Twelve Tips to Create a Happier (and More Productive) Workplace.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

This Wednesday: 12 tips to create a happier (and more productive) workplace.

I just finished First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. I’d heard about it for years, but I didn’t actually pick up a copy until a smart friend told me to read it.

The authors did a study with the Gallup Organization to find a way, among other things, to measure strong workplaces, ones that would attract and retain the most productive employees.

They came up with a list of twelve questions, where, if employees answered “yes” and were happier in their workplaces, they tended to work in business units with higher levels of productivity, profit, retention, and customer satisfaction – which shows that there is a link between how employees feel and how they perform.

This is a good list to use if you’re a manager who wants to create a happier and more productive work environment, or if you’re a job seeker/holder who wants criteria by which to judge a workplace.

Also, if you’re not happy at work, and you’re trying to Identify the problem, take a look at this list. It suggests strategies for improving your situation. Not everything is within your control, of course, but perhaps you could identify for your boss what you need to change #2 from “no” to “yes” or to shift responsibilities so you get #3. Or can you make an effort to gain #10?

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel like my work is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work? [But don’t have an office affair!]
11. In the last six months, have I talked with someone about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

The first six questions have the strongest links to business outcomes (productivity, profitability, retention, and customer satisfaction).

I was also interested to see that the study suggested that people’s opinions of their workplaces are more determined by their immediate manager than by the overall company. It was their direct manager – not money, benefits, perks, or a charismatic leader at the top – that was the critical element for people.

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Eighteen Tips for “Little Things” to Boost Your Happiness at the Office.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.

This Wednesday: 18 tips for “little things” to boost your happiness at work.
Your happiness at work will depend mostly, of course, on how much you like your job and your co-workers. But, as Samuel Johnson observed, “It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery, and as much happiness as possible.”
Here are some little things to consider that have helped me find more happiness at work. A few minor adjustments can give a real boost in mood and comfort. Even if these suggestions don't relate directly to your particular job, you might be able to adapt the strategy for your workplace.

Your work space:

1. Check for eyestrain: put your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your space is too bright.
2. Get a good desk chair and take the time to adjust it properly. (A friend works at a big company where they have a person who specializes in this task!)
3. Sit up straight and lower your shoulders—every time I do, I instantly feel more energetic and cheerier.
4. Think about how your space could be more pleasant. Could you invest in some desk accessories to help stay organized? Could you replace that hideous lamp?
5. Get a phone headset. I resisted for a long time, because it looks so preposterous, but it’s really much more comfortable, and it lets me walk around when I'm on the phone, which boosts my energy. I also initially resisted the advice to…
6. Get additional monitors. I now have three monitors, and they make me so happy! The ability to have multiple pages up at once saves me a huge amount of time. (Back to #1: after I got my three monitors, I noticed that my face hurt. I finally realized that my three monitors were all set to maximum brightness, so I’d been squinting all day. Turning down the brightness levels fixed the problem.)
6. Don’t keep treats around. A handful of M&Ms each day will mean a weight gain five pounds by year’s end.
7. Periodically, take time to deep-clean the loose papers that have piled up. I usually do this specifically because I need the shot of the wonderful calm it brings.
Your day:

8. Try never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration.
9. Take care of difficult calls or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating just makes it harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.
10. When accepting a responsibility, imagine that it’s something that you’ll have to do next week. That way you don’t agree to something just because it seems so far off that it doesn’t seem onerous.
11. Be honest about how you’re spending your time. You feel overwhelmed, but are you really working hard? How much time do you spend surfing the internet, chatting on the phone or with colleagues, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing a task that’s really someone else’s job?
12. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity is good for your focus, mood, and retention of information.
13. Even if you can’t go outside, take a ten-minute break each hour. Studies show that the break boosts your retention level.
14. Don’t let yourself get too hungry.
15. Let yourself stay ignorant of things you don’t need to know.
16. Try to make a lunch date with someone outside the office at least once a week.
17. This may be the hardest: figure out a way to control technology so you don’t feel distracted and hunted. Turn off your email; turn off your phone; disconnect from the internet; figure out a way to set limits so you can concentrate when you need to, and disengage when you need to. Technology is a good servant but a bad master.
18. Be nice to your co-workers. This is the right way to behave, and it will also serve your best interests, if you need that justification. In situation evocation, for example, we spark a response from people that reinforces a tendency we already have — for example, if I act irritable all the time, the people around me are probably going to treat me with less patience and helpfulness, which will, in turn, stoke my irritability.
What else? What are some other "little things" to boost happiness at work?

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Ten Tips on Career Advancement

Many career experts agree that the best time to look for a new job is while you are still comfortably in your old one. If you’re starting to feel unchallenged in your present position, you may be ready for a promotion to the next level. If there aren’t many career advancement opportunities where you work, the best next job may be waiting for you elsewhere.

