Five Tips on How to Inspire your Employees in Challenging Times

Five Tips on How to Inspire your Employees in Challenging TimesFive Tips on How to Inspire your Employees in Challenging TimesFive Tips on How to Inspire your Employees in Challenging Times ShambaughAn effective manager understands that the power of words can transform overwhelmed, challenged employees into powerhouse teams that are resilient, hopeful, and engaged. Leaders of every stripe and sector know that its not just the message you wish to communicate, but the way you do it. It can mean the difference between a committed, firing-on-all-pistons team, or one thats deflated and coasting along.Whether youre giving a keynote speech or sitting in a conference room, make your words count. Here are five ways to inspire your team to reach for achievement.1 Articulate Your VisionTelegraph a can do attitude rather than saying We will try, focus on We Will and We Are. Use a variety of metaphors, stories, symbols and even visual aids, to create a common ground of experience, interests, and dreams. Focus beyond shared values and identity to describe a shared future. Let people know you have the utmost confidence in them to succeed.2 Adapt your Style, but Dont Lose YourselfGood leaders know how to read a situation and adjust their style and communications accordingly. To do so its important to assess a situation or people before engaging in communications or negotiations. Step back and consider the context or situation you are dealing with. For example, if your normal style is a more dominant one and youre approaching someone who has more of a conscientious style or who is from a different culture, youll need to match that level of detail. Come into the conversation exploring all the possibilities be sure you have your facts straight with some proven examples.3 Speak from the HeartThe quickest way to inspire a group is to give of yourself. Express your own values, passions, and emotions when appropriate, which reflects your true self. Its also important to acknowledge y our audiences point of view. Let people know that you have heard them and understand where they are coming from. Its also vital to reference the history of working together, progress you have made and the common principles and goals you share. This will enable your listeners to feel comfortable and committed to your message.4 Communicate by Watching and ListeningMuch of our message is delivered via non-verbal communication our body language, our voices, the subtle cues that create the message. Youll also want to be aware of and respond to cues from your audience. Are they engaged, defensive, confused by what youre saying? Watch their body language, eye contact and any other non-verbal cues. Another way to communicate is to simply listen to your audience. Do so with empathy and compassion so that you can observe your audiences true feelings. Paraphrase and summarize what you heard. Repeat back to the person in your own words what you understand they are telling you.5 Tell It Like It Is Speaking the truth is a critical attribute for leaders to demonstrate, particularly during challenging or unfortunate times. Many studies site the number one quality of a leader as integrity and honesty. Consistency in both words and actions creates trust and honesty. Integrity means that, as a strong leader, you have the courage to stand up for a set of important principles and beliefs, even when the message is in conflict with what others what to hear. Always consider the consequences of not having the hard conversation which may ultimately make things more difficult. Be your own critic before you make your speech. Challenge your own assumptions make sure you are well prepared avoid painting a rosy picture or glossing over facts. Doing so will create a sense of uninformed optimism which can decrease the amount of trust and respect that others have of you as a leader.Author BioRebecca Shambaugh is the founder and CEO of Shambaugh Leadership in Washington, DC.She is the author of The Leadership Secrets of Hillary Clinton.

