. It just requires true dedication and a willingness to go the extra mile. Whatever your field, volunteer to take on new assignments even if theyre outside your comfort zone. Take the initiative on your own to learn and develop new skills and build contacts who can help you down the road. When will you have learned enough? Lets put it this way I know of no edel Prize winner who has stopped studying. And in the information economy, everyone in both white collar and blue collar jobs will have to keep deepening their knowledge and adapting to technological change.My life is a perfect example of how important it is to keep an open mind about careers and technology. After college, I went to business school in hopes of landing a middle management job in a factory. I had no idea that factories would soon be closing all across the country, and neither did anyone else.I ended up finding a job at a Wall Street firm. I loved the job, and soon, my interest in managing a plant disappeared. I thought Id stay at the firm forever. And I might have except for one small thing I got fired.I welches 38 years old, and it was a bitter pill to swallow, but it was also the best thing that ever happened to my career. It led me to start a tech company to computerize real-time financial data. It sounds simple now, but this was 1981 the dawn of the computer age. We were trying to invent a computer that no one w anted with technology that didnt exist a classic example of innovation. Everyone said I was crazy, and maybe they were right. I had only a limited background in computers, and I had never started or run a company, but with a lot of help from some very talented and driven people, we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.So the lesson is Whatever you think your dream job is today, dont get too attached to it. Chances are, if the job still exists in 15 years, it will be very different and you may have found other passions. Keeping an open mind to new ideas will be essential to your professional success, and it will be just as crucial to our collective future as a democratic society.Thats the other lesson Ive learned that Id like to share with you today. During the 12 years I had the honor of serving as Mayor of New York City, I witnessed a disturbing change in the nature of American politics a rise in extreme partisanship and intolerance for other views.Im a political independent, but over the course of my life, for non-ideological reasons, Ive been a Republican and a Democrat. So I can tell you Neither party has a monopoly on good ideas each demonizes the other unfairly and dishonestly. This is not a new phenomenon but it has reached a dangerous new level.In 1796, George Washington spent much of his farewell address warning Americans against political parties, which he called the worst enemy of democratic governments. He wrote of the natural tendency parties have to elevate a single leader who seeks power, in his words, on the ruins of public liberty.In this political season, its worth remembering what Washington had to say. And so, allow me to read a brief passage from his farewell address.Partisanship, Washington wrote, serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms kindles the animosity of one part against another, and foments occasionally riot and insurrection A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame lest, instead of warming, it should consume.Well said, George. We have survived more than 200 years of political parties largely because the Founding Fathers created checks and balances to temper the fires of partisanship. Of course, they also excluded most Americans from their vision of democracy because they feared what democracy might produce. But over the past two centuries, through the sacrifices of so many civil rights leaders and soldiers, the promise of equal rights has spread across income, religion, race, gender, and sexual orientation.We still have a long way to go, and it would be a mistake to think that our progress is irreversible or that Washingtons warning is a relic of history. Neither is true and never will be. Democracy and citizenship will always require constant vigilance against those who fan the flames of partisanship in ways that consume us and lead to the ruins of public liberty.We have certainly seen such figures before, in both parties. In the 1930s, there was the despotic Huey Long in Louisiana, and just a few miles up the road in Dearborn Father Coughlin blamed Jewish conspirators for Americas troubles. Then came Charles Lindbergh in the 40s, Joe McCarthy in the 50s, George Wallace in the 60s, and Pat Buchanan in the 90s.Every generation has had to confront its own demagogues and every generation has stood up and kept them away from the White House, at least so far. Now, its your turn.In this years presidential election, weve seen more demagoguery from both parties than I can remember in my lifetime. ur country is facing serious and difficult challenges, but rather than offering realistic solutions, candidates in both parties are blaming our problems on easy targets who breed resentment. For Republicans, its