The do's and don'ts of tapping your personal network for business

Susan Ricker,

Friends and family are usually happy to help out with a child's fundraiser or sponsor your 5K charity run, but when business proposals come up, you may be left with a smaller group of open minds. If you have a job that can benefit from generating new leads or adding business, what are some simple do's and don'ts to keep in mind when approaching your personal network?

Elene Cafasso is founder and president of Enerpace Inc. Executive and Personal Coaching. Here, she suggests a few rules of thumb to those who are interested in expanding business to their personal network and how to do so professionally and with tact.

DO ask for referrals
You can strategically use your network when expanding your business, simply by asking who could benefit from your services. "Ask for referrals gently," Cafasso says. "'Who do you know who needs what I do?' For instance, a financial advisor could ask, 'Who do you know who has changed jobs or left an employer recently?' Then ask for an introduction so you can help them rollover their 401K instead of leaving it someplace they've left behind."

DON'T assume they know about your experience
You may be an old family friend or an ex-classmate, but that may not necessarily validate you as a professional. Prove your skills by providing an overview of your services. "A benefit of asking for referrals is that your connection may realize they could use you themselves," Cafasso says. "And/or, you could offer a complimentary trial or sample of your services, so they'll feel more comfortable and be more knowledgeable when referring you."

DO be accessible
You're likely to appear much more legitimate, as well as organized, if you have supporting materials and resources available. "Make it easy for folks to help you, refer you, do business with you -- provide cards, flyers, literature, etc. that they can share with others," Cafasso says. Not only will they have a summary of your services and information, but if your personal network doesn't immediately commit to your pitch, you can still leave them with your information to review.

DON'T push too hard
Not only is it essential to understand your relationships before you talk business with those in your personal network, but it's also important to monitor these relationships as you introduce business. "Keep your antennae up -- if you feel your connection is uncomfortable, change the subject immediately or address it by backing off and stating that you don't want them to feel pressured or obligated in any way," Cafasso says. You may simply not be the right provider for them, or perhaps they'd like some time to consider the partnership.

DO share why you're the best business decision
Your friends and family will likely want to help you, but it's important to convey why you're a smart business decision as well. "Be sure to also share why you are in this business and what makes you unique from all the other folks out there doing the same thing," Cafasso says. Share your qualifications, your perspective on your services and what sets you apart from the competition.

DON'T come across as desperate
"Most importantly, make sure you have a thorough business plan and ample savings to support you and your family for at least six months or until you anticipate the business being able to support you," Cafasso says. "If you are financially desperate, you will put the sale over the relationship, which you'll most likely regret long term. Folks can tell when people are desperate and needy -- that's not the kind of person they feel comfortable referring or doing business with themselves."

Pitching business to your personal connections can be a smart step if you remain professional, offer exceptional service and keep your relationship in mind. However, just as you won't make every sale you attempt, not every personal connection will be interested in expanding the relationship to include business. The key to being a savvy professional instead of a sketchy friend is to be courteous and prepared.

5 ways to achieve the perfect work-life balance

Maryalene LaPonsie,

Can you have it all? Can you have a great job and a fulfilling home life?

According to 70 percent of professional men and women across the globe, the answer is yes. In a survey for a March 2013 report from Accenture Research, a majority of executives from 33 countries said they could have a successful career as well as a full life outside of the office.

If you haven't quite found that perfect work-life balance, here are five ideas to try.

1. Determine your priorities

Identifying your priorities doesn't mean choosing work over home life or vice versa. Instead, it means recognizing both contain many tasks and not all of them should be on your to-do list.

For example, in your home life, you may be a room parent at school, take a few classes at the local gym and volunteer at a nature center. At work, you may be part of an ad hoc committee while heading up a new initiative and mentoring the office intern.

Some of these activities will be priorities simply because they are a basic function of your job or a necessity of life. For everything else, record a log of how you spend your time for a week. Don't forget to include such things as watching TV or surfing the Internet.

Note how much time you spent on the activity and how you felt afterward. Did it leave you exhilarated and satisfied or exhausted and angry? Items in the former category are likely to be your priorities.

2. Cull your schedule of unneeded and unfulfilling "busy work"

If you look over your log and realize you are one busy person, there is probably a reason for that. Although conventional wisdom says excess busyness leads to lower life satisfaction, a study published in 2010 by the journal Psychological Science finds that people actually prefer to be busy.

Now that you have a log of your activities, pinpoint which ones are meaningful and which ones are simply filling time. Maybe you volunteer in your child's class because you think you should, or perhaps you took on the ad hoc work committee because you can't say no. Eliminate these activities to make room and save energy for those things you truly enjoy.

3. Have clear boundaries for work

To have the perfect work-life balance, you can't let your work overwhelm the other aspects of your life. And that means having clear boundaries between work time and home time.

Depending on your type of work, you may be able to leave your job behind completely when you leave the office. Other positions may require you to finish up some tasks at home and on the weekends.

In these situations, set aside a specific time to work, and once the designated time is done, pack everything away for the evening. Unless you are on a hard deadline, tasks can probably wait until the next day.

In addition, resist the urge to be "on call" outside of work hours. Unless it is an expectation of your job, save return calls and emails until the next business day.

4. Outsource and delegate when you can

If you find there is simply no way to keep up on your work without logging in long hours at home, it may be time to outsource some of your tasks.

Unless you are a supervisor, it may be difficult to unload some of your job duties onto others. In that case, interns can be excellent resources. What may be a menial task to you may be interesting to them. For example, interns may be happy to scan trade magazines, file paperwork and do data entry.

While it may be tempting to dump all your busy work on an intern, be sure to make this a win-win arrangement. Find out what they are hoping for during the internship -- such as learning a certain skill -- and make sure they have the opportunity to do so.

5. Unplug at least once a week

Unplugging from your computer and phone is a sure-fire way to avoid having your work overrun your home life.

You could shut down the electronics for an entire day on the weekend or a shorter period of time each day, such as after 7 p.m. each weeknight. If you don't know you have 12 work-related emails waiting in your inbox, you won't be tempted to answer them.

As an added bonus, a 2012 study published in the online journal PLOS One found unplugging and getting outside helps spur creativity. That may mean unplugging can do more than help you achieve a perfect work-life balance; it may also give you that "aha moment" that could take your career to the next level.

7 common types of managers and how to work with them

By Susan Ricker, CareerBuilder writer

Whether you love 'em or want to leave 'em, your manager plays a significant role in your work life. And the sooner you understand your boss's management style, the easier your work day becomes.
Weighing in on the different types of managerial styles is a panel of experts: Kathleen Brush has a Ph.D. in management, more than 20 years' experience as a senior executive and is the author of "The Power of One: You're the Boss." George Dutch is a career and leadership development consultant at www.jobjoy.com. Jeremy Kingsley is a professional speaker and author of "Inspired People Produce Results." Roberta Matuson is the author of "Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around" and president of Matuson Consulting.

Check out these common types of managers, as well as advice for a better working relationship.

