5 Words You Should Never Use When Setting New Goals

5 Words You Should Never Use When schauplatz New Goals5 Words You Should Never Use When Setting New Goals Many of us dont achieve our goals. But thats not because were failures. It could be that we just dont understand how to tischset goals in the first place . If you want to make your new goals stick, youve got to use the right genaus to state them.You may have heard of the SMART goal setting system. SMART is an acronym that stands forIf youve struggled to achieve results , it may be because you didnt put enough thought into the goal-setting process. Are your goals SMART?Setting a SMART goal is only part of the puzzle. You can state your goal within the framework of the SMART system and still not find yourself driven to succeed. That could be because you stated your goal with negative language instead of framing it in a positive way.If youd rather reach toward a goal instead of tackle a to-do list, avoid these five demotivational words.Quick Name a time youve felt en ergized after uttering a phrase that began with I should really ______. Should tends to make us feel guilty, not spurred into action. It brings to mind commitments we havent met, or obligations we havent fulfilled.Instead of I should say I will .Example By the end of the month, I should I will formulate a plan to pay down my credit card debt.Remember what the SMART goal setting guidelines say about making things time-limited? Unless you set yourself a deadline, odds are youll struggle to reach your goals. (Name the last time youve actually done that thing youve been saying you were going to do soon or someday .)Instead of saying soon , set a specific timeline.Example I will send out ten resumes and or letters of interest by Friday in search of a new job.Need to and have to are a lot like should . They dont compel us to reach toward our goals so much as shut us down.Instead of need to / have to , say want to .Example I want to lose ten pounds by May 1st.BONUS That goal may be spec ific about what you want to accomplish (lose ten pounds), but it doesnt give you a plan for getting there. Lets get even more detailed.Example I want to plan healthy meals and exercise four times per week in order to lose ten pounds by May 1st.You may have heard the joke, Id give up chocolate, but Im no quitter. (And hey, there are health benefits to eating a bit of chocolate on the regular, so have at it.) Quit is the word we use to suggest that somebody gave up and threw in the towel. Its not exactly the power word of champions. So why do we use it when were setting goals?Example From today on, I will stop smoking.Never sure puts a lot of pressure on us. Its an absolute in a world where there are few absolutes. When you promise yourself youll never do something, you set yourself up for a letdown should you fall short of your goal. Never isnt a forgiving word.Instead of saying never , consider specific actions to prevent you from doing the thing you want to avoid.Example I will set my alarm fifteen minutes earlier so I wont be late for work again.You may have noticed we used the word never in the title of this article. Research shows that negative words dominate our language , and the human negativity bias means these words bestattungs our attention ahead of positive words like always . But negative words dont help with goal setting, so keep your language encouraging in order to keep your motivation high.This article was originally published on Grammarly.com. Reprinted with permission.