Mexicans here illegally and Muslims, and for Democrats, its the wealthy and Wall Street.The truth is We cannot solve th e problems we face by blaming anyone. We are all in this together, and we all must be part of the solution. Americas power in the world comes not from the walls we build, but the doors we open, and it comes not from tearing down success, but building up opportunity.American citizenship does not require much of us. We have no military draft no mandatory national service no compulsory voting. Our taxes, compared to Europe, are relatively low. And yet, our voting rates are terrible, and theyre especially low among young people. This year, you can help change that.Voting is the only way to stop demagogues. But the best way to stop demagogues from rising in the first place is to elect leaders with the courage to face reality, make tough decisions, and lead from the front, rather than following from behind. That has become harder over time. Let me share a story from my time in City Hall that illustrates why.In 2002, we banned smoking in New York Citys bars and restaurants, and it caused a huge backlash. We got a lot of angry letters and phone calls, and I got a lot of one-fingered waves when I walked down the street. But as time went by, the ban proved to be a huge boon to the bar and restaurant business surprise, surprise and smoking rates in our city went down by nearly 30 percent, helping to increase life expectancy for New Yorkers two years above the national average. In fact, Im glad to say, the policy became so popular that cities and states all over the world copied it.Today, elected officials who decide to support a controversial policy will also get angry letters, phone calls, and faxes, if they still have fax machines. And for sure, they will now get millions of angry Tweets and Facebook posts denouncing them in the harshest possible terms. Thats democracy in action. But that kind of instant condemnation also makes some elected officials afraid to do things that, in their heart of hearts, they know are right.So democracy in action can actually produce a lot of inaction, which we see every day in Washington, D.C., and other levels of government, too. When governments fail to address the needs of the people, voters in both parties get angry and some politicians exploit that anger by offering scapegoats instead of solutions.If we want to stop demagogues, we have to start governing again, and that requires us to be more civil to support politicians who have the courage to take risks and to reward those who reach across the aisle in search of compromise.Now I know doing this wont be easy, and thats partly because its not just social media that has changed the civic dialogue. The constant bombardment of news that we see on our phones, computers, and TVs gives us the impression we are acquiring knowledge. Yet many of the sources, facts, and interpretations are either dubious, or colored by partisanship, or outright lies. I say that as the owner of a media company who has seen how the marketplace has shifted. Today, people choose cable TV channels and websites that affirm their own political beliefs rather than ones that inform and challenge their beliefs. As a result, we have grown more politically cloistered and more intolerant of those who hold different opinions.Think about this In 1960, only four to five percent of Democrats and Republicans said they would be upset if a member of their family married someone from the opposing party. In 2010, one in three Democrats, and one in two Republicans, said they would disapprove of such a marriage. In 1960, most people would never have believed that inter-party marriage would attract such resistance, while inter-racial marriage and same-sex marriage would gain such acceptance. For all the progress we have made on cultural tolerance, when it comes to political tolerance, we are moving in the wrong direction.We see this trend of political intolerance across the country At campaign rallies that turn violent on social media threads that turn vitriolic and even on college camp uses, where students and faculty have attempted to censor political opponents.I know that one of todays graduates, Omar Mahmood, has faced threats and intimidation because he dared to write political satire about being left-handed in the Michigan Daily and he refused to apologize for it. Omar, wherever you are out there, Im glad you stood your ground.Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right, no matter how unpopular it may be or how many people try to shout you down. And just as importantly Never hesitate to stand up for the rights of others to express their views and exercise their rights, no matter how unpopular that may be. The only way to ensure your right to express yourself is to protect others rights to express themselves.In 2010, I found myself in the middle of a huge debate over free expression. There was a national uproar over a proposal to build a mosque several blocks from the World Trade Center. Members of both parties attacked the plan as an affront to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. Even the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is to protect against religious discrimination, opposed the idea. But they had all forgotten the terrorists didnt just attack buildings, they attacked our freedom to live and pray as we choose according to our own beliefs and values, equally.The torch that Lady Liberty holds aloft in the New York Harbor lights the way for people of every faith and philosophy, and it shines down on every corner of the city and every community across this great land. No religion should ever face special restrictions on their rights, whether it concerns building a house of worship or getting a visa.As durable as the American system of government has been, democracy is fragile and demagogues are always lurking. When Ben Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention, a woman approached him and asked him Well, doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy? Franklin replied, A republic if you can keep it.Well, gradua tes It is now your responsibility to keep it. That starts with keeping an open mind, voting, and demanding that politicians offer practical solutions, not scapegoats or pie-in-the-sky promises. In 1928, Republicans promised a chicken in every pot and a car in every backyard. They won control of Congress and the White House and a year later, instead of a chicken and a car, we got the Great Depression.Today, when a populist candidate promises free college, free health care, and a pony, or another candidate promises to make other countries pay for our needs remember those who promise you a free lunch will invariably eat you for breakfast. If there were simple solutions to complex problems, we wouldnt have those problems.Im optimistic that you graduates will rise to the occasion and help protect our Republic against the dangers of demagogues and the fires of partisanship that Washington warned us about 220 years ago. I believe in you. I support you. And I will stand with you in this b attle to the end of my days so that my children and grandchildren can be as proud of Americas devotion to freedom and equality as I am.As for today this is a day of celebration, so relish it enjoy every minute.Congratulations and Go Blue

10 days and 34 words to better relationships

10 days and 34 words to better relationships10 days and 34 words to better relationshipsThink about it unless you are a landscape painter, Im pretty sure your work involves other people on a daily basis. They accomplish the parts of your work that you dont have the hours or talent to tackle yourself, or they buy what you sell.Those other people (whether direct reports, peers, clients, or prospective clients) have choices regarding how they prioritize their days. Like you, they face multiple competing demands from multiple constituencies. So when you or I ask for a meeting, a favor, or their help on a task, they quite frankly have options. They can either help us today, or help us tomorrow. They can fulfill our request with positive energy, thoughtfulness, and creativity or can simply cross ts and dot is in a perfunctory way.How do you increase the odds that others do things well (and quickly) for you? Sometimes your job title or power grabs their attention initially but mora ofte n than youd like to think, the answer lies in how much they like and respect you. Do they enjoy being in a meeting with you? Do they learn from you, or are they bored by the tasks you request of them? Do you smile and bring a sense of humor to their day, or - instead - stress them out? Do you talk at them, or with them?Yes, this sounds old-school and youve heard it before but it bears repeating strong relationships are one of the main currencies on which you build a successful career or business - and the way you rally others to effectively Get Stuff Done for you.If youre a leader whod like to collect a bit more of this valuable relationship currency, heres one path. Each day over the next 10 days, jot one of the 10 relationship power phrases below on a sticky note and post it where youll see it often. Then find as many occasions to put todays power phrase to good use as you can, both at work and at home. (Keep a count if youre competitive with yourself or motivated by games)You might already say these things, but consider saying them more or in different types of situations. As you practice and see the results in others faces and responses, youll build the muscle memory to keep using them over the longer haul.Successful leaders with loyal, talented troops who would walk across the coals for them pepper their speech (liberally) with these sentences. They sound so simple but there is huge relationship power in these wordsTell me more.Youre right.I was wrong.What do you think?I agree.I love that idea.Thank you.Hey, I apologize.How can I support you?I believe you can do it.So grab a sticky note and enhance how you express caring, warmth, humility, and respect for others through these 34 words. Youll likely get back more of those saatkorn four relationship goodies from them. Not to mention faster request turnaround times and more enthusiastic, thoughtful help.

