Be As Nice As You Want, Just Dont Be Rude

Be As Nice As You Want, Just Dont Be Rude Jeremy in accounts is extremely  annoying to talk to and most probably hiding something no one is that  friendly. Ask him one question and commit to 20 minutes of sickly-sweet small talk. Send him an email and he replies within the minute, wishing you a good morning, afternoon or evening. Hes always got time for everyone. Hes just too nice. And then theres Sarah who sits on the board and hasnt got one nice bone in her body. She hasnt got much time for anyone really; her emails are short, sharp and completely lacking warmth. She wont join in on an office  Happy Birthday singalong and replies good thanks to your how are you this morning? without ever returning the question. She  keeps her distance and  doesnt care for niceties. Dealing with  extremes The office is a  breeding ground for conflicting personality types. Most people tend to sit  comfortably in the  middle ground between too nice and not nice enough; friendly and personable with a side of straight talking. However, wherever people are involved, there are always going to be extremes and consequences. and contradictory messages! There are so many conflicting messages around about how nice we should be in the workplace.  As  kids were told to play nicely, then as we move through our  adult years  were frequently warned that the nice guys finish last. In order to be successful, weve got to cut the fluff and do away with niceties, but weve also got to build strong relationships  and get people to like us. So then, whats  worse; being too nice or not nice enough? Too  nice While you  might  think being nice to absolutely everyone all the time is an automatic people-pleaser,  theres a lot of talk about how it can be damaging. Some say being too nice might  make you seem  boring, encourage people to  advantage of you and put your motives up for questioning. Needless to say, these  perceptions could all be detrimental to your reputation, undermining your ability to form meaningful  relationships with other professionals. or not nice enough? On the other hand, being perceived as not nice enough  also has the ability to turn people against you. Theres evidence to suggest being really nice to people can actually make you feel  happier, less stressed and ultimately more successful so what does that say about people who dont even try to be nice?  Those who are  extremely  direct  and impersonal  might get things done quicker and demand respect across the company, but at what cost? Do what you want It all boils down to the fact that people are naturally going to fall one way or the other; either theyll err on the side of being too nice or become accustomed to being not nice enough. And thats fine; at the end of the day theres no exact science as to  how nice you  should or shouldnt be in order to get further ahead in your career.  Its  definitely not black and white, but  there is one thing that is non-disputed. Regardless of how nice or not nice enough you choose to be, there is absolutely no reason to be rude. but dont be rude! Be direct; be stern if you like.  Do away with small talk if you need to. But dont try to justify to  yourself that rudeness is okay, because its not. Showing no remorse for messing someones schedule around, being late for meetings or making people wait is unacceptable. Speaking to people  in a patronising,  aggressive or bitterly sarcastic tone is not okay. Ignoring people or belittling them in front of others or behind closed doors for that matter could be considered bullying and can have serious repercussions for you.  Completely disregarding the effect of your actions and tone of voice on those around you is extremely careless and something to be ashamed of. Regardless of whether youre great at your job,  if you make other people feel miserable and continually alienate yourself,  at the end of the day, no one wins. You dont have to be friends with your colleagues  (or  even want them on your side), but no one is above common courtesy and everyone deserves to be treated with a certain level of respect.  What impact is your rudeness having on those around you? Treat people how you wish to be treated Its amazing  the effect one person can have on  others. Regardless of whether you fall into the too nice or not nice enough categories, or somewhere in between,  assess whether youd be happy to  be on the receiving end of your emails, words or actions. Be as nice as you want, just dont be rude.

