The golden rule of true productivity

The golden rule of true productivityThe golden rule of true productivityMany people easily confuse busy and productive.They occupy their time with too many things and end up doing nothing that really gets them closer to their goals.Busy is time-consuming and stressful.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreYou simply cant do it all and respond to everything and everyone.Busy work makes you feel like you are moving quickly and being productive in the process. But in effect, you are not.You are choosing quantity over quality the worst thing you can do with your precious time.Cramming as much work into the day as you can isnt necessarily the best strategy for productivity.Rushing through as many tasks as you can seem like the best thing to do but you could end up sacrificing your high-value goal.Being productive doesnt necessarily mean getting everything doneTime management is a qualitati ve lens instead of a quantitative one.Quality over quantity is an age-old lesson that too many of us choose to ignore. It works in life and business.Quality time rebuilds your fractured focus and stretches your attention span.When you picture a productive day, what does it look like?Most people face the same question every dayShould I focus on getting more done (quantity) or getting one thing one done (quality) better?Doing one thing meansnotdoing something else. And there is a big difference between the things thatshouldbe done and the things thatmustbe done.An empty inbox and a blank to-do list are not true indicators of your productivity levels.Your time is limited. Doing everything is not an option.In an era of extreme busyness, the only conceivable way to make the fruchtwein of your time is to stop doing busy work.What is the most efficient use of your time today?That simple question can help you choose your most important things to focus on every day.Making meaningful progress should always be the aim.Without focus, you can quickly run out of steam because you are chasing too many things at a time.We live in an infinite world, says Tony Crabbe, author of the bookBusy How to Thrive in a World of Too Much.There arealwaysmore incoming emails, more meetings, more things to read, more ideas, projects and work to follow up.The result, inevitably, is feeling overwhelmed.Were finite human beings, with finite energy and abilities, attempting to get through an infinite amount. That never works. And its not sustainable.Single task on purpose and block out the distractions.Or better still, plan your reactions to other demands on your time at specific times if you cant avoid them.To increase your performance, compress youractionConcentration amplifies performance.The beauty of single-tasking is that you can do packed compressed action in succession to boost your daily performance.Write your MIT (the most important thing) down and split it up into compressed actions. Identify and list the actions you need to take to achieve it.Prioritize based on importance. Everything cant be a top priority.Divide your hours into compressed actions.Find common patterns in tasks and set a working system that allows you to finish similar tasks in a single action.You can allow 30, 40 or 60 minutes of time to focus on each compression.The best time lapse Ive found to be effective is 40 minutes. But stick to what works best for you.Allow five or ten minutes between each compressed action.Compressed action can have a significant effect on your results.Key takeawayIf you want the absolute best chance to succeed at getting things done better, your approach should always be the same focus on quality work.This means recognizing that not all work matter equally.Shifting from one task to another in rapid succession, with the aim to get more things done is not sustainable.Focus on quality work that contributes to the bigger goal. Dont compromise the quality of your work.Pri oritize your tasks and projects. Choose your actions and compress similar activities, setting a timer if necessary. Take breaks for mental recovery in between actions.Get smart with your time.This article first appeared on Medium.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