Nowadays, it’s up to you to take control of your professional future and make sure that you are progressing wisely down the right career path. Here are 10 proven strategies to help you get started:

1. Talk to your boss. Sit down and have a very direct and pointed conversation with your boss about your future in the company. Stress that you want your job performance to meet the company’s goals. Share your own career goals with him or her. Your boss will respect this display of confidence and maturity.

2. Ask for more. Volunteering to help out other departments or teams — or simply asking for more responsibilities — increases your value within the organization. Asking for additional work shows an interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed. It also puts a spotlight on your value to the business.

3. Volunteer for boards. If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.

4. Sharpen your people skills. Strong interpersonal skills play a crucial role in gaining the respect of your boss and coworkers; they will also attract the notice of outside influencers who might open new doors of opportunity for you. Be friendly, outgoing, and personable. Listen carefully to people, and practice being a clear and effective communicator.

5. Be innovative. Never be afraid to think outside of the box and put your business acumen to work. Stay on the lookout for creative solutions to problems that will make you — and your boss — look good.

6. Find a mentor. Develop mentoring relationships, either inside or outside the company. Recent studies have shown that four out of five promotions are influenced by a mentor higher up in the company. Mentors are also great sources of information and career guidance.

7. Sell yourself. Learn the fine art of self-promotion. If you have had major accomplishments or created successful programs, make sure people know about it — especially those in influential positions who could help you advance professionally. Let it be known that you are seeking a promotion or the next step up in your career.

8. Keep learning. A proven way to advance in your career is to be continually acquiring new knowledge. Stay on top of trends or developments in your field and make sure that your current résumé reflects those needed skills.

9. Network. Strengthen your personal network and join professional organizations, attend industry conferences, or even volunteer. The more people who are aware of your strengths and abilities, the better your chances of hearing about any new opportunities that might arise.

10. Build your reputation. In business, your reputation is the most valuable thing you own. Be known for being dependable, professional, and cooperative. Act and look the part by dressing professionally. Make a name for yourself by attending conferences, delivering speeches, or writing articles.

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Sixteen Tips for Feeling Happier at Work.

Every Wednesday is Tip Day.
This Wednesday: Sixteen tips for being happier at work.
Being happy at work is, of course, quite related to how much you like your job, but there are small steps you can take to boost your mood. Maintaining the comfort of your body, sprinkling a few small pleasures throughout your day, using your time wisely – a little thought can mean a lot more happiness at work.
As Samuel Johnson observed, “It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery, and as much happiness as possible.”

Your work space:
1. Check for eyestrain: put your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your space is too bright. When I got my three monitors (an investment which makes me ecstatically happy, by the way), I had to turn down their brightness levels because the glare was terrible.
2. Get a good desk chair and take the time to adjust it properly.
3. Sit up straight — every time I do, I instantly feel more energetic and cheerier.
4. Indulge in a modest spulrge, i.e., consider whether there are ways to spend money that would make a big difference. Could you invest in some desk accessories to help you stay organized? Could you replace an inconvenient lamp with something that works better?
5. Get a phone headset. I resisted for a long time, but it’s really much more comfortable. The phone headset is like the rolling suitcase: yes, you look a little silly, but it makes life a lot easier.
6. Don’t keep treats around. A handful of M&Ms each day might mean a weight gain of five pounds by year’s end. My husband used to work at an office that kept a kitchen fully stocked with treats. When he switched jobs, he dropped about ten pounds, which actually had me a little worried until we figured out the reason.
7. Periodically, take time to deep-clean the loose papers that have piled up. I never do this until I specifically schedule a time, but am always amazed at the wonderful calm it brings.
Your day:
8. Never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration.
9. Take care of difficult calls or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating just makes it harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.
10. When accepting a responsibility, imagine that it’s something that you’ll have to do next week. That way you don’t agree to a task just because it seems so far off that it doesn’t seem onerous.
11. Be honest about how you’re spending your time. You feel overwhelmed, but are you really working hard? How much time do you spend surfing the internet, chatting on the phone, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing tasks that are really someone else’s job?
12. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity is good for your focus, mood, and retention of information.
13. Even if you can’t go outside, take a ten-minute break each hour. Studies show that the break boosts your retention level.
14. Don’t let yourself get too hungry.
15. Try to make a lunch date with someone outside the office at least once a week.
16. Let yourself stay ignorant of things you don’t need to know.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Tips for Getting Free Advertising through Press Releases

How is a Free Press Release Different from a Blog or Article?

A press release most often is sharing an announcement or commentary on a topic that is of community interest; in other words, “newsworthy.”

