10 Ways to Go Green at Work

By sierraclub .typepad .com

Greener homes are in the spotlight these days, but what about the other places where many of us spend huge chunks of our time--our offices? Some simple changes of habit can save energy and resources at work, and these small steps can be multiplied by persuading the powers-that-be at your workplace to adopt environmentally friendly (and often cost-effective) policies.

1) Be bright about light

Artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings.

• Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.
• Make it a policy to buy Energy Star-rated lightbulbs and fixtures, which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.

2) Maximize computer efficiency

Computers in the business sector unnecessarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year.

• Make it a habit to turn off your computer—and the power strip it's plugged into—when you leave for the day. Otherwise, you're still burning energy even if you're not burning the midnight oil. (Check with your IT department to make sure the computer doesn't need to be on to run backups or other maintenance.) During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep automatically during short breaks can cut energy use by 70 percent. Remember, screen savers don't save energy.
• Make it a policy to invest in energy-saving computers, monitors, and printers and make sure that old equipment is properly recycled. Look for a recycler that has pledged not to export hazardous e-waste and to follow other safety guidelines. Old computers that still work, and are less than five years old, can be donated to organizations that will refurbish them and find them new homes. (You may even get a tax deduction.)

3) Print smarter

The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year.

• Make it a habit to print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.
• Make it a policy to buy chlorine-free paper with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Also consider switching to a lighter stock of paper or alternatives made from bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, or kenaf. Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones. According to Office Depot, each remanufactured toner cartridge "keeps approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills...and conserves about a half gallon of oil."

4) Go paperless when possible

• Make it a habit to think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? When you receive unwanted catalogs, newsletters, magazines, or junk mail, request to be removed from the mailing list before you recycle the item.
• Make it a policy to post employee manuals and similar materials online, rather than distribute print copies. They're easier to update that way too.

5) Ramp up your recycling

• Make it a habit to recycle everything your company collects. Just about any kind of paper you would encounter in an office, including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. So can your old cell phone, PDA, or pager.
• Make it a policy to place recycling bins in accessible, high-traffic areas and provide clear information about what can and can not be recycled.

6) Close the loop

• Make it a policy to purchase office supplies and furniture made from recycled materials.

7) Watch what (and how) you eat

• Make it a habit to bring your own mug and dishware for those meals you eat at the office.
• Make it a policy to provide reusable dishes, silverware, and glasses. Switch to Fair Trade and organic coffee and tea, and buy as much organic and local food as possible for parties and other events. Provide filtered drinking water to reduce bottled-water waste.

8) Rethink your travel

• Make it a habit to take the train, bus, or subway when feasible instead of a rental car when traveling on business. If you have to rent a car, some rental agencies now offer hybrids and other high-mileage vehicles.
• Make it a policy to invest in videoconferencing and other technological solutions that can reduce the amount of employee travel.

9) Reconsider your commute

• Make it a habit to carpool, bike, or take transit to work, and/or telecommute when possible. If you need to drive occasionally, consider joining a car-sharing service like Zipcar and Flexcar instead of owning your own wheels.
• Make it a policy to encourage telecommuting (a nice perk that's also good for the planet!) and make it easy for employees to take alternative modes of transportation by subsidizing commuter checks, offering bike parking, or organizing a carpool board.

10) Create a healthy office environment

• Make it a habit to use nontoxic cleaning products. Brighten up your cubicle with plants, which absorb indoor pollution.
• Make it a policy to buy furniture, carpeting, and paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and won't off-gas toxic chemicals.

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Interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century. Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished between leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill levels. While many different leadership theories have emerged, most can be classified as one of eight major types:

1. "Great Man" Theories:
Great Man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term "Great Man" was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership.

2. Trait Theories:
Similar in some ways to "Great Man" theories, trait theories assume that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership. Trait theories often identify particular personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. If particular traits are key features of leadership, then how do we explain people who possess those qualities but are not leaders? This question is one of the difficulties in using trait theories to explain leadership.

