How Can You Spot the Boss Who Isnt There

How Can You Spot the Boss Who Isn’t There Even successful companies can’t avoid the chore of filling open managerial positions. Usually, it’s easiest to promote somebody from within. That high-performing salesperson looks like a strong choice â€" he’s bringing in a stream of new clients and blowing past his sales goals every month. Since he’s among the best of your employees, he’d be an obvious pick for that managerial role â€" right? Well, not always. Many organizations run into trouble when they don’t realize it often takes different skills and characteristics to succeed as a leader than it does to succeed in a non-leadership role. By hiring based on previous success alone, you could turn that top salesperson into the worst boss your employees have ever seen and wind up derailing your department or your entire company. He might have been a dynamic salesman, but he could turn into an absent leader. Absentee leadership â€" also called non-leadership, or a destructive form of laissez-faire leadership â€" is often overlooked in business and academic studies, even though research shows it is the most common cause of job performance degradation. But employees are all too familiar with the concept. Many negative Glassdoor reviews show absentee leadership in (in)action. In summary, absentee leaders are people who hold leadership positions even though they’re not fully engaged in the role. Their lofty and well-paying job titles and descriptions may include some form of the word “management,” but their teams suffer without direction or feedback. Usually, this drain on morale and motivation lingers for years because the consequences are difficult to detect.   Absentee leaders generally don’t draw attention to themselves with ethical violations or bad behavior that result in complaints to HR. Instead, their negative influence is deemed low-priority at worst and continues to quietly build and wear away on their team’s effectiveness. If absentee leadership isn’t addressed, here are some of the specific ways it can harm your organization: Employee stress. Absentee leadership can cause an array of day-to-day frustrations for employees, including uncertainty about their role, physical stress, burnout or even bullying from fellow team members. Lingering job dissatisfaction. The cumulative effects of the lack of engagement can ruin employee morale even more than your stereotypical angry and overdemanding boss. Destructive leadership will immediately affect employees, but the effects will become milder over six months. The negative effects of an absent leader take longer to appear, but they tend to last for at least two years, or four times as long. Talent drain. Since most employees will feel demotivated without leadership or evaluation, they will soon start looking for another place where their efforts and skills will be rewarded. Greater costs. Absentee leadership isn’t just annoying, it’s expensive. Because absentee leaders destroy job satisfaction and increase ambiguity and turmoil on teams, they cost organizations millions of pounds in terms of turnover and lost productivity. So what’s the solution? How can you recognize you have an absentee boss in your team before the damage is done? Absentee leadership, by its nature, can only be spotted through the vacuum it creates. As of now, personality assessment tests, which can otherwise determine workforce personality traits or predict future performance, don’t automatically measure the warning signs of an absentee leader. However, leading assessment companies are working to change that. For example, the accredited psychologists at Hogan Assessments have identified absentee leadership as a key area of study and is carrying out extensive research. The company is looking at characteristics of absentee leadership by identifying personality attributes Hogan’s core assessments already measure, such as high levels of caution and low levels of assertiveness or decisiveness. In the absence of formal assessments for absentee leadership, you should be on the lookout for what a leader doesn’t do, instead of what they do. Another way is to keep an eye on how their subordinates are doing. If you see any mysterious increases in turnover or drops in job satisfaction or productivity with seemingly no logical cause, your company might have a leader who isn’t really there. About the author:  Scott Gregory, is the CEO of Hogan Assessments.

What to do when you simply cannot take one more day of job search. Career Coach JobJenny