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Resume Templates for Teens and What You Should Do Today

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Resume Templates for Teens and What You Should Do Today A lot of you will have used resume templates in earlier times or may be thinking about using one now. Make certain that the template youre choosing can highlight your details in the ideal approach. The templates offer you a simple time getting everything together. Your professional experience is an indispensable portion of your resume. The very best method is to select the aid of Resume builder for writing a resume so you could not loose the work prospect. Below are a few important benefits of using readymade CV templates Professional Appeal a lot of people feel that using the resume templates will influence your odds of getting job. A well written resume with the aid of professional resume templates can grab the interest of the employer and earn good impression. Actually, resume templates are a simple means to create a resume. The template ought to have a section for writin g skills and about the certification an individual may have. It is often quite tedious attempting to make the resume from scratch. Some do not require any sort of download, you can just take the pointers you need and leave the rest. As you select your preferred template and sign up or utilize it freely, you might get your hands on the picture-perfect resume in only a matter of a few momemts. There arent any tischset rules to writing a resume but theres certain information thats regarded as essential which should be included. Make certain that you are always being honest with the experience which you have, in an attempt to ensure that as soon as you are determined to be a feasible candidate for the position, that you wont be disqualified at a subsequent date when they determine that you have embellish some of your information. Little research for the proper template increases your probability of getting your dream job. That means you wont need to be concerned about the format whe n making job specific resume. Job aspirants need to look out for a resume template as opposed to a curriculum vitae template. Writing your resume has never been simpler. Imagine you have two resumes facing you. Infographic resumes become more and more common. In addition, youre able to always view customer testimonials to begin with Kickresume. The CV template teaches you how to format your Curriculum Vitae and lets you know what kind of information ought to be included. Share your resume with a reliable friend and request feedback Consider the feedback you get and edit your resume accordingly. Such modest details do make a persons resume different and distinctive from the other resumes. The website maintains its idealistic and every-green approach to supply fresh resume templates that are simple to use. The ready-made templates are made to create the candidates job easy in addition to for assisting them and the recruiters into writing the resumes in an acceptable format. If youre more experienced, you can likewise find templates with a style that concentrates on your skills along with experience to produce an impression on your prospective employer. Resumes which are too short get tossed. If so, resume templates may provide you with much needed support. They come from a variety of sources such as the ones available to you in Microsoft Word, and free or paid examples available for download from a host of websites. Utilizing resume templates will enable you to make sure that you are correctly laying out each one of the accomplishments youve done, and also enable you to make certain you have the ability to set your thoughts together in a fashion that will cause you to get attractive for a vast range of distinct work in the industry in which youre applying for.

Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for What to Say when Emailing a Resume

Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for What to Say when Emailing a Resume The Hidden Truth About What to Say when Emailing a Resume You might not know the hiring manager, but you probably know somebody who does. You should take a look at some of job sites. Such emails are among the most helpful ways youll be able to secure work. Cancel the email verification whilst conducting work search and handle the unwanted emails from Nigeria asking if youre interested in a business proposal. Resumes which are job specific tend to acquire the best outcomes. It is always advised for candidates to send emails in accordance with the employers preference. With your resume before them, employers can visualize how youll operate within the framework of their corporation, and the way in which your abilities and abilities will be used in the upcoming evolution of the business. Many employers state they just do not have enough time to construct a rejection letter for potential candidates they have in terviewed. What to Say when Emailing a Resume - Is it a Scam? You need to be able to communicate all you will need to say on a single page. If youre using a site like Monster then youll basically have the ability to build your resume and make it appear professional with their online tools. Writing a perfect resume email is merely a fraction of all of the situations you must keep in mind before you click send. One of the greatest regions to get resume examples is online, since there are a lot of websites offering templates an individual may download and use. The Honest to Goodness Truth on What to Say when Emailing a Resume When its to be sent by email, you might be advised what format you need to use for your resume, what things to include in the topic line of the email, and by once the employer should receive it. When its by email, you might be advised regarding what format you need to use for your resume, what things to include in the topic line of the email message, and by once the employer should receive it. Just try to earn the email really short and easy, so the employer could read the email easily. Position yourself now so that youll be in the correct place later. Video resumes have become popular with job candidates as an approach to stick out from the crowd. You may neglect to bring the file in mail. Its o.k. but not required to mail a copy to the provider. Steer clear of any formatting in the resume email text If you would like your email to be read, it is highly advisable to remove all of the formatting. You are more inclined to receive a reply from your prospective customer, if they are aware that you are extremely much passionate and serious about your work. If you opt not to, it can cost you the interview youre waiting for. As a consequence, the email needs to be short and easy and ought to be in point. If all has went right you will secure a positive response back within a day or two. Then decide which one that you wish to u se. Word travels nicht weit davon entfernt sein when somebody feels theyve been shunned or complimented by means of a provider. When you send an email to possible employer, make sure its flawless when it has to do with the spelling and the grammar aspect.