What Executives Can Learn From Dog Owners - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

What Executives Can Learn From Dog Owners - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career “You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his dog.”  anonymous Surprisingly, dog owners and trainers can teach valuable lessons to business owners about establishing and maintaining good relationships. And while dogs are known to be loyal to their owners, there are some things owners do to advance the bond, instill loyalty and develop long term, meaningful relationships. Obviously, Im not suggesting that people are as simple as dogs but when it comes to good relationships there are certain basic principles which apply. What Does It Take to Endear a Dog? Dog breeders and veterinarians alike agree that dogs are very loyal and intelligent animals. You can create lasting friendships with them and make them loyal to you by implementing consistent, transparent and well communicated rules of the relationship Training and Building Loyalty Clarity and repetition Every trainer will tell you that being consistent and showing empathy will endear your pet. To perform our best we all need to understand what is expected of us. When we have challenges outside of work, we never forget those employers and managers who offer support. When employees are treated with respect, recognized as multi-dimensional human beings with lives outside of work, typically there is a great return on the investment; employees show loyalty as  they dont feel like another cog in the system. Use Clear Language Make your rules and regulations clear to everyone. Just as a trainer must give clear commands so as not to confuse his pet, employers should do the same for employees to eliminate confusion about their job description, expected behavior at work and the consequences that result from breaking the rules. At the very least, employees cant get away with saying they didnt know the policy on that issue. Clear communication and succinct job descriptions let everyone know whats expected of them and how theyll be evaluated. Praise When your dog behaves favorably, the smart pet owner praises and rewards him.   So too for employers, people need to have positive feedback and recognition for a job well done. Let your employees know when theyre doing a good job and let their peers know as well. Also, rewards that are personal (vacations or theatre tickets) have a greater impact on building loyalty that plaques and awards. Tone of communication When your dog does something wrong, use a stern, friendly tone to reprimand him. Your tone is also important when critiquing an employee.   Too aggressive and harsh puts someone on the defensive. A stern yet controlled tone expresses respect. Time together to establish a relationship Petting and playing with your dog is an important way to fend off boredom and keep your dog happy. Taking him for walks also boosts your dog’s energy and helps him work off pent up energy and avoid becoming depressed.  While petting an employee could get you in big trouble, allowing them time for exercise and providing a venue for workouts can increase productivity and enhance your employees’ sense of general well being. Environment Make the dog believe she belongs. The owner or primary caretaker of the dog should be at the top and your dog should respect this leader. This will ensure a happy home where both you and your dog are safe. But include them in the space wherever you and your family are as much as possible. So too with employees. Give them chances to meet with superiors as mentors and include them in meetings and brainstorming sessions. Discipline carefully Dog owners who are overly harsh in disciplining their pets are said to breed angry animals. Being sensitive yet firm when disciplining displays sincerity and discretion. Understand and respond before accidents happen. Give your employees a heads up before disciplining them.   Show them how they could improve and encourage them and never scream or reprimand them in public. Humiliating employees breaks down the trust and will inevitably destroy the loyal bond between employer and employee. Enrichment and perks   Just as dogs enjoy outlets for stress, boredom, or frustration, so does humans. While the dog may be satisfied with her chew toys or balls, humans may require other perks to lift their spirits. Offer a budget for courses that could develop skills or bring in guest speakers who are experts on topics that interest your employees to inspire them and encourage creativity. At the end of the day, we all know that dogs and humans are widely different. Humans are capable of solving complex problems and dogs are intelligent yet limited in what they can innovate. Dogs are generally agreeable friends-they ask no questions and offer no criticisms. It is their nature is to look up to us. That being said, there are some shared instincts that these animals and humans have: an inclination to seek comfort, pleasure and attach to those who care for them. Observing how consistent  and clear communication of dog owners result in loyalty leads one to conclude that strong bonds are developed when the leader is empathic, compassionate and tries to understand meet the needs of his followers. Respect and loyalty are usually the outcome of a leader who properly treats his employers well. Perhaps, increasing productivity, motivation and engagement has its foundation on those simply truths. Dog owners love their pets and show it thereby getting their loyalty in return. Show a little more love at work and you too may earn the respect and loyalty of your employees or the lack of it may come back to bite you!