What to do when you simply cannot take one more day of job search. Career Coach JobJenny To Whom It May Concern: Or, How to Stop Sucking at Your Job Search officially launches on MONDAY, 4/4.(Mark yo calendar, por favor)Here's an excerpt from the book,about how to calm down when you feel like you cannot day even one more day of job search:Hopefully, it hasn’t happened. And hopefully it won’t happen.But what do you do if, while in the midst of the job search you reach that moment in which you feel, with 100% certainty, that you cannot take even one more day of this mo-fo search, nor the stress that comes along with it?You need some immediate tools that will help you calm down. You cannot pull this off if you’re out of your mind distraught. You can’t.here are a few that I personally use, if you’re interested:Hot baths. This and tall glasses of wine are probably the two things that have helped me drag my buns through the toughest times in my own life. I think I honestly spent about six solid months of my life several years ago submerged in the claw foot tub of a t iny flat I was renting. There are few substitutes for a nice, hot, quiet bath. Unless, of course, you have a sauna or steam room at your disposal. Do those if you do.Tall glasses of wine. But not too tall. (And not in a sauna or steam room.) Alcohol is a depressant, and if you’re feeling depressed, the last thing you want to do is take it further. And, of course, ignore #2 if you have any history of alcohol abuse. Feeding a problematic habit is not what you want to do when stressed about job search.Massage. Best investment evah. If you have a partner, check a how-to book out from the library and train each other. Lavender oil costs next to nothing. If you do not have a partner, and if cost is an issue? Check out massage therapy schools in your area, and/or sign up for Groupon. They run great deals on such things with frequency, at least here in Portland.Go for a run or walk in the rain (dude, not a lightning storm, the rain) … Trust me, it’s cleansing and you’ll feel all Vis ion Quest bad ass because YOU are out there taking on the elements.Find yourself a kickboxing or martial arts class. You want to get some of that inner frustration, fear and anger out? Voila. Kick, kick. Chop, chop.Clean or organize like a freaking tornado. I find that, when I feel out of control in other areas of my life? If I go on a cleaning or organizing rampage within an area that I can easily improve upon and control? I get the “Oooh, I can conquer everything” vibe going. And that’s often quite useful when you’re at the brink.Have sex. What? I’m just sayin’. It is a proven stress reliever. Use common sense here, of course. OK, moving along now. Moving along.If the stress is truly debilitating you, and deeply impacting your family and life? Please consider professional support. As someone who has benefited from this type of help during life’s most stressful times? I am a firm believer that sometimes, it’s best to get the experts involved.Just please. Do me a fav or.Don’t ever forget how incredible you really are.Photo: Flickr.com Creative Commons (Knut Burmeister)

5 Reasons Why All Experience is Good Experience

5 Reasons Why All Experience is Good Experience Since leaving University 4 years ago I, like many recent graduates, have worked in a variety of shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants. Whilst generally considered to be the kind of job you have during school and studying (part time and easy to fit in around classes and lectures), these jobs are also the main or only source of income for many leaving school and university. They were not the kind of job I imagined, whilst applying for universities, to have until age 25, but there can be no denying that I gained a wealth of unexpected experience from these positions. However, low wages, zero hour contracts and a constantly changing rota were not at all uncommon, until when I started working at Newman Stewart as an Administrator. I?d never worked in an office before and the differences seemed phenomenal: 1) Flexible working: By: AlexIbarra73 To start with, I could sit down. Although not the key factor in why I love this job, not being on your feet for 13 hours straight does have its appeals. Then there are the guaranteed hours: 9-5.30 Monday to Friday. No more are the 3 hour shifts, the 13 hour shifts, or the split shifts where you start in the mornings, have a quick nap on the sofa for an hour half way through and then finish at 2am. Now I know when I?ll be working and how long for and it?s far easier, for a self-confessed planning addict, to plan my day effectively. 2) Multi-tasking: Then there?s the style of work. Rather than standing at a till, scanning item after item whilst still managing to hold a conversation with a customer; or trying to deal with rowdy, drunk customers yelling at you to serve them their drink first from all different directions; or balancing prepping, cooking and plating up food, fast and well-presented, and to be out at the exact same time as a dish someone else is dealing with; now I have data to input, calls to make, diaries to keep up to date. They sound massively different and I am now used to the obvious ?How on earth does being a sales assistant/bar tender/chef lead into admin work?? But every one of these jobs has added something to my skillset that I can use in an office. 3) A confidence boost: Almost all of my previous jobs have been customer facing and whilst my new career doesn?t entirely lean that way I do get the opportunity to exercise my conversational skills when on the phone to clients/candidates or greeting people that come in for a meeting or interview. A little bit of social confidence certainly helps at those points. 4) Time management: Having a number of tasks to do in a day and learning which to prioritise and when is made easier after spending countless nights on a bar having to remember who was there first and which drinks should be done in which order (Guinness first; it can settle whilst you make a cocktail). Balancing and remembering orders on a ticket in the kitchen makes remembering something a consultant has asked you to do whilst you?re halfway through another task much simpler. RELATED: 13 Time Management Tips You Ought to Know 5) Give a little respect: There?s also something to be said for the attitude you gain having worked unsociable hours serving other people, some of whom can be a little cold towards ?the staff?. Not only will I never shout at or under tip a waiter/waitress, but I like to think I can be a little more empathetic towards people in general now. You come to realise that everyone has a bad day sometimes. That bar tender that slammed your drink down when you came into the pub 5 minutes before closing was probably on a long shift, is exhausted and had most likely closed down the bar just before you came in. They were no doubt looking forward to getting home and into bed before having to head back to work first thing in the morning. That customer that came in 5 minutes before you closed the bar down might have had an extremely long day at work, and just needed to go somewhere to have a drink and a laugh with their friends to forget the stresses of their day. The person on the other end of the phone, frustrated because you haven?t been able to put them through to whomever they called to speak to is not angry at you, but perhaps had something important to discuss which is now causing them further stress. It?s easy to look at previous experiences in life, jobs included, as singular and disjointed; but it can be so much more productive to see everything as connected and an experience to gain something from. They can be a positive influence on your work, social and day-to-day life. So, yes, the jobs I?ve had in the past seem vastly different to my new career, but each one has given me a skill which can be utilised to improve my contribution now. Author:  Jenny Lewis  is  the Office Administrator  for Newman Stewart, an Executive Search and Management Selection company which finds excellent people for excellent businesses and can be found at  www.newmanstewart.co.uk  or  on  Twitter  @newmanstewart.

