Archive for the ‘General’ Category

The Best Job In The World

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

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Really? Have you heard about this? I’m talking about what’s been dubbed the “Best Job in the World” — a six-month contract to serve as caretaker of a tropical Australian island. Really!

In times like ours, where jobs are hard to come by in the first place, this dude lucked out! No really, lucked out! Basically he gets paid to babysit some islands in the Great Barrier Reef, blog about it, take some pics and the kicker - he’s getting paid $150,000 AUD. All this and he didn’t even have to do a hiring assessment. In fact, the hiring selection process was conducted partly in Australia - for which he obviously didn’t have to pay either! This was a win-win situation for all the 16 finalists!

Though its touted as the world’s best job, it really brings up a great question, what is the best job in the world?

Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get many different responses. Some may say that a job like our friends’ is the one - others may disagree and say that a more “fulfilling” and worthy job is much better and therefore qualifies. What it really comes down to is personal, so here are some tips on finding your perfect job:

1. Be creative - don’t just take any job for the sake of taking it. Look outside the traditional career sphere (…that rhymes), and beyond what you think you’re parents or friends would admire you for. Do what’s best for you and imagine several different careers that satisfy you.

2. Be aware - ask yourself why certain situations or types of work make you happier then others. Be sure to also be aware of the types of work that you don’t like, its just as important to be aware of those and know what you don’t enjoy doing.

3. Be patient - don’t rush into conclusions about what you’d like to do before you haven’t done it. We’ve all heard that statistic that you’ll change careers and industries at least 3-5 times during your lifetime. As long as you learn from each you’re well on your way to a satisfying career.

4. Be realistic - don’t say that you’re going to be a brain surgeon because you enjoy scrubs! Put yourself into careers and jobs that make sense and are attainable. It never hurts to dream but have your head grounded.

5. Be open - there are literally thousands of possibilities out there, so take it all in and you’ll eventually figure it out.

Top 10 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Employees

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

In our continuing series of tips on How To Get The Most Out Of Your Employees, here are tips 6-10.

6. Lead By Example

One of the greatest motivators for an employee is seeing a manager or supervisor work harder than anyone else in the company. Leading by example is an underestimated motivator that can foster a productive work ethic in a company, and produce some great results.

7. Engage Your Workers

Ensure that your work force is engaged. This means that employees have a say in decisions (where appropriate of course) and can communicate ideas and feedback to supervisors and management. An engaging employer will surely be rewarded by an engaged and entitled employee who wants to succeed in the workplace.

8. Reward Your Employees (… and not just with money!)

Even though this may seem at first like a risky proposition, rewarding employees can be a great motivator in general. Rewards do not necessarily come in the form of money or run-of-the-mill employee benefits. Rewards can include verbal recognition, employee perks such as lunches, or even other ongoing incentives such as paying for daily commutes to and from work. Get creative!

9. Foster Strengths, Work on Weaknesses

While you shouldn’t ignore an employee’s weakness, it’s important to foster their strength, while being aware of their weaknesses. Realizing an individual’s strengths will enable you to leverage those into productive and rewarding work. At the same time, working on the person’s weaknesses can also be beneficial to both employer and employee and works to strengthen the professional bond between the two.

10. Don’t Be Afraid To Cut

While it is never the intention of an employer to hire someone who doesn’t work out – sometimes cutting an employee loose in order to maintain workplace harmony, avoiding conflict or for a simple lack of ability is a necessary part of running a business. As an employer you can’t and shouldn’t avoid taking the lead on issues that jeopardize any aspect of your business. The longer you wait, the more damage that will be done. As the saying goes: hire slow and fire fast!

Top 10 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Employees

Monday, May 4th, 2009

1. Understand that Each Employee is Different

Although it may be easy to paint all employees with the same brush, it is very important to realize that every individual is unique. Rather than thinking of your employees as a single, homogeneous work force, ensure that you realize the diversity of your employees and the potential inherent in that diversity. Realizing that your employees have different needs, requirements and expectations is the first step to realizing their full potential.

2. Manage Your Expectations

Perhaps your employee isn’t the problem – maybe it’s you! It is important for any employer to lay out specific expectations and benchmarks ahead of the game. Sitting down and drawing up a plan of action and expectations is a very useful exercise that will make sure that not only your employee stays on track, but that you do as well.

3. Manage Your Employee’s Expectations

Along with managing your own expectations as an employer, you must also manage your employee’s expectations. Transparency and open honest communications between employer and employee will ensure that you are both on the same wavelength and avoid any confusion about expectations and responsibilities.

4. Utilize Development Resources

Don’t be afraid to reach out and utilize some of the many development resources that exist out there. You have a range of options available to you to aid you in the process of getting the most out of your employees. While some of those options can be pricey, there are good tools you can use that are easily accessible and won’t break the bank. Other ideas include pairing up employees with mentors, creating coaching plans, joining professional networks and inviting industry experts to coach and work with your employees.

5. Provide a Challenging Environment

Put yourself in the shoes of your employees - if you were placed in an unchallenging and monotonous environment, chances are you wouldn’t like it either. Instead, ensure that you provide a challenging and dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and excitement.

Check back tomorrow for number 6 through 10!

Copyright ClearFit 2009

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Thursday, April 30th, 2009

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