Sunday, May 31, 2020

Understand Employee Disinterest, Dont Ignore It

Understand Employee Disinterest, Dont Ignore It Everyones guilty of a little clock-watching from time to time. Maybe theres a really exciting episode of your employees favourite TV series on in the evening, and they just cannot WAIT to leave the office to watch it. Maybe theyre dreading a scary end-of-day client meeting and simply want 5 oclock to come around so they can relax. Wishing our work day away can has its  place now and again. However, when your employees start counting down the minutes to Friday on a Monday morning,  you might want to pay some closer attention. Noticing employees becoming disinterested can signal potential danger  we know this. Often, being disengaged in their career can be unhealthy for an individual  and over time can wear down their workplace wellbeing.  And then theres the flow on effect to colleagues, who can grow frustrated working  with someone who doesnt appear to  care about their work.  For many close-knit teams, the saying youre only as strong as your weakest link stands true, and a seemingly disinterested employee can jeopardise  internal relationships. When you  notice a person growing less  invested or interested in their job or the company, its time to step in. As a manager, its important to do all you can to re-engage that employee, making their workplace wellbeing not just a responsibility, but your priority. You also owe it to the rest of your team to enforce a certain level of input from each member. A great place to start is attempting to understand where their disengagement and disinterest is coming from. Is it boredom? Perhaps the person has decided they have little to no interest in the work they are doing. Perhaps they have been doing the same thing for a long time and their workload has taken on a monotonous, menial function to them. Is their work repetitive or slow?  Have they outgrown their position, in terms of skill set? Is the work they are doing too easy or  too junior for them?  Perhaps they are not being challenged enough. Do they feel overwhelmed? On the flip side, does the person feel constantly flustered, staring at a never-ending workload they can never get on top of? Do they have too many things on their plate, forcing them to execute projects quickly and not at their preferred standard? Are they constantly stressed, never feeling as though they have accomplished what they need to accomplish? This can result in someone throwing their hands in the air and almost giving up, if they feel theres no point trying, because itll never be enough. Do they believe they  are disposable? Perhaps the person feels as though they are just a number and that simply anyone could do the job they are doing. Maybe they dont feel like they are adding any particular value, and that if they were to resign, they wouldnt be missed at all and could  be easily replaced. Do they feel under appreciated? If a person feels like they are never truly recognised for their hard work, its likely theyll stop going the extra mile. If someone else continually gets credit for their hard work, or they are never  shown that their hard work is appreciated, disengagement might occur. Sometimes managers think they are appreciating their employees, when really they never actually so, and therefore employees wonder if anyone is noticing their dedication at all. If someone feels their efforts are in vein, they may do away with their hunger to succeed. Are they dealing with other problems? Sometimes, being disengaged at work has nothing to do with work itself. Sometimes people are burdened by problems stemming from other areas of their personal life. The reason they are disengaged could be due to a fallout with another colleague, or a private matter. If you feel this might be the case, it  is always best to seek professional advice. Attempt to re-engage! When an employee is disengaged, start with trying to understand them. Listen to them; ask them questions; allow them to explain themselves and make it safe for them to do so. Providing an open and honest line of communication is important for any manager. Let them vent frustrations and be frank with you about why they appear to be uninterested in what they are doing. Show you appreciate them  and their work regularly. Show you care for them and support them in achieving their goals. Seek additional help if need be perhaps tactfully involve HR.  Whatever you do, dont simply dismiss signs of a disengaged employee it will do no one any good.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Tips For Resume Writing - Writing Better One For You

