Day 21: Hold it close to your heart

I'm not sure if it's contagious, and we're all catching it from reading each other's blogs, but something seems amiss. I even caught a bit of it myself.<br /><br />What is "it"? Our lack of enthusiasm for losing weight. Several of the blogs I read are written by people who have been at this for a long time, the same as me. Actually, it's not that we lack the enthusiasm for losing weight, but we lack the enthusiasm for doing the things we have to do to lose weight.<br /><br />It's like we're all tired. Tired of the mundane, of the boredom. The measuring, the counting, the tracking. The decisions about what's the best choice, what's the most healthy thing to eat. The worry. The remorse when we screw it up. The self-flagellation when we don't get it right.<br /><br />I'm right there with you. I'm tired of it all too.<br /><br />On the other hand, I vividly remember what it was like to weigh 240 pounds. I can flip over to my pictures page and look at myself. I remember the humiliation, the hurt, the physical pain. I remember the asthma attacks which have completely disappeared. And mostly, I remember never wanting to go anywhere or do anything.<br /><br />That 240-pound woman would have rather died than attend a Pi<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nk</span> concert and danced in the aisles. She couldn't have hiked ten minutes up a mountain, much less for three hours with a 25-pound pack on her back. She would never have gone to a football game and talked to strangers and high-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fived</span> them when her team made a touchdown.<br /><br />No, that woman would have sat at home, probably on the couch, and watched TV all weekend. Or maybe read a book. Socializing was not her thing. Then she would have whined about her "boring" life.<br /><br />All this weight loss stuff is rather boring, the same old thing day after day. Especially when you're past the honeymoon phase. The pounds aren't falling off quickly (if at all), the compliments about how great you look aren't as frequent. Buying new clothes has lost it's charm.<br /><br />What can keep you going? What's really going to motivate you to continue with this? Is where you are now "good enough"? If you were running a 5k and saw the finish line up ahead, would you just say, hey, I ran 4.5k, and I just don't feel like running the rest of it"? Right, I didn't think so.<br /><br />We each have to find the one thing that's important to us. The thing that makes us want to continue down this road. It's not exciting stuff that we're doing. It's pretty boring. But life isn't boring. Life is fun and exciting and thrilling. There's so much life to live, to live it overweight is a waste. We miss so much when we're overweight. We hide, we avoid situations, we avoid people. Being overweight is it's own prison.<br /><br />So even though I intended to write about what motivates me to stay with this, I realized what works for me is probably not going to work for you. We each have to find our own way. Just look inside yourself, find the real reason you're doing this and hold it close to your heart.

Day 21: Hold it close to your heart

I'm not sure if it's contagious, and we're all catching it from reading each other's blogs, but something seems amiss. I eve...

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5 Most Competitive Co-workers

