5 Phrases You Really Should Avoid Using at Work

5 Phrases You Really Should Avoid Using at Work These days, many employees are interested in moving up the career ladder by attaining promotions, raises, bonuses, etc. If this is the case for you, its important to know that how you communicate with other employees and your boss can play a profound role in determining whether you are perceived in a positive or negative light. With this idea in mind, make sure you arent using any of the following five phrases when you communicate with others: 1. Dont throw him/her under the bus. This phrase is used to describe the process of getting someone in trouble by placing blame on them or not standing up for him or her. The phrase is definitely relevant within the business world because of the fact that people are constantly manipulating and using others in an unethical, harmful manner that is not acceptable. However, using a phrase like Dont throw him under the bus isnt acceptable either. The problem with the idiom is that it conjures up images of violence in the mind of the listener. This is not the type of mindset that you want to put anyone into in the work place. President of Well Said, Inc. Darlene Price once said that she deems the phrase murderous and says that it should be replaced with a statement like Dont name and blame another for a mistake. 2. Think outside the box. The idiom Think outside the box has been around for quite a while and its getting old. When a cliche is used repeatedly, it loses its originality and fails to really resonate any type of excitement or organicity. In the workplace setting, you always want to come across as an individual with fresh ideas and originality, not a cookie-cutter, robotic employee. For this reason, avoid incorporating trite phrases like Think outside the box into your conversations. 3. Thats not my problem. It is true that each employee is typically given a specific set of tasks to accomplish. It is also true that constantly taking on other peoples assignments can preclude you from getting your own work done. However, using a phrase like Thats not my problem to prevent someone from getting you to do their work is not a good idea. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that you never want to define or conceptualize a work assignment as a problem. The word problem is negative and connotes the idea that it  is a difficult, nearly insurmountable task that has to be grappled with. Difficult work assignments should be thought of as challenges or mountains to climb. Also note that phrases like Thats not my problem are alienating and promote workplace hostility by insinuating that you are not a team player. A more effective phrase would be Thats not within my scope of practice. You can learn how to incorporate other more effective phrases into your vocabulary by taking a corpo rate sales training course. These courses help you to optimize your ability to effectively communicate with both coworkers and prospective clients. 4. Im just kidding. Im just kidding is a phrase that you want to avoid at all costs. As many of us know, jokes are not always just jokes. Rather, theyre a roundabout way to communicate thoughts or feelings without making them plain directly. For this reason, telling a joke to convey your ideas or opinions can be confusing to a listener who is uncertain about whether youre serious. Thus even if you are just kidding, your joke can be taken seriously. Because of all the confusion that a phrase like Im just kidding can create, be sure that you omit it from your vocabulary in the workplace. 5. Im tired. Never, ever say Im tired in the workplace setting. The office environment should be one where your energy levels are always sufficient to complete whatever task is required of you. Saying Im tired suggests inefficacy. If you are indeed tired, think about what life changes you need to make in order to attain and maintain the energy necessary to complete your required tasks. If youre trying to do an exceptional job at work, note that the words you use can play a profound role in helping you realize your goal. By reviewing the tips and advice outlined above, you can omit problematic phrases from your vocabulary and communicate with your coworkers and boss in a more effective, positive manner. Good luck! Author:  Jennifer Livingston is  a business consultant and writer who specializes in business technology, customer relationship management, and lead management.