How to Handle an Informal Interview

How to Handle an Informal InterviewHow to Handle an Informal InterviewLike many workplaces, job interviews are transitioningtoamora casualfeel. Instead of a structured, formal interview in a conference room, many hiring managers now begin with a low-key, informal conversation. Hiring managers or recruiters mayinvite candidates out for a cup of coffee, for instance, and instead of calling it an interview, the conversation may be framed as an exploratory orinformational session. Informal interviews are particularly common when hiring managers are actively recruiting a candidate. For candidates, this more casual interview style can present a new platzset of challenges What should you wear?What should you bring?How should you behave? Learn why informal interviews are growing in popularity and how to ace the experience. Whyare Informal Interviews aGrowingTrend? One common reason an employer will opt for an informal interview is that theyre mucksmuschenstill formulating the exact struc ture of the job. By meeting with a wide variety of candidates, without a specific job description, employers can use what they learn from informal interviews to flesh out the exact responsibilities and expectations for the role. Alternatively, employers may go this route because funding is too tentative to begin formal interviewing.The company mayevenbe considering another role for the current job holder andthereforewant to explore alternative talent before moving forward with reassignment or firing. Inthecaseofexecutive recruiters, theymay simply be trying to source talent for future clients. Preparing for a Casual Interview Get ready for a conversation, coffee date, or any other casual interview in the same thorough way youdprepare for a more formal, traditional job interview. Conduct extensiveresearch on the organizationand its products and/or services, challenges, achievements, and competition.Be ready to discuss yourcareer pathand long-term goals and to itemize assets and s trengths that have helped you add value to various projects and roles.Be prepared to cite specific examples andto tell stories that demonstratethe actionsyouve taken and theresults youvegenerated.Just as you would at a formal interview, you should have ideas for how youd fit into the company and what positive role you could playthere. What to Wear Because this is an informational meeting, you dont need to dress inprofessional interview attireunless thats what you usually wear to work. Otherwise,business casualorstart-up casualattire, depending on your industry, is appropriate. Of course, even if your clothing is a bit more casual, you should still wear an outfit that is clean and thatwould be appropriate in the office of the company. That way, your appearance wont distract yourinterviewerfrom your qualifications. What to Bring Bring some extra copies of your resume yourbusiness card, if you have one and a portfolio with a pad and pen so thatyou can take notes. What to As k the Recruiter One advantage of a less formal interview is that you can ask some questions early on to learn more about prospective opportunities since you may not have been given a formaljob description. Asking questions like, Can you tell me a bit more about why youve reached out to me? or Youve mentioned some potential changes in your operationscan you tell me more abouthow someone like me might fit into that picture? will help you to develop a clearer idea of which of your assets might best meet the employers needs. It will also help clarify foryouwhether you are interested in the job. On-the-Spot Offers In some cases, you may end up being offered a job on the spot or very shortly after yourmeeting. One job seeker, for example, progressed from getting a LinkedIn message about opportunities at a company to having a cup of coffee with a hiring manager to getting a job offer from the CEOthree days later. When the fit is right, interviewers are often eager to lock in a candida te. If the recruiter surprises you with a specific opportunity, be prepared to express your excitement and appreciation, but know that you can reserve the right to process that new information and get back to them in the near future. Dont feel compelled to make a decision about whether to pursue the job on the spot. Watch What You Say One danger of an informal meeting is the tendency to speak too freely. Even if recruiters seem down to earth or liketheyaretrying to sell you on a company, pleasenotethatthey will stilltake note of what you say or do and factor it into their assessment. Withthisinmind,never say anything negative about a colleague, former supervisor, or former employer. Keep things on a professional level even if the recruiter seems to have let his or her hair down. Its also a good idea to ask the recruiter to keep the meeting confidential sothat you dont jeopardize your current job. That should be understood, but its better to be sure that word of your meeting does nt get back to your present employer. Information Gathering Some recruiters will use informal meetings to pick your brain about other potential candidates, especially if they sense that their opening is not appropriate for you. Gather as much information about the job as possible, but refrain from sharing any of your contactsnames until you clear it with them. Your contacts may have a reason that they dont want to affiliate with a particular recruiter or appear to be in job-hunt mode. Who Pays When youre invited to meet with a recruiter for a cup of coffee or a meal, they will pick up the tab. Theres no need to offer to pay. Do say thank you to the recruiter or hiring manager, though. Follow Up after the Meeting Ask the rolle you met for his or her business card sothat you have the information you need to follow up. Its important tofollow up after the meeting, especially if you sense that there will be viable opportunities available through the recruiter. Since a primary goal for their meeting may have been to feel you out in terms of your interest level, make sure that your follow-upemail or letter clearly affirms your interest in exploring things further, if that is the case. If you have learned about a specific job or role that appeals to you, mention a few discrete strengths that might allow you to add value tothecompany. If the recruiter has hinted at any reservations or anyareas of your background that didnt quite fit, try to supplythemwith information that would counter those concerns. Even if you arent interested in the company, send a briefthank-you note. Also,invite the recruiter to connect with you on LinkedInif you arent already connected. A quick cup of coffee could turn into a future employment opportunity, even if the timing and job arent agoodfitright now. Key Takeaways Informal interviews are increasingly popular Even if its referred to as a casual coffee date, its wise to prepare beforehand just as you would for an interview.No ne ed to wear a suit More casual attire is acceptable, but make sure your outfit is clean and officeappropriate.Follow up afterward Even if the conversation is not going to lead to a more formal interview, its good networking practice to connect on LinkedIn andto send afollow-up email after the meeting.

