How to Give Employees the Workplace They Want

How to Give Employees the Workplace They Want How do you win the war for talent? A question all the top dogs continue to  ask themselves and one of the biggest issues facing the industry. In the eyes of a futurist, it’s all about the employee experience. To win the war you need to give employees the workspaces they want, the tools they crave and a culture they can celebrate at all times. We speak to  Jacob Morgan, an  author,  speaker  and  futurist  to learn how  he helps organizations  and individuals around the world understand how the world of work is changing, how we’re going to be impacted by it and what we should all be doing as a result of it. Have a listen to the interview below, keep reading for a summary of the questions and be sure to subscribe to the  Employer Branding Podcast. In this episode you’ll learn: Who Jacob is and if hes  from the future or not An in-depth look at his book The Employee Experience Advantage If employee experience is just another buzzword or if it actually has value What employee experience has to do with employer branding, and why you need to embrace it How to build employee experience through consumer-grade technology How to use culture to maximize  your employer brand efforts Why you need to build your workspace with your employees in mind The top 3 trends shaping employee experience right now How Cisco, Salesforce, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Accenture are leading innovation within employee experience How significant employee experience is in terms of ROI What the future of employee experience is in the eyes of a futurist Connect with Jacob on Twitter and subscribe to the podcast on  iTunes.

What Your Lack of Personal Intelligence Costs You - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What Your Lack of Personal Intelligence Costs You - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career When people think about lowering their bills, a lot of small purchases become suspect. Your daily Starbucks habit, at $32 per gallon if you calculated it that way, is an easy mark. A lot of people cut the cable, start eating most meals at home and buy a space heater rather than warm up the whole house. It’s always a good idea to take a look at where you are throwing money away, and cut back where you can. But the real savings isn’t in these incremental differences between small, affordable luxuries and no luxury at all. Stop thinking small. You’ve got a much bigger expense hiding in plain sight. Your lack in personal intelligence is costing you a fortune. Your lack of self-understanding and self-worth is what undermine your salary, when you accepted less than what you deserved or needed. A raft of mistaken beliefs about yourself created your blind spot, which obscures your future prospects. You likely have never even seen someone with personal intelligence. Most people are walking around with an unexplored consciousness, so how would you have known what you are missing? On a daily basis you fail to leverage your largest asset â€" what you have made of yourself. Every one of us is self-made. That truth often brings groans of dismay from my audiences. After all, if you can’t blame your boss, your co-workers, your student loans or anything else: who gets responsibility for what you fail to achieve or reap? Sure other people have undervalued you and even trash-talked you. After all, like your first language: you had to learn it somewhere. Typically your disconnection from yourself starts at home when you’re young â€" not because your parents were malevolent. It starts because they worry for your safety, your health, your happiness and their own peace of mind. They communicate all that or simply fail to praise you, for as long as you are present there. Then, when you leave, you never leave behind the self-image you built there. You are filled with self-doubt, worry, and a general lack of self-confidence, because you rarely if ever heard anyone say: Wow! You are the best. You are loved. You are right. Unbury the treasure that is you. Here’s how to start. Yell STOP, anytime you’re giving yourself a dose of negativity. Yes, you can “yell” silently. Read stories about people you admire and compare yourself favorably. Yes, you and Angelina Jolie are both concerned about helping people. Yes, you and Lady Gaga both look good in a wig. You and President Obama like to enjoy bourbon now and then. When you consciously raise your estimation of who you are, you raise ours. With that reappraisal, you raise your prospects for compensation, promotion and opportunity.