Personal Branding Weekly - Better Than Your Social Media Life - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Personal Branding Weekly - Better Than Your Social Media Life - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Have you seen the meme with the wish, “May your life be as awesome as you pretend it is on Facebook”? It’s funny how some people are these amazing conversationalists and witty as can be behind the monitor and then in real life they’re duds. I recently had this experience. Meeting someone who I knew and interacted with online and consistently made me laugh, I had that expectation that in real life we would literally be rolling from laughter. When we met, it was like pulling teeth in the conversation. It was painfully apparent we were really nothing more than two strangers meeting for the first time. It was so jarring that I had to take a step back and assess my own conversation and communication skills. Then, this weekend I watched people who I’ve seen have great interactions online stumped with “nothing to say” to each other in real life. You need to be better in real life than you are in social media â€" not the other way around.  [tweet this] Hopefully, these tips and this little formula will help: First, remember whoever is the one asking the question is the person controlling the conversation. Then, spend more time listening to people than talking at them. From their responses, this will help shape the context of the conversation. Be F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S. Ask about their: F = Friends and Family A = Aspirations and Accomplishments (what are they hoping to do; what have they done lately) B = Business U = Understandings (what have they learned lately) L = Loves (interests, hobbies, passions) O = Organizations (non-profits or industry associations they’re involved with) U = Undertakings (latest activities) S = Sports If you can do this when you’re in a conversation that’s seeking a topic, then you’ll see that people will find you to be â€" a great person to speak with. Make it all about them. Put structure in your conversation without sounding like you’re interrogating them and you are one step above everyone else in making friends and influencing people. This week we also covered the following topics to help your personal brand stand out: Shrinkage: An Interview with Bryan Bishop  by Patrick Reynolds Nurturing Your Networking Skills  by Debra Benton Why Mobile Technology Is Hurting Your Creativity and Career  by Crystal Washington The Great Big Secret About Getting Organized  by Nance Rosen Best Questions to Ask During Interviews to Employers  by Ceren Cubukcu How to Successfully Network When You’re In Between Companies   by The Young Entrepreneur Council Perceived as Overqualifiedâ€"What Now?  by Alex Freund 3 Strategies Moving Storm to Rainbow of Opportunity  by Elinor Stutz 6 Ways Your Job is Losing You Future Earnings  by Glassdoor.com Five Reasons Networking Is Hurting Your Career  by Richard Kirby Rookie Fashion Mistakes for New Professionals in Business  by Eddy Ricci Personal Brands: Words are Cheap  by Maria Elena Duron Using MTN Thinking to Reshape Mountains  by Jeff Shuey Words do Matter In Workplace Communication  by Skip Weisman Keep Tabs on Your Visible Personal Brand  by Susan Gilbert How to Reduce Workplace Stress  by Leslie Truex How to Network if You’re an Introvert  by Glassdoor.com 6 Variables That Will Help You Negotiate Salary  by Ken Sundheim

The Best Sights to See in the 5 Cities Most Visited for Work Travel - Classy Career Girl

The Best Sights to See in the 5 Cities Most Visited for Work Travel It’s 5 o’clock and you’ve just finished a six-hour meeting in a city you’ve never been to. With an early-morning flight to catch, you could head back to your hotel and order room service, or you could have an adventure. In the same spirit of adventure, we asked 800 US employees where they most often travel for work. The results uncovered the top five states most visited, but we wanted to know more. So we’ve narrowed it down to the No.1 city in each state, and a few things to discover. Don’t cheat yourself out of incredible memories. If you’re visiting one of these locations, you won’t want to miss their most unique dining and entertainment options. The Best Sights to See in the 5 Cities Most Visited for Work Travel 1. San Antonio, Texas The San Antonio River Walk is a must-see. Take a famous river taxi to the Mission Reach, and check out four 18th-century Spanish Colonial missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. If you get hungry for that famous Texas cuisine, pull up a chair at Biga on the Banks, winner of Open Table’s 2016 Diner’s Choice Award. Self-described as “very new American,” Biga features a new menu every night built around seasonal, sustainable ingredients. 2. New York, New York A good New York speakeasy should have a hidden location, preferably one that requires guests to knock or ring a bell to enter. Attaboy is that kind of place, but if you’re looking for a drink list, you won’t find one. You’re at the mercy of the bartender, who will combine your favorite flavors and spirits to create a custom cocktail. Also in line with the traditional elements of a 1920s speakeasy is PDT (Please Don’t Tell). Not just a hidden location, PDT guests have to step into a phone booth and dial 1 to hear the bar’s wait time. In between cocktails, make room for PDT’s incredible Torres Tots (deep-fried tater tots, topped with “chihuahua cheese, chorizo gravy, chile de árbol, chipotle crema, [and] scallions.” 3. Miami, Florida Miami isn’t known for its miles and miles of Disney-themed rides, but it does have is culture. And there’s no better place to experience it than Little Havana. Little Havana is perhaps the closest you’ll get to visiting Cuba while you’re in Miami, and it doesn’t disappoint. Colorful murals make up the backdrop of this Latin hub. When it comes to nightlife, Ball and Chain is a historical favorite, known for past headliners like Billie Holiday. Enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday, including jazz, salsa, and Latin beats. Save your appetite for a simple yet traditional meal at El Rey de las Fritas, where you can take in a real Cuban frita (a Cuban-style burger with beef, pork, and chorizo). [RELATED: 8 Ways to Choose the Best Travel Accommodations For You] 4. Sacramento, California Sacramento has an incredible array of museums, starting with the Crocker Art Museum, one of the first art museums in the US. Open late on Thursdays and home to a number of music and theater events throughout the month, Crocker is one Sacramento attraction you won’t want to miss. One of the benefits of visiting the Crocker Art Museum is its proximity to amazing eateries. Heat Shabu Baru, only a five-minute car ride away, is known for their tasty Japanese hot pots and delicious Asian-fusion cuisine. If you’re craving a little comfort food, walk 20 minutes to Mother, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant known for such lip-smacking specials as chicken-fried mushrooms and handmade pasta. 5. Atlanta, Georgia Horizon Theatre Company is one of the best-known community theaters in Atlanta, debuting six or seven plays each year. If you happen to be in Atlanta during the holidays, be sure to check out “The Santaland Diaries,” written by author and comedian, David Sedaris. As for a great place to eat … when in the South, go southern! And southern cooking in Georgia means barbecue! Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is best known for their brisket burger. Jonathan and Justin Fox cook their brisket for 10 to 12 hours and baste it with their homemade barbecue sauce. Topped with handmade pimento cheese, spicy mayo, fresh veggies, and peppered bacon, the memory of this Atlanta treat will have your mouth watering all the way home. Traveling for work isn’t always fun. For most professionals, spending time away from family is the toughest part. But taking advantage of what each city has to offer may help alleviate a few of those cravings for home. Next time you’re traveling, why not ditch the hotel fare and have an adventure instead?