Got Interview Jitters Heres How to Manage Them

Got Interview Jitters Heres How to Manage ThemGot Interview Jitters Heres How to Manage ThemJob bewerberinterviews can be extremely stressful for candidates- even very qualified ones. Research from Everest College and Harris Interactive found that almost all Americans surveyed (92 percent) suffer from pre-interview jitters and anxiety related to the interview process.Some specific interview-related fears that job seekers cited includeNot knowing the right answer to questions askedBeing lateMaking a bad impressionBeing underpreparedWith these factors in mind, here is some practical advice on how get rid of interview jitters, and feel more confident and prepared going into an interview situationPractice your interview answers.While there is no way to know exactly what questions you will be asked in an interview, that doesnt mean you cant brainstorm answers to specific types of common questions. A large part of your overall interview prep should involve getting very comfortable fielding job-related questions with confidence and poise.For starters, read this article on three tough job interview questions and how to answer them. You should also try to anticipate questions that the hiring team may ask you about the specific position to which youre applying, as well as the company. Thoroughly review the job description so that you have the right language to use when discussing it. Prepare answers about how your past experience and current skills can help the company solve their problems.Arrive in the vicinity ahead of schedule.If you feel nervous about arriving late for your interview, you should- there is no doubt youll make a poor impression and set off on the wrong foot by showing up past the requested start time. Knowing this, you should do everything you can to enaya an on-time arrival, which means planning to arrive at a location near where your interview will be held well in advance of your scheduled interview time.Arriving early requires careful planning. Thin k through how long each leg of the journey could take, from the amount of time you need to shower, dress, and eat to how long the commute is to the companys interview location. Build in a large cushion of time- a half hour or more. This will help ensure that you arrive early in the general vicinity of where you need to be. Once youre on-site ahead of schedule, you can breathe a little easier. Dont head into the interview check-in location too early though. Wait out the time nearby- in your car or a local coffee shop, for example. With the travel out of the way, youll know that youll be on time, and you can brush up on your interview answers while you wait to check in for your meeting.Amp up your attitude.Theres no need to worry about the impression youll make if you prepare to make a good one. In addition to taking the steps above, projecting a positive attitude counts for a lot in interview scenarios. Be sure to get a good nights sleep so that you can arrive energized and ready to rock your interviewDont leave your interview performance to chance. By taking these three steps- planning in advance to say the right thing, arriving early to be on time, and making a great attitude impression on the hiring managers- you can quash your worries about being underprepared and position yourself for job success.Looking for more interview advice? Check out our category dedicated to job interviewing tips.

Keeping Score at Work Isnt Doing You Any Favors (Even if You Have the Most Points)

Keeping Score at Work Isnt Doing You Any Favors (Even if You Have the Most Points)Keeping Score at Work Isnt Doing You Any Favors (Even if You Have the Most Points)Who does the most work in the office? Who gets the most attention? Who does most of the cleaning in the house? Who buys the most presents? Who calls who the most?The answer is this No one cares about the silly scorecards inside your brain.When people keep score, theres only one outcome resentment. In social psychology, thats called the egocentric bias. The term was first used by Michael Ross and Fiore Sicoly in a 1979 study. They looked at stuff like cooking, making decisions, causing arguments, or any other things that are a part of relationships and found that nearly 75% of married couples overestimated their contribution to the relationship.Basically, its natural for us to take credit for achievements and blame others for losses. Were not aware of our egocentric attitudes. Thats why you have to train yourself to stop ke eping score. Its unhealthy and only causes conflicts.You Have Nothing to ProveI think theres a relationship between keeping score and self-confidence. Keeping score is something you do to prove a point and feel good about yourself over someone else.But heres the thing If youre confident, and you believe in your ability, theres nothing to prove. Just play your part. Its none of your business how others behave. If youre upset about something, thats an entirely different story. If you feel that your colleague is doing less work than you, say it. Dont get all frustrated by convincing yourself that you do it all and theres nothing you can do about it. When it comes to work, people may sayYou deserve more money because you do all the work.You should stop working hard because they dont value you.You might think your friend is giving you good advice, but this type of thinking isnt helpful at all. Ill keep it real with you dont complain- act. Play the Long Game and CollaborateIm not saying t hat its OK if youre in an unequal relationship, personally or professionally. But life isnt fair. Either change it or get out. Stop thinking in concepts like fair. Its completely meaningless and has no useful function. It only causes conflict because its subjective.Instead, I look at relationships like a long-term collaboration. I dont worry about keeping score, because I know that, over a lifetime, the score will always be equal- because we all chase the same goals. In the end, everything will even out anyway. Just do what you have to do, and dont think about who did the most work.If you really want to achieve things in life and get actual work done, you have to collaborate with others. Youll never achieve something on your own. Keeping score is a dangerous trait that you should avoid at all costs. You have the ability to change yourself, but ultimately you cant change others. You can only make them aware of something. If others decide to change, thats great. If not, thats not your problem.Just understand that this is your life, and that means you decide who you spend your time with.And if you want to achieve something that matters, you have to surround yourself with good people. People who care about collective results.This article was originally published on DariusForoux.com. It has been republished here with permission.Photo of people collaborating courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