1. The Neanderthal
"[This style] of leadership is the boss who delivers directions in the form of orders, like 'do this' or 'do this now,'" Brush says. "This is the boss that hasn't quite embraced that he is a leader of thinking, caring people and not cavemen that are fine with communications that sound more like grunts." If your manager is stuck in the Stone Age, make the extra effort to clarify his directions and understand that quarter's objectives and the projects you're assigned.
2. The Mum
"[This] is one where the boss seems to forget that employees are not like mushrooms -- they don't do well in the dark," Brush says. "The best thing for an employee to do with a shy boss or one with the 'Mum' style is to give regular prompts or pings for communications. Ask for directions, updates and feedback. This employee may find that she is training her boss, who may have been quite competent as a shy individual contributor, and that's okay. Employees that help their bosses look good, without making them feel inadequate, will usually find their boss's gratitude in exchange."
3. The Director
"The manager prefers to get the work done through the efforts of others -- subordinates, assistants, associates -- in the manner they, as the boss, determine is correct, appropriate or effective," Dutch says. The Director is great at moving projects forward and getting work done, though the constant flow of orders may cause some employees to feel over-managed. If you work better with a hands-off manager, strive to show how successful your projects and work can be when done on your own, and establish a track record of accomplishments.
4. The Micro-manager
"This person is always involved in every aspect, almost like a control freak," Kingsley says. "They need to know every detail, no matter how small, and seem to hover around employees watching their every move. A few things that may help in this situation: First, send an email to them with updates often, maybe even on a scheduled day and time. Second, when you see them, mention a few words about how things are going. Assure them with a positive outlook on progress."
5. The Warm and Fuzzy Manager
"They always have something nice to say, always mention how great the company is doing and how they think you are doing a great job," Kingsley says. "Now, encouragement is of course a good thing, but not giving honest feedback is not. First, ask them to be up front and open with you. Second, give them permission to share concerns and constructive criticism."
6. The Democratic Manager
"This person likes to draw from the knowledge and skills of other people," Kingsley says. "They like to create groups and promote brainstorming. Depending on the situation, this can be positive or negative. Certain situations can be quickly solved with a group discussion. Certain situations can take a turn for the worse when there are 'too many cooks in the kitchen.' First, if asked to be involved, make sure it is an area that you really can add value; don't just sit in to take up space. Second, when you are in a meeting, speak up and share what you think is best. Be kind but direct."
7. The Laissez-faire Manager
This type of manager is hands off, Matuson explains. "[He] provides very little communication and believes that people know exactly what to do without being told. You can best manage this type of boss by being respectful of his time. Ask clarifying questions, keep your boss informed and be prepared to manage your own performance."
No matter what type of manager you have, remember that the relationship is just as much about you as your boss. "There are bad bosses out there, without a doubt," Dutch says. "And some workplaces are structurally dysfunctional. But each relationship is a two-way street, and most relationships break down due to poor communications which, in itself, is often a symptom of deeply rooted misunderstandings about what truly motivates us."

Work wear decoded: How to dress for any professional situation

By Robert Half International

"What to wear?" It's a question you've probably asked yourself a million times -- and one that takes on heightened significance when dressing for a professional setting.
Robert Half recently asked senior managers if clothing choices affect a worker's chances of earning a promotion. Eighty percent of executives said yes. But that hasn't stopped professionals from making fashion mistakes. Respondents also provided hilarious examples of office outfits that missed the mark. Among the wackiest gear employers have seen: pajamas, studs and motorcycle gear, a bathing suit and even a dinosaur costume. And, no, none of these odd outfits was worn in observance of Halloween.
While it may be tempting to dress down in today's workplace, clothing that's too casual or revealing can keep you from getting hired or receiving a raise or promotion. Even tamer fashion faux pas, such as wearing torn jeans, low-cut shirts or flip-flops, can cost you points with the boss.

Here's how to structure your professional wardrobe for a variety of situations:
1. How to dress for a job interview
With only one chance to make a good first impression, it's best to stick to classic business attire when meeting a potential employer. For a corporate position at, say, a financial institution, a clean, well-fitting suit is the safest choice. If you're applying for a job with a less traditional company, such as a startup, you may be able to lose the tie and go for a collared shirt and khaki pants or a skirt instead.
Keep in mind that it's difficult to overdress for an interview. As long as you don't show up in a tux, you're pretty much OK. On the other hand, appearing overly casual can lead a hiring manager to believe you don't take the opportunity seriously, which could cost you the job. So, when in doubt, err on the conservative side.
2. How to dress for your first day of work
Dressing for a new job can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the company's policies around workplace wear. As such, it's always a good idea to ask about the dress code ahead of time.
If your new employer doesn't have any formal fashion guidelines in place, picture what the hiring manager wore at your interview and try to emulate his style. Or choose an outfit similar to the one you wore to the meeting. In general, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed; you can always adjust your style on Day Two.
3. How to dress for casual Friday
When it comes to work-appropriate wear, the term casual can be misleading. No matter what day of the week your team has decided to collectively dress down, don't make it an excuse to be lazy.
Always keep in mind what your clothes say about you. Sweats, for instance, should be reserved for the gym or for lounging at home; ditto for too-tight yoga pants and T-shirts you'd normally wear to bed. While jeans in place of slacks or dress pants may fit the parameters of your office's casual code, they should still appear professional in both fit and style.
4. How to dress for changes in the weather
As temperatures rise, hemlines tend to get shorter. However, there are very few office jobs where showing a lot of skin -- no matter the season -- is a good professional move.
During the summer, opt for lightweight slacks and dresses or skirts that hit within an inch-and-a-half of the knee. If the heat is unbearable, consider opening a window, asking your office manager to turn on the A/C or pointing a desk fan at yourself.
When the weather cools, similar rules apply. Keep your style professional and conservative, and don't let the need to bundle up become an excuse for dressing too casually. Layers you can shed once you get to the office are a great option. If you must wear boots to wade through sleet and slow, be sure to bring office-worthy shoes to change into (or keep a pair at your desk).
5. How to dress when you want to stand out
If blending into the crowd isn't your style outside the office, you may be tempted to differentiate yourself in a similar way at work. Rules around slogan-bearing shirts, visible tattoos and piercings differ from company to company, so make sure you're up to speed on the finer points of your employer's dress policy. No matter the guidelines, don't go overboard. You can often still get your point across with small touches, such as an interesting button or pin, cool earrings or wacky socks.
While these tips can help you make better decisions around your work attire, every office has its own set of rules when it comes to what is and isn't kosher. When in doubt, go for more conservative clothing or ask your employer to clarify the dress code for you. Finally, before you head out the door in the morning, remember: If you need to ask yourself whether your outfit is work-appropriate, it probably isn't.

6 things to never say at work

By Beth Braccio Hering,

Don't tarnish your reputation by making whiny, haughty or untrue statements. Remember, silence can be golden -- especially if it prevents you from uttering one of these potentially career-damaging phrases:

1. "I can't take on any more work. I'm completely overwhelmed already."
Run your fingers through your hair and let out a big sigh during this lament and colleagues will either nominate you for an Academy Award or provide the number of a good therapist. Professionals work on solving problems, not creating drama.