How Corporate Policies Make Monkeys of Us All

How Corporate Policies Make Monkeys of Us All Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'AFkSx51ZTx5eigralzjQQg',sig:'4SW34uKmNlLJlZ23i9u1agkiWSZTS6HILDfm8nj0n9s=',w:'509px',h:'339px',items:'518723184',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); Scientists are always dreaming up new ways to study behavior, and monkeys bear the brunt of the experiments. One study epitomizes how workplace behavior becomes ingrained. In this experiment, five monkeys are in a cage. A banana is hung from the ceiling and a ladder is placed underneath it.   Immediately, one of the monkeys races towards the ladder to grab the banana.   However, as soon as he starts to climb, the researcher sprays the monkey with ice-cold water along with the other four monkeys. When a second monkey tries to climb the ladder, the researcher again sprays the monkey with ice-cold water, as well as the other four watching monkeys. This is repeated again and again until they learn their lesson â€" climbing equals scary cold water for EVERYONE.     So no one climbs the ladder. Next the researcher replaces one of the monkeys with a new inexperienced one. As predicted, the new monkey spots the banana, and goes for the ladder. The other four monkeys, knowing the drill, jump on the new monkey and beat him up. The new monkey therefore learns “no going for the ladder and no banana” without even knowing why.     (The water hose has been removed and is no longer a threat.) The process of switching out monkeys is repeated until none of the original five monkeys remains in the cage. The new monkeys never experience the icy water treatment and don’t know why they shouldn’t climb the ladder, yet each time a new monkey is introduced to the cage, it is beaten into submission. In effect, the monkeys become the enforcers and caretakers of the “rule” without even knowing its purpose.       It’s because “that’s the way we do things around here…” Sound familiar? Ferdinand Fournies, author of “Why Employees Don’t Do What They’re Supposed to Do… and What to Do about It,” says one of the reasons employees don’t take initiative is that they get punished for it. The employee who suggests a new idea automatically gets put in charge of it. The worker who tries something new gets punished when it doesn’t go as planned. The team member who does difficult work well always gets the difficult work while the less competent worker gets the easy assignments. You’ve probably seen it all. Eventually, workers, like monkeys, get the picture. Doing something different or trying to get ahead gets you punished. We’re hard wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure, so we eventually stop doing whatever caused our discomfort. And we “help” our teammates by telling them what to avoid as well. This explains so many otherwise inexplicable behaviors. The experienced line worker who tells the new guy “don’t work so fast â€" you’re making the rest of us look bad.” The government office that spends all its money on unnecessary items at the end of the fiscal year because whatever is unspent will be automatically deducted from next year’s budget. When companies create policies that are designed around bad actors (or the fear of bad actors), good workers, which make up the majority of your team, feel punished as well. For example, companies that designate sick leave create, at best, a mixed message. Sick leave is for genuine medical issues: doctor appointments, days you’re too unwell to work, staying home with a sick child. You’re allotted a certain number of days, but taking them all is considered abuse of the system. On the other hand, when you don’t use all your days, you lose them, either at the end of the year or when you leave the company (as opposed to vacation days, which are paid out when you resign.) I wonder what the monkeys would make of a policy like that.