This is what causes poor communication at work

This is what causes poor communication at workThis is what causes poor communication at workIts easier than ever to communicate with colleagues. And yet, that doesnt always make us more efficient.In fact, just the opposite happens.I experienced this recently while working on a project for my company, Morphic Therapeutic. Our facility is located on the AstraZeneca campus, and it has a pretty stunning auditorium inside. Weve been considering having a TedX conference there for a while.The conference is in June, and the fantastic and highly capable AstraZeneca team wanted to platzset up a website for it. We had a meeting to discuss putting up the website, and things immediately became more complicated than necessary.I told them, Just give me everything you want to put on the website in one shot. Ill take care of getting the site up.People were dumbfounded.It welches like I had just said something truly shocking. They told me, No, we cant do that. We dont have all the content together rig ht now. Well just give it to you as we put it together. And we need to be able to change it on the fly.And thats when it really hit me. Weve reached a new way of working. Projects are now handled in a piecemeal manner. People decide what theyre working on by the order of the emails in their inbox.Its gone beyond multi-tasking. Were spending our days in an entirely distracted state, leaping from one thing to the next without a true plan of action.Our standard of work is now completely ad hocIn my previous job, there was a Board member who was older than fruchtwein of us by decades. And he came right out and told us, Im never going to get all this new technology right.He was right. We actually kept a fax machine around for him to use until he retired. He had never touched email.Sometimes, I used to ask him at board dinners, Dont you think things were less efficient in your day?I mean, its hard for us to even imagine writing out a memo and then physically transporting it somewhere else . That sounds ludicrous now.But oddly enough, he felt work actually used to be more efficient than it is today. I know that seems like a bold thing to say- and Im not suggesting we go back to 1970s technology- but I do think he had a point.When the cost of communication is high, you take the time to make sure everything is right. When the physical memo is being taken somewhere and passed around, theres no time for revisions, edits, or iterations. What you send is what people see.Communication has become cheap. It costs nothing to send an email or a few Slack messages. Even when you send those messages, you can easily undo or edit the text. And because of that, people no longer feel their message has to include something momentous. It doesnt have to be thorough and thought out. They dont have to give someone all the necessary information at once.They can just send along each piece as they receive it from someone else.The chain of communication has become massively inefficientI used t o think if I walked into a company and saw buzzing activity, that meant it was an amazing, hardworking, and exciting company. Thats surely a sign of a company that is going places. Now, I see all that buzzing and ad hoc communication, and it strikes me as downright inefficient.Communication feels like work. You can spend your entire day answering emails and still feel exhausted in the evening. You feel like youve put in an entire day of work, when in reality youve just been reacting to messages other people sent you.And there are downsides to operating that way. You arent doing work that really moves anything forward. Larger projects take longer and longer as more time is spent sifting through and responding to communications from other people.You dont have to work that wayReaction is your default setting. But getting yourself out of that default mode takes structure and planning.Structuring projects requires more work, but its more efficientDoing something is not always better than doing nothing. The quality and efficiency of what youre doing matters.Taking the time upfront to structure a project, your weekly schedule, or your daily routine requires more effort than taking things as they come. But the reward is a greater sense of control and efficiency. The level of communication can even be a marker for how well things were thought through up-front.Structuring processes also cuts down on things most people tend to complain about, like meetings. When information is doled out piece by piece, many meetings are required to continually update people on the iterations.But if you carefully structure a project, youll find that you really dont need most meetings. People have everything they need to get the work done. They understand their part of the project as it relates to the whole.Regardless of the new means of communication at our hands, discipline, organization, and focus are still the most effective tools for getting things done. We dont have to go back to fax machines, but we should take advantage of silent mode more often if we want to do work that makes an impact.This post was originally published on Quora.com.