"Yes, the recession and corporate downsizing has meant fewer people doing more work; however, employers want employees who can manage their workloads and communicate when they have reached their maximum capacity," says Lisa Quast, CEO of Seattle-based Career Woman Inc. and author of "Your Career, Your Way!" "A much better comment is, 'Let's look at my project list and see where we can work this in. It might mean moving something else out to a later date.'"

2. "Joe is an idiot."
Yes, maybe he is -- and he may be your boss someday. Don't say something you'll later regret. Even if he doesn't find out, bad-mouthing a co-worker can make listeners wonder what you say about them when they aren't around.

"Never throw your colleagues under the bus or talk about them behind their back," says career coach Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." "Colleagues who trust and admire you will be your best support system to promote your reputation as desirable and valuable. When they don't feel that you are transparent in your intentions, your disruptive actions will raise doubts about your ability to be both a team player and a team motivator. Both are essential assets for effective leadership."

3. "That's not fair!"
Brad Karsh, president of Chicago-based JB Training Solutions and co-author of the upcoming book "Manager 3.0: A Millennial's Guide to Rewriting the Rules of Management," notes that this statement is frequently uttered by younger workers. "It may sound harsh, but in the working world, fair does not always mean equal. It can be difficult to understand that at work it's not always fair up and down, but it's also not fair across. For example, a company may hire 100 entry-level employees on the same day. Are they all going to get promoted or receive raises on the same day? No. They may work different hours a week, at different locations and for different types of people. It will never be fair in your career, so get over it."

4. "That's not how we did it at my old company."
Make such a comment and colleagues may wonder why you ever left the other employer. As Quast notes, "No one likes an arrogant know-it-all who thinks they're better than others or who believes their previous company did things better." Skip the comparisons and focus instead on articulating your ideas clearly and respectfully.

5. "I'll have it on your desk by 3 p.m." (when you know you won't)
Your boss and colleagues have deadlines, too. When you fail to deliver, it affects others. On those rare occasions when you can't fulfill a promise, have the decency to give a heads-up. Deadlines may be changeable or perhaps other workers can shift focus to help out.

"(Don't) tell people -- whether they are colleagues, vendors, clients and customers or management -- what you think they want to hear instead of the truth," Cohen says. "For example, if you knowingly provide a client with incorrect information about a delivery date and you fail to honor that deadline, you risk tarnishing both your credibility and the reputation of your company. The potential impact may be enormous as customers abandon you for a more reliable provider."

6. "I'm bored."
Nothing good ever comes from this statement. Overworked colleague Mary will want to slug you, cubicle neighbor Jeff will think you're a slacker, and your boss will question why he's bothering to give you a paycheck this week.

"There's always something you could be doing," Karsh says. "Take the initiative to tackle new projects; don't wait to be asked to do something. Be innovative and find new projects to work on to make your boss's life easier. Figure out what is keeping your boss up at night, and solve that problem."

Questions about hiring process for workers with disabilities

Susan Ricker,

As an employer or potential employee, you may have some questions about the hiring process for workers with disabilities. Sometimes it's not clear what questions are all right to ask or what policies are important to understand.

Some common questions are answered here by Barbara Otto, CEO of Health & Disability Advocates, the Chicago-based policy and advocacy organization that operates Think Beyond the Label. Think Beyond the Label is a public-private partnership that delivers information, outreach and resources to businesses, job seekers and the public workforce system to ensure greater recruiting and hiring opportunities for job candidates with disabilities.

Q: Is it always necessary to disclose a disability in the workplace?
Otto: Employees and candidates are not required to disclose a disability, and employers are prohibited from asking the question. However, if they have a known disability, either because it is obvious -- for example, they use a wheelchair -- or because they have disclosed the fact that they have a hidden disability, employers can ask them to describe or demonstrate how they would perform a job-related function.

At Think Beyond the Label, we advise all our partners that the top priority in any interview is to ensure that the candidate has the skills and ability to do the job. Once skills and ability are established, the "how" of getting the job done comes next.

If an accommodation is needed to perform job-related functions, it is the candidate's or employee's responsibility to request that accommodation. The employer cannot ask. ... More than half of workplace accommodations cost the employer nothing, while the rest typically cost up to only $500. The result is improved retention and productivity.

Q: How can you determine if you should disclose your disability to co-workers and the boss?
Otto: A good rule of thumb for disclosing a disability is determining whether your disability is relevant to how you will get the job done. Let's take someone with a hearing impairment as an example. If you need most workplace communications to take place in writing in order to function as an effective member of your team, you should request just that. You may not even need to disclose that it is because of your hearing impairment, unless there is resistance to putting most communications in writing. But generally, communicating in writing often benefits everyone on the team.

Be aware of the company's personnel policies, and make sure to include human resources if you're unsure about how to talk with your boss or co-workers about what you need to perform your job. It's the same principle for other hidden disabilities. If you have a mental health condition or other hidden disability, it is critical that you are clear with your team members or boss about the kind of communication and work parameters you need to perform your job.   

Q: In a job search, should you disclose to a potential employer that you have a disability? If so, at what stage in the hiring process?
Otto: In a job search, candidates and potential employers should always focus on the skills and abilities needed to do the job. If you have an obvious disability, you can discuss how you will perform certain job functions, and your potential employer has the right to ask how you will perform functions related to the job. If you have a non-evident disability and know that you will need accommodations to perform the job, you can inquire about how the company makes on-the-job accommodations available for workers with disabilities.

Q: If you have an employee with a non-evident disability, what questions are appropriate to ask? What questions are inappropriate?
Otto: Focus on the job and tasks related to the job, not suppositions about the employee's health or any disability. If you are aware that your employee may be struggling to perform on the job, meet with him or her to talk about performance. You cannot ask about disability; however, you can remind the employee that your company is committed to the success of every employee, and together you can talk about any barriers the employee may be facing to completing job-related tasks.

While it is up to the employee to request an accommodation for their disability, you can do your part by making sure all employees know that your company is a disability-friendly workplace. Be sure that your personnel policies include clear information about how to request an accommodation and that your supervisors and hiring managers are all well aware of the do's and don'ts for working with colleagues or team members with disabilities.

The kids are going back to school; should I?

Susan Ricker,

It's now commonplace for job seekers to consider going back to school to advance their career. But is this a practical move for everybody? Not always. There are different industry standards for education, and a specific degree or certification may not always move you forward.

While back-to-school commercials may already be playing on TV, avoid getting sucked in and decide for yourself if going back to school is the right move for your career. Karen Southall Watts, business coach, consultant and author, provides the questions you should ask yourself when considering further education, as well as the answers to best to determine your options.

How much do you know about the job potential for this course of study?
How much do you know about local opportunities, the potential need to relocate to find work and the realistic time from entry-level wages to getting a promotion? Many students enroll in "hot" fields such as nursing, for example, only to find that they are unsuited to the physical demands of the job or that there are few local employers. Older students often have family obligations that mean they cannot pick up and follow the jobs after graduation.