Tips For Resume Writing - Writing Better One For YouIs it really possible to write a better resume? In this article I will outline some techniques that should make resume writing easier for you. Once you have mastered the techniques outlined below you should find it a lot easier to create your own masterpiece. There are a lot of good resources available online, so I will not be discussing them in this article.List out all of the skills and abilities you have. Your ability to learn is one of the most important things you need to put on your resume. Do you have someone who can coach you when you are struggling?Make a list of all of the subjects you enjoy reading. Writing a resume about your favorite sport or hobby will surely attract the reader. You could use these hobbies as examples in your cover letter or as part of your curriculum vitae. If you do not like reading about your hobbies, there are a number of things you can do to include them on your resume.Use those things you enjoy i n your cover letter. Be sure that they are not listed as a weakness in your educational background. List them under abilities.Be sure to list down all of your skills. There may be many of them you do not have, but be sure to list them all. You do not want your employer to think that you are just listing skills in an effort to save yourself from something you don't really want to do. Make sure to list them all!Let's take a look at professional references. Include as many of your contacts as you can find. Those you have met at networking events, conferences and conventions are some good examples. These people have already given you their time, their advice and their friendship, and it is likely that they will continue to do so. Share this information with your friends, on social media sites and in the community, and they will add to the list as well.Make sure that your resume is easy to read. Avoid too much clutter. Have some important information in your resume, but do not cram it in to too many columns.Resume writing is a long process, and to get a job you need to put in a lot of hard work and dedication. If you are serious about getting hired, you must take the steps necessary to make your resume stand out among the crowd.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

7 Smart Habits of Successful Job Seekers [INFOGRAPHIC]

7 Smart Habits of Successful Job Seekers [INFOGRAPHIC] How would you rate your LinkedIn profile? Are you using it as a powerful job seeking tool? Does it bring you effective connections, recruiter inquiries, or relevant  opportunities? LinkedIn recently  analyzed a group of 4000+ newly-employed job seekers, and studied what theyd been doing on LinkedIn during their hunt. They found that  most successful job seekers on LinkedIn weren’t just searching, viewing, and applying for jobs on LinkedIn, they were doing something more. Check out the infographic below to discover the 7 smart habits of successful job seekers.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

How These Once-Poor Women Rose To Success - Classy Career Girl

How These Once-Poor Women Rose To Success These successful women started from the bottom and have managed to reach peaks of success that most of us only dream of. It’s one thing to want to climb the ladder and find financial support and stability, but another to make a  huge leap from being near poverty to becoming a renowned multi-millionaire. So, what’s the recipe? This is a question that has been asked for the longest of time and it’s safe to assume nobody has been able to find a universal answer. If that were the case, we would all be on the highway to success right now, lead by the tips extracted from this Success 101 guide. But whether you’re an aspiring writer, businessperson, salesperson, or athlete, all roads converge somewhere to a consensus for a formula. You can expect what kind of salary a career path  induces, but surprises always come from the strangest directions. Some of the most inspiring and  influential  women of our time have shared their stories and dropped words of wisdom to inspire us all to follow in their shadows. How These Once-Poor Women Rose  To Success 1. Oprah Winfrey’s Story (Source: Wikimedia) Celebrity host and business mogul, Oprah is a one-named phenomenon who managed to find success after a brutal childhood. As a child, she was so poor that she would wear clothes from potato sacks sewed by her grandmother. This all goes without mentioning the horrible abuses and unspeakable torments she had to face. Years later, shes remembered as the host of historys most successful talk show and the queen of a $3 billion worth empire. She never put her success in the hands of fate  and spoke about things she considers fundamental when climbing the ladder. Not aiming for success is one of the keys, according to Winfrey. She says that we should all focus on bettering ourselves and aiming for excellence. Put all your effort into a task and seek to build a life for yourself that could make you significant. Success will come naturally. 2. J.K. Rowling’s Dark Past (Source: Wikimedia) The British author is well-known for her charitable movements, which include yearly donations of millions of dollars. Part of the reason why she is so deeply involved in charity stems from the fact that her own pre Harry Potter past was filled with poverty, too. Rowling began writing The Sorcerer’s Stone in a café, with her young daughter asleep next to her. She recalls times when she had barely any money and had to pass on meals so she could feed her daughter. The Rise to Success The success of the franchise came, more or less, overnight. It took years for Rowling to adapt to the new living conditions. She was constantly afraid of “accidentally pressing the reset button” and having it all disappear. She  gave some interesting tips to all young writers, including that we should let go of the impression that authors fill their whole schedule with writing. In a lot of instances, you have no choice but to write in-between full-time jobs and other responsibilities. She also stressed the importance of planning and outlining the direction of the book and rewriting something a dozen times is perfectly normal. [RELATED:  The Top 4 Things That Motivate Successful Female Entrepreneurs] 3. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Troubled Childhood (Source: Wikimedia) It’s not just authors and business moguls who were able to make such significant transitions, but famous actresses as well. Even though Sarah Jessica Parker is a fashion entrepreneur and Hollywood star, life hasn’t always been kind to her. Growing up with seven siblings, the costs of her family exceeded what they could afford. Sometimes their electricity or phone would often cut off. The worst of all, she remarked, was that they were old enough to understand their parents struggle. Today, Parker says she hasn’t been able to shrug off her old habits of picking up coins in the street. She’s grateful for her success, which she mostly attributes to open-mindedness. Learning is an important factor for growth. Parker emphasizes  the importance of listening to those around you with more experience. And the one thing that all three of our inspirational starlets have said that is the core of their stories? Dont let failure be the death of your ambitions.  