Assembling the Avengers

Assembling the Avengers Assembling the Avengers In their 2012 blockbuster film debut, the Avengers went head to head with gods and monsters and came out on top. They overcame personal demons and interpersonal differences to work as a team. But Earths mightiest heroes pulled off an even greater feat they won over the nerds.The $220 million Marvel Studios invested in The Avengers seems to be paying off as the movie sizzles its way toward a billion dollars in box office receipts worldwide. Its dazzling special effects are helping to woo hard-to-convince technophiles, fan-boys, gear-heads, and actual engineers and scientists who seem willing to suspend disbelief for a couple hours of pure, old-fashioned Wow.Plausibility is a relative term in the Avengers world, where time travel, cosmic awareness, and smashed city skylines are all part of a routine day at the office. In the movie, as well as in the comic book that inspired it, Marvels creative team keeps the faith with discerning fans b y tethering even the most far-out plot twists to realistic scientific concepts. With passionate fans eager for any opportunity to call out the slightest plot hole or continuity gap, script writers and special effects designers know they have virtually no room to gloss over the science. With The Avengers, they delivered the goods.For the uninitiated, here is a quick review of a few technologies that keep the Avengers grounded in reality while they save the galaxy.Iron ManIron Mans armor (which, by the way, contains very little actual iron) is the ultimate love child of microelectromechanical systems, information technology, advanced materials, nanotechnology, optoelectronics, voice processing and...you name it.The military is working on its own Iron Man in the form of exoskeletons to help soldiers carry heavy gear.Had billionaire engineer/industrialist Tony Stark been less driven, his Iron Man armor would have remained the bulky, transistor-powered parody of a low-budget sci-fi robot suit. But Stark and his creators have kept his armor up to date, dreaming up new ways of making it lighter, stronger, more versatile, and easier to put on.The full range of capabilities in Iron Mans armor transcends anything now in development of course. However, as Suveen Mathaudhu, a program manager in the materials science division of the U.S. Army Research Office recently told the Journal of Materials, the military is working with exoskeletons that can help soldiers carry 200 pounds of gear while running up to 10 miles per hour. So were getting there.Captain AmericaSet aside for a moment the incredible techno-biography of Captain America, the First Avenger, who gained his superior strength and fighting skills from a dose of Super Soldier Serum. In terms of credible technologies, its Caps indestructible shield that captures the imagination of todays tech-savvy theater-goers. Fabricated from vibranium, a mysterious metal derived from ore found in an alien meteorite, the star-span gled disc is lightweight but indestructible. Better yet, the bigger beating it takes, the stronger it gets.Captain Americas shield is made of vibranium, a mysterious metal that is as strong as high-performance polymer composites.Certainly no known metal gets stronger with stress. But because we know that materials science has yielded incredible new metals, carbon nanofibers, ceramics, and high-performance polymer composites that produce light-weight, super-resilient objects for warfare, aviation, and sporting goods, we can accept that something like vibranium could exist.Shields HelicarrierAgent Nick Fury and his SHIELD agents travel the globes hotspots in a full-scale aircraft carrier that not only can take off in flight from the oceans surface but also make itself invisible to spying eyes.In real life, invisibility technologywhile still far from a practical toolhas come a long way. Some groups have used calcite or artificial materials to bend microwave energy around, and thereby c onceal, a two-dimensional shape. Other approaches involve the use of mobile video cameras and small screens to project images of whats behind an object onto its front. Having proved the physics of invisibility, its up to engineers to figure out how to make it work.Of course, no one really believes that todays technology can produce a flying, invisible aircraft carrier, or an automated suit of impervious armor, or Hawkeyes quiver full of high-tech trick arrows. But in an era transformed by modern materials science, bioengineering, computer technology, and nanoscale fabrication, real science is helping even the biggest sticklers for technical accuracy suspend their disbelief and enjoy The Avengers.In fact, in 2008, the National Academy of Sciences stepped in to to improve the way science and technology was depicted in popular culture. The NASs Science Entertainment Exchange was launched as a technical liaison between respected scientists and engineers and people in the entertainment industry.Our goal is to use the vehicle of popular entertainment media to deliver sometimes subtle but nevertheless powerful messages about science, said Marty Perreault, Exchange director. Perreault calls upon an advisory board of top-flight scientists, including multiple edel laureates, as well over 800 volunteer consultants in their database, to handle everything from individual fact checks to full-scale briefings.The exchange has consulted on some 450 projects for television and the movies, with enough superhero fire power to demolish the Earth many times over. The groups brag sheet includes big-screen hits like Watchmen, Prometheus, Battleship, Green Lantern, and Tron, as well as Iron Man and Thors solo adventures. They are actively recruiting engineers and other technology professionals to join the pool of unpaid consultants enlisted to answer questions, check facts, and provide detailed briefings for Hollywood clients.We want writers and directors to feel comfortable and to k now exploring science will only open up the number of creative possibilities for their storytelling. Scientific theory is just so much better than what Hollywood can make up. Its amazing how often the truth is truly stranger than fiction, said Janet Zucker, a film producer and vice chair of the Exchange advisory board. We have gotten to the point where audiences can be wowed by reality.Michael MacRae is an independent writer.We have gotten to the point where audiences can be wowed by reality.Janet Zucker, producer and founding member of the Science and Entertainment Exchange at the National Academy of Sciences