William Shatner The real world is both beautiful and ugly

William Shatner The real world is both beautiful and uglyWilliam Shatner The real world is both beautiful and uglyBelow are excerptsfrom William Shatners commencement address to New England Institute of Technologys Class of 2018I want to talk to you about hope. I want to talk to you about dreaming, about utopia, about ambition. Youre about to step into the real world. And the real world is both beautiful and ugly. You can see the beauty from the windows of the university far more easily than the slums of the city. You can see the beauty of pure learning, the theoretical possibilities, the cleanliness of democracy from these hallowed halls far easier than in the grimy corridors of life downtown.- - - Yes, the real world has many facets and the graduating student can get lost in the grind of the moment. But there is also another side to life and to me that aspect is hope. Hope for the future, hope for relationships, hope for useful work, hope for happiness.- - - You have been given a piece of paper that represents a lot of hard work your degree. And if you roll that piece of paper up and hold it to your eye, it becomes a telescope a telescope of hope. You can fixate on the future and look at what you want with focus, precision, with concentration.Itscommencement seasonFollow LaddersCommencement Addresses magazine on Flipboardto watch and read all of the most inspiring speeches from this year and years past.Change surrounds us. We are enclosed in a writhing envelope of change. You students getting the bum rush out of the cloistered halls into the cluttered corridors of life need to be on the tips of your toes. You have got to be ready for change. You have got to be ready to seek opportunity where it exists not where you wish it to be.- - - There lies just beyond our fingertips the mystery of life. Just beyond our imagination, a universe of contemplation. We have no idea of anything. Merely glimmers of possibilities. Its up to you to explore those worlds. U p to you to find some tantalizing curiosity and follow it. Explore it. Enjoy it. It might take you to worlds you havent dreamed of.

Things All Hopeful Expatriate Employees Should Consider

Things All Hopeful Expatriate Employees Should ConsiderThings All Hopeful Expatriate Employees Should ConsiderAn expat is defined as someone who lives outside their native country. There is no denying we live in a connected, global economy where anyone can work with anyone from anywhere. New global technology communities have lead to the growth of expatriate employees, who travel abroad to experience expat life working in a new country.Before becoming an expatriate employee, there are still things you need to know before picking up and leaving your country for a new job. Make sure you plan for the following to have an easy going expat life.Have your paperwork in orderPassports are essential for expatriate employees to travel internationally. Renew your passport and/or make sure you have a brand new one. The last thing you need is to be an expatriate who gets stopped at an airport by immigration BEFORE you arrive at your location. This US Government website is very helpful at explaini ng how to apply and renew your passport.Try and speak the language of your new countryNo one can learn a language overnight, but there are great apps like Duolingo that make learning a language much easier.There are many expatriate employees in countries that have negative attitudes towards people who want to live in their countrybut cannotlage speak the language. Do some research and see if it will be a problem for you. Learning the local language will open up new doors for you.Have money saved in a bank account in your native countryAs an expatriate, this money will be your emergency money just in case something happens to the money you make in your new country. Aside from possible security issues that may arise with ID theft in a new country with new banks, you also want to make sure you know how much money you would actually make back home. Try using this currency converter. Make sure your country plays nice with your new countrySee if you have a job in one of the best countries for expats.Not all countries play nice with each other. If you have a passport stamp from a country that may be in conflict with the country you are supposed to work in, you may be denied entry into the very country you are supposed to working inTo give you a personal example, I once had difficulty entering Egypt because I had a stamp on my passport from Israel. Why? Well, I did not ask. It was best I did not. Immigration saw I had just made a mistake, gave me a stern warning, and let me go.Tip If you are in that situation, you may want to apply for a 2nd passport. Here is a guide on how to do that and avoid any problems entering a country.Investigate possible health and food issuesWhen expatriate employees go to a new country, they all say the food tastes different and it does not always sit right in their stomachs. As an expatriate, you may encounter new diseases or bacteria that your body never built up an immunity to in the USA. This guide is excellent for researching what heal th warnings countries are currently experiencing.More so, remember that you are going to a new country that may not have the same level of healthcare you get normally. If you are on prescription medications, for example, make sure your new country carries it.Make sure you are able to get International Health Insurance, as well. Costs of healthcare vary from country to country and the last thing you want is to get violently ill in a country that has no idea how to treat you.Ask your company to assign you an ambassadorWhen expatriate employees are strangers in a strange land, they need someone familiar with the local cultures who enjoys teaching outsiders about all the things to be careful of or how to gesangssolist local cultures. As an expatriate, it will serve you to be a student of their culture.I had created several ambassador programs working for international companies over the last 15 years. Some fun things I still remember being told from visits to Denmark, Colombia, and Egyp tColombia You have to understand the way they tell you, No, because they do not like to use that word. Also, never slam a car door on a taxi. They see it as a sign you were unhappy with the ride. And dont be fooled by the moderate temperature. The sun is really strong given the elevation of much of the country. Finally, learn Colombian Spanish. To the locals, that is the real Spanish.Denmark The Law of Jante. This was explained to me as the reasons why people never brag in Denmark.Egypt When shopping in a market, it is insulting if you do not haggle with merchants. Also, buy the meat with flies buzzing around it. If you do not see flies, it means the merchant sprayed it with bug spray. And, again, make sure your passport is clean of stamps from countries not viewed favorably.There is always something new and the world is a fascinating place. An ambassador can help you learn why people reacted a certain way to your behavior. You will learn some street-smarts for your new country, whi ch makes assimilating much easier. It is also a good way to not accidentally cause an international incident.Have an exit planHave a plan for what happens if the job does not work out. It happens in every job you get started and suddenly realize neither the company or country is a great fit for you. Or something happens that demands you head back. Have that plan in place for the possibility you need to be on the next flight home.