3. Contingency Theories:
Contingency theories of leadership focus on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. According to this theory, no leadership style is best in all situations. Success depends upon a number of variables, including the leadership style, qualities of the followers and aspects of the situation.

4. Situational Theories:
Situational theories propose that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variables. Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making.

5. Behavioral Theories:
Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born. Rooted in behaviorism, this leadership theory focuses on the actions of leaders not on mental qualities or internal states. According to this theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.

6. Participative Theories:
Participative leadership theories suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the input of others into account. These leaders encourage participation and contributions from group members and help group members feel more relevant and committed to the decision-making process. In participative theories, however, the leader retains the right to allow the input of others.

7. Management Theories:
Management theories (also known as "Transactional theories") focus on the role of supervision, organization and group performance. These theories base leadership on a system of rewards and punishments. Managerial theories are often used in business; when employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail, they are reprimanded or punished.

8. Relationship Theories:
Relationship theories (also known as "Transformational theories") focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task. These leaders are focused on the performance of group members, but also want each person to fulfill his or her potential. Leaders with this style often have high ethical and moral standards.

By Kendra Cherry, About.com Guide

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Trik Efektif Menghadapi interview

Wawancara merupakan proses penting untuk mendapatkan pekerjaan. Berhasil tidaknya Anda mendapatkan Kerja salah satunya ditentukan oleh proses wawancara. Banyak mereka yang mempunyai kemampuan diatas rata-rata atau genius, tetapi gagal dalam proses ini. Sikap dan karakter diri Anda, kematangan Anda dalam berfikir, atau bahkan persiapan yang Anda lakukan untuk menghadapi wawancara secara langsung akan mempengaruhi hasil dari wawancara. Berikut trik super efektif dalam menghadapi wawancara, baik wawancara pertama Anda maupun bagi Anda yang sudah sering melakukan wawancara.

1. Tiba lebih awal. Rencanakan untuk tiba lebih awal dari jadwal yang telah ditentukan. Dengan waktu yang masih tersisa sebelum wawancara, Anda dapat gunakannya untuk mengatur emosi, mengontrol stres yang tidak perlu, mengumpulkan pikiran agar tetap fokus, dan menyempurnakan persiapan Anda lainnya seperti pakaian dan make up Anda.

2. Jabat tangan interviewer dengan tegas dan biarkan interviewer memulai pembicaraan. Saat Anda bertemu dengan interviewer , pandanglah kedua matanya dan jabatlah tangannya dengan tegas. Interviewer akan mengetahui karakter Anda melalui cara Anda berjabat tangan. Berikan kesempatan kepada interviewer untuk memulai pembicaraan. Misalnya menanyakan nama Anda, menjelaskan tugas Anda, dan posisi Anda. Hal ini akan memberikan kempatan kepada Anda untuk mencerna informasi dari interviewer.

3. Berikan jawaban yang singkat dan jelas. Dalam sebuah wawancara ada beberapa pertanyaan kunci yang sebaiknya Anda jawab dengan singkat namun jelas. Contohnya “Apa yang menjadi alasan Anda untuk hengkang dari perusahaan sebelumnya?”, “Apa yang menjadi kelebihan dan kekurangan Anda?”, “Kesalahan apa yang pernah Anda perbuat dan bagaimana mengatasinya?” dan sebagainya. Usahakan Anda menjawab semua pertanyaan yang diberikan sesuai dengan jalur dan jangan memberikan jawaban yang akan menimbulkan pertanyaan baru atau membingungkan interviewer.

4. Aktif dalam percakapan. Ciptakan hubungan yang akrab dengan interviewer dan ajukan pertanyaan yang berhubungan dengan lowongan kerja yang Anda lamar. Misalnya peraturan perusahaan, kebijaksanaan perusahaan yang Anda dapatkan jika diterima untuk bekerja (Jamsostek, tunjangan hari raya, dll).