How to Choose a Career Coach - Classy Career Girl

How to Choose a Career Coach Committing to the journey of navigating finding a career coach  is an investment in time, money and yourself. You need to be sure to start off with the right map or guidebook. I learned how to navigate the career coach world using my background in social science as a compass and today I am going to share with some ideas  for choosing a career coach as your guide: How to Choose a Career Coach 1. Do your research In todays online world,  it is easy to find resources  on the internet but also easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of whats out there. Try to use  strategies such as crowdsourcing to narrow down the career coach field. One well-known option is to do a search on Amazon for career books and then read the customer reviews. These are best if written by customers with a verified purchase of the book and who were not offered the book or product for free in exchange for an honest  review. You can also leverage social media. For instance,  follow people that interest you on Twitter, and see whose material those people retweet or who Twitter recommends that you follow based on your current list. 2. Take advantage of one-stop shops to maximize your time Check if your favorite career coaches offer weekly newsletters or digests through their websites. That way, youll be sure to never miss the most important or popular information theyve shared. You can also opt to receive newsletters from websites that aggregate material across multiple sources. For example, The Daily Muse or Daily Muse Twitter is a  user-friendly  site with many  quick, practical articles related to your career search. While the site is  made by and for millennials, the advice is sharp and applicable no matter what career stage youre in. 3. Take advantage of the free stuff Most coaches offer great free resources on Twitter or their websites so that you can learn more about their methodology and point of view. While you may not have the money to pay for a series of consultations with a master coach, you can learn a lot from going through these  materials. For example, Laura Garnett  (@garnettl) offers a free ebook, Maximize Your Joy At Work: 4 Steps to Having a Killer Career  Now, if you sign up for her newsletter, The Zone. And just last week, Christie Mims of The Revolutionary Club  tweeted about her free workbook: Want free help to find your passion? VOILA! https://t.co/3xEaJGXE7L  â€" Christie Mims (@RevolutionsClub) February 12, 2016 4. Know your learning style Some people like to delve deeply into a step-by-step written  guide while others prefer watching a series of videos or listening to podcasts. Whatever your style, there is most likely a career coaching resource out there for you. Of course, you can also dabble in all of the styles! I really enjoyed sitting down with The Pathfinder by Nicholas Lore (Rockport Institute), a classic in the career development field, and working through the different exercises. I also love getting a quick shot of knowledge by watching a TED Talk or listening to one of the many great podcasts out there on my way to/from work (e.g., Best Part of My Job or Best Work/Best Life by Kathy and Mo). 5. Pick a coach who has a map As coach  Kathy Caprino  writes on her blog  and on LinkedIn Pulse, An effective coach develops expertise in their craft and brings  an effective “model for change” that’s been proven, vetted and researched over many thousands of individuals, outcomes and scenarios, and is designed to help the client see her life, her problems, and the way in which she is operating in the world, differently. While  your journey is unique, a coach should provide a map  to highlight the highways and dead ends along the way. 6. Find a  voice that resonates with  you When I was researching career coaches,  I was drawn to female coaches who have an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing working women today. I decided to take an online course  by Classy Career Girl (@classycareer, AKA @AnnaRunyan) because it has a clear methodology and her journey as a working mom with a young child resonated with me. As I also wrote about on my blog, Emilie Wapnicks (@emiliewapnick) work and TEDx Talk on being a multipotentialite  sounded off all sorts of bells of recognition in my brain. There are many coaches out there today so you should be able to find one  that can  speak your career and life language. 7. Match your needs with your budget While investing in yourself and your career is a worthwhile expense, you need to be realistic about what you can afford and what you feel comfortable spending. For some, a $250-$500 consultation with a career coach is what they would spend during a jaunt to the mall. But for others that would make a serious dent in their budget (or contribute to their debt). Another reason I love The Daily Muse  is that they showcase a series of career coaches who offer support at different price points, based on their level of experience. Browsing the list  was how I was introduced to Anna Runyans work and since I didnt have a specific question that could be explored  during a 30-minute session, I instead  chose Annas Love Your Career Formula 2.0 class because I could benefit from her  entire approach at a price that fit my budget. I hope these tips have been helpful and that youll join me again, as I continue  navigating  the terrain of career development and coaching. Whether youre a first-time traveler  or a seasoned explorer, heres to making it work and loving the journey!