3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at Work - The Muse

3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at Work - The Muse3 Unique Ways to Get a Promotion at WorkDo you know someone who has run a marathon? Did you notice how he or she trained? Marathoners are very systematic in their training. They log their mileage, pace, and rests so they can best measure their progress and performance. Without tracking they would have no knowledge of their improvement. They might as well be running in place.Your careers a marathon, too, but do you track your performance? Do you have a system in place to measure your improvement and reach your goals?While marathon training often involves fancy GPS watches, microchips in your shoe, and other technology, all you need for your career are tools you already have- some Excel or Google Drive spreadsheets.Here are three easy ways to track your success and boost your potential this year.1. Start a Learning LogHave you ever found it difficult to think of the things youve accomplished off the top of your head when asked? Despite being busy all day, every day- your mind suddenly goes blank and you cant think of any recent wins. A learning log is a great way to combat that (common) problem, and you can create it using a spreadsheet. Title the first column Date and the second one What I Learned. At the end of each day, fill that second column with something you learned about yourself, your job, your company, your industry- really anything. Youll find you not only can rattle off information way better when prompted, but youll become acutely aware of your progress (or lack thereof), things happening at the company, and how you prioritize your work. This puts you in fleck to foresee potential inefficiencies, become a champion for your company, work smarter, and at the very least- share what youre doing when prompted.Bonus Youll also make the fruchtwein of your days. If you find that its 2 PM and you havent learned anything significant yet, youll refocus your efforts for the remainder of the day.2. Create a Promo tion PlanWhat pairs really nicely with the learning log is another spreadsheet, called a Promotion Plan. Its a document that youll create to use when you have a meeting with your manager to discuss your performance. (Already have that performance review on the calendar? Now youll be prepared)Heres what your Promotion Plan should includePosition Requirements AuditList out the requirements of the position you would like next, or whatever responsibilities you would like your promotion to include- this can be within your department or even on another team. If youre unsure of those requirements, take someone whos currently in that position out for coffee. (Of course, if you work at a small company and moving up would involve this person losing his job- tread carefully. You dont want to come off as cutthroat.) Then create three columns, titled Needs Some Love, Meets, Exceeds. Fill these out as honestly as possible. When the time is right (and you might need to set a meeting), ask your bos s to also weigh in on where you stand. Individual RequirementsLabel the next group of tabs Requirement One, Requirement Two, and so on. Heres where you can go more in-depth on any items that need some love. For example, if delivering presentations is a requirement necessity of the job you want, you should jot down any time you give a presentation, even if only to your internal team members. If there arent any upcoming opportunities, you should step up and volunteer to present at a meeting. You can also use this to motivate yourself to develop the required skill outside of the office. For example, sign up for an online public speaking course, join Toastmasters, or even watch TED talks. Just Be sure to log all activities related to the required skill, and any accomplishments that happen as a result. Now, when you meet with your boss- or he or she presents the case to promote you to his or her managers- theres a document that can speak for your motivation as well as your achievements. 3. Create a Feedback and Kudos FolderThis is your final document. Heres where you log any and all verbal and written feedback you receive as it comes in. Save those emails from clients about your great work, as well as the notes from colleagues that say you really helped the team on a certain project.Anytime a co-worker or client says, Youre really good at that, or I appreciate you taking care of XYZ, or Thanks for helping me with a certain project, you should add those kudos to a running document as well. It can feel awkward to keep track of people saying nice things about you, but having a running list of compliments will inspire you to master those skills that need improvement.Just remember not to sell yourself short. Its easy to think, Oh that was just a passing comment Its not that important. I wont track it. Instead of the, Oh that was just mindset, take the opposite approach and assume its all significant. You can always go back later and decide if youd like to cut something. Its much easier to make a case for your promotion when you have tons of compliments you need to whittle down, as opposed to no examples of positive feedback. Not to mention, its a nice little ego boost on a day when things arent going according to plan. Remember, your career is a marathon. To avoid running in place, you need to measure your performance. You dont even need any fancy technology unterstellung three spreadsheets will give you a system to track your progress and achieve your goals.