Affordable Care Act 2016 Requirements for Small Business

Affordable Care Act 2016 Requirements for Small BusinessAffordable Care Act 2016 Requirements for Small BusinessAffordable Care Act 2016 Requirements for Small Business NelsonAs a small business owner, youre no doubt aware of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Obamas sweeping health care legislation, which became law in 2010.Many small businesses havent had to pay particularly close attention to the legislation, as they are generally exempt from Affordable Care Act mandates. But there are a few things you will want to keep in mind about how you will or wont be affected by the ACA in 2016, particularly if your business employs 51-99 people. Is your Company Exempt from ACA Requirements?If you have 50 or fewer employees, you are exempt from ACA requirements to either offer affordable health insurance coverage or pay a per-worker assessment, also known as pay or play. (These began on Jan. 1, 2015 for employers with 100 or mora full-time employees.) While yo u arent required to provide coverage under the law, you can, of course, choose to purchase coverage through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchange in your state or buy coverage in the private market.However, if your company employs 51-99 workers, you should be aware that the ACAs transitional rules for small and mid-size businesses expire on Jan. 1, 2016. This means your business must provide employees with pay or play provisions, as mentioned above. These are also known as employer shared responsibility. Double-Check ACA CalculationsIts highly advisable that you confirm that your count of full-time employees aligns with that of the ACA. The ACA defines a full-time employee someone who works either- A minimum of 30 hours per week- 130 hours per month- Or a total of 1,560 hours in a yearMoreover, if you own or have a significant stake in multiple small businesses, be aware that roll-up provisions apply. Under the ACA, these businesses are grouped together when calc ulating the number of employees.Dont Overlook ACA Tax CreditsIf your business employs 25 or fewer full-time employees (particularly low- or moderate-income workers) and youve enrolled in an employer-sponsored health plan through your SHOP marketplace, you may qualify for certain types of subsidized coverage that went into effect in 2014, such as the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. In order to qualify for this tax credit, employees must earn an average annual wages of $50,000 or less and pay at least 50 percent of their employees premiums. The tax credit ranges from 50% of premiums paid for eligible small employers, and from 25% to 35% of employer premiums paid for tax-exempt eligible small employers.The New Definition of Small GroupIf you have 51-99 employees, as of Jan. 1, 2016, your health insurer considers your company a small group rather than a mid-market group.This expanded definition of small group, which until now welches defined as 50 or fewer employees, may seem inn ocuous, but is very important. It will impact prices, risk ratings, provider networks, and the types of benefits that these companies are accustomed to offering, says Helena Ruffin, president and owner of The Ruffin Group Insurance Services.For ACA plans, small employer group healthcare premiums are based on your companys modified community rating, a rating based on the cost of care in a particular geographic area, which is meant to ensure that people within the same region arent priced differently.Before the ACA was implemented, group ratings could vary widely based upon demographics and medical underwriting, a process by which insurers assessed the groups projected health risk to determine price. Other allowed rating factors for ACA plans include age, tobacco use and family size.Ruffin notes that for ACA plans, age is calculated by employees birth dates (rather than expanded rate increments such as 35-39 years that were used in the past) and is adjusted annually. These changes may result in higher insurance costs for many small businesses.In fact, a 2014 report from theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Servicesreports that65% of small businesses would likely pay more. On the flip side, if you have a young workforce and are based in a region with favorable community rates, the new pricing may actually work in your favor.Ruffin advises that you start looking into your options. If your plan renews in December, make sure your agent is knocking on your door right now. Ask your agent to prepare a benchmark report to compare prices with other carriers in their market, and begin your transition. Say Goodbye to Grandmother PlansRegardless of the number of employees you have, your insurance plans are likely to change come Jan. 1, 2016, due to the end of grandmothering, explains Chuck Kiskaden, president and CEO of Health Benefits Advisors. Grandmothering refers to a transitional policy for certain types of coverage in the small group market.When the ACA was first impl emented, companies of all sizes were told that if they liked their plans, they could keep them. But all grandmother plans end with Jan. 1, 2016 and later renewals, and companies will need to transition to an ACA-defined bronze, silver, gold or platinum plan, says Kiskaden.Kiskaden recommends that these companies look into their plan options, since they wont be able to continue on their old plans after Jan. 1, 2016, though groups that renews before January can keep their grandmothered status until they renew in 2016.Employers with 51-99 employees would primarily do this to keep from being forced into small group age rating of premiums and small group metal products, says Kiskaden. He adds that costs are likely to be higher in these new plans, but cant be higher than 3X the lowest-cost plan.Looking for more information? Check out this ACA plan overview to assist with choosinga plan thats right for your small business. Plans that are available in your area, of course, will vary.Will yo ur company be ready for the ACAs 2016 requirements? Its time to closely examine your plan options and start educating employees about any plan changes.