This is the right way to disagree with coworkers

This is the right way to disagree with coworkersThis is the right way to disagree with coworkersIts possible to disagree in a way thats professional but still gets your point across at work.Here are a few things to keep in mind.Think about the greater goodPeter Barron Stark, a consultant, speaker, coach, author, co-creator of The Managers Toolkit and President of Peter Barron Stark Companies, writes on his site about constructive disagreement within organizations. One of his tips is to change your goals from being right to finding a solution that will work.When disagreements occur, egos take over and both counterparts can develop a need to be right. The minute you think you are right, you are also indirectly saying that you are smarter than your counterpart or the team. If you are focused on the goal of resolving the disagreement versus being right, there may be multiple solutions that will work, he writes.Strive to communicate in-personJill Ozovek, ACC, CPC, a certified professional coach, blogger, writer andfounder of the Career Passport, writes about disagreeing with a coworker in The Muse. Her first tip is to get offline.After mentioning that you shouldnt binnenbinnensee emails in the heat of the moment, but rather, talk in-person, or over the phone or video chat if in-person isnt feasible, she continuesWhy? First and foremost, you can both read body language and hear intonations in each others voices this way, leading to fewer misunderstandings (how many times has something come across as snarky in an email, when you only meant it as explanatory?), she writes. Secondly, talking in person also helps you both remember that youre talking to a person- presumably a person you like- not just a computer screen. This will make it easier to be sympathetic and make it more likely that youll do your best to work together to find a solution, rather than fight against each other.She later mentionshow the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott has informed her related work.Show that you listened to the other party as wellSusan M. Heathfield is an HR expert, speaker, professional facilitator, writer, speaker, trainer and management and organization development consultant.She writes in The Balance that you want to validate your coworkers opinion during a work disagreement.Identify the components with which you agree and acknowledge that you can understand or see why she might feel the way she does. Open your disagreement by repeating what the other party said rather than launching into your areas of disagreement first. Help the person feel as if he was listened to, heard out, and understood, Heathfield writes.

Top Add Resume to Linkedin Tips!