The 5 Signature Moves of People Who Get Promoted Again and Again

The 5 Signature Moves of People Who Get Promoted Again and AgainThe 5 Signature Moves of People Who Get Promoted Again and AgainWe all know those people who seem to breeze their way up the corporate ladder. Theyre the ones who get promotion after promotion, seemingly seamlessly, and who leave everyone else scratching their heads and wondering, How did that happen? Chances are, the people you watch getting promoted arent just lucky or best friends with the boss. They have found success by following these five habits of people who always get promoted1. They Find SolutionsPeople who get promoted have demonstrated their problem-solving abilities. They find solutions to problems rather than complain about them. Further, they identify problems and speak up when they think they have a solution. Dont just sit at a meeting listening to other people discuss a problem, make your ideas known and then put them into action.2. They Step Outside Their Comfort ZoneIts tempting to stay within your cur rent range of experience and expertise, but you will never get more experience without stepping outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to assignments as they come up, even if they extend beyond your current level of experience.3. They Study the BossTake the time to observe your boss in action and find out what she or he values in business and in the world. Identifying your boss values is an important step toward learning how to become a successful industry leader.4. They Look at the Big and Little PictureSuccessful people understand the need to identify the big picture outcome in reservierung to succeed at doing daily tasks. Identify why your daily tasks matter and how they fit into the larger scope of your project and company. It might take some effort at the beginning, but soon you will be able to anticipate what needs to be done without being told or informed by a supervisor. This type of initiative is essential for being promoted.5. Theyre Team PlayersYou might not always like yo ur colleagues, but learning how to work with difficult people is essential for moving up in your company. Work on your team-building skills, and take advantage of opportunities to lead.You wont get promoted by sitting around waiting for your boss to notice you. Its important to take initiative by solving problems, seeking out new opportunities, and serving as a team leader. Incorporate these habits into your workday to position yourself for the next promotion opportunity that comes along.More From Inc.The One Interview Question that Yields the Best Talent19 Books by CEOs That Will Teach You How to ansturm the World10 Industries With the Best (and Worst) BossesPhoto of man climbing ladder courtesy of Shutterstock.

4 ways clever people use meetings to increase their visibility

4 ways clever people use meetings to increase their visibility4 ways clever people use meetings to increase their visibilityIn the workplace, meetings come in all shapes and sizes theres the in-person meeting, the conference call, the video conference and the informal pop up meeting at the coffee bar during break time. As pervasive as meetings are they often get a bad rap in the workplace.Meetings are often viewed as a hindrance toproductivityand something to be avoided at all costs. But, rather than think about meetings as a waste of time, think of them as a unique opportunity to showcase yourleadership skills. After all, meetings are at the heart of how teams function and how businesses operate.If you want to increase your visibility and boost your credibility at work meetings are the place to do it. Here is how1. Show upIf you want to get ahead in your career, you have to be seen. People need to know who you are and what you bring to the table. The best way to do that is to show up at meetings. Showing up will allow you to become better known by your peers and others in your organization.Make sure the meeting is on yourcalendarand get there early. Arriving early gives you an opportunity to engage in the all-important informal chit-chat that takes place before the meeting begins. It also gives you an opportunity to set the tone in the room by greeting everyone with a warm smile and apositive attitude.2.Speak upAt meetings, being seen is only half the battle. The other half is being heard. When you participate in a meeting, read the agenda before the meeting and show up prepared to make insightful and valuable recommendations that will move projects forward. Having a voice during meetings is important if you want to make a positive impression on key stakeholders.3.Stand upBeing agreeable isnt always the bestleadershipstrategy at a meeting. We need to stand for something. Dont be afraid to stand up for a cause, an issue, a work plan, or strategy that you real ly believe in and know that you can apply yourself to. Standing up does not require confrontation or aggression. It does, however, require a level ofconfidenceand assertiveness to express an opinion that might not be popular or to bring something to light that everyone is thinking, but are afraid to articulate.4.Step upMany women in the workplace think that if they work hard enough at their currentjobsthat they will be noticed and eventually promoted. The reality is that working hard on your current assignments is not enough. Assess your competencies and volunteer for more challenging assignments that will highlight your skills and capabilities.New projects and leadership opportunities often emerge during meetings. Volunteering to take on a project that needs a leader during a meeting is a great way to demonstrate your willingness to take on new challenges. Not only will your work be commended if you do a good job, but your ability to step up when needed will be rewarded.Ellie Nieve s, JD, MBA, develops webinars, seminars, and coaching programs to help high achieving women show up, speak up, and step up in their careers. She is also the host of theLeadership Strategies for Women Podcastwhere she shares success tips to help women achieve more both personally and professionally. To learn more, go towww.EllieNieves.com.This article originally appeared onFairygodboss.