How to Make the Most of Your Job Search When Unemployment is Low

How to Make the Most of Your Job Search When Unemployment is LowHow to Make the Most of Your Job Search When Unemployment is LowHow to Make the Most of Your Job Search When Unemployment is LowWith low unemployment creating a multitude of opportunities for job seekers, heres how to leverage this strong economy during your job search.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment among American workers stands at 3.9 percent the lowest in nearly two decades. Low unemployment and an increase in the number of available jobs has created a market that favors job seekers. However, that doesnt mean you should stick to the same job-search strategies that might have worked during an economic downturn. When the job-search scales are balanced in your favor, here are four things you can do to make the most of it.Apply for reach jobsWith the number of available jobs at a high, that gives job seekers more freedom during their searches. Knowing that you have room to play with means t hat you can apply to jobs that are typically a stretch for you regarding qualifications and experience and employers are more likely to consider you because they have a number of roles to fill.For example, if your management experience is limited to mentoring others or leading projects, you might still be a good fit for a team management position. Companies who are having a tough time finding and keeping experienced managers may consider you for a management role and provide management and leadership training to fill the gap.Dont settleIn this economic climate, there are many open positions available, so you have the luxury of shopping around and considering only those positions that deliver what youre looking for in a job. You can limit your job search to those positions that offer the best commute, compensation, and career-growth opportunities for you.While its never a good idea to take an interview or job offer for granted, it does make sense to set the bar high for your next po sition and negotiate the best possible offer. Highly qualified talent is hard to find, so when you know youre worth it, make it clear to hiring managers what you want and need in your next role.Continue building your networkYour professional network is a valuable source of advice, personal introductions, and information sharing. In fact, your network can be your secret weapon for a successful job search in good times and bad. During an economic downturn when jobs are scarce, your network might be the only reliable source for discovering and being considered for new job opportunities. On the other hand, in a strong economic climate, there will be many other avenues besides your network to help with your job search.RelatedThe Importance of Networking (And How to Do It Well)Even when times are good, however, dont forget your network. You might not need to call in a favor from your network now, but youll need to stay connected so that youll have options if you need later on. No matter the current economic environment, it makes sense to continually make new introductions, give and receive advice, and deepen pre-existing relationships.Think about a career reinventionIn a strong economy, companies are growing and adding new jobs to accommodate their expansion. If youve been thinking about changing industries or pursuing a different career, now may be the time to act. Jobs are plentiful across a range of industries. For example, the education and health services sector alone created more than 54,000 jobs in July 2018.While pursuing a different career comes with some associated risks, you can improve your chances of success by exploring your options when employers are in aggressive hiring mode rather than when theyre cutting back. Your current employer may also be adding jobs and have opportunities available internally. For example, if youre in a sales role but would like to gain experience in data analysis or research, there may be an opportunity to rotate into a dif ferent department within your current company. Alternatively, if youre interested in launching a new career in another industry, the plentiful supply of available jobs will give you more opportunities to choose from.A job search in any economy presents unique challenges and opportunities for candidates and employers. During times of job growth, its a sellers market that benefits job seekers. You can make the most of a favorable job market by carefully considering your options, aiming high, and remaining open to new paths to job-search success.Click on the following link for more job-search advice.Is your resume ready for this favorable job market? Check with a free resume review todayRecommended ReadingFrom Lemons to Lemonade Turn Job Rejection Into OpportunityWhat You Should Consider Before Switching CareersAsk Amanda How Do I Kick-Start My Job Search?