Top Add Resume to Linkedin Tips Employers will nonetheless be in a position to find you in many ways, including throughout your on-line profile. Companies may still request the conventional types of application so be well prepared to submit your resume, titelblatt letter, and complete an application. Recruiters utilize Boolean searches to seek out applicants. Top Add Resume to Linkedin Choices A whole lot of individuals get nervous at the idea of writing a notice with respect to their job application. Employing a Indeed Resume its possible to create your capabilities and knowledge noticeable to employers and give them an effortless ways to get in contact with you about relevant careers. A complete alternate for prospects with significant amounts of experience who need to get an exceptional one-page resume template. Something of lots of importance for resumes is to ensure your information is explained and quantified. The Add Resume to Linkedin Game The capability to edit th e work application from any place in the whole world is a wonderful asset that youre in a position to utilize to help you get that upcoming great job. With your abilities and work experience would be sufficient to know whether youre good for the job. The previous thing which you would like to do is definitely get a job which you wont be in a position to do. You might now search for a work relaxing comfortably your own property. If youre searching for work, no longer rely on just 1 method to discover jobs. Finding out how to compose a work application may be an important achievement for everybody who would like to climb that ladder of profession achievement. Usually once you take past a job or task you may think about a more efficient approach to finish the endeavor. Seeking the perfect job can be challenging, but polishing your continue doesnt need to be. A continue builder is like toilet paper. As promised, in the subsequent list youll have a number of the document embelli shments that will allow you to create a professional resume 2019. There are a few things you ought to know on how best to compose an application. One of the greatest regions to get resume examples is online, since there are lots of websites offering templates an individual may download and use. If you dont optimize your profile youre likely to be passing up a good deal. These days, there are dozens and dozens of new things you can attempt to create a resume. A summer job by way of your dad isnt really crucial to list. When an individual is tutored, theres a great possibility that his confidence is improved. Ok, I Think I Understand Add Resume to Linkedin, Now Tell Me About Add Resume to Linkedin If youre most likely to have more transferrable skills than you believe. A speedy method to have a job is to become involved with the alumni association in your region, attend meetings and network. Folks sometimes utilize various versions of their resume tailored to unique jobs. Think about adding a number of these skills to your LinkedIn. How to Get Started with Add Resume to Linkedin? Its fine to take out information that feels outdated or is more than a couple of years old in the event the summary is getting somewhat long. So as to use a resume to compose a CV, it is crucial to find several examples that possess the relevant specifics. Published posts will also appear on your profile, which will boost your credibility in related fields that relate to your professional experience. This post has instructions on the best way to do that. Using Add Resume to Linkedin There are, in addition, some general skills that almost anyone can develop and increase their LinkedIn and skilled profile. On the website, you can construct your professional network and engage with them. Some websites that let you to apply to jobs will even permit you to connect to your LinkedIn profile to import all of your information. You have the choice to customize you LinkedIn URL . A properly executed social media profile on LinkedIn is a significant job-search tool which increases your visibility, but it doesnt guarantee that youll be observed, or seen by the folks with the authority and the urge to employ a professional like you. On the flip side, you also will need to take advantage of your LinkedIn profile to the fullest extent possible. Writing a competitive application document demands a great deal of effort. however, it surely pays off. 1 search word, a couple clicks and youve got the info you would like right facing you. Definitions of Add Resume to Linkedin Ensure your profile is left up to date instead of merely a repeat of your resume. As soon as it is completed, you are going to have access to the Resume Constructor. Since resumes have limited space, you likely dont want to include things like a huge string of text, thus we recommend going to Google URL Shortener. They tend to be a bit restrictive since you follow a general format.

The Growing Pains of Success

The Growing Pains of Success According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, growing pains is a harmless conditioncause unknownthat affects 10-20 percent of all growing children and most often occurs in children ages 3-12. Symptoms include pain in legs (calves and thigh), typically during evening or nighttime and treatments range from heating pads to mild nonprescription pain medications. Yet, the biggest treatment for growing pains is perseverance. Like the common cold, if children experience growing pains theyll just have to allow nature to run its course and their bodies to get through it.And whether or not you believe such a condition exists in developing adolescents, one thing is certainlife has growing pains. Whether it be with relationships, academically or physically, at some point in time we all experience difficulties as we grow to reach a certain level of maturity in the different areas of our lives. And our careers are no exception.Everyone has goals and desires to achieve them we all have our own definition of success. And as we work to fulfill this definition it is then that we inevitably experience the many growing pains of success. Below are just five common growing pains people encounter on the road to success and tips on how to handle them once you cross their paths1. DisrespectSigns Symptoms People talking down to you on the job exclusion of your thoughts and ideas due to your age or years of experience (especially if both are low numbers) total disregard for your credentials and/or accomplishments, e.g. questioning the validity of your online degree or training insults to your intelligence, competence and capabilities, especially due to age, sex, disability and/or religionTreatments You must remember that people will only treat you how you allow them to. If you do not demand respect, many people you encounter wont be so willing to offer it. Take pride in who you are, your skills sets and accomplishments on the job. If youre 22 and a recent college grad, do not be intimidated by older workers or those with a longer tenure. Likewise, if youre a woman working on a team full of men, dont be nervous. You have your punkt for a reason and bring sohonigweinhing unique to the table, just like every other employee. Share your ideas, be firm with your demands and address anything you feel discriminates or disrespects you as a worker and individual.2. Solitude Signs Symptoms Friends and coworkers going down a different career path than your own new job in a new city unsupportive friends or colleagues pertaining to your goals decreasing or lack of resourcesTreatments Sometimes our chosen career path becomes lonely, especially if youre hopes and dreams are different from the norm. You may be met with adversity and naysayers telling you Your dreams are too big, It will never happen, and/or You dont have what it takes. This point in your life may feel lonely and isolated as you head in a direction no one else is willing to go, but keep pressing forward. Remember, eagles fly alone.3. RelationshipsSigns Symptoms Difficult to meet people at work unable to relate to coworkers because of age and lifestyle differences non-sociable, feeling awkward, uncomfortable and lonely in new settings moving away from friends/family for work-related opportunitiesTreatments As we grow, people will enter and leave our lives some will stay for the entire course. Creating professional relationships with your coworkers may feel uneasy at first, especially if youre on the shy side, but it is essential to getting over this growing pain. Not only will it make this stage in your life easier to deal with, you may come out with some invaluable connections and new friends.4. AdaptingSigns Symptoms Plan A fails nothing is going according to plan feelings of inadequacy as you question your ability to succeed facing obstacles, setbacks and roadblocksTreatm ents One thing we all know is that life never goes according to plan. The obstacles you face on the path to success are certainly growing pains, but its how you react to them that is key. Being able to adapt when life throws you a curve ball is dire to your future success. You failed the MCAT and wont be attending medical school this year, now what? Your first attempt at opening a new business didnt work out what will you do now? Try alternative routes, retake exams, apply for that opening again next year Whatever you have to do to keep pursuing your goals, do it even if its not what youd planned.5. TransitionSigns Symptoms Finding your job unfulfilling desire a new position/career development discriminated against in workplace unethical work place draining, stressful, toxic work environmentTreatments Knowing when to leave your job on your path to success can be difficult. Some workers find themselves in very toxic and unhappy working situations, but have not decided to leave due t o financial reasons, lack of future employment, or just plain old fear of consequences.Evaluate your current work situation and the pros and cons of leaving and staying. Be honest in your assessment and consider your values. A part of advancement is knowing when to close the door on one experience to open the door for the next.

