The 5 things no one really tells you about success

The 5 things no one really tells you about successThe 5 things no one really tells you about successIf asked how I rose to my position as CEO of a global company and what someone should do to achieve similar success, in the past I would have said work hard and get promoted. If pushed, I might add volunteer for things, but that welches generally the extent of it. Over time, though, I realized tzu siche are certain principles you can follow to make koranvers youre moving ahead in your career. Here they are.Take real risks You sometimes need to get out of your comfort zone and take risks or you may be left behind. It can be scary and no one likes to fail, but if you dont put yourself out there and try, you will never know. In sixth grade, my daughter Danielle announced she was running for class president. I admired her passion and didnt want the experience to discourage her or dampen her confidence and enthusiasm. I told her I was very proud she was willing to take this risk and that sh e had little to lose. I suggested we have a get together with a dozen of her friends, win or lose. Danielle didnt win the election, but to this day, she remembers the experience with fondness rather than disappointment. Always puts yourself forward for new opportunities and ask for what you want. Become extremely resilient Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Melon University who wrote a book called The Last Lecture. Before Randy died of pancreatic cancer, I had the weg to work with him. One of the many things I took from Randy was his attitude about brick walls. The brick walls are there for a reason, he said. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who dont want it badly enough.Rise above your peers As you embark upon your work life, you will learn things they dont teach you in university. In her first job right out of college, Danielle noticed there was a clique among her co-workers- a group of people who ordered lunch together and went out for Happy Hour drinks. After several months, she still couldnt break through to the inner circle, so she turned to me for advice. Work isnt high school, I told her simply. I reminded her she had many other friends and at work, it was less important to be popular than it was to be successful. In high school there is a hierarchy that doesnt change. In an organization, unlike in high school, hard work, smarts, and dedication can put you ahead. Less than a year into that job, Danielles manager left and she was promoted into his role. Since the team was short-staffed, she took on extra work and people began to rely on her. The clique saw Danielle in a different light and, finally, she started to feel like she fit in. The funny thing is, by the time that happened, she was on her way to a leadership role and didnt care as much. Danielle had learned there is a difference between being friends and being friendly, and this is an important distinction as you move up the ladder. Get close to philanthropisch resourcesNo matter what your role is now and where you would like to go in the near and far future, if your company has a Human Resources (HR) department, group, business partner, or person responsible for optimizing talent, you should take advantage of that fact. Reach out and meet your HR representative. Your HR rep can be a great advocate. In addition to identifying training courses that might be appropriate to learn new skills, HR reps can help you scout out opportunities to volunteer for extracurricular activities, introduce you to people of influence, and serve as a sounding board if you run into difficulties. The bottom line? HR can assist in ways you cannot imagine yet So, once youve made an initial connection, ask your rep if you can touch base every few months to share your progress, get feedback, and discuss any issues. Take on projects beyond your job descript ionMy strategy for standing out has always involved volunteering. Volunteering has been a great way to learn new things, meet a broader group of people, and increase exposure. In one instance, when I was a salesperson, my company wanted to create pricing manual, so I offered to do it. A short time after completing the document, there was an opening for a sales manager. Several of us were equally qualified, but because of the visibility Id acquired from the pricing manual, I was the one selected. This promotion jump-started my career as a manager. What if your company doesnt have committees or task forces for you to join? See if you can create one. Identify something that needs improvement and lead a group to provide recommendations. Start a business book club. Be a buddy for a new hire. If you attend a training class or a business event or conference, summarize the learnings and share them with your team. Or, organize a Lunch n Learn on a topic with which you have some experience.Ad apted with permission of the publisher, Motivational Press, Inc., from MOM.B.A. Essential Business Advice from One Generation to the Next ?by Karyn Schoenbart with Alexandra Levit. Copyright (c) 2017 by Karyn Schoenbart. All rights reserved. https//www.amazon.com/Mom-B-Essential-Business-Advice-Generation/dp/1628654597