A press release is written about or around a current event or a topic that is of great interest to the public or a business sector and can pave the way for sales of a product. Microsoft®, for example, strategically uses press releases and announcements when a new version of software is about to be released. Because many computer users use Microsoft® products in their work and personal lives, the company’s press releases are newsworthy.

Unlike articles written for magazines or websites, press releases are not just about what a company offers. In fact, it is not until one reads the end of the release that it is discovered who the author was and how to get more information.

Press Releases are also FREE advertising. The trick to getting newspaper and television coverage is by making what your business offers of interest to people in the present time.

Note: If your press release does not follow the guidelines in this article, your free press release will be seen as merchant advertising and will be treated and charged for as such.



Finding the “Hook” for your Business’ Free Press Release


Finding the relevancy of your products or services to a topic of current interest is called a “hook.” Your business products and services need to “hook on to” an event or discussion of importance.

If your business serves just your regional area, you need to find a topic of great interest in your local community. If your business serves customers on a national or international, the topics have a wider range from which to choose.

For example, let’s say that your business sells communication equipment such as CB or HAM gear. Now let’s suppose a serious earthquake happened in another area or country and those areas had lost methods of communication. Add to that, perhaps your own area is earthquake-prone.

You could devise an emergency communication program and offer free communication in case of a serious earthquake in your own community. In your press release, you would explain who, what, where, why and how your communication system would work for people in your immediate community.

This type of press release would be termed a, “Human Interest” story. Because your business is offering a service to the community, it would be seen as informational to help ease worry as well as commendable on the part of your business in offering a free service.

Even if such an event would not take place, your customer base would grow simply because of the advertising you gained for your humanitarian efforts; raising the trust level for your products and services in the area.


Does your Business Have a Historical Tie?

Community history is always newsworthy. Does your business operate out of a historical home? If so, who was the family and what did they do in the community during the “good old days?”

Is your business family owned? Did you have ancestors who settled in the area? What was it like during those days? Do you have photographs you can share?

Is your business marking an anniversary of being in business for over 10 years? Is there someone in your employ who has an interesting background and story to tell?

In general, people like to read about people. Stories about people and history are always of human interest and are interesting topics to write about.


Who Writes the Press Release and How to Submit One

Any good writer can write a press release, especially if the writer has had experience with writing for the press.

If there is a story to tell but you know of no one to write it, call a newspaper and find out who you need to speak to about your press release. Most newspaper offices have different departments; you would not want your free press release on emergency communications in the “Garden” section.


At this point, you can do one of two things:

1. Go for it. Submit your completed press release by fax, mail, or hand-delivery. Be sure to include any photos as well as the contact information for you and any other people mentioned in the article who are available for interview.
2. Submit a query. Send a letter to the editor or reporter about the press release you would like to do. Many times, especially if the story is particularly newsworthy, a reporter will come out to interview you and write the story themselves. Again, have any photos on hand as well as the contact information of any other people who can be interviewed.

You can also submit completed press releases through a number of press release companies on the internet, although the chances of your releases being printed for free (without any fees whatsoever) are greatly diminished.


Important Points to Remember when Writing and Submitting Press Releases:

1. A press release is not meant to sell your business’ products and/or services.
2. READ the newspapers or publications before you submit a press release.
3. Find out the appropriate editor or reporter for the department you are appealing to.
4. Have photos and a contact list of other people who can be interviewed.
5. ALWAYS thank the press outlet for publishing your press release.

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Fishing Story

Fishing Story


The Japanese love fresh fish. However, the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever.

The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste.

To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer.

However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price.

So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive.

Unfortunately, the Japanese could still taste the difference. Because the fish did not move for days, they lost their fresh-fish taste. The Japanese preferred the lively taste of fresh fish, not sluggish fish.

So how did Japanese fishing companies solve this problem? How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan? If you were consulting the fish industry, what would you recommend?

Too Much Money

As soon as you reach your goals, such as finding a wonderful mate, starting a successful company, paying off your debts or whatever, you might lose your passion. You don’t need to work so hard so you relax.

You experience the same problem as lottery winners who waste their money, wealthy heirs who never grow up and bored homemakers who get addicted to prescription drugs.

Like the Japanese fish problem, the best solution is simple. It was observed by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950’s.

“Man thrives, oddly enough, only in the presence of a challenging environment.” — L. Ron Hubbard

The Benefits of a Challenge

The more intelligent, persistent and competent you are, the more you enjoy a good problem.

If your challenges are the correct size, and if you are steadily conquering those challenges, you are happy.

You think of your challenges and get energized. You are excited to try new solutions. You have fun.

You are alive!

How Japanese Fish Stay Fresh

To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks. But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state.

The fish are challenged.