Administrative Resume Examples Exposed

Administrative Resume Examples Exposed So How About Administrative Resume Examples? Businesses are in desperate need of admin assistants for a seamless day-to-day small business operation. Focus regarding how you will benefit the organization and not on the way that it can help you. You must highlight how it is possible to benefit the organization. Its possible to also mention how youre able to benefit the organization. The Ugly Secret of Administrative Resume Examples Administrative assistant positions often demand a high amount of attention to detail and superb communication abilities. The administrative assistant position entails a great deal of responsibilities. Employed as an administrative assistant is able to help you make a decent amount of money and is regarded as a strong career path for anybody with a passion of working with numerous files and secretarial work. He must be pleasant, multitasking, computer-oriented to deal with each day duties. Administrative Resu me Examples - What Is It? After the HR manager will observe that your resume is highly geared to their organization or industry, they will have a far greater impression of you. Administrative skills are required for a number of jobs, which range from sekretariat assistants to secretaries to office managers. As you start to compose fantastic resumes, it may be useful to get resume assistance from www.GrandResume.com. Develop relevant experience and techniques from different jobs. Administrative Resume Examples Ideas In terms of skills, you need to have an extensive selection of skills for an administrative assistant. Ensuring that you include the most important elements of a resume will be able to help you place your very best foot forward and boost your probability of securing a position you adore. Well-developed communication and client service abilities. Exceptional record maintenance abilities. The Hidden Secret of Administrative Resume Examples Long paragraphs may sh ed the readers interest. It is always simpler to get started writing an excellent resume by viewing some resume writing guidelines in www.GrandResume.com. You should make certain that you resume is not longer than 3 pages regardless of the number of years of experience youve got. One of the absolute most effective ways to create your resume is to incorporate a resume objective section at the topmost aspect of your resume. What Is So Fascinating About Administrative Resume Examples? These individuals can alert you to jobs which may not have been posted online yet. There are many world wide web job portals which give you different resume tips that need to be followed. With a little preparation and a deep comprehension of the local job market, you may easily simplify your work search. The very first step in a successful job search is a superb resume. Bear in mind that the majority of the samples provided in resume writing sites are finished by professionals, all involved in r eal issues in the realm of work. Most administrative positions involve a great deal of writing. If you need assistance figuring out the intricacies of an exceptional resume, you want the ideas given in our administration resume samples. For instance, if youre a fresher you ought to use the functional format of resumewriting to highlight your education or skills related to the work profile. Be ready to demonstrate the method by which the certification helped or can help you achieve results in your administrative assistant function. Delivered quantifiable outcomes. These plans enable you to upgrade or scale off your job advertisement. It is simpler than you might think to compose a superb administrative resume that could let you find the job of your dreams. Landing that job in the very first location. Choosing Good Administrative Resume Examples When it has to do with satisfying hiring managers, though, that may be more of an issue. It should offer quick confirmation tha t youre the correct job candidate. Administrative assistants are employed in nearly every sort of large and established companies where the administration function is too large to control. Receptionists play a huge role in keeping an office or company running smoothly.