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Best Resume Writing Services For Educators Cheap

Best Resume Writing Services For Educators CheapThe best resume writing services for educators cheap will be the one that has been in the business for a long time. If they have their own reputation to build up then they will undoubtedly be affordable. This does not mean that they are not effective but the ones that can prove their worth are those that are good at what they do.In the current financial environment, no one wants to spend too much money and this is definitely not an ideal option. What matters most is that the resume writing service provided can do the job properly. They should be able to send the resume along with the right cover letter and other important information to the employers who can use the data provided to make a decision on the application.It would be better if you go for the website offering online services. Although you will have to pay a nominal fee, you can expect an assurance of promptness, high quality work and accurate documents. You can also get insta nt reports on your application once it is submitted. It will be helpful in determining whether the service is working for you or not.The best resume writing services for educators cheap can help you give an impression of professionalism. You can offer your resume and the cover letter in a flash. The contact details should be included in the front matter along with your complete name, address, telephone number and email address.With this, the professional letter will be sent in a professional manner. There is nothing that says professionalism like this. It conveys an impression of someone who is reliable and confident.Certain things can be eliminated from the writing work. Words like professional, assistant, assistant editor, and assistant project manager do not hold any value. This will help keep the price low and will ensure that it can be offered for free.While getting assistance from a freelance writer can save you money, it can be hard to find one. It can take a while before you find someone that is trustworthy and credible. Remember that this is just for the first stage and when you feel that it can be done well, you will be able to hire the services.The best resume writing services for educators cheap are available where you can receive them through the mail or online. It is best to get help from the best resume writing services for educators cheap and this will ensure that you get the best results.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Whats Its Like to Be A Golf Course Superintendent CareerMetis.com

