Make decisions like Sully
We can learn a lot about good decision-making by noting how Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger behaved after he realized that both engines on US Airways Flight 1549 had cut out.
Year: 2009
Facing a new boss after a reorganization?
New bosses are popping up lately, as more offices streamline staff. If that’s the case in your office, cast yourself in the best possible light—quickly. Follow this advice from executive recruiter Jay Gaines and executive coach Licia Hahn.
Set the tone with a strong handshake
Here’s a scenario for you: Rashid meets Lori in her office, and both nervously shake hands. Lori notices what feels like a wimpy, limp clasp. Both think to themselves, “Yuck, what a shake.” A two-second exchange like that can create unease and discomfort in the relationship. Whose fault is it?
Google keeps the cool tools coming
Thanks to Google’s policy of allowing employees time each week to work on pet projects, the company is forever unleashing cool services for us to try. A few Google tools to add to your arsenal:
Business writing: 7 phrases to ban
Fancy-schmancy business-speak does not make for strong business writing. With that rule in mind, an editor for HarvardBusiness.org suggests banning these words and phrases from your writing:
Gaining face time with a busy boss
How can you be assured of enough face time with your boss to ask questions, convey critical information and dazzle her with your smarts—without coming across as a time drain? The key, advises author and workplace columnist Anita Bruzzese, is to be aware of what your boss wants and when and how she wants it.
1-Minute Strategies: May ’09
Boost productivity by “plotting” the items on your to-do list … Organize a boss’s overflowing e-mail box by setting up inbox folders … Manage team conflict with this tactic … Take a breather every hour, for peak productivity …
Stay plugged into professional networks
Employees everywhere are tapping their professional networks, as they look for new jobs or prepare for the possibility of a pink slip. The good news is that a number of strong associations already exist and can offer a string of networking benefits. Here are a few tips for
4 ways to become a ‘luck magnet’
Some people “make their own luck.” These are the fearless souls who create opportunities—or maybe they simply notice opportunities others don’t. They expect the best and are resilient enough to flip bad luck into something good. Jan Fraser, author of Ordinary Women … Extraordinary Success, suggests four ways you can make your own luck:
Could blogging score you a job?
If you find yourself seeking new employment, consider taking proactive, positive approaches. All hinge on online methods, which 40% of new job seekers use in their searches (2008 Spherion Emerging Workforce Study).