Facing 50 questions for every job interview

Facing 50 questions for every job interviewFacing 50 questions for every job interviewMichigan job seeker Connie Corwin grew tired of being stumped on interviews, so she made herbeibei own prep list of questions and answers for every eventuality.Getting a job interview turned out to be less of a hurdle than Connie Corwin expected when she began her first job search in three decades.Corwin, a member of OpsLadder, had not experienced an interview in more than 30 years. She had only known one employer, General Motors, where she had started after high school, working her way up to operations manager in the powertrain division at a manufacturing plant near Flint, Mich.Corwin said she decided to leave in 2010 before outside forces made the decision for her. She had her resume professionally rewritten, recruiters were returning her phone calls, and she welches getting job interviews. It was what happened once she entered the interview room that stymied her at every turn.I would be asked dur ing an interview, Tell me about yourself, and I wasnt sure what to say, and I would give a really long answer that was very broad, she recalled. I gave the interviewer more information than they wanted or needed.She stumbled through the answers on several interviews before concluding that she needed to prepare every answer for every question she might possibly face. I needed to have specifics, instead of talking in broad themes and vague descriptions.Corwin searched online for sample interview questions she read books by human-resources experts and she relied on her own experiences to develop a list of the 50 interview questions she was most likely to face on any given job interview, including Why did you leave your last job? What did you like most about your job?and How would your boss describe you? She then answered every question and practiced every response.I spent quite a bit of time trying to communicate what it was the interviewer wanted to know, Corwin said. When they aske d, Why did you leave your last job? I knew they wanted to hear my thought process in making this huge decision to leave my job in a tough economy. My response was to explain all the things about my previous position that said to me it was time to move on and what I hoped to tackle in my next job.Another question that she had stumbled on in early interviews was, What were some of the important things you accomplished in your last job? To answer that one, Corwin looked at her resume, pulled out key areas where she had led her gruppe to success, and explained why those successes were important to the company.I did the bullet-point thing (verbally), she said. I did a two-sentence summary of whatever I was talking about, named some important skills, and then quickly summarized. You can only hold peoples attention for so long. I timed myself so I could answer a question in two minutes.Corwin credited her interview-prep method with preparing her for job interviews that eventually led to mu ltiple job offers, including one for a plant-manager position at an aerospace components manufacturer in Seattle.The 10-page document she created went with her on every interview. The night before an interview, I would start at the beginning and read through every question. I didnt memorize it, but I would read it like you would read a story.During an interview with a single company, Corwin said, she would be asked at least 60 percent of the questions on her list. I couldnt imagine a question they would come up with that I wouldnt have a response for, she said. Its a great list. Some people like to wing it, but I like to be prepared.