A Fair Perspective on Skills to Add on Resume

A Fair Perspective on Skills to Add on Resume The Skills to Add on Resume Chronicles You will receive a simple idea of the way to include critical details. Youre able to add a resume summary too. Please be aware, you might be prompted for any necessary information thats missing. As part of making your account, you will have to complete some personal info and select a file to upload your resume. All they need to do is search certain abilities or keywords together with a location. In case the file totenstill wont do the job, make certain that its under 300 MB. Also, make certain that your file is no greater than 5 MB in proportion. The great thing is that you may also add resume on LinkedIn. You may also incorporate links to your private site and other social networking accounts (if relevant). Some folks still wish to make the most of LinkedIns resume import feature. You may also take a look at training sites like DaleCarnegie. The 5-Minute Rule for Skills to Add on Re sume Communication is necessary for any customer service representative. Therefore, if you come to an interview, the deficiency of Soft Skills may be one reason you werent chosen for the job. Education needs to be included too, since most customer service representatives typically require a resume school diploma. Resume clients and ask questions service determine their requirements. Skills to Add on Resume - Is it a Scam? It is possible to also have a look at training resume like DaleCarnegie. Hard skills have a tendency to be more technical, and each business or sort of job will often have its personal necessary set. In the majority of instances, your soft skills can boost your hard skills. If you would like to display your organization skills, acquiring a tightly structured resume certainly helps. It is possible to search by job title to acquire an awareness of what other men and women in your field include in their resumes. Read through it a couple of occasions and y oull probably spot three or four vital skills mentioned repeatedly throughout the document. In the world today, teaching your child the subsequent skills might be a priceless gift in letting them overcome evermore common mental health issues or tough times in their future. Most receive on-the-job training, which generally lasts a couple of days to a couple of months.

How to Live, Work, or Volunteer in Bali

How to Live, Work, or Volunteer in BaliHow to Live, Work, or Volunteer in BaliLocated in Indonesia, Bali is just over 10,000 miles from the United States. With thechaotic net of connecting flights, a trip to Bali will usually amount to 30 hours of travel time. Thats a long way to go, yet the islandhas luredtouristsfrom America, as well as many other countries, year after year. Theres areason why so many people come, and why some never leave or they extend their stay. It can be difficultto depart the tropical island, but with complicated immigration laws and strict work restrictions, staying can be even harder. Heres an example of amonth-longexperience in Bali, including tips on living and working on the Island of the Gods. Arriving in Bali fruchtwein major international airports seem disconnected from their namesake cities, neutral territories that feel universal rather than unique. The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, however, stands apart. Ngurah Rai is much like Bali itself a tentative balance between Indonesian culture and Western convenience, the same dynamic that has attracted so many visitors to the island in recent years. When you step off the airplane, a first breath reveals air perfumed with Hindu incense. Scents of sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and jasmine hang heavy in the humid air. Like in the rest of Bali, small square baskets, woven from palm leaves and filled with flowers, biscuits, sometimes even coins and cigarettes, are laid out all around the airport. These offerings are everywhere on the island, from sidewalks to shops to restaurants, to the currency exchange desk at the airport. The offerings are believed to placate the demon spirits that frequent the physical world. The airports design itself also reflects the architecture of the Hindu temples that have made Bali a spiritual place for some. Others come to lose themselves in the sea and surf, or the raucous discos of Kuta, the islands party capital. Over four million tourists visi t each year for many different reasons and from many countries, Australia, China, and Japan for the win, place, and show, but despite their differing backgrounds, theres no question as to why so many people want to stay. The summer months see seamless sunshine, and although the winter brings bouts of rain, the warm weather provides an escape from the harsh temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere. Combine balmy temperatures with lush landscapes and a low cost of living, and that