Sample of Writing a Resume

Sample of Writing a ResumeSample of writing a resume is a document that has been prepared from the past years of clients that are employed. It is meant to help in delivering the correct resume for each candidate that will be listed.The document is used as a marketing tool to establish the overall impression of the company to potential customers. However, there are some common mistakes that will prevent you from getting a suitable resume. In order to have an accurate resume you must first know what to write on your resume.The first major points on the resume is about the jobs and the areas where the candidate is involved in. This will greatly help the employer to know if the position is suitable for the candidate. A sample of writing a resume should also be written so that the employer will know what to expect from the person.If you are about to submit your resume, it is recommended that you keep it to a short and straightforward outline. If it is lengthy, it will show the lack of int erest in the company. In this case, a short sample of writing a resume is not enough because your resume has to look professional in appearance.It is better to mention all the previous experience that is relevant. This will ensure that the interviewer is aware of the job profile and previous experience of the candidate. By highlighting all the work that has been done, the prospective employee can further explain how he got to the position that he is interested in. Do not omit any relevant details that will serve to highlight the quality of work that has been done.If you have had a previous job that is relevant, it is advisable to mention it so that it can be included in the resume. However, you should do it in a simple manner so that it will not go beyond the limit of the sample of writing a resume. You should use bullet points to emphasize the work that was done previously to avoid a feeling of being patronized.The next thing that needs to be mentioned is the education that is take n into account when the resume is being prepared is the length of time that was spent in college and the subjects that are being studied in the schools. If the former is less than the latter, it is good to include it. This is an effective way to provide evidence of the previous schooling.The resume that is being provided by the person will be reviewed by the employer. The sample of writing a resume should be given with the correct spacing so that it is readable.