4 Steps to Build Influence for Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

4 Steps to Build Influence for Your Personal Brand - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career These days it’s not about who you know online, but rather who gets to know your personal brand. In order to create opportunities for your business or new job it is important to recognize that making the right connections is a process of building a rapport. How can your personal brand connect with influencers in a meaningful way? The main answer is through building sustainable relationships that will last. A simple follow or handshake is not enough any more, and with a little effort and focused approach you can attract the right people to your networks. In today’s online world it’s all about meeting the needs of others, and taking the spotlight off of ourselves. There are several ways to attract followers to your personal brand and create a lasting good impression. Steps to Building Great Relationships Projecting a good image for your personal brand starts with a positive focus. Start these steps today to make great connections: Step 1 Attitude matters How do you respond to others? Check your feedback and replies and see how people are reacting. A negative attitude is just as contagious as a positive one. Step 2 Compliment others Social media makes it easy to reach out and send a positive reply to an influencer. What can you remark on? A great article? Or perhaps a new product or achievement? Find out what they are up to and respond in kind. Step 3 Know what questions to ask Generic conversations can be a dead-end for cultivating relationships. Avoid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or close-ended questions, and try starting a dialogue with ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘where,’ or ‘why’ instead. Step 4 Remember your new connections Pay attention to who your new audience is and bring up something about them that makes a human connection. This always begins with their name, and then focusing on their interests and activities next. As online communication evolves it is important for your personal brand to build positive relationships. By projecting a good attitude and paying attention to your audience, you can attract more opportunities that will grow and last.

How To Help Writing A Resume For A Job In Denver

How To Help Writing A Resume For A Job In DenverIf you are looking for a job in Denver, one of the most important things to consider is your resume. As with any other business, employers are looking for applicants who can put forward an impressive resume. They don't want to waste their time on somebody who cannot write a compelling and useful resume.Employers are professionals and they do not like to waste their time. It is their duty to find the right candidate, but also they have to make sure that their time is not wasted in spending to look for the right candidate. Hence, if you have the ability to write a convincing resume, then it is imperative to get in touch with your local Colorado job centre in order to work on it.Although this may seem a bit daunting, it really isn't. In fact, you are looking for a job, so getting in touch with the job centre is your first step towards landing that dream job. Here are some ideas to help you make that first contact with the job centre.Tell t hem about your interest details. In this way, they will be able to narrow down your search process. Some jobs offer good salaries that can be used to pay your bills while you continue to research companies and learn about the industry that you have chosen to apply for.However, if you want to work for an employer located in Denver, the job centre needs to know more information about you. This is one of the major reasons why you need to tell them about your qualifications. As you work hard in your business, you will need your skills and experience to help you stand out from the rest of the applicants.Here is where you can benefit from the services of a career advisor. The advisor will guide you through the whole process of finding a job in Denver and answer all your questions. You can follow up on the direction that you have been given and it will ultimately help you land the job.In the city's job market, there are many professionals who are willing to help those who want to go back t o school to enhance their skills. There are some job centres that may ask that you submit your resume online and it is important to submit it to those employers who are well versed in the field. These professionals can provide you with plenty of options.However, make sure that you know your resume and what the job centre expects before you start working on it. Otherwise, you may end up with a job in the mail instead of a job in the market.

No Thanks to Thank You Letters

No Thanks to Thank You Letters Over on the Microsoft JobsBlog, there is a post about thank you letters. The blogger states that no one expects you to write a thank you letter and you will never be offered or denied a position based on a thank you letter. Perhaps it is not the culture of Microsoft to expect a thank you letter following an interview, but I am sure that many employers still see value in them and heres why:A thank you letter is a way to reconnect with the interviewer and express gratitude for their time. The letter deepens the relationship established during the interview and gives the employer a reason to continue the dialog.A thank you letter reminds the employer of your value add. A recruiter or hiring authority meets many candidates. By briefly reiterating your accomplishments and success stories, the thank you letter can help differentiate you from your competition, make you more memorable, and get you noticed.A thank you letter showcases your written communication skills. Employers want to hire people with strong writing skills and the ability to influence others through a persuasive writing style. A well-crafted and thoughtful letter can build a strong case for your ability to do just that.A thank you letter demonstrates good manners. Employers want to hire people who are gracious, show respect for others, and work well in teams. A thank you letter suggests a propensity to embrace these important traits.A thank you letter reminds the employer of your interest in the job. By reaching out to the person you interviewed with, you are letting them know that you want to contribute to their team and help them solve their problems.Ive certainly never heard a recruiter or hiring manager say Ugggh! I cant believe this person wrote me a thank you letter! On the other hand, I have heard recruiters and hiring managers comment on the value of an authentic and well-written letter. While its true that some hiring authorities may view the letter as inconsequential, why take a chance?