two-week holiday can easily double itself into one month, then two, then three. However, despite the ease of living here, living long-term and working in Bali isnt an easy feat. Working in Bali The maze of employment regulations in Bali is a complicated one, and as a Westerner, it can be difficult to navigate the twisting chambers of Indonesias bureaucratic immigration laws. Although Bali has been recognized as an expats paradise, many of these people platzset up export businesses or open bars or restaura nts, thus requiring a long-term commitment. The saying goes that its possible to make a small fortune in this way, enough money to live well in Bali due to the inequality in international currency. One U.S. dollar nets about 13,400 rupiah, and a decent dinner out amounts to just five or 10 bucks. As challenging as it can be to open a legitimate business in Bali, the process of finding short-term work can be even harder. Although the islands main source of income is tourism, the vast majority of hospitality employees are Indonesian. Although larger hotels do occasionally hire international employees for management positions, its usually through an internal placement process that is closed to public applications. The situation in restaurants and bars is similar. Bali, however, has become a destination for location-independent travelers who can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Many cafes offer Wi-Fi, but, it can be difficult to find a reliable connection. Some people sta ying long-term choose to purchase an internet SIM card from their villas or bungalows, but the 3G connection can be temperamental, especially frustrating at peak hours. Some telecom companies offer 4G, but its mostly 3G, and its not a stable connection in every location. Many people opt for a personal MiFi or mobile Wi-Fi. Co-working Spaces in Bali As a result, Hubud, a co-working space in Ubud, the epicenter of Balinese culture and famous for its rolling rice terraces, has become something of a digital oasis within a natural one. The 24-hourhub boasts one of Balis fastest internet connections, for a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $220 per month, depending on the membership level. Hubud serves a community of graphic designers, software developers, copywriters, customer service representatives, erreichbar marketers, and freelancers who have set up shop in the bamboo building that is bordered by rice paddies and sits adjacent to Ubuds famous Monkey Forest. Volunteering in Bali For those planning to visit Bali without the expectation of an income, interning or volunteering is another option. Bali Internships is a legitimate organization that places interns in a variety of placements- from sustainability operations at a local NGO to graphic design for a surf school- and provides accommodation and logistical assistance. There are many volunteer programs set up in Bali, though they tend to charge a fee for accommodation and transport. Opportunities range from working with underprivileged children, like at the Bumi Sehat Foundation to teach English, with the volunteer-run Travel to Teach organization, or working on an organic farm. Idealist.org is a good search engine to find legitimate volunteering opportunities. Visas in Bali If youre planning a trip to Bali, its important to make sure your visa situation is set straight. The most basic visa option is the 30-day Visa on Arrival visas for visiting tourists, although this restricts employment within the country. Volunteers need a Social-Cultural visa, which you must apply for before your trip and which is valid for 60 days. Once the visa expires, its possible to extend your visa in order to stay longer. Its best to do this through an agency, like Highway Bali Consulting Services, which can secure an extension, in addition to providing expert advice on business, work, and retirement visas. Although youll have to pay a fee, going through a visa agency is generally the most convenient way of securing your stay. What to Expect Bali is distinct in that it is a developing country with many, though not all, of the modern luxuries Westerners, enjoy.In mora urban areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta, a solid majority of cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi to their patrons, though the connection can be temperamental. It isnt difficult to find accommodation with air conditioning, and corner pharmacies offer most of the toiletries a tourist might need. However, foreigners must drink bottl ed water, and the plumbing systems can hardly handle flushed toilet paper. Despite the countrys technological development, it is still very much a developing country. Stray dogs roam freely, and in some parts, monkeys do too. But, given the tourist-oriented atmosphere, with common sense Bali is a safe and pleasant place to visit, retaining much of its authenticity while still welcoming visitors from abroad.