What is your (true) comfort level with technology?
Many schools are pushing courses online, using online registration and grading systems, and making libraries and other resources accessible via the school website. Some older students are not comfortable with intense computer use, although the stereotype of older students being computer-phobic and younger ones being digital natives is a bit deceptive. In students of any age, the ability to use things such as Facebook, email or a smartphone does not equal the ability to do online research, use computers to generate documents and presentations, or interact with online classroom software
packages.

Are you overloading your schedule?
Adult students tend to be very goal-oriented and want to finish education and training as quickly as possible in order to get into the job market. This desire to hurry up may manifest in an overloaded and unrealistic schedule. Students who are depending upon financial aid sometimes feel pressured into taking the maximum amount of hours possible. Combine these issues with family and job commitments, and a student can start an academic term in a "no win" situation -- there simply are not enough hours in the day to do what he or she wants.

Is there another option besides a full degree?
If a student is already mid-career, he or she may need only a few courses or workshops to get to the next level. Rather than shifting from one field into something completely unrelated, it may be wiser to find ways to leverage past experience and pivot to something that doesn't require starting from zero. It is essential for potential students to talk to someone in their chosen field and not just admissions advisers when making the decision to return to school and selecting a course of study.

Education can be a great option for those who have researched their career options and know which direction they'd like to take. However, if schooling isn't a smart career move for you, there are other ways to gain momentum in your career and opportunities that may lead to bigger roles down the road.

How today's workers communicate

Susan Ricker,

Today's workers have a wealth of technology and tools that allow them to communicate more quickly and efficiently. Phone and email are required in many jobs to correspond with bosses, co-workers and clients, and a growing number of roles use more forms of technology to stay in touch. While these tools are changing how business is done, are they the preferred form of communication among workers?

Several workers were interviewed about communication styles in the office, including face-to-face, email, phone and other tools used in businesses today. Find out if you're on the same page as these workers, and learn about communication tools that may help improve your productivity.

Face-to-face communication
Technology has made it easier to reach out to others, though clear communication isn't always guaranteed. The majority of those interviewed said that face-to-face communication is the preferred method of interacting with co-workers and clients, offering clear answers and sidestepping confusion.

"I personally prefer to meet with someone face-to-face whenever possible," says Chris Sinclair, founder and president of The Anthem Group, a Boston-based events agency and consulting group. "It may not always be convenient, but it is so easy to misconstrue tone and intent in an email [or] text. If face-to-face is not possible, phone would be the next best thing, just so ... you know exactly what a person is implying when they say something."

Interacting with one person has its own challenges, but what about a conversation involving multiple people? "When it comes to group meetings, I absolutely prefer face-to-face over a conference call," Sinclair says. "When you get three or more people involved, coordinating that over the phone can become difficult."

Face-to-face communication offers creative advantages as well. Julia Kuziomko, marketing coordinator for Recordsforce Inc., a provider of paper-elimination and process-automation services, says, "I prefer face-to-face communication in the workplace. I believe that seeing who I am speaking to, whether it is to brainstorm new ideas or to collaborate on a project, positively affects my ability to trust that projects will move forward."

Email and other tools
While speaking face-to-face offers clarity, it may not always be the most effective or appropriate way to work. "Face-to-face communication works well in the appropriate function," says Kelli Bhattacharjee, blogger and owner of FreebieFindingMom.com. "If I resorted to this form of communication too frequently, it would increase my inefficiency. For example I am always multitasking, which I would hesitate to do during a face-to-face meeting because that would be considered rude. This is why I prefer email and Skype for the majority of my work activities."

There are also times when face-to-face communication is simply not an option. Gimena Pena Malcampo is the CEO and co-founder of Pier2 Marketing, a marketing firm with offices in San Francisco, Houston, Seattle, Mexico City and Barcelona, Spain. "Our team is located around the world. Also, about 50 percent of our clients are international. As a result, we use several tools to communicate and collaborate, such as:

• Skype: Which we use daily to call each other, send messages and share information or our screen if we need to show a presentation or a document.
• WebEx: We mainly use it to have conference calls with clients. It works quite well for our international clients and is more reliable than Skype.
• Basecamp: We handle most of our projects on Basecamp. This is a great tool to track projects, share information, send reviews, give feedback and make sure everyone is on track.
• Dropbox: It's great for sharing documents, collaboration and even accessing files from wherever we are, even on the go."

Communicating as a team
Technology has the power to bring people together, but workers may still feel disconnected without interacting as a team. Pena Malcampo notes that face-to-face interaction needs to be a priority to keep a company close and functioning as a team. Two important results from face-to-face interaction are bonding and maintaining a company culture.

"Technology can't replace personal and professional relationships," Pena Malcampo says. "When we meet with our team in person, it helps the team bond with each other [and] get to know each other at a different level, making collaboration later on easier. [The] same happens on the customer side; once we establish a bond with our clients, we develop an inherent trust that allows us to work well together and strengthen our business relationship. When we visit our different offices, we make sure our team is providing the level of service we expect to our clients, they are following the company's principles, 'green' practices, etc. These are things that can only be done and checked when we meet in person."

It's clear that technology will only become more predominant in the workplace, but it's essential that workers are able to communicate clearly and effectively, whatever method they choose.

How to leave your work at work

Robert Half International

As the world becomes more interconnected, separating one's professional and personal lives is harder than ever. Many people still aspire to "leave their jobs at work," but not everyone is successful.

While some jobs explicitly demand around-the-clock availability and others come to a full stop when the workday ends, many of us have a hard time knowing where, when -- and even whether -- to draw the line.

Here are three questions that can help you achieve a work-life balance that's right for you.

1. What are you doing?
A close look at your day-to-day habits can yield surprising results. You might be spending much more time in a marginally productive "half-work" state than you realize.

For a week, keep track of all your work-related activities, including seemingly negligible tasks. Be inclusive and honest. Do you check your phone in the locker room at the gym just in case there are messages from colleagues? Do you keep your laptop on the bedroom nightstand so you can get a head start on the next day?

Any time you spend talking or even thinking about work problems isn't downtime -- and therefore isn't truly restful. The resulting tiredness of being perpetually in work mode can create a snowball effect, making you less productive during business hours and necessitating further catch-up work after hours.

2. Why are you doing it?
Remaining at least partially available before or after the standard workday may be an understood aspect of your job. But in many cases, the extra duty is self-imposed, driven not by business necessity but by pride in being considered a go-to person. Another common motivator, justified or not, is fear about falling behind "more committed" colleagues.

Keep in mind that your habits can influence others' behavior. Answering an early morning text from a co-worker may make him more likely to text you in the future instead of asking someone else or holding his question until business hours.

If you're unsure what's expected of you, or of how accessible you need to be after hours, discuss the matter with your boss. You might learn that she'd rather have you fully recharge between workdays than stay within reach around the clock.

