Communication – Personal Development – Business

A friend of mine was recently laid off after 26 years of employment with a utility company. Being vested may have triggered his response to this otherwise negative turn of events. Understand that he is a left-brained, serious individual. His choice? Put a pink Post-it note on his forehead for the rest of the day. (Get it? Pink slip?)

One of the managers stopped him in the hall and congratulated him for understanding the financial decision that the company had to make and for adding a bit of wit to the situation. My friend made the choice not to become a toxic person or create conflict in the workplace! He decided to take personal responsibility for his future.

Tags: laid off by Marsha
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Real world: Unemployment is 10.2%. With so many people looking for employment, you must ensure that your talents stand out. Whether you’ve been laid off, are unsure of your future with your current position or are looking for a promotion, here are seven secrets that will help you be the star.

1. Communication development: No matter what happens, you have polished communication skills and are ready to respond assertively in any circumstance.

2. Conflict resolution skills: People are angry and unsettled. When tempers flare, you can move disagreements to amicable solutions.

Tags: employment, laid off, unemployment by Marsha
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Problem: You have an employee, colleague or friend who is very talented but when they are given feedback, even of the simplest kind, they start crying. This person is a TOP performer and has great potential.  You are thinking that they either lack confidence, or their expectation of themselves is too high, but then maybe it’s fear of failure.  As a leader, you want to help.  You know that if they do not get their emotions under control and learn to communicate more effectively, they will sabotage their succession to the top.  You interview their past manager/supervisor and determine that this has been an ongoing problem. The good news is it’s not you! Maybe you should get this pin?

Here are some ideas:
1.    Listen to how you mentally react to the crying employee:
a.    Crying does not automatically mean weakness.
b.    Accept that their crying makes you uncomfortable.
c.    Consider that their crying could be a ploy to manipulate you.
d.    Keep an open mind and look past your conventional wisdom and embedded prejudices.
e.    Polish your communications and stay calm. Don’t feel guilty.
f.    Don’t allow their crying to push you into tabling the topic at hand.

Tags: accountability, job success by Marsha
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When it’s your Birthday in our family, you can do and eat anything you want.  So in celebrating my husband’s special day, he immediately requested The Waffle House.  Visions of clogged arteries, expanding waistlines and indigestion quickly filled my head.

Upon arrival to the local Waffle House, we were greeted by a friendly smile and enthusiastic, real welcome. There was one small booth left in the crowded eatery, so we hurriedly took it.  Franny was immediately at our table asking for beverages, and made a pleasant comment about my husbands Tennessee ball cap. And there it started.

Tags: job success by Marsha
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The Arizona Cardinals Matt Leinart learned very quickly how to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive outcome.  In 2004, he was the teams first round draft pick, fueled by his winning the Heisman Trophy presented to the outstanding college football athlete. Enter Kurt Warner to the Cardinals line, who was quickly assigned the starting quarterback by Arizona coach Keith Whisenhunt.

Tags: accountability, attitude, job success, success by Marsha
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Thought you would enjoy this!

Marsha,

Kudos for some good advice on resume writing!  As a certified professional resume writer for many years (I no longer actively market this service as I’ve moved onto other interests), your advice is quite spot on.  Even though resumes people have all the information that is necessary to create a resume, few have any clue how to create that “effective” document that will get them a second glance.  A well-written, concise and attractive presentation are critical, especially in competitive job markets.

Tags: job success, resume by Marsha
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I was asked on a radio show what are the real secrets to getting a job in this economy. With so many people looking for employment, you must insure that your resume stands out.  There are 7 secrets that will insure that you are the star that your future employer plucks out of the sky. Remember that the goal of a resume is to get an interview, so take a leadership stance and total personal responsibility to make it a great one. Glad I’m not sending out a Resume!  There were typo’s in this post!!

Tags: Job Interviews, job success by Marsha
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Oops!  Hitting the Reply All button strikes havoc once again.  The State Department‘s email was almost shut down because of the size of an email. One person decided to hit this email choice, clogging the system to a noticeable level. So here are some considerations for better e-mail etiquette.

1. Select only the people in the cc: list that care about or need the information.  Rarely is it everyone on the carbon copy diatribe.

2. Re-title the message as the theme and topic changes. For the receiver of the message, it keeps the focus on what you are addressing.  For you, it makes it easier if you are searching for a message previously sent.

Tags: communications, email by Marsha
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Headlines today: Job losses forecast to continue during ’09.  So here is the problem.

The number one New Years Resolution is to be more healthy and lose weight. Actually paying attention to your fitness and girth can help your business success. Here’s how. Did you know that some companies are penalizing people for being fat?  Outrageous you might say. The fact is companies are choosing this route in an effort to cut health care costs and reduce the number of people having to be laid off. It is a bottom line, business decision and has nothing to do with fat acceptance or non-acceptance. Does this resonate with you? Have you pledged to better self-awareness to manage your health?

Tags: bad habits, health, laid off, outsourced by Marsha
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Think about how you will be better and different in 2009.  Here is a list for consideration:

1. Take Personal Responsibility for everything

2. Decide to decide and make better choices

3. Learn something new at least weekly

4. Choose to reduce conflict and improve communications

5. Spend wisely and save more. Don’t buy junk you don’t need

6. Celebrate more and create joy

7. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Tags: ability, accountability, career, personal responsibility, success by Marsha
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