Should You Fake it Til You Make It - The Muse

Should You Fake it Til You Make It - The MuseShould You Fake it Til You Make It Its advice thats tossed around quite often Fake it til you make it.On the surface, it sounds harmless. Put on a confident faade as you learn your way around- and eventually, you wont have to fake it anymore.But is it advice that you can effectively use in your career? Not always. After being put in a number of professional situations in which I had no idea what I was doing, Ive determined a simple rule for determining when its beneficial to fake it- and when its best to admit your weakness. Do When Its a Matter of ConfidenceIn almost every professional role youre in- at least, until you have several years of experience under your belt- youre going to be tasked with responsibilities that will push you out of your comfort zone. For example, you may be asked to give a training presentation to new hires, to speak up in front of a panel of executives when you have an idea, or, in my case, to lead weekly meetin gs with your employees.And while you may very well know how to do these things in theory, you may notlage feel confident doing them. You may be familiar with the material for a presentation, for instance, but simply dont love the idea of speaking in front of a group of people. Or, like me, you may have read every article out there about the ins and outs of leading meetings but are nervous about commanding a room full of your employees.These are situations in which you have full permission to fake it til you make it. You have all the knowledge you need, so feigning a little courage wont do you any harm. Putting on a brave face will not only help you get through it, it will give you genuine confidence for the next time youre in this situation. Dont When Its a Matter of KnowledgeOn the other hand, youll also be given responsibilities that you dont know how to handle- down to the very core. For example, maybe youre asked to develop a budget forecast for the next quarter, but have zero f inancial experience. Or, youre tasked with running an ad campaign from start to finish, when you really only have experience with one specific component. As a first-time manager, I remember being asked to fire an employee for the very first time- and had absolutely no idea of where to even start. In situations in which you truly dont know how to do something, when it comes down to basic knowledge of a task or responsibility, feigning expertise isnt going to help you. In fact, it will likely hurt. Simply putting on a confident face while doing an unfamiliar task wont actually give you the ability to successfully complete that task. More likely, someone will eventually catch onto the fact that you dont know what youre doing and call you out on it. And then, youll have to waste everyones time starting from scratch.Plus, if your co-workers, employees, or boss find out that youre doing something wrong- but pretending you know how to do it- theyre going to be less likely to trust you in t he future, which will limit your opportunities to lead and advance within the gruppe. In my example, pretending I knew how to fire someone would have been detrimental to everyone involved. Without being aware of the standard protocol, I could have easily left out vital information in my conversation with the employee, which would have created an HR nightmare (and possibly some tricky legal repercussions for the company)- and would have been confusing and unfair to the terminated employee. This situation alone could have affected both my teams view of me as a leader and my boss opinion of me as an effective manager- and could have been a wrecking ball in my career (no matter how much confidence I displayed).In these situations, its a much better idea to own up to your weakness and track down the information you need before attempting the task. Once you have that knowledge, go ahead and fake it all you want. Photo of person wearing mask courtesy of Shutterstock.

How Managers Monitor and Control Worker Behavior

How Managers Monitor and Control Worker BehaviorHow Managers Monitor and Control Worker BehaviorManagers have to monitor the work activities of their team and the external forces the impact the way their team performs. Without that monitoring, you wont know whether your management plan is working or if it needs to be adjusted. As a manager, you must control those elements that you can control to keep everyone moving toward the goal. Examples of elements under your control include things like employee workstations and the temperature of the workspace. Monitor Progress Toward Goal In the control task, you monitor the work being done, you compare the actual progress of the management plan and you verify that the organization is working as you designed it. If everything is going well, you wont need to do anything but monitor. However, that seldom happens. Someone may get ill, the database sort could take longer than projected, a key competitor might drop their prices, and the list go es on and on. All of these events can impact your management plan. Control the Situation The control step now dictates that you have to take action to minimize the impact and brings things back to the desired goal as quickly as possible. That could mean going back to the management planning stage and adjusting plans. This planning change may require a change in the organization and re-directing team members toward the new goals. You will then monitor and control the new plan and adjust if needed. This cycle continues until you complete the task. Monitor and Measure the Right Items There is no point in monitoring if you dont take action based on the information. Dont just keep track. Make sure you are measuring the right things and then take appropriate action to fix whatever problems the measurements point out. Unless you measure something, you dont know if it is getting better or worse. You cannot manage for improvement if you dont measure to see what is getting better and what is getting worse. This article helps you know how and what to measure. While this article specifically addresses the issue of overplanning, it also applies to the monitoring task. Dont focus so much on the monitoring task that you dont take control and make the changes that are necessary. Provide Coaching and Feedback A good manager will always monitor what their employees are doing, but will not intervene to micromanage or coach their employees except in specific circumstances. Knowing when to let an employee make a mistake they can learn from and when you need to step in and coach them is a balancing act. You have to balance their opportunity to learn and grow against the harm they could do to themselves, their team, and the company. When a manager needs to step in and control the activity of the team or an individual it is often necessary to give negative feedback. Be sure to do it properly as outlined here. For many, project management is their first management role. In the steps to successful project management, we also see the task of monitoring the team. Managers have an obligation to their company to monitor the activities of their employees to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies. You monitor their behavior, their adherence to the dress code, the way they greet customers. The need to monitor their electronic activities is equally as great and the reasons are the same. Be sure to let employees know that they are being monitored. Let them know what is being monitored and why. Let them know what is acceptable and what is not.