3 Sample Cover Letter Templates To Get You Started

3 Sample Cover Letter Templates To Get You Started When applying for jobs, one of the most important things to consider is how to construct your cover letter. A cover letter serves as a written introduction to your resume, which helps the employer to get to know you on a more personal level. In your cover letter you should include your skillset, why you are applying for the role, why you have chosen to apply to this particular company and your interest in the industry. It is also a great idea to include any past related work experience or previous employment history that you might have.There are many ways to approach a cover letter. The most important thing is that you demonstrate to the employer that you are interested and sincere about joining their organisation. In this blog, we’ll show you 3 cover letter templates, to help you get your dream job.The General ApproachLet’s start with the general approach. This is the most common, easy to use form of cover letter. It is simply a letter that introduces yourself and your skills to the employer. It focuses upon your personal qualities, as much as it does your skillset. This type of cover letter works well for the majority of jobs.Below we have included a sample cover letter template. In our example, we are applying for a job at a library:  The BriefThis type of cover letter is exactly what it says in the title. It is a brief of your skillset and the abilities you could bring to the organisation. This type of cover letter is best suited to organisations such as law or accountancy, where the employers are not looking for creativity.Below we have included an example cover letter template. In our example, we are applying to the role of market researcher:  The Creative CoverThis type of cover letter is more of a risk, but is aimed at industries where your role will be more creative. It shows the employer that you are an innovative, interesting person who can think outside of the box. The key to this type of cover letter is to find the right balance. You don’t wa nt to turn the employer off by being too out there. The way you approach a creative cover letter will be down to you. You can either change the structure, or the style of the writing itself.Below we have included an example cover letter template. In our example, we are applying for a role as a copyeditor:  Now that you’ve seen some examples, take a look our list of top tips for writing your cover letter.Cover Letter Top TipsAvoid rewriting your CV. It’s really important that you don’t just repeat information from your CV. Remember that this is an introduction to your resume, and should therefore introduce the key themes.Talk about the company. Make sure you research the company thoroughly prior to writing your cover letter. Tell them what it is about the organisation that has attracted you, and what you think you can offer them.Provide evidence. Don’t just list your qualities, provide evidence to back them up. For example, in our first cover letter you can see how we talked about how the library values working with children, and then highlighted an example of how we have done this in the past.Use keywords. Keywords are a great way to attract employers. They make your application stand out and will immediately draw attention to your cover letter. Use words such as ‘skilled’ ‘enthusiastic’ ‘determination’ and ‘dazzling’ to make yourself seem like an outstanding candidate.Spelling and presentation. This is fundamental. Before you submit any cover letter, you should print it out and hand it to friends and family to check through. If your cover letter is littered with spelling and punctuation errors, it will look sloppy and the employer will be likely to reject you. You need to demonstrate the same level of care and quality in your cover letter as you would whilst working for the organisation. This entry was posted in Career Advice. Bookmark the permalink. Jordan Cooke The Train Driver Numerical Visual Comparison Test (NVC)Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy: College Guide

Leadership Making Plays vs. Running Plays

Leadership Making Plays vs. Running Plays A successful basketball coach was telling me about the difference between making plays and running plays, and how the best players do both. Running plays Sports teams have set plays â€" we’ve all heard the term “playbook” â€" and they practice them.   These are about scoring.   For the play to work during a game, the coach has to know when to call for the play and then the players have to execute flawlessly.   And there’s the wild card of the other team making an adjustment that makes the play ineffective no matter how well it’s executed. Making plays Making a play, on the other hand, is when a player on the court (yes, you have to be in the game!) makes something happen based on reading the game situation and taking an action to help her team score.   It’s about making a move, creating an opportunity, improvising and finding another way to get a shot. Being “ambidextrous” While it’s poetry in motion to see a set play working, real life often gets in the way and the play doesn’t work.   That’s when you need your players to be able to make a play. When plan A falls apart, the best leaders can improvise. This coach estimates that at least 75-80% of the time, scoring is about players making plays.   That’s because both on and off the court, life is unpredictable and to paraphrase Darwin, it’s those who adapt that win. The great players are able to do both.   Being “ambidextrous” means they can always get a shot. Leaders as play-makers This applies in business and other walks of life as well.  When plan A falls apart, the best leaders can improvise. But like the greatest players, leaders have to have the foundation to be able to improvise and make plays:   Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000 hours” of practice to develop the requisite skills, the equivalent hours of game experience, the physical and mental fitness to stay sharp when it matters, and the desire to succeed. If you’re already making plays, go do more.   If you’re still building your foundation, then learning to run the play flawlessly is a great place to start.   It hones your skills and builds your muscles.   It’s like jazz musicians needing a strong core of classical music theory before they can improvise around it. Either way, don’t get stuck at just running the play, even though it’s a beautiful team activity.  The best leaders can lead the team to score outside of the set play as well. Now, go out and make your play.