Professional Net WorthWritten by Virginia Reeves
I was going through my files and found an article written by Jim Cathcart and published in October 1986 issue of The Toastmaster (put out by organization which I recommend highly to anyone wanting to increase their skills in speaking, writing, listening, and evaluating). Mr. Cathcart is a full-time professional author and speaker I have admired for years. In this article, author states that Effort times Equity (the degree of ownership you have acquired in your career, i.e., your professional net worth) equals Result. People can increase effort or equity and have a positive influence on results. But there is a limit to this formula. There are three other skill areas vital to a career: (1) technical knowledge and skills; (2) interpersonal skills; and (3) self-management skills. Let's take a closer look at these.For better or worse, many people place a lot of emphasis on credentials earned: education and professional degrees, honor, and designation. While these can certainly be important, practical job experience, knowledge and skills are attributes that really prove what you are capable of. Your documents, provable track record of what you've actually accomplished speaks for your credibility and usefulness. Being able to communicate what you know through clear, fluent speech and displaying effective listening skills are also important factors in displaying your breadth and depth of information. Be open-minded enough to explore avenues outside your normal range of work related material an normal interests. I've discovered some great new interests by "stepping outside box" that benefit me and have also encouraged others to learn more. Building relationships is important. Having contacts with a variety of people in different firms and industries, technical and social organizations, and co-workers (no matter their position in company) helps add to your stature and believability. Your reputation: what people think you have done and what people think of you does count. This absolutely reflects your overall image within your own group as well as overall marketplace. Word spread s- especially when it's not flattering. The quickest way to kill a business relationship is to display a lack of ethics or to compromise your beliefs. It's sad to say, but you are also judged by who you keep company with. I've found at times that I had to choose my integrity over a promotion or business association. It's something to keep in mind, depending on your goals and situation.
| | Your First Days On the New JobWritten by J. Damian Birkel
Workers who are just starting a new job after surviving unemployment will be shell-shocked and tense, less secure and confident than the salad days of job security. This is normal, to be expected.What should you do, and avoid doing, to make a great start? Here are my recommendations, derived from many discussions with employers and employees. You should take these very seriously, breaking one or more in first few days can create a negative impression that you'll spend a long time living down! FIRST DAYS ON THE NEW JOB -15 WAYS TO REDUCE PERSONAL STRESS AND IMPRESS YOUR BOSS: (1) Dress for Success. Even if "business casual" is rule, dress a little better until you've "felt your way" and know people. (2) Be On Time. Be on time. Be on time. Did I mention...? (3) Warmly greet your new boss and co-workers. A sincere smile and honest appreciation is like oil that keeps wheels of and organization spinning smoothly. You will stand out from crowd. (4) Expect a learning curve. Plan for it, plan to get extra rest in evenings. (5) Request an orientation (to insure that you are in alignment with goals of your boss and company). (6) Request homework (there could be reams of information for you to review and process that may will help you "hit ground running," but there may not be enough hours in day for you to digest. (7) Be prepared to invest more than required (in terms of time and effort). (8) Don't be afraid to ask for help (it will save time in long run). (9) Live by a "TO DO list" and have it approved by your boss.
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