Sailing Above and Below Water to Generate Power

Sailing Above and Below Water to Generate Power Sailing Above and Below Water to Generate Power Sailing Above and Below Water to Generate PowerThere are times when the simplest of solutions remains hidden in plain sight. That is the scenario Hans Dysarsz is facing in his quest to flesh out and commercialize a system of renewable energy so simple he says it does not even qualify as new technology. It is based on the reaction ferry propulsion approach, thought to be first described by Leonardo da Vinci, where a ferry boat tethered to an upstream cable moves from one river bank to the opposite side simply from the kinetic energy of flowing water.That kinetic energy could be harvested using a lighter array of foils, similar to a ships sails, moving above or below the water. If placed above the water, the foil would operate with wind if placed below the water line, it would move from the flow. Either way, it would produce electricity generated from mechanical energy in the form of the pul ling action of the foil, which would be used to drive generators.People have simply overlooked this, says Dysarsz of the concept. This is a very simple way for kinetic energy to be turned into usable mechanical energy, and it is clean. But forget clean. It is simply cheaper.Reaction ferries have operated in Canada for over 100 years. Dysarsz studied one on the Fraser River in Lytton, British Columbia, that operates in extreme conditions, including ice flows and logs. Based on the season, it operates with up to a 50-foot water level change and flow changes from 1,500 cubic meters per second to over 12,000 c/m/s. Its operating costs are negligible.Schematic of a Reaction Ferry kinetic energy conversion system. Image Da Vinci EnergyDysarsz, a pilot by training who calls himself a closet engineer, says the idea of using a reaction ferry as a source of power generation was a complete fluke. Flying throughout Alaska and Canadas northwest exposed him to the few reaction ferries still used in British Columbia. He claims small systems of 1,000 Watts could be built by virtually anyone using basic tools and materials. Systems of up to 10,000 Watts could be built by semi-skilled workers using off-the-shelf components. Further, the system could pull about 1 MW to 1.5 MW from river or ocean flow using a similarbut more robust design,he says.The Hydrokinetic Shuttle Foil approach is obscure, but some research has been done by Canadian universities and the National Research Council of Canada. Mechanical engineering students at the University of Victoria recently conducted a modeling program for a wind shuttle foil system. In 2016, Dysarsz tested the system at a water flume of Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Inc., in North Vancouver, British Columbia.Dysarsz, who founded Da Vinci Energy, Inc. in Vancouver to develop the system, says the tests were successful. Using a foil array in very slow flows of .32 to .55 meters per second with a shuttle velocity of .5 meters per second, it produced 16.6 pounds of static thrust, he says. We thought we would get five to six, he adds. The tests also generated six volts of power and one amp, using wheel barrow ball bearings, not exactly low friction, he notes.To adapt the system to produce energy, a number of foils would attach to a cable strung above or below a river, similar to clothes on a clothes line. The wind or current would move them back and forth, and the mechanical energy captured and converted to electricity with generators placed on shore. Dysarsz says it could be adapted for the ocean, with the foils operating between barges anchored to the ocean floor, similar to what is done in offshore oil and gas development. At that scale, it could produce megawatts of energy, he claims.It amounts to a bedsheet on a clothes line, he says. The turning action of the pulley provides mechanical energy. You just have to apply 21st century controls and materials.The schemes basic simplicity makes it attractive, especially in isolated areas or the developing world. We want to get it out to who really needs it, and at a reasonable cost, says Dysarsz, noting it could be adapted to a range of water flow, providing enough power to turn an Archimedes screw for irrigation. The cost would be cheap.Curran Crawford is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria with a hintergrund in wind energy and who oversaw a modeling project of the technology. He calls the concept interesting but cautions that much more work needs to be done to research and refine the engineering.From a raw technology perspective, wind systems look the same, he says. The foil approach differs from wind turbines with rotors as the outer part of the rotor is doing more of the generation. With a foil, the whole piece is doing the work. This needs more on detailed engineering. We havent had the funding to delve into more detail.Other rotorless wind systems are in development in various countries, including on e using gliders tethered to the ground, notes Crawford. Others are working with kites, both in the sky and underwater, tethered to the ocean floor. Researchers at Worcester Polytechnical University have been working on a concept know as TUSK-Tethered Undersea Kite. The scheme uses a rigid-wing kite fitted with an axial-flow turbine attached to the floor with a tether. As it flys through the current, electricity is generated and transmitted to a floating buoy and on to the power grid. Velocity and the generated power are increased because the mounted turbine is in motion, and not fixed.Both have the promise of producing extremely cheap power. Based on known installed costs for reaction ferries worldwide, Dysarsz says cent per kWh is feasible, and could be lower for ocean current or tidal installations. That can also provide a cheap way to produce hydrogen or compressed air, notes Dysarsz. It also poses little to no environmental impact. The foils move slowly enough to allow birds or fish to pass and there is no need to dam a river.Dysarsz hopes to develop the technology as a nonprofit. Based on projections for delivering inexpensive electricity, he believes it is both ideal for developing nations and could be potentially taken a step or two further to produce hydrogen or compressed air. Both could be used for clean energy development.Maximizing its potential is probably tied to ocean or tidal development. Theres so much energy in ocean or tidal flows, it could easily be ramped up, he says. You dont need to put this anywhere near where people live.Cheap energy fuels economics, says Dysarsz. This is potentially disruptive. For Further Discussion It amounts to a bedsheet on a clothes line. The turning action of the pulley provides mechanical energy. You just have to apply 21st century controls and materials. Hans Dysarcz, Da Vinci Energy, Inc.