Kids, Work and Created Synonym Resume

Kids, Work and Created Synonym Resume Job seekers today should make an application program thats as well thought out as a fantastic lesson program. Hiring managers want to understand an applicant understands that her or his part in the method affects a number of other facets and that the applicant is dependable and accountable. Besides your work performance, a hiring manager would like to make sure you will fit in-and work well-with the other employees in the workplace. Every hiring manager would like to employ a person who will take initiative. When an employer asks you in case you have attention to detail, your answer generally should be yes. Many work in the public service or academia will take a thorough CV to be submitted as a member of a work application. You dont need to sound just like you are bragging, yet you would like to clearly demonstrate you have the jobs skills the employer is searching for. 1 advantage for employers to web resumes is the substantial cost savi ng in comparison to traditional hiring methods. There are two resources that it is possible to sell to each business on Earth time and money. The ideal way to land the position you desire is to begin with a well-written and organized resume. You may not be mindful of it, but by utilizing weak words and phrases in your resume, youre sabotaging your own probability of landing an excellent job. If you are able to assign an individual, on a continuing basis, to be accountable for everything happening in their area, it is most likely a clear objective place.Sadly, a lengthy career may be a double-edged sword in the current marketplace. The skills section is regarded as the clincher. Why the direction you frame your teaching experience makes a big difference. Make sure youre highlighting the most relevant and topical experience essential for the position. Key Pieces of Created Synonym Resume Appropriate privileges have to be granted to a user before the user may use the synonym. When resolving references to an object, Oracle Database employs a public synonym only in the auffhrung the object isnt prefaced by means of a schema and isnt followed by means of a database connection. You are unable to specify a schema for the synonym if youve specified PUBLIC. What to Expect From Created Synonym Resume? At the exact top of your resume, youre going to want to include your name and contact info. You are going to be educated about all the information as soon as the jurisdiction brings from the official note. So, be certain to thoroughly choose which information ought to be emphasized. You also wish to avoid repeating exactly the same info. Therefore, cover letters are occasionally too dense. Long resumes convey the image that youve got a tough time articulating your point. All documents should have the precise identical details. Additional documents might be required dependent on the particular situation. If youve been requested to submit a company resum e, you may be registering the uh-oh component. Creative While its important to get a professional resume, sometimes just a little creativity and innovation is acceptable. Ensure you buy the certificate that is quite suitable It isnt tricky to generate a record that looks Aadhaar with various numbers. Employing action verbs in your resume is an easy method to dramatically enhance the efficacy of your resume. Resume action words offer a number of advantages. A bulleted list is a wonderful approach to highlight your marketable skills. Resumes may be used for a number of reasons, but most often theyre utilised to secure new employment.If you arent sure which words to use, find keywords in the work description. Only utilize adjectives to describe yourself if youre well prepared to back this up immediately afterwards. While the expression is commonly used in education, it isnt always defined consistently, which may lead to confusion and unterschiedlich interpretations. After all , you likely dont hear or see the term frequently.