3. What's your top priority?
Just about everyone wants to enjoy a relaxing personal life and a rewarding career. It's entirely possible to have both. But in order to achieve the balance that works best for you, it's helpful to ask yourself which, ultimately, is most important. The answer may change throughout your lifetime as your career and personal life evolve. Your priorities may shift as you start a family or embark on a career that has a sharper learning curve, for instance.  

If you're passionate about your work, don't dismiss the possibility that it may become all-encompassing. For you, the work may be its own reward. If you do maintain a highly permeable work-life border, taking real (no-laptop-allowed) vacations becomes even more important as a way to prevent burnout.

Once you've reviewed your habits, discussed expectations with your boss and clarified your priorities, start adjusting the borders that surround your work. Doing so can take some practice, and you may have to endure some feelings of guilt or even boredom when you first disconnect.

Establishing the simplest rules possible can help you stick with your plan. For example, you might avoid checking your work email after 7 p.m. or go completely offline on weekends. Be sure to discuss changes with your boss before making them, emphasizing that you're looking to protect your performance, not to unload responsibilities.  

If your job requires you to be on call, make sure people know how to reach you in the event of a crisis. That way, you can be more secure knowing that if they need to reach you, they will. You don't have to check every email. 

Ideally, protecting your time off in a sensible way will help you not only start enjoying downtime more but also start having more fun at work. Before long, you might even find that your career and personal life begin to nourish each other, rather than just competing for your time.

5 things you should never say to your employees

Mary Lorenz, 

Goonies never say die, Jon Bon Jovi never says goodbye and great bosses never say the following five things to their employees:

1. "You're lucky to work here." A statement like this is dictatorial, threatening and clearly meant to incite fear, which isn't good for anyone. "Fear-based management does not create the best results -- that's all there is to it," says Katherine Crowley, co-author of "Working for You Isn't Working for Me: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Boss." "If someone is afraid all the time of losing their job, they're not going to give you their best work."

2. "It is what it is." A statement like this implies that there's no room for change or flexibility in an organization -- even when the organization is badly in need of it. Not only is it frustrating for employees to hear this, but it can also hinder your organization from moving forward. As demonstrated by the growing popularity of "hack days," being open to new ideas and empowering your employees to explore new business solutions not only increases morale, it's also good for business.

3. "That's not my fault." Unless you're the pope, you're not infallible, so if you make a mistake, own up to it. While you may think admitting a mistake reveals a weakness, it's actually a sign of strength, argues leadership expert Doug Guthrie in a recent article for Forbes. "What is more powerful than an individual who can stand in front of his or her employees and admit that the failure was his or hers?" Guthrie writes. "What better way to gain the respect and admiration of your team than to take the blame and responsibility on yourself rather than calling out someone on your team? By admitting you are wrong, by taking blame, you will have a group of more committed followers."

4. "That's none of your business." Whether you're trying to protect your employees or yourself, more often than not, keeping employees completely in the dark can do more harm than good. Great leaders need to be candid with their employees, and as transparent as possible. "If you fail to practice total candor, you will lose the trust of your team, your leadership and your customers," says Jim Welch, author of "Grow Now: 8 Essential Steps to Flex Your Leadership Muscles."

5. "Did you get my email?" It's cool if you want to work 24/7, but you can't expect the same of your employees. Putting pressure on your employees to constantly be connected to the office can infringe on their work/life balance, ultimately stirring up feelings of resentment and leading to burnout.

Time-management tips for the real world

Robert Half International

Some time-management tips seem designed to help you fantasize about an alternate reality rather than to get things done in this one. From shaving a few seconds off your morning coffee run to scheduling your time so aggressively that your day falls apart if you stop to sneeze, the advice can be far removed from the unpredictable world most of us live and work in.

Instead of aiming to transform yourself into a time-management machine who never wastes a nanosecond, try these five humble but effective tips for making better use of your time.

1. Jump the gun
The desire for better time management is often fueled by anxiety about falling behind. Nothing can ease your mind about the day ahead more effectively than getting a head start on it.

Setting aside a half hour to an hour of uninterrupted time each day -- either before or after you're available to others -- can dramatically lighten your worries. Use this period to get started on the biggest item on your agenda or to knock out a small but pesky task that's been hanging over your head.

2. Ditch the extensive to-do list
An ambitious, elaborate to-do list can give you a fleeting sense of accomplishment: "Look at all the stuff I'll get done!"

Then, the day starts. The first task takes longer than expected, an urgent new project arises and you're asked to fill in on a conference call for a colleague who's out sick. At the end of the day, you've barely dented your list, so you feel like you've failed and can't appreciate what you did accomplish.

A shorter, simpler list that leaves room for inevitable twists and turns can be more effective. Break down larger assignments and be specific about the actions you can take. The more narrowly defined an action is, the less daunting it will seem. Also keep in mind that leaving an item off your list -- even if it's just temporarily -- doesn't mean it won't get done.

3. Expect interruptions
Some of the most attractive time-management advice conveniently overlooks a central fact about typical workdays: They tend to involve other people. Sometimes a lot of them, and not always the ones we expect.

When your boss or a colleague -- or your child's day care manager, for that matter -- needs your input, you can't exactly say that you're busy adhering to your strict new schedule. Approaching your day with rigid expectations about how it will unfold is one common barrier to maximizing your productivity and becoming a great team member.

At the same time, be careful not to create interruptions for yourself. Does that email really require an immediate response? One of the simplest and best ways to manage your time better is to set aside periods in which you check your email rather than distracting yourself with them throughout the day. In most cases, business etiquette demands a response within 24 hours, not an instantaneous reply.

4. Keep tools simple
A million tools exist to help you manage your time. No doubt many of them can be extremely helpful. But they can also work against you if taken to the extreme. Constantly checking and updating multiple calendars, lists and apps can take more time than the task you're trying to track.

Going overboard with these tools can also heighten a sense of being surrounded by unfinished work. Minimize the methods you use. For example, keep all your to-do items in one place, whether that's an online calendar or a sticky note on your desk.

5. Catch your breath
Jamming your day with wall-to-wall tasks and meetings may seem like the most responsible, productive approach to scheduling. But if you're distracted or tired during those activities, you'll likely create more work for yourself down the line. A hasty decision made during a hectic, exhausting day, for instance, can necessitate weeks of correction or rework.

Building breaks into your day -- whether or not they can happen at predictable times -- is one of the best things you can do to protect your long-term productivity. When you take a walk or just a trip to the break room, you're not shirking your responsibilities. You're protecting your ability to execute them.

Time management is a highly individual matter; no single method works well for everyone. Even a system that makes perfect sense to you intellectually might not turn out to be the most effective one in practical terms. Trust your experiences, not your expectations.

After a couple of weeks of trying a new approach, do you feel better about your workload? Are you getting more things done, and done well? If not, try something else. If you focus on simple, sustainable habits rather than unrealistic goals, you're bound to find yourself taking better care of your time in no time.

You've got the job, so now what?

Matthew Crist,

You've finally landed that new job. You've gone out with friends to celebrate, spent money you haven't yet earned and told everyone at your last company just what you think of them. But the hard work doesn't end there -- in fact, it's only just begun.