5. Tetap rendah hati. Walaupun Anda sudah cukup berpengalaman, terapkanlah sikap rendah hati. Jangan sampai Anda meremehkan persyaratan dan pertanyaan yang diberikan oleh interviewer. Jawab pertanyaan dengan senyuman dan jawaban yang mengesankan. Sikap rendah hati akan sangat disukai walaupun Anda sudah mempunyai segudang pengalaman kerja karena hal inilah yang mencerminkan sikap Anda nantinya jika Anda diterima untuk bekerja.

6. Perlihatkan minat dan semangat. Ekspresi wajah Anda akan sangat berpengaruh pada kesan interviewer terhadap Anda. Ekspresi yang monoton tidak akan membuat interviewer berminat dan yakin akan kemampuan Anda. Cerikan tentang pengalaman yang telah anda jalani dengan ekspresi yang bersemangat dan yakinkan interviewer bahwa Anda akan sukses melakukan pekerjaan yang baru nantinya berkat pengalaman dimasa lalu.

7. Menetapkan harapan Anda. Pada umumnya, sebelum dilakukannya wawancara Anda diharuskan mengisi formulir interview yang berisikan informasi tambahan yang dibutuhkan oleh perusahaan untuk menyeleksi kandidatnya, termasuk salary dan fasilitas yang diharapkan. Jangan mematok harga yang tidak rasional. Lebih bijak jika Anda megukur terlebih dahulu kemampuan Anda bukan mengikuti keinginan Anda, lalu simpulkan seberapa layak Anda mendapatkan salary dan fasilitas jika Anda diterima untuk bekerja di perusahaan tersebut. Jangan lupa untuk mencari informasi standard salary perusahaan dari karyawan, internet dan beberapa buku panduan lainnya. Contohnya, untuk standar gaji lulusan S1, D3, SMA sederajat dan sebagainya. Lebih banyak informasi yang Anda dapatkan akan lebih mematangkan persiapan Anda untuk wawancara.

8. Jangan menceritakan kelemahan perusahaan sebelumnya. Ada beberapa interviewer yang memancing peserta wawancara untuk mencari selah agar Anda mencerikan kelemahan perusahaan dimana Anda bekerja sebelumnya. Hindari menceritakan kelemahan perusahaan, atasan bahkan lingkungan kerja Anda sebelumnya. Ada beberapa asumsi dari sang interviewer jika Anda terpancing dengan pertanyaan ini “Jika Anda mengundurkan diri dari perusahaannya, akan sangat memungkinkan jika Anda juga akan menceritakan kelemahan perusahaannya” Agar tidak terpancing dengan tipe pertanyaan seperti ini, persiapkanlah jawaban Anda sebelum menghadapi wawancara. Ingat, Bukan berarti Anda harus berbohong untuk menutupi kelemahan perusahaan sebelumnya. Intinya buatlah jawaban yang sekreatif mungkin dan tidak manipulatif.

9. Ucapkan terima kasih dan follow up. Setelah wawancara selesai jangan lupa ucapkan terima kasih pada interviewer karena Anda telah diberikan kesempatan untuk wawancara meskipun Anda nantinya tidak diterima bekerja di perusahaan tersebut atau tidak tertarik pada pekerjaaan tersebut. Dan jangan lupa untuk follow up, sejauh mana hasil dari wawancara. Anda bisa menghubungi perusahaan untuk menanyakan hasil wawancara.

Anda harus berjiwa besar jika Anda tidak diterima untuk bekerja, tetapi setidaknya Anda mendapatkan pengalaman dan ilmu dari wawancara tersebut, sehingga Anda akan mempunyai gambaran dan dapat mengantisipasi apa yang akan terjadi dikemudian hari jika Anda menghadapi wawancara.

Remember ! Kegagalan adalah proses dari pembelajaran.