Literally, Get Out of Your House

Literally, Get Out of Your House As Ive said many times, there isnt a job waiting for you inside your home. It isnt hiding under the carpet or in a closet. The jobs are out there in the big scary world. So, get out of your house. Really? Come on? To help you understand what a day outside of your house might look like, heres an agenda. It happens to be my agenda. 4:30 6:30 am: Write blog post, respond and comment on blogs, check Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook This is my online networking time.   I reach out to people, respond, connect with others in my field.   I skim the feeds in my Google Reader and look for opportunities to comment or share great content with my network and followers.   As I do this, I am learning new things, getting new ideas and trying to build some new relationships. 6:30 7:45 am: Family stuff (breakfast, pack lunches) This goes without saying.   Getting kids out the door and on the bus requires full attention. 7:45 9:00 am: Appointment @ coffee shop with First Name Last Name (could be a job seeker, past colleague, or other contact) This meeting was set up at least a week ago.   It has been on my calendar so I have had time to research the person and what we will be discussing.   I know the gist of the conversation and what I hope to be able to help (usually).   I also try to bring an article or have a contact name in mind before I leave the house.   On my way to the coffee shop, I have to stop and get gas.   I have to pre-pay INSIDE, which irks me.   While waiting in line with one other person I make small talk. Weather, the wait, something simple.   If I have seen the person before, which is pretty likely given that I visit the same gas station whenever I fill up, I give an extra warm hello, like Im reconnecting with a distant family member.   Once Ive reached the clerk, I can make additional small talk.   This clerk and I are on a first name basis (OK, he can read it off my card and I can read his name badge) but we see each other regularly enough to know something about each other.   I ask questions about hi s shift and he provides all sorts of personal details which I file away. I arrive at the coffee shop 5 minutes early (on a good day) so I can get my coffee and sit down.   Again, while waiting in line for the barista, there is an opportunity to chat with fellow line-waiters.   I pick a seat that is somewhat public and look for people I might know.   I watch the traffic in the coffee shop to see what people are doing.   It always amazing me.   You can learn a lot about people just by watching them. Then my appointment arrives. 9:00 10:30 am: Check email, voicemail, Twitter, read feeds I have a bit of time to kill before my next scheduled appointment via phone.   Again, this conversation was scheduled last week.   I use this time to check into my virtual office.   While I do this, I also check out the coffee shop to see who I may know or a friendly face. 10:30 11:30 am: Phone call with First Name Last Name while driving back home I know, it is dangerous to talk and drive.   I have hands-free equipment, so I am obeying New York State Law (thank you very much for your concern).   Before I leave the parking lot, I make sure that I have reviewed my notes and am prepared for the conversation.   At the end of the conversation, I review my action items and theirs so Ill remember what Im supposed to do. 11:30 1:30: Lunch with First Name Last Name This lunch date was set up a couple of days ago.   I am reconnecting with a friend I havent seen in awhile.   If I am at the restaraunt early enough, again, I try to look for someone to chat with. It could be the hostess, it could be someone else waiting for a seat.   Much of the conversation is personal however, my friend does ask how I am doing and I tell her what Ive been up to.   She asks how she can help and I tell her about an upcoming event I have scheduled and ask if she could tell anyone who might be interested.   She asked! 1:30 4:30 pm: Work This is time when I prepare materials for upcoming presentations, research, write proposals, etc. It is the time I use to both take care of client requests as well as follow through on goals for my business.   Some days this takes more time, other days, less time.   I plan accordingly 4:30 5:15 pm:   Pick up kids My kids go to an after school program.   Whenever I pick them up I run into parents I know, talk to teachers and aides in the program. 6:30 8:30 pm: Deliver presentation No, I dont have a presentation to deliver every day of the week.   When I dont have something scheduled, I try to attend some event, no, not every night of the week, but at least ONE night a week.   There are certain groups that I know offer great programs and I get notification about many of them (because I added myself to their mailing list). What you arent seeing on this daily agenda is the time I commit to volunteer with my church as well as some other professional organizations.   Those meetings and events typically occur once or twice per month. Every time you leave your house, you have an opportunity to meet someone one new.   Seize that opportunity. And oh, by the way, I am a full-fledged INTROVERT! What does your agenda look like?   How many meetings do you try to schedule a week and with whom?   Share!