It's your first day in the office, and after impressing at the interview, now is the time to prove you are the right person for the job. Here's how:

Arrive early
Just as with an interview, it's good to show that you are eager and well organized by turning up a little earlier than requested. Take into account that you may be driving a new way or catching a different train and give yourself plenty of time. Don't go overboard, though: Turning up at 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start time won't win you any points.

Dress appropriately
Remember what people were wearing when you were interviewing. You may have worn a smart suit, which is perfectly acceptable, but if the office operates a casual dress policy, you may not want to be so formal when you start. If you can't remember, then compromise: A pair of nice pants or a skirt with an open neck shirt or blouse is seen as smart while being slightly more relaxed.

Find out about the company
You've obviously done your research in order to get the job in the first place, but it doesn't hurt to know as much as you can. You were probably so overwhelmed by the interview that you didn't take in everything that you were told. Do a little online research to find out the basics -- at least the names of the managers or company directors.

Exude confidence
There's a good chance that on your first day you'll be introduced to a lot of people. Beyond just trying to remember everyone's name, this is your chance to make a good impression with your new colleagues. A firm handshake and eye contact are both recommended, as well as a brief line telling them your name and what you do.

Ask questions
You may have done your research, but you are bound to be overloaded with new information as you are shown the ropes at your new place of work. If you are unsure of anything, ask questions right then and there. It's better than having to admit later on that you weren't following everything that was shared. Even if you understand everything you're told, asking a few questions can only prove that you are keen to learn more about the role.

Take notes
Writing things down will help you when it comes to knowing every fine detail about the company, and it can also give you an air of confidence. You don't have to be overly precise, just a few things to jog your memory when you look over your notes. Keep your notepad with you at all times, especially if you are writing personal descriptions of the people you are soon to be working with.

Get involved
As you get to know your new colleagues, there are bound to be plenty of opportunities that will allow you to mingle with the crowd. Don't shy away from invites for lunch, after-work drinks or even sporting activities. Take every opportunity to show that you are part of the team and not just there for the money.

Uncovering the benefits of a bad job

 Robert Half Internationa

A bad job can be the result of a range of issues. Perhaps it's a lack of growth opportunities for a sales coordinator who's held the same role for four years. Or maybe it's a work/life imbalance for an executive assistant who spends late nights at the office and still has to catch up on projects at home.

We've all had a bad job at some point along the way. If your list of cons is longer than your list of pros, don't fret. There are tactics you can employ to tip the scales back in your favor.

Here are five ways to find the upside no matter how bad a job may seem.

1. Connect with new people
The biggest asset at your disposal may be the people you work with. Expanding your circle to cross-departmental colleagues can bring about unexpected benefits.

For one, they might become sources of support and friendship, helping to improve your job satisfaction. Further, they may be able to expose you to new projects or areas of the company that could hold appeal.

So be a part of the office dynamic. This makes it easier to reach out to an extended group of people. Take part in hallway chats, attend birthday events and bring a casserole to the monthly potluck or the summer picnic. When new people join the company, welcome them and express your interest in learning from each other.

Remember not to mention your discontent. You're not looking for others to gripe with. Simply focus on areas of interest. Any shared experiences or knowledge can open up a useful conversation. Follow up later via email and build a continued dialogue over time.

Bonus tip: In addition to peers, consider connecting with managers and even executives. You can still look upward when networking internally.

2. Tap your potential
Ask for projects that allow you to stretch your abilities and develop new skills. You may find that you enjoy whatever it is you begin working on and that your dissatisfaction is not so much with the company but with your current duties. An added benefit: You also can include action verbs, such as "managed," "mentored" or "developed," on your résumé.

Bonus tip: Ask your supervisors how you're doing with a new assignment. If you get words of appreciation, thank them and keep any glowing emails or reviews for your records. You can use these as a résumé addendum or for your cover letter.

3. Investigate your industry
One thing a bad job can still help you do: explore your industry in greater depth. Many companies pay for memberships to industry associations and conferences, making it easier -- and more affordable -- to interact with your peers. By doing so, you can bring added value to your job, expand your professional network and potentially learn about future career paths.

You may even realize you're not as passionate about your profession as you once were. Instead of pinning your discontent on your current job, it may be the business that's not working for you. Sometimes it's hard to tell.

Bonus tip: Consider not just attending but speaking at an industry event. It's easier to get accepted as a speaker while employed, and being a featured presenter can boost your credentials in the eyes of future employers.

4. Propose process improvement
Your job dissatisfaction may be the result of barriers to efficiency in your office, such as a complicated approval process that drains your excitement for a project as it drags on. Rather than complain, suggest systems or processes that will alleviate pain points. Chances are you're not the only one who is frustrated.

You'll earn the goodwill of colleagues, and these individuals could serve as future references. Also keep in mind that spearheading these types of improvements is résumé gold.

Bonus tip: Create a proposal for your boss that clearly outlines the benefits of any changes you suggest. For example, "If we remove this review step, we can save a week in producing the financial report. Here's why that step is redundant."

5. Examine your career path
It's important to assess what you want -- and what you don't want -- from your future job to avoid landing in another unsatisfying position. And it's easier to reflect on your career path while employed; for one thing, you won't have the added financial stress.

Focus on targeting employers and roles that can offer you what you're looking for. This research phase can take time, so dig in now.

Bonus tip: Sign up with a staffing firm. A specialized recruiter can do much of the heavy lifting in a job search. These professionals are able to identify opportunities that might interest you and approach companies, confidentially, on your behalf. You don't have to make a move until you're ready.

Use the above tips to remain positive and productive when you're stuck in a bad job. Even if you can't leave at the moment, there are ways to stay motivated and find the right fit eventually.

Source: careerbuilder

Why women have the upper hand in the workplace

By Kaitlin Madden,

Ask any married couple which spouse remembers family birthdays, when the car is due for an oil change and the name of that great restaurant they went to last week, and chances are both will say it's the wife who serves as the pair's memory.  

While many a wife may chalk this up to their husband's laziness, remembering detailed information may just be one of the many things that women are naturally better at than men, at least according to a new book called "Man Down: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt that Women are Better Cops, Drivers, Gamblers, Spies, World Leaders, Beer Tasters, Hedge Fund Managers, and Just About Everything Else," by Dan (yep, he's a guy) Abrams, a legal analyst for NBC News and columnist for Men's Health magazine. 

In his book, Abrams provides hundreds of studies and statistics to back up his claims that women best men in a lot of areas. Some -- like memory -- were already suspected, while others -- like driving -- were more surprising considering the common view is to the contrary. 

Yet perhaps some of the most surprising statistics in the book were those applicable to career. As the book's title mentions, studies show that women actually make better cops, hedge fund managers and world leaders, but also newscasters and doctors. Here's the proof, according to Abrams' research. 

1. Police officers: A 2004 study on police brutality and corruption conducted at the University of Maribor in Slovenia found that female police officers were less tolerant of immoral behavior than their male counterparts. Additionally, out of the $66.3 million that Los Angeles had to pay in settlements for police-brutality lawsuits, nearly 96 percent were due to the actions of male officers.