Keeping It In The family Who You Know, Not What You Know

Keeping It In The family Who You Know, Not What You Know ‘It’s so, so normal’ to get a job and especially a first job through family connections, states the popular career agony aunt of Ask a Manager. And in a world where 7 in 10 new graduates use family connections to get their first job, she may just be right. But is this simply a way of life, to be accepted, or it is providing kids from wealthy, well-connected backgrounds with a hugely unfair advantage that should be stamped out immediately? Which industries are most rife with such favouritism, and are there any situations in which it’s completely acceptable? In years gone by, many firms kept business in the family, the words ‘and sons’ featuring in the name of many family companies. Whilst nowadays some businesses are passed down, family connections are more common when it comes placing your children into high-powered firms or careers. Where does the issue lie? The issue of privilege spans a huge range of career paths, and is not exclusive to any one industry. Perhaps the most obvious industry is that of performance. Such famous figures as Emma Roberts and even Daniel Radcliff (whose mother is a casting agent) gained access to the spotlight through family connections. Whilst the music industry enjoys flaunting such figures as Ed Sheeran and X-factor stars One-Direction as excelling through pure talent, it’s clear that this doesn’t apply to the majority of chart-topping artists, with pop stars like Miley Cyrus and Lily Allen having connections to thank for giving them their first shot at stardom. In careers perhaps less visible to the general public, a powerful family can get your foot into seemingly immovable doors. Gaining experience in legal fields, for example, can be a long and arduous process with rounds of application â€" but if you know a judge you’ve no problems, and can easily spend a week in court with top barristers. Money begets money  The corporate world is similarly accessible for those with blood ties. As the age old adage goes, it really is about who you know, just as much â€" if not more so â€" than what you know. The big problem for those that don’t have these connections is that such contacts go hand in hand with money. Of the richest 5 people in the world, 4 of them are entrepreneurs whose careers are built on their own businesses, and starting a new business takes an initial input of money. Whilst it’s all very well saying that setting up a new company is a risky business, the only ones actually able to do this are those with the initial capital behind them. But can hardship help?  J K Rowling holds that it is failure which brings the greatest inner strength, setting you free in allowing you to realise your greatest fears and survive them. Those who have grown up in privileged families fear this all the more, and this is perhaps a reason why some of the most well-known entrepreneurs come from working class backgrounds. Conversely, those that come from lower class backgrounds use this as a selling point of their success. As Rowling says, poverty is never glamorous, but the rise from it can be. Where do we go from here? So what effect is this selective approach to job opportunities having? Such connections grant chances to new graduates, at the exclusion of those from less privileged backgrounds. Furthermore, when basic needs such as rent and food are met and such fears of homelessness eliminated, it’s much easier to strive for a career â€" be this creative or otherwise â€" which requires risks and time commitment without remuneration. For now, the more visible issue is that of finances not connections, and whilst such companies as the BBC have clamped down on allowing entry through friends and family connections, in many companies across numerous industries the right contacts might just (unfortunately) make you the right person for the job. Alexandra Jane  is the writer and editor of  graduate careers advice  for Inspiring Interns, a  graduate recruitment  agency. Check out their website to see which  internships  and  graduate jobs  are currently available, as well as their graduate jobs Manchester page for further opportunities. Image credits: Connections.

5+ Best Food Server Interview Questions Answers - Algrim.co

5+ Best Food Server Interview Questions Answers - Algrim.co We’ve compiled the absolute best food server interview questions and answers to help you get hired in the hospitality industry. Being a food server has a few main benefits. Firstly, you get to learn the hospitality business, which can be a great opportunity for you later in life (either starting your own restaurant or potentially becoming a manager). Secondly, you get the opportunity to earn a considerable amount of money on an hourly basis thanks to tipping. Those who are able to handle server positions with the highest quality often times prevail quite considerably in terms of compensation on an hourly basis (anywhere from $25 - $50 per hour). Food Server Interview Questions & Answers Below are the best food server interview questions I could find based on hiring and being hired in the hospitality business. As with all of the interview questions, it's important that you practice these at home with a friend. The more you can feel confident about your answers, the better chance you will have of being hired for that position. Ask your friend to throw in a few trick questions and situational interview questions to throw you off. 1. How do you handle the rush hours? It is important to be prepared in advance for any rush hour events. Being prepared with all clean silverware, menu’s and clean tables can absolutely help to get customers into a seat quickly and start the process of their customer experience off on the right foot. 2. How can you ensure you are going to be left a good tip? Service should be communicative, friendly, not overbearing and helpful. If I can help a customer decide on what’s best for them to eat or maybe provide them some insights on cocktails, I am doing my job. I would never get upset at a customer if they are having a hard time choosing which meal to order or which drink to order. I should also not badger the table, meaning I should wait until the conversation has slowed at the table before I approach it. 3. How do you prepare for hygienic and sanitary environments? Always wash your hands after using the restroom, when under the weather I should never attend work and whenever handling food it should be with clean utensils or with gloves. 4. What do you do if a customer is unhappy with their food? Being apologetic and trying to understand their situation is the best place to be here. Asking them if we can replace their food or improve their experience is first and foremost. 5. What do you do if a customer is unhappy with their service? Asking them how we can better improve the experience is first and foremost. Then asking a manager to come out and apologize to the customers as well. Giving them something for their lack of service may help, like a free drink. Related Server Resources Server Job Description: Salary, Duties, Skills Server Cover Letter Sample Related Hiring Resources Banquet Server Job Description Sample Server Cover Letter Sample Server Job Description Sample Server Resume Objective Examples Server Resume Example