What’s It’s Like to Be A Golf Course Superintendent Original Image Source â€" Depositphotos.comA golf course superintendent is a richly rewarding and hands-on job for anyone who loves the game of golf, improve a swing, and is interested in the maintenance of the playing grounds.For players, a pristinely manicured golf course can be one of the primary reasons why they have a great experience on the links. This responsibility falls directly on the education and execution of the golf course superintendent.To perform the duties of the superintendent at a high level of efficiency, the superintendent must be current with all the latest trends in golf course management, execute their management plan by clearly delegating tasks to staff, and be able to work within the restraints of a budget.evalIf anyone of these tasks becomes neglected, then it could ultimately show itself in the worsening condition of the course, causing membership at the club to fall and walk-in business to drop. So, as you can see, the golf course superintendent is incred ibly important to the health of the course and, by proxy, the overall health of the club’s business.This article is a deep dive into all of the intricacies of what a golf course superintendent can expect from their job. From salary to a daily schedule, everything is covered as we answer the question: What is it like to be a golf course superintendent?What is a Golf Course Superintendent?A golf course superintendent is the chief authority figure when it comes to the day-to-day care of the actual golf course. This incredibly important job oversees the management of all aspects of the course including such responsibilities as the health and maintenance of the turf and the irrigation systems that water the grass on each hole.The superintendent also oversees a collection of employees that maintains the course. It is the superintendent’s job to make judgment calls on what needs to be improved or corrected either immediately or over time and pass that request onto their staff for execu tion.The role of the golf course superintendent has become even more important in recent years as there is a push among groups, such as the USGA, to conserve resources such as water and reduce the use of pesticides and weed-killing chemicals to create a more green and safe playing surface for customers and members.For environmental reasons alone, keeping up with the latest trends in turf management and finding new and exciting ways to care for the course’s turf is of utmost significance. So, even though the superintendent may already have a degree and certification, keeping those credentials up to date with continuing education is a smart play in staying relevant within the field.What are the Job Requirements of a Golf Course Superintendent?A golf course superintendent is ultimately responsible for everything that happens with the playing surface. From tee box to green, a superintendent is in charge of making sure that the course is in its best possible shape each and every day.ev alA huge requirement of being a successful golf course superintendent is working well with others. Since the golf course is located on such a sprawling piece of land, it is very difficult to be in multiple locations at once. So, for areas that need attention or improvement, the superintendent needs a well-trained and highly competent staff that can handle requests and follow through with the execution of the superintendent’s vision.With rapidly changing environmental factors that the course deals with throughout the year, the golf course superintendent has to constantly be aware of the overall health of the turf and if it needs more personal care. That care could come in the form of more or less watering and aerating techniques that allow more air to get to the soil underneath the top layer of grass.Why is Knowing Turf Science So Important for a Golf Course Superintendent?Since golf demands a strong and adaptable playing surface that can withstand the punishment of hundreds of tho usands of rounds each year, the golf course superintendent must keep the grass and the soil in tip-top shape.Having an understanding of how turf reacts to the elements is crucial for a superintendent to know as it could be the difference between keeping the fairways pristine or allowing unsightly and unplayable brown spots to flourish in the grass.evalFor example, aeration is one of the best things that a superintendent can do for the health of the course’s soil, but also makes the grounds virtually unplayable for a few weeks, causing frustration among members and visiting golfers.The process of aeration is necessary due to the compression of the top layer of soil by golfers over the course of the playing season. If the average golfer takes 45 steps on a green, for example, and commonly plays in a group of four, that’s 180 steps on each green. Multiply that by the number of foursomes that play the green each day, roughly 50-75 per day, depending on the weather and the popularity of the course.Using that equation, each green on a course can expect to see anywhere from 9,000 to 13,500 steps per day. Now take into account how many days a course gets played and it is easy to see how compressed the soil can become with the added weight of all those golfers’ footsteps.Many experts believe it is important to aerate when the grass is the strongest, but that typically falls on the calendar when the course is experiencing its highest traffic. More golfers mean more money, which is very important to the ownership and financial health of a club. But there’s no avoiding that aeration is a vital part of maintaining the health of the soil and keeping the course looking and playing its best.Although it may not seem important, at first glance, understanding the science behind aeration and working in concert with members and ownership to set times to restore the health of the course is one of the biggest responsibilities that a superintendent will face during their tenu re at a golf club.Do I Need a Degree to Become a Golf Course Superintendent?While it is not essential to obtain a collegiate degree if you are interested in becoming a golf course superintendent, having one certainly allows you to jump to the front of the line when applying for entry-level positions at larger golf courses. By studying through an accredited university, you gain networking possibilities through the college and the potential to easily find internships that will allow you to build experience for your resume.Top-flight universities, such as Rutgers, promote certifications through their agricultural department in becoming a golf course superintendent. Rutgers offers an undergraduate degree in Turfgrass Science, a 2-year certificate program and a 3-week prep course on managing Turfgrass as a part of their Continuing Professional Education curriculum.Certifications and some type of secondary education in turf management is an expectation for individuals looking to find a jo b in golf course management. If you are a 22-year old student, fresh from getting your degree in Turfgrass Science, it may be hard to immediately get a superintendent job without experience, so you’ll want to make sure that during your schooling you are working at a course with responsibilities in working with turf maintenance.What Salary Can a Golf Course Superintendent Earn?evalThe reason a golf course superintendent will want to become certified through traditional methods is that the expertise they build and display on their resume will determine their expected level of salary.According to a 2019 survey by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, A typical workday for a superintendent starts early as the course’s needs must be understood before the club receives a surge of golfers. If the course is due for mowing, it is wise to start that process ahead of the first group off the tee, in order to not disrupt the flow of the playing groups.Golfers understand the course has maintenance requirements and are willing to have their round interrupted to make sure the layout is playing in its best shape possible.One of the biggest areas that a new golf course superintendent can struggle to adapt is by delegating work rather than just trying to do it on their own. An efficient superintendent does well at clearly outlining expectations and the daily assignments of others rather than trying to fix everything themselves by believing that they are the only person qualified for the task at hand.A golf course superintendent is a leader and therefore, they must work hard at letting their bias fall to the side and instead, become a teacher and, sometimes cheerleader, for other members of the staff. By building up the skill level and confidence of employees, the golf course superintendent streamlines the process of a request of staff to execution by the employee.Are There Negatives to Becoming a Golf Course Superintendent?The job can become a bit lonely at times as the superintendent drives from one hole to the next to check on the condition of specific areas of the course such as greens, bunkers and irrigation systems.One of the ways that superintendents cut through the loneliness of the day is by adopting a good companion, such as a friendly and energetic dog. On a side note, adopting a dog is more beneficial when it comes to the cost so you will save money. And it is also more satisfying to adopt one rather than buying as those dogs in the shelter need pet parents. Having a friendly dog on the course to help carry the superintendent through the day is a wonderful way to build camaraderie among the staff and guests of the course.Another way to combat the blues is by playing the course regularly with members and understanding how the most frequent players are responding to the conditions of the layout. Yes, you may hear more complaints than praise, but the job requires an understanding of how others are enjoying the course and tailo ring the experience to meet the demands of ownership and those who play the most.ConclusionFor golf course superintendents, there’s nothing better than spending hundreds of hours crafting a playing surface that has golfers talking about how wonderful their day on the links was for them and their playing group.However, as you can see, the job of a golf course superintendent is not one to be taken lightly. With several responsibilities that involve decisions that ultimately affect the health and quality of the golf course, the superintendent must be prepared to accept criticism and work harder at achieving the goals of ownership.Scary stuff aside, if you love working in the fresh air among one of the greatest games that sport offers, then superintendents are well paid, receive perks such as unlimited golf and invitations to play some of the country’s most exclusive courses.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Politics and the internet - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Politics and the internet - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog The future of politics is currently being shaped by the Howard Dean presidential campaign in the US: The results of self-organizing are not only more people, but more ideas about how to do local politics. The idea of sending 30,000 letters to Iowa at the last Dean Meetup came from the grassroots, and that has been reported. What hasn?t been reported is that most of the Dean flyers that people are passing out at farmers markets and summer fairs around the country are put together by grassroots organizers working through the Net. Independently of the official campaign, a Seattle group thinks of a flyer idea, which a New York group designs, which they circulate through the Dean listservs, which gets stapled to a Bulletin Board in Missouri by a group of Dean supporters who met through the Internet. A Georgia group designs ?Dean Cards,? which are now spreading around the country. This is from a post to Lawrence Lessigs blog where Dean Howards been guest blogging. Kinda makes me want to be american so I could vote for him. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Friday, May 8, 2020