2. Hedge fund managers: Yes, according to data appearing in Institutional Investor magazine, an international finance publication, women are the MVPs of this boys' club. The study, conducted by Hedge Fund Research, a firm that provides analysis on the industry, found that from January 2000 through May 2009, female hedge fund managers "produced average annualized returns of 9 percent, versus 5.82 percent for the men."

3. World leaders: The results of a survey on essential leadership skills conducted by the Pew Research Center overwhelmingly favored women. In the survey, 2,250 participants "ranked men or women as superior in eight different categories of political aptitude deemed 'very important or absolutely essential' to leadership.'" The results? Women came out on top in five of the eight categories, and tied men in two.

4. Newscasters: A 2008 study in Switzerland, in which subjects watched real newscasts and then filled out questionnaires on what they'd seen showed that people perceived the news as more credible when it was read by a woman. That may have something to do with the fact that women now account for 64 percent of newscasters in Switzerland. In the U.S, more than 50 percent of newscasters are now women, compared to just 13 percent thirty years ago.

5. Doctors: A 2010 study by the American Medical Association found that male doctors were twice as likely to be sued as female doctors. Another study on medical performance by the British government found that out of all the doctors and dentists investigated for medical misconduct, only 20 percent of those required to go through a more thorough investigation were women.

One last thing that bodes well for women in the workforce? They also make better students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, for every 100 men than graduate college, 185 women do. According to The National Survey of Student Engagement, a study conducted in 2005, this is due to the fact that women are less likely to skip class and turn in assignments late than men are, and they're also less likely to drop out. 

Source: careerbuilder

When your boss is wrong: Should you speak up or shut up?

Beth Braccio Hering,

Let's face it: Nobody is keen on confronting a boss. "In theory, intelligent people are bound to disagree, and intelligent superiors will want to hear all perspectives," says Ed Muzio, CEO of Group Harmonics in Albuquerque, N.M., and author of "Make Work Great" and "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work." "In practice, politics come into play, and business needs drive decision timing."

So is questioning a manager's plan or pointing out a miscalculation worth doing? While it's up to the employee in the specific situation to make the call, here are some tips on when, where and how to speak up.

The cost of being quiet

Perhaps the first consideration is whether or not identifying the error would bring potential benefits. "If nothing will change even if the error is acknowledged, you should seriously consider what you or the company stands to gain from calling it out. There's no point complaining about a decision that can't be reversed," Muzio notes. "You're likely to be labeled as 'disruptive' and 'not a team player' if your focus is on 20/20 hindsight rather than on what should be done next."

But in circumstances where action now can prevent consequences later, the momentary uneasiness of drawing attention to a possible mistake is often far preferable to the damage of letting it slide.

"At times, your boss's thinking might be incorrect because she is missing key information that could sway her point-of-view and, ultimately, alter the course of her decision," states Matthew Randall, executive director of the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania. "If you have knowledge of such information, whether from a formal report or from informal intelligence gathered through the unofficial communication channels within your organization, it's best to share this data privately with your boss -- sooner, rather than later."

Another danger of not speaking up is giving the boss the wrong impression. "Silence can cause harm when the boss interprets it as a signal of agreement," says Kerry Patterson, co-author of the New York Times best-seller "Crucial Conversations." "If employees don't speak up when they have no intention of actually following their boss's plan, they may suffer consequences in the long-run."

Handle matters respectfully

Just as an employee does not like to be called out in front of others, a supervisor deserves the same consideration. If you decide to say something, lower the potential for embarrassment and defensiveness by holding the conversation in private. Likewise, remember that "You are wrong" is a difficult message for anyone to hear, so focus on the actual issue rather than on the satisfaction of being correct.

Patterson offers these additional suggestions for easing tensions:

• Start with safety. Begin by clarifying your respect and your intent. Help your boss understand that your intent is to provide a different viewpoint you feel will help achieve your mutual goal. It's possible to have a healthy disagreement when you discuss the issue in a way that shows you are simply trying to discover the best solution.


• Stick with the facts. Don't lead with your judgments or conclusions. Start by describing in nonjudgmental and objective terms the behaviors that are creating problems.


• Get your motives right. Sometimes we wait to bring up concerns until we're irritated. This is ineffective because at that point our goal is no longer to be constructive, it's to punish. Before opening your mouth, ask yourself, "What do I really want?"


• Agree where you can. If you agree with your boss's overarching plan, say so. Build on it with the piece you think is missing, but avoid nitpicking over trivial details.


• Invite dialogue. Encourage your boss to share her perspective. The result of your openness will be a greater openness on your boss's part as well.

Finally, remember that while you may walk in 110 percent sure you are right, there is always the possibility that things aren't as they seem. "There may be other facts you're not privy to, including some that you're not allowed to know," Muzio says. "Present clearly and compellingly, yet leave room for the possibility that you're the one who is mistaken." 

Source: careerbuilder

Say it right: How to navigate a difficult conversation

Robert Half International

There's nothing easy about difficult workplace conversations and, unfortunately, these awkward talks aren't uncommon. At some point, you may need to ask a colleague to redo his work on an important project, for instance, or let your boss know you can't meet the deadline she set.

Following are some tips to help you successfully navigate these challenging conversations:

Evaluate the circumstances

Before you say anything, weigh the pros and cons of speaking up. How well do you know the person? How important is it that you say something? What have you done that might have contributed to the situation? What type of response can you expect from the other person?

Make sure you understand the facts before approaching someone about a problem so you can go into the conversation with a well-thought-out game plan. For example, if you have bad news to report, you should also have a solution in mind. If you have a complaint to share, consider if you deserve any of the blame.

You'll also need to keep your audience in mind. If you're broaching a difficult subject with your manager or an executive, you'll have to walk a finer line than with peers.

Think before you speak

Take a step back if you're angry or frustrated. Things you say in the heat of the moment can do more harm than good. Give yourself some time to come up with the right response.

Consider time and place

Unless an issue is extremely urgent, avoid initiating a difficult talk when the recipient is likely to be distracted or focused on something else. You might wait until your boss has caught up on email in the morning, for instance.

Another tip: Never confront someone in a group setting. That's a good way to embarrass the person and put him or her on the defensive. Wait until you can have a private conversation.

Be polite

Your tone and body language can reveal any underlying anger or frustration. You don't want your comments to sound more accusatory than conciliatory, for instance. If a colleague plays music that you find distracting, a remark like "Do you have to listen to this noise so loudly?" probably won't help you convince the person to turn it down. Instead, try: "I'm under a tight deadline and having trouble concentrating. Would you mind using headphones, at least until I'm done with this project?"

Also, strive to take the high road even when a co-worker doesn't. Sarcastic comments or unnecessary criticism in response to verbal jabs from your counterpart will just cause the conversation to deteriorate. If you sense your frustration level rising, suggest that the two of you continue the discussion at a later time.

