Blog Archives
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction…
Do you find yourself unhappy with your current career choice or work setting? Before you jump ship, experts suggest considering the following changes as they can increase job satisfaction dramatically:
- If you can’t do it, don’t commit. Failing to keep commitments is one of the most common causes of stress at work. Sadly, covering up for failed commitments and worrying about the consequences usually consumes more time than it would to take to actually complete the promised task. So, know your limits and ask for help if you’re being stretched too thin.
- Live close to where you work. People who walk to their jobs or have a short commute tend to be more satisfied than those who spend an hour or more getting to work each day. Studies show that in order to be satisfied, workers with long commutes would need a 40% increase in their monthly wage to be as satisfied as their walking counterparts.
- Vacations are key. According to a Danish study, the most satisfied workers take an average of six weeks of vacation annually. Most American workers get less than 14 days of a vacation a year, so it’s important to make the most of that precious free time!
What have you done to make your current job more satisfying? Please share by commenting below!
Sources & Resources- click on any of the links below for more information!
http://www.bluezones.com, Six Thrive Centers.
Susan M. Heathfield, Top Ten Ways to be Happy at Work.
Network Like a Pro
In a recent post we discussed the gender gap existing in pay and opportunity for women in the workforce, highlighting 4 areas identified by experts as problematic. (For more information check out What’s Holding You Back at Work -click on the link and it will take your right there!). Each week we will focus on one of these areas and offer suggestions to improve skills and increase opportunities.
Today we’ll talk about team building. Keep in mind, men are better at building a team around them that accentuates their strengths. They are also better at networking, a key component of building a team. Men will connect and help colleagues they barely know. In contrast, women feel they need to build a relationship before helping, leaving them with far less contacts.
So here are 3 things you can do to start building that important business network:
Be nice. Sometimes this can be the hardest thing to do, especially when you are dealing with difficult coworkers or clients, but people are drawn to nice people. Being polite and respectful is a key element in developing successful contacts and often overlooked. Take the extra time to ask a personal question or two and always project a positive attitude. Your enthusiasm will come through loud and clear!
Project success. As we’ve discussed in past posts, the clothes you wear and the way you speak impact the way others treat you, especially at work. Dressing and speaking professionally lets people know that you mean business and should be treated with respect. Everyone wants to do business with a winner!
Create remarkable business cards and use them. Size and shape really do matter, ladies. Thin, boring business cards are often overlooked in today’s busy corporate world. Consider throwing out your standard card and investing in one that is uniquely shaped or made of unexpected materials (plastic, for example). Most experts agree that it’s a good idea to include a picture on your business card. Pictures give cards a more personal feel and people will be more likely to remember you if they can put a face with the name.
Sources & Resources- click on any of the links below for more information!
David Lindahl, 5 Easy Ways to Network Like a Veteran.
Dan Schwabel, 5 Ways to Network in the Real World.
Do you have any networking tips you’d like to share? Please do so by commenting below!