Recommendations

Instead of avoiding challenges, jump into them. Beat the heck out of them. Enjoy the game.

If your challenges are too large or too numerous, do not give up. Failing makes you tired. Instead, reorganize. Find more determination, more knowledge, more help.

If you have met your goals, set some bigger goals. Once you meet your personal or family needs, move onto goals for your group, the society, even mankind.

Don’t create success and lie in it. You have resources, skills and abilities to make a difference.

Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go!

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How to Make Yourself Happier

In 1986, L. Ron Hubbard wrote a poem which is a guide to happiness.

"The Joy of Creating"

"Force yourself to smile and you’ll soon stop frowning.

"Force yourself to laugh and you’ll soon find something to laugh about.

"Wax* enthusiastic** and you’ll very soon feel so.

"A being causes his own feelings.

"The greatest joy there is in life is creating.

"Splurge on it!" — L. Ron Hubbard

(*wax: to increase in size, strength or intensity.) (**enthusiastic: having or demonstrating enthusiasm.)

Four Steps to Make Yourself Happier

1. "Force yourself to smile and you’ll soon stop frowning."

Try this exercise.

A. Smile
B. Don’t smile
C. Smile
D. Don’t smile
E. Smile
F. Don’t smile
G. Repeat the above until you are cheerful.

Do this exercise whenever you are frowning, upset, depressed, angry, apathetic or resentful.

Try the exercise in front of a mirror for an extra boost.

2. "Force yourself to laugh and you’ll soon find something to laugh about."

This exercise is useful when you are feeling stressed out or too serious.

A. Force a laugh.
B. If this is difficult for you to do, say, "ha ha ha ha ha." Then say, "ho, ho, ho, ho, ho." Then say, "he, he, he, he, he."
C. Repeat the above until you find something to laugh about.

3. "Wax enthusiastic and you’ll very soon feel so."

When you feel enthusiasm for a difficult task, you make better decisions, get more done in less time and produce a better result.

A. Write down a task you are avoiding or hate to do.
B. Ask yourself, "What about this task is interesting?" Write down the answer.
C. Ask yourself, "What could I be a little excited about regarding this task?" Write down the answer.
D. Ask yourself, "What could I be enthusiastic about regarding this task?" Write down the answer.
E. Repeat steps B, C and D until you feel enthusiastic about doing the task.

You might be surprised at how quickly this works.

4. "The greatest joy there is in life is creating."

What are your greatest joys in life?

Being a parent? Starting a company? Finding new customers? Forming new relationships?

Notice how each activity creates something?

A. Write down three things you can create today.
B. Do them.
C. Notice if your day is more joyful.

The happiest individuals, families and groups are those that create things.

The most exciting goals you can have involve creating something.

In fact, all of your success is your creation.

"Splurge on it!"

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How Many Contacts and Resumes Are Enough? 10, 100, 1,000?

by Peggy McKee

How many contacts and resumes are enough? That is an excellent question. Perhaps the answer is simpler and at the same time more frustrating than we would like. As success driven people, we like concrete answers with concrete solutions performed in a concrete, fixed period of time. Yet, in this case the answer is as many as it takes to win the job. So, instead of wasting time trying to measure the unquantified, job hunters need to focus in a laser-like way on driving more contacts and reaching each contact with increasing effectiveness on each subsequent effort.

What constitutes effectiveness during the job search? To begin with effectiveness is measured by reaction and response. If each revision of your cover letter increases the number and frequency of response, this is likely effective. If your new and improved LinkedIn profile creates more interest, leads to more contacts, and causes more industry involvement which you are able to turn into interviews, this constitutes increasing effectiveness. If each day you become better at ferreting out contacts who may have a position for you, you have increased your job searching effectiveness.

Our view is there are some key areas to focus on today for job search effectiveness:

1. Build and use your rolodex of contacts. This doesn't mean make social calls. This implies focusing on those individuals who can help you contact recruiting sources, hiring managers, and human resources departments to win the interview and job you are pursuing. Each call should seek first to lead directly to the individual contacts outline, but if these aren't available seek a contact with whom they have credibility who can provide real leads for you.

2. Improve and strengthen you resume and cover letter to compelling make your case as the candidate of choice.

3. Work on your phone call plan and interview plan converting these calls from contacts with a potential job source to interplay between professionals leading and uncovering the career path and job you are seeking.

4. Look at ways and means to increase your credibility among your peers and in the industry such as discussions on related blogs, attending professional conferences, or other activities to create the reputation and word of mouth marketing to create spontaneous opportunities.

So, the answer is:there's no set number. Instead, you have to make enough contacts with enough impact to win the job offer you are seeking. Like pursuing a sales lead, the more quickly and effectively you accomplish this the less you will have to do in the future.

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