Everyone Counts in Job Search Mode

Everyone Counts in Job Search ModeEveryone Counts in Job Search ModeEveryone Counts in Job Search ModeAt a recent picnic, my wife and I struck up a conversation with a young man who welches walking around with his Nikon camera, taking pictures of everyone.Since one of my hobbies is photography and my favorite camera is a Nikon, instantaneously he welches my new best friend. In having our conversation, I found out that he welches a recent college graduate with a degree in construction management. He graduated with honors. However, he had not been successful in getting a job since graduating.Since I have a daughter that graduated that same year and is gainfully employed within herbei major, I wanted to talk to him in more depth.Is your message coherent?So after the initial conversation, I asked a few simple questions what are you looking for?Tell me about you. That is where it derailed.His response was all over the map. While he was looking for an entry-level position, his passion was photography. Then it was back to his major and as they say on and on.This went on a while as I listened till he stopped talking. When he did, I said we have to talk. I told him my background and then proceeded to tell him the importance of having a pitch and to stay on point.Not only that, I had contacts within the construction industry that I could connect him to. But first he needed to work on HIS presentationNever discount anyoneThis reminded me of a story that a career consultant friend of mine told me. There was a senior-level executive in New York who was laid off during the latest recession. After a while of trying to find another job, she decided to go back home to the Midwest to take a break. One day she decides to spend the morning with her grandmother.As the both of them were having coffee, her grandmother asked her about her job search and what she was looking to do. Since this question came from her grandmother, she kind of sidestepped it. She figured her grandmother wo uld not be of any help.When her grandmother persisted, she finally told her that there was this particular company that she really wanted to work for but was not having any luck in connecting with anyone there. She noticed her grandmother staring away as if trying to remember something. Just then, she excused herself from the room and came back with her phone book.As she looked through her phone book, her granddaughter looked on puzzled. Finally, she asked her what she was looking for. She told her that her bridge partners granddaughter works for that company and is one of their senior executives. After a phone call, she came back and gave her granddaughter a phone number and told her to call the young lady. Within a few weeks, she had an interview, and within a month, she was employed with her dream company.Everyone counts in job search modeThe moral of the story is that while in job search mode, everyone you come in contact with has the potential to land you that job. You must per fect your pitch. This is your advertisement and you must make it work.It is called the 2-minute pitch, but it does not have to be two minutes.My suggestion to my friend is this. Spend some time in front of the mirror perfecting your pitch as to who you are, what you are looking for, and why a company should hire you. If it is two minutes fine, if not, and you still get your point across, even better.Use every opportunity whether at a cookout, on your commute, or basically anywhere you engage in conversation to get in your pitch. Use every opportunity to describe the package that you bring to the table. It is critical to your career search and will increase your visibility and influence.So, next time you are at an event, everyone that is there could be the one that enables you to make the connection. Dont discount anyone.About the AuthorTodays post is written by Ron Thomas (pictured), a human resources professional with more than 15 years of experience, including roles with Martha St ewart Living and IBM. He was recently named to the Expert Advisory Council on Talent Management Strategy at the Human Capital Institute in Washington, D.C. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Workforce Management, Chief Learning Officer magazine and Crains New York Business.Recently, he was named to the HR Hall of Fame by HR Network of New York. Rons blog, StrategyFocusedHR, focuses on human resources from a strategic perspective.