May Newsletter for Masters students University of Manchester Careers Blog

May Newsletter for Masters students University of Manchester Careers Blog This month â€" getting started and getting on in a new job, a somewhat unexpected take on your career after your masters and whats on CareersLink. The Florentine statesman, writer and philosopher Niccolo Machaivelli was born on May 3rd 1469.     Many of you may be familiar with Signor Machiavelli through the word machiavellian a word we use to describe devious, cunning, unprincipled backstabbing behaviour.   This is an unfortunate legacy; Machiavelli was a keen and objective observer of human behaviour, an early expert in what we now call office politics, and how it can be used in a constructive and positive way (its worth noting here, Machiavelli only advocated literal backstabbing when the stakes were high and every other non-violent method had failed). Some useful Machiavellian wisdom: All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger its impossible but calculating risk and acting decisively. “Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. ” It is essential that in entering a new province (job Ed.) you should have the good will of its inhabitants.” “He who is highly esteemed is not easily conspired against.” ( As an employer at a panel event recently said to postgrads, If I had one piece of advice to give you, it would be just be nice!.) There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you. (Machiavelli wrote an entire chapter, Chapter XXIII Avoiding Flatterers and Sycophants, on the prudent management of such people at the same time as offering pragmatic advice on how to use flattery (correctly and pragmatically) yourself!). Learning more from Machiavelli: http://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/what-can-you-learn-machiavelli As you prepare to enter the workplace (see below for a taster of current opportunities on CareersLink, our one stop job shop) after your postgraduate study, its worth considering the best way to start your new job and settle in quickly and successfully. Office politics are an important part of any role in any organisation.  And they are not always bad in fact, office politics are more often very good for you and your colleagues. Political Skills at Work by Ferris et al. is an depth analysis and guide to developing your own political skills basically making the most of your personality, values and integrity to make friends and get on in the workplace, as well as successfully navigate difficult situations and people. You can read a journal paper by the same authors on the subject here: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-2616(00)00007-3 How are your existing political skills? Try this   Political skills self-assessment Resources for developing your political skills at work: Although this article is written for managers, its useful for anyone at any stage of their career partly because in the modern workplace there is an increasing expectation of leading from within, partly because it is a way for you to take control and be a role model in your work place. And besides, the likelihood is that you WILL some day be a manager: https://www.forbes.com/2010/05/25/office-politics-psychology-leadership-managing-ccl.html This highlights a key issue in many peoples professional development focusing on competence in the job at the expense of work relationships: http://uk.businessinsider.com/5-signs-youre-doing-office-politics-all-wrong-and-how-to-master-the-game-2016-7?r=USIR=T/#-2 For those worried about office politics compromising their values and authenticity: You must stick to your principles, without fail. Before taking any action that’s fuelled by office politics, ask yourself why you’re doing it,” Bradberry wrote. “If you’re motivated by fear, revenge, or jealousy, don’t do it. If it conflicts with your values and beliefs about fair behaviour, it’s better not to get involved. And more sound advice : http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150813-winning-at-office-politics Looking for a job? Have you remembered to check CareersLink? You will find employers looking for: Candidates to fill a variety of roles in charities and NGOs Editors, publishing assistants and more of medical/science journals German speaking business analysts Portuguese speaking office managers Researcher for Infrastructure Property and Law Postgraduate data scientists Marketing executives, brand managers, buyers Transport planning, building surveyors SEO specialists, web designers software engineers and more! Start exploring Careers Link for jobs after your masters today. All Postgrad-highlighted Postgraduate

How to Build a Powerful Executive Network - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

How to Build a Powerful Executive Network You hear it all the time. Networking is the best way to land your next gig. In this slow job market recovery with more competition for opportunities at the top executive level, networking well is more critical than ever. The people you meet through networking may be able to help you identify hidden jobs at your target companies. That is, unadvertised positions and new opportunities created around your unique promise of value. Start with the people you already know. In a post on the Personal Branding Blog, smart-networking expert Liz Lynch said: Connect more deeply with more people who are already around you, those involved in the same activities, interested in the same issues, or pursuing the same goals. When you already share a common purpose with someone, the rest of the process of conversation and conversion flow more easily. Reconnect with and revive your existing network. If you’re like many executives I talk with, you’ve neglected them because you had a job and didn’t think you needed them or you just lost track of them. This happens to the best of us. It’s okay to circle back to them. Briefly apologize for not re-connecting sooner. Start compiling a list of people you want to reconnect with. If you don’t know where they are now, search for them on and ask them to join your LI network. If they’re not there, Google “their name” (in quotes) and find out how to contact them. Reach out to former clients and vendors, professional associations, community groups and lifestyle groups. Check in with people and find out what they’re up to and update them on what you’ve been doing. Rely on your existing contacts to expand your network. Ask for their referrals and recommendations to their connections at your target companies. If youre several months into a search and already connected with everyone in your circle at the beginning, give it another go. In her Forbes article, How To Find A Job When Youve Been Looking Forever, Susan Adams interviewed career coach Eileen Wolkstein, who said: You may have been asking unfocused questions when you were at an earlier stage in your search. Since then, youve gathered new information and leads and new thoughts about what you want to do. Be specific in asking for help. Ask them for three good contacts and ask if theyd be willing to talk with those three people on your behalf. And when asking for help, If you cant give a coherent, responsible answer to the question, How can I help you, then you dont have the right to ask for help. Cast a far-reaching net to build out your existing network with fresh faces. Here are some places and ways to connect online and in person: Search online for people who work at your target companies. Find out where they hang out so you can position yourself in front of them. If theyre on Twitter, follow them, and re-tweet them. If they blog, comment on their blog posts in a way that reinforces your brand and promise of value. the gold standard for executive networking. If you’re not there already participating in Groups, providing Answers, and making connections, it’s time to get busy. Twitter Search for hiring decision makers and people who work at your target companies, along with executive recruiters, job search experts, and job boards. Theyre tweeting job openings, offering advice and resources, and much more. An active Twitter presence also shows you’re an up-to-date, social media-savvy candidate.