4 Video Interview Candidates Youre Thankful For This Thanksgiving

4 Video Interview Candidates Youre Thankful For This ThanksgivingIts that time of year again time to buy a turkey, make some stuffing, and restock your pie supplies. Its likely youre preparing for Thanksgiving by putting in place your cooking attack plan and making sure the house is clean for traveling in-laws. The holidays can be a stressful time, which means sometimes the true meaning of the season gets left by the wayside.Thanksgiving isnt about turkey and stuffing (no matter how tasty) or football games or parade floats. Thanksgiving is about recognizing the important things in our lives for which we should be grateful.When it comes to our professional lives, this means being thankful for the quality candidates you see on your screen in a video bewerberinterview. Not every batch of candidates that show up on the other side of the webcam in a video interview will be great. This just makes the best candidates even better.As the war for talent ranges on, you know the importance of f inding the best people for your companys success. While the economys nosedive means more candidates are applying for open positions, fewer have the right skill sets for the job.This is why you should take a second before starting your turkey dinner to be thankful for the great candidates who show up in the video interview ready to impress this ThanksgivingThe Great CommunicatorJust like Linus once waited outside for the Great Pumpkin in the Charlie Brown Halloween special, so do many hiring managers wait hoping to find a great communicator. If your candidate has a clear, concise communication style in the video interview, this is a sign youre talking with a top notch prospect.While many candidates list their superior communication skills on their resume, a precious few can back these skills up. Especially in the interview process, nerves can often torpedo the communication skills of even great-on-paper candidates.This is one reason why using online video in the hiring process is suc h a big help to hiring managers and recruiters. Now, instead of taking candidates at face value on their communication skills until the phone screen or even later, hiring managers can recommend candidates apply with a video resume. Or they can use a one-way video interview to save time and avoid talking to candidates whose communication skills are just hot air.So be grateful if, during the interview process, you finally receive a visit from a great communicator.The Company Culture GoldilocksIn the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks tries out each bears belongings until she finds the right fit. While you should never break and enter like Goldilocks (especially if the owner is a family of bears), theres a valuable lesson to be learned from the story.This lesson is not every candidate will be right for every company. You might have a great on-paper candidate who also impresses in the video interview, but you know this person would be more comfortable in a corporate enviro nment than your chaotic startup company.Like Goldilocks, you need to find the candidate who is just right for your company culture. No matter how top notch your talent might be, if they wont fit into the company culture, youll be rehiring the position sooner than you think. Instead, focus on hiring the candidate who can not only bring skills and experience to the table, but will also enjoy the crowd they are seated with.The Company CheerleaderJust like a cheerleader, you want a candidate who is enthusiastic and willing to champion your company to outsiders. After all, your employees are also doing double-duty as your companys brand ambassadors. If you have a dour and gloomy workforce, others will assume its because your company is a bad place to work. This will make you less likely to attract the talent you need to stay competitive in the marketplace.Instead, look for candidates who have clear enthusiasm for the company and the position in the video interview. Ask them what they lik e best about the company and pay attention to body language and nonverbal cues. An enthusiastic candidate is also likely to become an employee who boosts morale and adds to your company culture.The Curiously InformedCuriosity might have killed the cat, but its an attribute you should be thankful for in candidates during the interview process. Those candidates asking great, well-informed questions in the video interview are the same candidates who have truly prepared and done their homework. If the candidate is asking about the positions career trajectory or about the company culture, you know theyre looking forward to a future with your organization.Thanksgiving is a time not just to stuff ourselves to the brim with delicious foods, but also to take stock of our blessings. These blessings include the top talent on the other side of the webcam ready to jump in and start working to make your company better.What type of video interview candidates are you thankful for? Share in the comm entsIMAGE Courtesy of Flickr by mstofan.