How to Write an Entry-Level Resume With a Template

How to Write an Entry-Level Resume With a TemplateHow to Write an Entry-Level Resume With a TemplateWhen you are applying for an entry-level location, you may or may not have the exact education or experience that corresponds to the job description and requirements. Nevertheless, if you feel that you are a good fit for the position and the company, you can tailor your resume to show how your educational achievements and your relevant experience would help you perform in the job for which you are applying. The following resume template lists the information that you should include on your resume when applying for an entry-level position. Resume Template - Entry Level Contact InformationThe first section of your resume should include information on how the employer can contact you FirstName LastNameStreet AddressCity, StateZip CodePhoneEmail AddressLinkedIn Address Even as an entry-level professional, its important to capitalize upon the networking opportunities that social media s ites like LinkedIn provide. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is robust and articulate, then start building your network with former instructors, peers, and people youve met through work or at job fairs. Skills Summary In an opening skills summary, include specific mention of the skills related to the position/career field that you are applying for- for example,computer skills, language skills, and interpersonal skills like listening skills, teamwork, motivation, communications, and conflict resolution. These keywords should be mentioned both in the initial summary of the resume and throughout the Experience section. Education In theeducation section of your resume, list the schools and colleges you have attended, the diplomas or degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned along with relevant extracurricular activities. If your college GPA was 3.5 or higher, you can mention this after the title of your diploma College, City, State, Type of Degree / Diploma (3.5 GPA)Awards, Honors, Extracurricular ActivitiesSchool, City, State, Type of Degree / CertificationAwards, Honors, Extracurricular Activities Experience This section of your entry-level resume includes yourwork history in reverse chronological order. List the companies you worked for, their location (city and state), dates of employment, the positions you held, and abulleted listof responsibilities and achievements. If you have completed internships, its fine to include themin the experience sectionof your resume. You can also list summer jobs along with relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience that might indicate how you are uniquely qualified for the job. Company 1City, StateDates Worked Job Title Responsibilities/AchievementsResponsibilities/Achievements Company 2City, StateDates Worked Job Title Responsibilities/AchievementsResponsibilities/Achievements Customize Your Resume In all cases, be sure to personalize and customize your resumeso that it reflects your ski lls and abilities and connects them with the jobs you are applying for. Repeat the keywords that you have identified in the job announcement youre interested in and also in other similar job announcements. For example, if you are applying for a job as a restaurant team member at a restaurant that has posted that it is looking for someone who loves to help and serve others (both customers and team members), you might add a description of your volunteer work serving the homeless at a local soup kitchen under the Experience section of your resume. Try to make this description as responsive as possible to the qualifications a specific employer is seeking. Say, for instance, that another keyword phrase in this job posting mentions that the employer wants someone with a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. On your resume, note that your supervisor at the soup kitchen encouraged you to learn to smile at every person whom you served. These are not boasts- they are merely facts that you are addi ng to your resume to help the company understand your skills, even if you werent paid. By emphasizing both the hard and the soft skills youve gained during your education, summer jobs, and volunteer work in your resume, youll build a persuasive case for why youre the ideal candidate for your first entry-level position.