Transferable Skills - Abilities to Take With You

Transferable Skills - Abilities to Take With YouTransferable Skills - Abilities to Take With YouPut to rest your fear that you will have to leave your current skills behind if you quit your joborchangecareers. You will be able to take many of them with you in the form of transferable skills. These are the talents and abilitiesthat can travel with you when you make a transition to a new job or career. Below are 87 common transferable skills divided into six broad categories Basic, People, Management, Clerical, Research and Planning, and Computer and Technical Skills. Also included are some skills that are particular to specific occupations. These are called hard skills. Which of unterstellung transferable skills have you acquired through prior employment, school,apprenticeships,internships, formal and informal training,hobbies,and volunteer experiences? Basic Skills Use listening skills to understand oral instructionsLearn new proceduresUnderstand and carry out written instruction sOrally convey information to othersObserve and assess your own and others performancesCommunicate in writingUse mathematical processes to solve problemsSpeak in publicDemonstrate professionalism People Skills Provide constructive criticismReceive feedbackCoordinate actions with other peoples actionsNegotiate, persuade, and influence peopleMotivate othersHandle complaintsTrain or teach new skillsDelegate workOversee others workPerform outreachCounsel peopleBuild strong customer relationshipsCollaborate with othersMentor less experienced colleaguesResolve conflictsDevelop relationships with suppliersDemonstrate comfort when dealing with all peopleGain clients or customers confidence Management Skills Oversee budgetsRecruit personnelReview resumesInterview job candidatesSelect new hiresSupervise employeesAllocate resources such as equipment, materials, and facilitiesSchedule personnelPreside over meetingsNegotiate contractsEvaluate employeesOrganize committees Clerical Skill s Perform general clerical and administrative support tasksDesign forms, correspondence, and reportsManage recordsTake minutes at meetingsUse word processing softwareUse database management softwareUse spreadsheet softwareUse desktop publishing softwareUse presentation softwarePerform data entryKeep track of accounts receivable, accounts payable, billing, and other bookkeeping tasksScreen telephone callsGreet visitors Research and Planning Skills Identify and present problems to upper managementAnticipate and prevent problems from occurring or reoccurringUse critical thinking skills to make decisions or evaluate possible solutions to problemsSolve problemsDeal with unexpected situationsDefine organizations or departments needsSet goalsPrioritize tasksLocate and reach out to suppliers or sub-contractorsAnalyze information and forecast resultsManage your time and meet deadlinesPlan and implement events and activitiesCreate and implement new policies and procedures Develop a budget Coordinate and developprogramsDocument procedures and resultsProduce reportsConduct research using the Internet and library resourcesGenerate ideasImplement new strategies Computer and Technical Skills Use computer software that is related to jobUse job-related equipment and machineryInstall software on computersUse the Internet, including email and search enginesUse office equipment such as printers, copiers and fax machinesTroubleshoot problems with hardware and softwareInstall equipmentTroubleshoot problems with and repair equipmentMaintain equipmentInspect equipment to identify problems Additional Skills Demonstrate fluency or working knowledge of a foreign languageDemonstrate fluency or working knowledge of sign languageFundraiseWrite grantsDesign websites What Are Your Transferable Skills? Now its your turn. Use this as a jumping off point to write a complete list of your transferable skills. Since it is unlikely for any individual to have all these skills, choose only the ones that match your skillset. It is likely you also have other skills that havent been included here, for example, the hard or technical skills that are specific to your area of expertise. Once you have everything written down in one place, assess your marketability to potential employers. One simple way to do this is to find announcements for jobs in which you would be interested. Compare your qualifications to those listed in them. Do you have the skills those employers are seeking? Are thereany gaps you will need to address by getting additional training, education, and experience? Use Your Transferable Skills to Market Yourself to Prospective Employers Your resumeshould demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a qualified job candidate. This is where your transferable skills come in. Work them into your job descriptions taking care to match the language you use to the language the employer uses in its job announcements. Be sure to discuss your transferable skills in job interviews as well. When you answer potential employers questions, talk about those that are relevant to the positions for which you are applying.