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vt/ar5f6r273zt3s9hh79vt.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/vt/ar5f6r273zt3s9hh79vt.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>The race for the White House may be over, but the competitive spirit of the campaigns lives on -- in the workplace, at least. In a survey by Robert Half International, almost half of senior executives said they believe employees are more competitive today than 10 years ago.<br /><br />Why is it harder than ever to hear the strains of "Kumbaya" among workplace colleagues? The uncertain economy may be part of the problem: When people are concerned about job security, they are more apt to want to prove their worth to employers, and the pressure to perform can result in employee rivalries.<br /><br />While it's true that a bit of healthy competition among staff members can increase motivation and productivity, too much tension can stand in the way of collaboration -- and good team results.<br /><br />Consider these five familiar workplace competitors and ways to deal with them when working together:<br /><br />1. The Speeder<br />This colleague wants to win the race, at just about any cost. When your manager asks the team to submit ideas for a new project, for example, she's always the first to respond.<br /><br />When working with a Speeder, make sure you have a chance to review her work. The person's tendency to race through projects means she doesn't always give assignments the time and attention they deserve. An extra set of eyes will ensure the tasks you tackle together are always error-free.<br /><br />2. The Loner<br />This person is highly secretive and guards his ideas like they're the crown jewels. He tends to want to complete projects on his own, and he doesn't like to collaborate.<br /><br />When working with a Loner, give him some space but make sure you remain in the loop on key milestones and deliverables. Check in with this person more frequently than you do with other colleagues; a quick e-mail asking for a status update or offering to lend a hand is usually sufficient.<br /><br />3. The Superstar<br />No challenge is too great for this employee, who lobbies to take on the highest-profile projects. While her can-do spirit is helpful, what she really wants is the visibility that comes with taking on the most difficult assignments.<br /><br />When working with the Superstar, consider letting this person take the lead. You might suggest she present the group's ideas at the next staff meeting, for example. As long as your role doesn't disappear completely, you can help motivate your colleague and build an ally.<br /><br />4. The Weightlifter<br />This individual always offers to take on an extra project in order to look good to his manager.<br /><br />You might be able to learn something from this workplace competitor. His actions not only help him in the eyes of his manager but also allow him to learn new skills. If you follow in his footsteps, just be careful you don't take on more responsibility than you can comfortably shoulder. Trying to do too much can make the quality of your work suffer and lead to burnout.<br /><br />5. The Saboteur<br />This person will do anything to get ahead, like taking all the credit for a joint project. Such unsportsmanlike conduct really speaks to insecurity in this individual's own abilities: By making others look bad, she thinks she makes herself look better.<br /><br />Be on the lookout for the Saboteur and keep your distance from this person. If you think a colleague has deliberately undermined your work, immediately speak to your manager about the situation.<br /><br />Here are some additional tips that can help you navigate an overly competitive workplace.<br /><br />First, focus on your own performance instead of the actions of your colleagues, and make sure your manager is aware of your contributions to the team. You'll distinguish yourself in a positive way and maintain your integrity by avoiding workplace drama. Also try not to worry too much about the actions of your co-workers. Indeed, keep in mind that workplace competitors can ultimately be their own worst enemies.<br /><br />If a colleague takes it a step too far -- by not offering you the information you need for a project, for instance -- then you need to address it. You can set up a private meeting to discuss your concerns with the person directly, or, if you're uncomfortable with that thought, talk to your manager.<br /><br />Moreover, remember to pick your battles. If a co-worker is seeking credit for a relatively minor accomplishment, let it go. Don't get so caught up in the competition for credit that you overlook the importance of teamwork.<br /><br />A final piece of advice: Be flexible. Learn to adapt so that you can effectively communicate with challenging co-workers. You don't need to change your behavior completely; just remember that a different approach can often help you reach the same goal.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit http://www.rhi.com/. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>CLICKING HERE</strong>!</span></a> </div>

5 Most Competitive Co-workers

The race for the White House may be over, but the competitive spirit of the campaigns lives on -- in the workplace, at least. In a survey by...

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Workplace Conflict Resolutions

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3g/ar5c2l674xp0wzbm483g.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3g/ar5c2l674xp0wzbm483g.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>From the guy who thinks his desk is his living room/kitchen/bedroom to the manager who asks for (then steals) your ideas, every worker faces workplace conflict. (And if you don't, let me know where you work -- I want an application.)<br /><br />As offices become more diverse in age, talent and ethnicity, conflict is inevitably prevalent in the workplace. Lori Coruccini, CEO of Predix Link Inc., a work-force development consulting company, says variances usually arise because of the lack of communication and clarity on how to reach common work goals. Employees don't know how to understand each other based on their individual workplace behavior.<br /><br />"Depending on their behavioral traits, some employees may not appreciate a fast-changing environment because of the need to naturally process through information," Coruccini says. "Others' behaviors may be perceived as being demanding and being 'told' what to do. Every employee has unique behaviors, which, if understood in a team environment, can reduce conflict."<br /><br />If clashes at work aren't reduced, vital parts of business are affected. For example, conflict causes a distraction, which decreases productivity and is also a de-motivator. Conflict also causes procrastination because your mind isn't focused on the end goal, Coruccini says. If disagreements are taken personally, it causes resentment toward co-workers or the company as a whole.<br /><br />"When conflict is taken personally, it can shut down communication, cause intimidation, de-motivate, cause health issues if not dealt with, and the lack of interest to complete a mission or common goal," Coruccini warns.<br /><br />However, some conflict can be healthy if you properly deal with situations to reach a proper resolution. But, this can only be done if you know how other people effectively deal with differences.<br /><br />"Everyone communicates differently according to their natural behavior; everyone is driven differently based on their behaviors," Coruccini says. "Once there is an understanding of why others respond the way they do, it makes it easier to respect the other person and recognize that statements or comments are not about you and they don't take things personally."<br /><br />Here are five examples of conflict you might face in the workplace:<br /><br />· Being told what to do rather than asked. This causes tension, and employees become defensive.<br /><br />· Employees who have different communication styles. One employee may need specific information while the other may just need the basics. Each will shut down when there is too much (or too little) information.<br /><br />· Different behavioral back-up styles. For example, someone may deflect controversy for a while, but when put under too much pressure, he or she may become confrontational. Others may take offense to the back-up style, which causes conflict.<br /><br />· When there is not a clear vision or mission. This usually means wasted energy and money spent in a workplace.<br /><br />· Unclear job expectations are sure to cause conflict for the manager and the employee.<br /><br />Make use of the following tips to resolve conflict at work:<br /><br />Choose your battles. How important is the dispute really? Does it truly affect you, and is it a chronic problem? If it's a one-time incident or mild transgression, let it pass.<br /><br />Expect conflict. Friction will occasionally emerge in the course of human relationships -- it's natural. Don't fear it -- rather, learn to spot the symptoms early and see opportunity in the resolution.<br /><br />Use neutral language. Avoid judgmental remarks or sweeping generalizations, such as, "You never respond to my e-mails." Use calm, neutral language to describe what is bothering you. For example: "I get very frustrated when you don't return my messages because I never know if you've received important information." Be respectful and sincere, never sarcastic.<br /><br />Practice preventive maintenance. Avoid retreating to the safety of withdrawal, avoidance or the simplistic view that your co-worker is a bad person. These are defense mechanisms that prevent the resolution of conflict. Instead, focus on the problem, not the person. Never attack or put the other person on the defensive.<br /><br />Listen actively. Never interrupt the other party. Really listen and try to understand what the other person is saying. Let him know you understand by restating or reframing his statement or position, so he knows you have indeed heard him.<br /><br />Get leverage on yourself. When disputes between you and a co-worker appear without resolution, get leverage. Ask to be held accountable. This brings your performance evaluation into the equation without taking away your responsibility for resolving the conflict. This is hard to do, but remarkable change can happen when you are held to task.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Workplace Conflict Resolutions