Writing a Degree in Progress on Resume

Writing a Degree in Progress on ResumeWriting a degree in progress on resume is a sure way to gain your goal. Here are few helpful pointers that may help you achieve your goal of gaining employment.No matter what kind of degree you have, the first thing you need to remember is to make sure that you write all your grades in the right format. A grade that looks like a number will not stand out in a resume. In fact, this will not make the recruiter to read your resume. So, when you have some D's in your record, put them in red.If you take care of the proper formatting for your grade data, you can make the hiring manager's job easier. He can read the complete information on your resume, making the reader understand the reasoning behind the post-baccalaureate program. The better the reading, the more chance he will go ahead with the hiring process.Also, don't forget to include the job description that fits you and your resume. You should also consider including details about the work expe rience. This will allow the hiring manager to get a better idea of your professional worth.Do not forget to attach your work experience in your resume; it is one of the best ways to expand your employer's knowledge. For example, if you have worked in retail, include this on your resume to emphasize your potentials. If you have had your work experience in sales, you will be easily remembered by a general sales position.It is always a good idea to put the nice details in your resume to make them stand out. You can add a list of accomplishments, but keep it brief; this will create a short, crisp outline of the particular job where you can emphasize your skills. Finally, writing a degree in progress on resume is important. When you have nothing else to do, you should always remember to write it down. You can find a lot of free time for writing on the Internet; therefore, don't waste it on useless stuff.Finally, don't forget to add a list of past jobs on your resume. When you apply for a job, the employer will give a chance to choose whether or not you can go in for the job. It is always advisable to highlight your past skills and experiences in order to convince the employer that you are a professional.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better We have always believed that the employer has the upper hand. They have the jobs and we want the jobs. They have the money and resources to promote their brand or product, or service, we dont. Both of these statements are false. Lets make the job search process the launch of a business. Tom Peters wrote about Me Inc long before it was cool to talk about personal branding. (Heres the FastCompany article if you havent read it yet.) As a business, you are looking for potential business opportunities. These opportunities might include providing a service. This service would be conducted within a company. This logic puts the power back in your hands. And this continues through out the interviewing process. View the interview as an exchange. It is a two way street! You want to see if this is the right opportunity for your business and they want to know if you are a good fit for their company. The other way you can level the playing field is to use the same tactics employers are using today to attract talent. They develop an on-line reputation for being an employer of choice. They tout their press releases, news and events on their corporate websites. They list their features and benefits. They are developing their brand. It costs very little, and sometimes nothing, to develop your own on-line presence. Now you can begin to manage your on-line brand and become an service provider of choice for a company. Google, BING, Yahoo, any search engine, should point to you. Employers are searching for information about you in various places in various ways. Make it easy for them to find your service! The Blog is the New Resume, from The Underground Job Network has summarized why having a blog is a wise move for managing Me Inc. An article by Forbes is referenced in this post and it explains the Four New Job-Search Trends. You deserve to feel in control. You deserve to re-gain some of the lost power. Start today by managing your company!

Job Preparedness Indicator, December 2014 - CareerEnlightenment.com