Say what you think and dont be apologetic about it

Say what you think and dont be apologetic about itSay what you think and dont be apologetic about itHave you ever stated your opinion only to be shot down by someone else?Maybe by your spouse, boss, parents, or best friend? Or even a stranger?It happened to me many times in the past. Growing up, I always had an opinion about everything.Having an opinion doesnt mean you know everything. It just means you have something to say. You could be wrong.But often times, my teachers, friends, girlfriends, co-workers, and even friends would immediately say things like, Thats elend true So gradually, I gave up speaking my mind. I became afraid.Last week, I published an article about why I avoid toxic people. I mentioned that I think less than 1% of the population has values.You wouldnt believe how many people were offended by my opinion. How do you know its less than 1% And a bunch of nasty words. Two people even emailed me a whole essay about why its wrong.People were truly hurt. Ironically, in the same article, I mentioned that if you feel hurt, thats because you decided that.There is no truth - only opinionIn the article, I clearly stated my opinion. The sentence starts with I think, for a reason.Of course, I have no idea exactly how many people lack values. No one knows.Plus, everything thats presented as a fact in life is, in reality, an opinion. So when people try to challenge your opinions, know that they are playing a useless game.Theres only your truth. It reminds me of a section in my book, THINK STRAIGHT. Here it isAre facts also the truth? The answer is no. Confusing, right? Its just like life. For example, does God exist? I dont know. Ive never seen any evidence. Does that mean God is not real? It doesnt matter what I think. If God has an impact on the way you live, its true for you no matter what scientists say.Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who had a profound impact on cowboyfilm philosophy, famously said There are no facts, only interpretation s.Nietzsche was a man of true self-knowledge. Sigmund Freud even said that he had a more penetrating knowledge of himself than any other man who ever lived or was ever likely to live.He was a very analytical thinker, especially when it came to his own thoughts. When Nietzsche said that there are no facts, he meant that we, as human beings, ultimately rely on our interpretations of reality. Theres no way to confirm reality objectively.That doesnt mean nothing is real and that were all living in a big dream. We just have to realize that facts are not the same thing as the truth.That simple thought saves you a lot of energy because it means no one can be right or wrong. Dont bother with convincing people with different opinions of the truth. Its just not a practical thing to do. Save your energy for other, more useful things.Say what you thinkLook, I used to be afraid to say what I thought.Maybe Im wrong.What will other people say?Theyll think Im stupid.It doesnt matter. You know why? Theres no universal truth. We all know nothing. So you might as well say what you think. Because without opinions, life would be like a cracker.A boring piece of dry toast with salt. Who likes to eat crackers every day for the rest of their lives?Also, dont be apologetic. Think about important things in your life, relationships, and career. Have clear opinions about them. And then Own your truths.I learned this three years ago from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote this in his 1841 Essay, Self-RelianceMan is timid and apologetic he is no longer upright he dares not say I think, I am, but quotes some saint or sage.You know what I did after I read this? I started my blog and started speaking my mind. And that changed my life.Remember Theres no universal truth or higher authority in life. You can say and think whatever you want.No one will stop you as long as it comes from a good place.Theres one condition though Take ownership of your words. If youre wrong, admit it with confidence. And be respectful.That will also boost your self-confidence. Give it a try.What do you think?This article originally appeared on DariusForoux.com.Say what you think and dont be apologetic about itHave you ever stated your opinion only to be shot down by someone else?Maybe by your spouse, boss, parents, or best friend? Or even a stranger?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIt happened to me many times in the past. Growing up, I always had an opinion about everything.Having an opinion doesnt mean you know everything. It just means you have something to say. You could be wrong.But often times, my teachers, friends, girlfriends, co-workers, and even friends would immediately say things like, Thats not true So gradually, I gave up speaking my mind. I became afraid.Last week, I published an article about why I avoid toxic people. I mentioned that I think less than 1% of the population has va lues.You wouldnt believe how many people were offended by my opinion. How do you know its less than 1% And a bunch of nasty words. Two people even emailed me a whole essay about why its wrong.People were truly hurt. Ironically, in the same article, I mentioned that if you feel hurt, thats because you decided that.There is no truth - only opinionIn the article, I clearly stated my opinion. The sentence starts with I think, for a reason.Of course, I have no idea exactly how many people lack values. No one knows.Plus, everything thats presented as a fact in life is, in reality, an opinion. So when people try to challenge your opinions, know that they are playing a useless game.Theres only your truth. It reminds me of a section in my book, THINK STRAIGHT. Here it isAre facts also the truth? The answer is no. Confusing, right? Its just like life. For example, does God exist? I dont know. Ive never seen any evidence. Does that mean God is not real? It doesnt matter what I think. If God h as an impact on the way you live, its true for you no matter what scientists say.Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who had a profound impact on western philosophy, famously said There are no facts, only interpretations.Nietzsche was a man of true self-knowledge. Sigmund Freud even said that he had a more penetrating knowledge of himself than any other man who ever lived or was ever likely to live.He was a very analytical thinker, especially when it came to his own thoughts. When Nietzsche said that there are no facts, he meant that we, as human beings, ultimately rely on our interpretations of reality. Theres no way to confirm reality objectively.That doesnt mean nothing is real and that were all living in a big dream. We just have to realize that facts are not the same thing as the truth.That simple thought saves you a lot of energy because it means no one can be right or wrong. Dont bother with convincing people with different opinions of the truth. Its just not a practi cal thing to do. Save your energy for other, more useful things.Say what you thinkLook, I used to be afraid to say what I thought.Maybe Im wrong.What will other people say?Theyll think Im stupid.It doesnt matter. You know why? Theres no universal truth. We all know nothing. So you might as well say what you think. Because without opinions, life would be like a cracker.A boring piece of dry toast with salt. Who likes to eat crackers every day for the rest of their lives?Also, dont be apologetic. Think about important things in your life, relationships, and career. Have clear opinions about them. And then Own your truths.I learned this three years ago from Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote this in his 1841 Essay, Self-RelianceMan is timid and apologetic he is no longer upright he dares not say I think, I am, but quotes some saint or sage.You know what I did after I read this? I started my blog and started speaking my mind. And that changed my life.Remember Theres no universal truth or hi gher authority in life. You can say and think whatever you want.No one will stop you as long as it comes from a good place.Theres one condition though Take ownership of your words. If youre wrong, admit it with confidence. And be respectful.That will also boost your self-confidence. Give it a try.What do you think?This article originally appeared on DariusForoux.com.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people