From the guy who thinks his desk is his living room/kitchen/bedroom to the manager who asks for (then steals) your ideas, every worker faces...

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The Crying Game: Dealing With Tears at Work

In a Q&A session with voters the day before a 2008 presidential primary, former White House-hopeful Hillary Clinton got a little choked up during her response to a question. She didn't bawl or wail or even leave the stage to regroup in private. Her eyes watered, she continued to answer the question, and then she moved on to another topic. She handily won the primary the next day.<br /><br />TV pundits and bloggers couldn't stop talking about her. Not her politics but her "show of emotion." They wondered how people would respond: Was it the end of her campaign? Was it a setback for women? Was it staged to get attention?<br /><br />Her response, for what it's worth, was that her desire to improve the country kept her going during the longest presidential primary campaign in the history of the United States. Although few high profile politicians shed tears on the campaign trail, did that moment really merit all the hoopla?<br /><br />Crying isn't just any emotion<br /><br />When it comes to crying on the job, we are not logical beings. Peruse the articles about Clinton's tears and you'll see "emotional" appear over and over again.<br /><br />Is exhaustion any more emotional than joy or anger? Do we call co-workers who laugh a lot emotional? How about screaming bosses?<br /><br />Yet, as annoying as your cubicle neighbor's incessant cackling might be, it probably doesn't earn him an unfavorable reputation with his peers. If he cried on a regular basis, he might not fare so well, a fact that bothers some professionals.<br /><br />"Saying that crying is inappropriate is like saying that having emotions is inappropriate," says Laurent Duperval, communications coach and consultant. "Crying is the expression of an emotion, just like any other, except that it has negative stigma associated with it."<br /><br />The right time and place<br /><br />Don't assume, however, that tears are always acceptable. Just like any other show of emotion, crying has an appropriate time and place. You wouldn't laugh during a conference where the boss says quarterly earnings are at an all-time low but you would laugh if the boss told a funny (or at least he thinks it's funny) joke.<br /><br />"It generally depends on how and why it happened. If it is a recurring event, if it is a tactic that is used to get one's way, yes that can damage your career because eventually people will catch on," Duperval says. "If the crying is accompanied with a tantrum or with violence, it is almost always inappropriate."<br /><br />Perhaps the only instance where crying is widely acceptable is when receiving bad news, such as the death of someone you know. You're not a robot, after all. Organizational psychologist Marcia Reynolds agrees.<br /><br />"Though I don't think anyone should cry on purpose, a spontaneous cry is only damaging to the person who feels they are weak because they are crying," she says. "It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human."<br /><br />As in most work situations, co-workers and bosses expect you to be professional. If you cry when your boss reprimands you or gives you a negative review, you're probably not earning the best reputation.<br /><br />The gender factor<br /><br />When you discuss tears in the office, you can't ignore the role sexism -- both past and present -- plays. If a woman cries at work, misogynists are ready to label her as weak -- proof of women as the fairer sex. Other co-workers are put in the awkward position of not wanting to appear too touchy and still not come off as too cold. For this reason, not everyone sees crying as just any regular act.<br /><br />"It is unprofessional behavior to cry in the office," says Sandy Dumont, an image consultant for the Image Architect. "This is particularly true if you are a woman, because it causes men to feel helpless to fix the situation, as well as possible guilt at having upset you."<br /><br />While being a woman complicates an already difficult situation, you can't always control your tears, just as you can't always silence laughter or quell your anger -- regardless of your gender. And with conflicting opinions on the acceptance of workplace emotions, you can't definitively say there is a right or wrong answer. The only constant is that you know yourself and your work environment better than anybody else, so only you can decide what damage crying can cause your career, if any.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