Facebook Plans on Using Ads to Attract New Employees - CareerEnlightenment.com

What this Means for LinkedInIts speculated that this could make Facebook stiffer competition for LinkedIn, which currently relies on B2B marketing and recruiting for a significant percentage of its profit. Its Talent Solutions tools which allow companies to recruit new employees accounted for 57% of LinkedIns profits in the third quarter of 2013.As Facebook makes it easier for businesses to use its existing advertising system to reach out to a massive audience for B2B marketing and recruitment, this could cut into LinkedIns profits.What this Means for YouBut what does it all mean for the average jobseeker? There are already a number of ways to use Facebook to your own advantage in the job hunt, including placing targeted ads of your own and using your network to share your talents or seek out elusive openings.Some businesses already use Facebook advertising as a recruitment tool, searching for new graduates from a certain school or individuals who have expressed interest in a certain industry. Big names like Gap, AIG, and Pepsi already use Facebook to share entry-level positions, while small businesses often post openings on their pages to find employees who have existing brand loyalty.As you search for a job, be sure to keep your job titles, responsibilities, and interests on Facebook current because this could help recruiters find you in the future.Like LinkedIn, your Facebook profile could essentially turn into a searchable CV. The changes to targeted advertising will be rolled out over the next couple of months, so now is the time to start clicking more consciously and updating all of your employment information to allow keyword-minded recruiters to find you.Used in combination with LinkedIn, this could potentially double your chances of finding satisfactory work.Rachel MacDonald is a freelance lifestyle writer with an avid interest in social media and marketing, keeping her skills current by perusing a wide range of online courses Australia related to thes e interests.

Professional Resume Writing Services - How to Find an Accurate Professional Resume Writing Service in Nashville

Professional Resume Writing Services - How to Find an Accurate Professional Resume Writing Service in NashvilleAs a professional resume writer, I always look for professional resume writing services that can help me in my mission to attract the attention of employers for a career in Nashville. Employers are looking for candidates who are able to stand out from the crowd. And once you make it in Nashville, there is a lot more to strive for. Here are some tips on how to achieve this.First, you should define your career goals before you ever start your job hunt. It should be such that when you do end up finding a job, you know what to do and where to go. To be a professional resume writer in Nashville, you need to know your target market. Do not be afraid to look beyond Nashville if you want to find your niche. Your niche might be in another part of the country.Second, do not forget about your future plans in Nashville. Nashville is one of the most desired places in the country where as piring professionals come to explore opportunities. You do not have to travel so far just to find what you want.Third, to take it one step further, you should first find out if you have what it takes to become an ideal candidate. This can be done by asking around, asking your peers and your friends as well. You can also ask them for referrals, as they may have worked for a particular company. That way, you can evaluate them based on their results.Fourth, you can look for professional resume writing services in Nashville to guide you for this important part of your job search. After all, it is the experts who have the experience and the reputation to offer you the best services.Fifth, you should also try to check if they offer great products and services to complete your task. A great resume writing service in Nashville has everything that you need to make your next job search more successful.Sixth, you should know that a career in Nashville does not require you to get up early in th e morning and work in an office just because you want to. It is actually a more beneficial option if you have other priorities as well.Lastly, Nashville has something for everyone, whether you are a graduate or a professional. So, it is recommended that you consider working here and enjoy yourself in your new venture.