How to stand out and get a job -

How to stand out and get a job - Stand out in a crowd How can you get a job?   Competition is fierce, so you need to be ready to approach your job search differently from the other equally qualified applicants who want the same position as you. How to get a job Alan Corey, author of The Subversive Job Search, suggests you take it up a notch so youll be sure to have the best chance possible. How can you stand out subversively? Corey suggests trying the following: 1. Appear to be gainfully employed, even if you arent. Youve likely seen statistics or heard people talk about how much more difficult it is to get a job when you dont have a job. It’s ironic, but some employers do prefer to hire people who are not actively looking for work because they are already employed. 2. Target your application materials; dont try to be a Jack-of-all-trades. Its tempting to approach your job search broadly and list everything youve ever done on your resume so you look well rounded. 3. SEO your resume. Search engine optimization is not just for websites. Corey notes: Make it easy for employers to find you on LinkedIn and in résumé databases by using searchable keywords and phrases on your resumes. Use the terms your employers are most likely to search. For example, Corey suggests: Use MBA instead of Master of Business Administration or PMP instead of (or in addition to) Project Management Professional.' Research the best terms by viewing an array of job descriptions and by carefully reading online publications related to your industry and target companies. In-person research can also provide great insights into the key issues facing your industry and the keywords employers use to describe those concerns. 4. Be future focused. Job seekers dont often consider the fact that the résumé is about the future more than it is about the past. While your job descriptions are important, its more important to connect directly with what your future employer wants. 5. Be consistent in your online profiles. You dont want to confuse employers who Google your name. (And statistics show that they will Google your name.) Be sure they find the same information thats on your résumé when they look at your LinkedIn profile. Read the whole post on U.S. News World Report. Photo by Suresh Eswaran