Reach an agreement

Try not to end a conversation without coming to some sort of resolution, and understand that solving the issue may involve a compromise. The colleague who annoys you by playing music may agree to use headphones in the morning if she can use speakers in the afternoon, when things have slowed down.

In most cases, how well you navigate a difficult conversation depends on your positioning. You might find people are more receptive to your idea if you present it as a way to become more efficient or get more accomplished, for example. Avoiding words like never or always also can help because these terms can put others on the defensive.

Finally, always listen to and respect the other person's perspective. You are, after all, having a conversation. Keeping this in mind as you broach a challenging topic will help you set the stage for a successful exchange.

Source: careerbuilder

I hate my new job – and I can't quit

Beth Braccio Hering,

Benny Hsu of Jacksonville, Fla., works in a restaurant. Like many employees, he finds himself in a tricky situation: He dislikes his job but believes he can't quit. "I feel like I have no other option," Hsu says. "If I leave, I won't have enough money to pay my mortgage."

While workers may bemoan "sticking it out" until prospects or finances improve, there are actions they can take to benefit both their current situation and their future career path. 

Here are seven strategies for making the most of an undesirable new job.

1. Give it some time

Being the new person can be tough. Allow some time to bond with co-workers and become familiar with workplace operations. Days may pass more pleasantly as you begin to feel comfortable with others and more confident about your performance.

2. Be realistic

When you're unhappy, it is easy to dwell on everything that is wrong and to glamorize other places. "The fact is that the grass isn't always greener, and every workplace has its share of good and bad," says Elizabeth Freedman, author of "Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself" and "The MBA Student's Job-Seeking Bible." "Lousy bosses and office politics exist everywhere, so don't assume that your job woes will disappear if you get hired someplace else. Be sure that your expectations are in check so that you don't wind up leaving a job for something that doesn't really exist."

3. Make it a learning experience

Evaluate why you hate this job and what would make you happier. Failure to do so may lead to repeating the same scenario down the road.

"You can get a job offer on the other side of the planet, but you're still going to be the one working in it," Freedman says. "If you hate the 9-to-5 lifestyle, don't know what you want to do with your life or simply are feeling worried and anxious about the future, those issues will be right there with you, too, no matter where you work."

Krista Regedanz, a Palo Alto, Calif., psychologist specializing in job-related issues and anxiety, recommends writing down answers to questions such as:

• Who am I as a person and as a professional?


• What do I value most?


• What are my goals for the next quarter, year and five years?

Then, see how your answers conflict with your present position. By focusing on what you truly want, you'll know what to look for as you bide your time until a better fit comes along.

4. Look at the bigger career picture

While sticking around may benefit your wallet now, it might help it in the future as well. "Don't leave before you've got some meaty accomplishments and tangible results to put on your résumé," Freedman says. "Leaving too soon may hurt your chances of being competitive against other job seekers at your age or level with more expertise than you." Another good reason to stay: Job-hopping gets mixed reviews from hirers. If your résumé lists too many jobs in too short a time, employers may rightly question your motives and loyalty.

5. Be good to yourself

If a career situation has you down, do what you can to make yourself feel better both physically and mentally. Regedanz suggests:

• Getting enough sleep.


• Exercising regularly.


• Scheduling time for quality relaxation that leaves you feeling refreshed.


• Spending time with people you care about.


• Finding ways to bring more meaning into your life, such as by volunteering or taking a class.

6. Know that this too shall pass

Have you ever convinced a skeptical child that a shot would hurt only momentarily and then things would be better? The same holds true for a bad job. Frustration becomes easier to tolerate when you treat it as a temporary state rather than a lifelong sentence.

7. Find the bright side

Finally, while you need not be a consistently perky Pollyanna, thinking about the benefits that come from your labor may offer a new perspective.

Hsu admits that he used to have problems seeing beyond his dislike for his job, but he says he has learned to focus on the positive. "Be thankful for the simple things in life and what you have," he says. "Appreciate that you have a roof over your head, hot meals and a bed to sleep on every night. Don't always think about how much you hate your job because you'll keep digging yourself into a hole that'll be hard to get out of. Change your thoughts, and it'll change your situation."

Source: careerbuilder

10 commandments for cubicle dwellers

By Alina Dizik,

Still gunning for that corner office? First you've got to learn how to work in your company's cubicle farm. Not sure how to navigate the unspoken rules to be the perfect cubicle dweller? Here, experts weigh in on the 10 commandments:

Focus and refocus

Because of the possibility for constant interruptions, it's important to set priorities. "If you don't know your complete inventory of work and you can't instantly refocus on the next priority -- or your manager's emergency du jour -- you won't work well in a cubicle because there are too many interruptions," says Scot Herrick, founder of Cuberules.com.

Make it comfortable

Whether you want to be seated with your back to the hallway or watching those who pass by your cube, arrange your space the way you want it, Herrick suggests. Add photos or decorations to create a more personalized and comfortable environment. "You spend all this time there [so] make your space your space," he says.

 

Stay off speaker phone

It's easy to simply start dialing on your desk phone and never pick up the receiver, but it's important to know that those around you don't want to hear your whole conversation. Pick up the phone or use a headset. "For some reason, it is easier to tune out a person on the phone with a one-sided conversation than hearing both sides," Herrick says.

Go elsewhere for meetings

"Don't hold a never-ending parade of meetings at your desk," Herrick says. Instead, be more considerate to those around you and find a conference room or grab a coffee for longer talks. While holding shorter conversations at your cubicle is not taboo, using your space as a boardroom can be very distracting to your neighbors.

Be careful of what you say

Even when you don't see the people around you -- all of your conversations are still being heard. Be especially careful when speaking negatively about work related matters. And avoid any foul language, says Jacqueline Peros, founder of JMP Image and Style Group.

Avoid informal gatherings

While it's okay to stop by for some quick catching up, it can be easy to get caught up on the details of a co-worker's personal dilemma, Persos says. If a conversation is lingering on for too long, suggest a time to grab lunch or coffee in the break room to catch up with your co-worker when you're away from your cubicle.

Be mindful of volume

Don't disturb others with your ringing devices. Set your desk phone to low volume and your cell phone to vibrate. If you're watching a video on your computer be sure to use headphones. With so many electronic devices it's important to keep the volume at a level that won't disturb your neighbors.

Use your indoor voice

Most cubicle dwellers have trouble keeping their voices down, especially when they talk on the phone. Staying aware of your own volume can help. "Some individuals are not aware of how loud their voice projects," Peros says. "If you think it might be too loud, ask your cube neighbors to weigh in and let you know."

Befriend your neighbors

There's no way to be completely isolated from your neighbors, so it's important that you build a comfortable communication style. "Keeping an open and honest dialogue with your cube neighbors is a great way to build a mutually collaborative and productive work environment for everyone," Peros says.

Use your manners

No matter what you do in a cubicle, your actions are always on display. Each time you come to work, make sure you're at your most professional. "Manners are extremely important when working in a cube environment because everyone is sharing a common public space," Peros says. 

Source: careerbuilder