The Crying Game: Dealing With Tears at Work

In a Q&A session with voters the day before a 2008 presidential primary, former White House-hopeful Hillary Clinton got a little choked ...

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What Gets You Through the Workday

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q1/ar5f5xc619c6bvb33rq1.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q1/ar5f5xc619c6bvb33rq1.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Remember when you were a child at the doctor's office and had to get a shot? Your parents probably told you to squeeze their hands or think about the big ice cream cone they would buy you if you were good. Whatever they said, the goal was to make the experience as painless as possible.<br /><br />Sometimes, a day at work is like that pesky shot. It's unpleasant but you can't escape it. Every job, whether you love it or hate it, has a day where you need some diversion to get through the day without taking your frustration out on your poor, defenseless computer keyboard.<br /><br />So what is the grown-up equivalent of squeezing your mom's hand?<br /><br />Treat yourself right<br />Sam Spear finds running the technology site JumpIntoTomorrow.com rewarding and even fun, but on some days he needs to forget about the chaos for a few minutes. To step away from it all, he strolls over to a nearby convenience store to buy one lottery ticket.<br /><br />"It gets me out, it gives me something to hope for and it's just enough of a distraction that by the time I get back to my desk I'm ready to plow through the rest of the day," he says. "Getting the half-Slurpee, half-Dr. Pepper on occasion helps as well."<br /><br />Giving yourself a treat can help you unwind just enough to jump back into a hectic day. At the offices of Sosauce.com, Jenn de la Vega enjoys a perk few companies offer: a chair that can give Swedish and shiatsu massages for 15 minutes at a time.<br /><br />"We have a fun open office with a staff that gets along pretty well -- but if I had bad sleep or the afternoon is dragging on, I'll sit in the massage chair for a couple minutes to wake me up," she says.<br /><br />Four legs good, two legs bad<br />For some workers, quality time with their four-legged friends can make a long day bearable. Perhaps because cats can't talk back or dogs are always in a good mood, a midday break with a pet can give you a much-needed recharge.<br /><br />"For the past five years, I've gone home every day at lunch to take my [black pug] Dolce for a walk," says Gianna Vivo, director of marketing for Flexi Software. "Seeing her and getting outside for a bit -- it's a great way to break up the workday and decompress."<br /><br />Rebecca Boehmer, an account executive at public relations agency ParkerWhite, appreciates a little playtime with Ziggy, the office maltepoo. "It's incredibly relaxing and while on the walk I have a chance to sort through my thoughts and clear my head."<br /><br />Go positive<br />Just because you've grabbed a fistful of hair several times today and you've got a bald spot on the back of your head doesn't mean you should focus on the negative. Looking at what's going right in your day or even in your life can change your attitude. Remember the ice cream cone your parents used to coax you through the pain?<br /><br />Real estate broker Caroline Glidden used to spend six minutes of each work hour writing down what she was appreciative for at that very moment. Now she just does it when the mood strikes her in order to stay positive.<br /><br />Tabitha Grace Smith, a social media strategist, also focuses on the brighter side of things. "When a day at work is particularly dragging, I try to send off a couple e-mails to people to tell them how much I appreciate them -- or thank them -- both at work and in my life. [It] makes my day go by much faster when I'm being positive!"<br /><br />A little bit of everything<br />Workers are obviously not following any template to get through the day. As long as their tricks keep them from punching a computer monitor -- or a co-worker -- everybody wins. So here are just some of the other ways workers are following the light at the end of the tunnel:<br /><br />· Karen DeSemple, head of belly casting company Eternal Maternal, keeps a humorous picture as her computer background. "It's a Happy Bunny cartoon that simply says, 'Sucky losers not allowed.' It reminds me that sucky losers aren't the ones that become successful, and it actually motivates me to keep going."<br /><br />· Because Lisa Cotter Metwaly wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to open her restaurant, Q Kindness Café, the early hours catch up to her midday. She brings a mat to work and takes a half-hour nap on it to stay energized.<br /><br />· Laurice Gilbert divides her day into 30-minute blocks of time to better handle tasks. Every half-hour she performs some distracting task, whether it's watering plants, folding laundry or dancing by herself for a few minutes.<br /><br />· Tom Cristel takes a break from his duties as vice president of marketing for Yooplus to go to a lunch-hour swim club. He finds the repetitive activity allows his mind to wander while improving his health.<br /><br />· The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for Diana Myre, a marketing administrator at Comstar, so she tries to enjoy it whenever she can. On a bad day she'll turn on Christmas music and remember favorite holiday moments.<br /><br />What do you do to make the workday more enjoyable? Share your ideas at The Work Buzz.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

