Dealing with a Workplace Bully
You would think that dealing with a bully would be a thing of the past – something that you dealt within your youth. Surely adults in a professional environment would not behave in such a manner! Unfortunately, you would be wrong. Workplace bullies can be co-workers as well as superiors. It can be extremely stressful to have to deal with someone who uses intimidation to demean you or lower your feelings of self-worth. Oftentimes, workplace bullies (similar to the children of your youth) use these tactics to make themselves feel better regarding their own inadequacies. Here are some tips for managing the situation:
Three Top Career Tips During the Holiday Season
Ah, the holidays! A time of joy and fun – and CELEBRATIONS. Almost every office environment no matter how small has something of an end of year celebration. It’s almost obligatory. The New Year is approaching; people are looking toward the future. You get the point. It’s amazing though how many people don’t understand that no matter how close they are with their co-workers, the office is still a professional environment. So here are three tips to keep it merry, but not overly so to ensure you want to return after the festivities have ended:
Motivating Staff in a Tough Economy
I am sure you have noticed that when the economy takes a turn for the worse, company morale suffers. People become nervous and wonder if their jobs are secure. Of course, you want to ensure that your staff remains committed, focused, and motivated. When workplace confidence wanes, what can you do to ensure productivity levels meet and exceed expectations?
HIPPA vs. HIPAA
I am sure you are thinking – what kind of title is that for an article? Well, it came up because I was visiting my local megastore to purchase new contact lenses. I was running dangerously close to the end of my supply, and oh the horrors if I had to leave the house with my glasses. Whatever would I do? So, off I went to order a fresh supply. Upon arriving I was duly informed that they had a new computer system and I would need to be patient as they configured the sales aspect. I glanced down at my watch regretting that I did not bring my laptop. After all, I could be doing something productive while I was waiting. Well it didn’t take long, and before I knew it I was ready to pay for my new supply of lenses. I made my way up to the counter, scanned the Amex card and looked down to sign my name. What did I see? I saw HIPPA – a print out from one of those label makers plastered right on the credit card machine. I looked at the vision care specialist and said, “I think you have the wrong acronym here. It’s HIPAA, with two A’s. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.” Where did this rogue P come from? If it’s HIPPA, what does the extra P stand for? Are they thinking Hippo? No, probably not. Did they change it? No. I have since been back to the vision care center at the megastore. Wouldn’t you know it – HIPAA is still there, with two P’s. Can I be the only one who notices this and finds it irksome enough to mention? If they are referencing it, it’s my feeling they should get it right.
Things to Consider When Considering Graduate School
Are you considering going back to school for a graduate degree? If you have done any research regarding the process, you are well aware by now that it is a tremendous commitment of both time and money. The demands significantly surpass those of the work did during your undergraduate degree. It is also possible that now you have a family and other professional commitments that also require your time. The following information should be considered before you start skipping down the ‘Yellow Brick Road’.
The Importance of Goal Setting
Goal setting is an important and highly essential part of the career planning process. For one, it allows you to remain focused and keep your sights set on the things that you want to achieve. Secondly, but just as important, it enables you to begin to establish a plan to work toward something meaningful. The SMART acronym is well known and will help you develop a guideline as part of establishing a plan of action to achieve your goal.
This blog's author, Debra Wheatman of Careers Done Write, provides executive career services including resume and cover letter preparation, job search / interviewing strategies and professional branding including how to effectively use LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media in your career.
Visit CareersDoneWrite.com to learn more about how we can put your career in gear with interview catching resumes and professionally written career documents.