What Gets You Through the Workday

Remember when you were a child at the doctor's office and had to get a shot? Your parents probably told you to squeeze their hands or th...

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The Las Vegas Valley Isn't What You Think

There is a lot more to life in the Vegas Valley than most people know. I was driving from Albertsons to our house in Henderson this week when a coyote trotted in front of my car, did a 180, and trotted back. It reminded me of Mark Twain's classic account of the deceptive gate of the Nevada coyote, who never seems to quite run -- and yet coyotes, with their casual stiff legged amblulation, always maitain -- not increase, just maintain -- their distance from pursuers, until the pursuers lie prostrate in the dust, their tongues hanging out. Is this how Coyote became the Native American trickster deity.<br /><br />Did any of you who do not live in Las Vegas know that there is a swamp right smack in the midst of this desert city? In my next post, I will tell you about the elusive duck that haunts our swamp.

The Las Vegas Valley Isn't What You Think

There is a lot more to life in the Vegas Valley than most people know. I was driving from Albertsons to our house in Henderson this week whe...

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When You're the Youngest Person on the Team

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/94/ar5f4896clg7f8bfhp94.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/94/ar5f4896clg7f8bfhp94.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>If ever your parents were so cruel as to drag you to a dinner party during your childhood, you probably remember the inescapable discomfort. The adults, in high-pitched voices, asked what grade you were in, while the people who hated children sent cold stares your way. You didn't belong there and it showed.<br /><br />Fast forward a decade or so. You're wearing your new suit and sporting your best smile. It's the first day of your new post-graduation job and you're meeting your new co-workers. You hear the same questions and receive the same icy stares.<br /><br />The workplace is getting older as baby boomers are waiting longer to retire; therefore, there's a good chance your first job out of college will be filled with colleagues who are several years, or decades, older than you. While most people will be glad to have you on the team, not everyone will welcome you with open arms. However, unlike that 8:00 a.m. psychology class you admirably signed up for but quickly dropped, you need to stick with this job.<br /><br />So how do you convince your co-workers that you belong on the team when you're the youngest member?<br /><br />Find your place<br />Part of establishing your role on a team comes with understanding what you can learn from others and what you can offer them.<br /><br />"While it is important to be knowledgeable, it is more important to understand your status," advises Tina Hamilton, president and CEO of hireVision Group, a human resources firm. If you show a willingness to learn more about your new position and the company, others will be eager to assist you. "Most will be pleased to do so and as such will look at you in a positive light ... If you are inexperienced and attempt to act otherwise, you risk coming across as difficult to work with or immature."<br /><br />So if you aren't experienced, how do you give back anything to the team? Simple: Use the knowledge you already have.<br /><br />Lauren Garfield is the youngest person in her public relations agency, and she realizes that her age can be an asset. "Many employers value the new techniques and information you know because you are younger and know a younger audience. Make sure you use your age to your advantage. This is especially true with my knowledge of Facebook and other social networking Web sites."<br /><br />Caution: Youth doesn't automatically make you an authority on cutting-edge technologies like social networking and new media. Avoid arrogance and ageism by assuming anyone over 40 has no clue what social networking sites are. Offer your view on the subject as a member of the young demographic, not as the only person at the table whose opinion counts.<br /><br />Earn respect<br />Thom, a 25 year-old who asked to remain anonymous, recalls his first job in marketing at 18. Not only was he the youngest member of the team, but he was also the only one without a college education.<br /><br />"I felt that I had to work twice as hard to prove that I actually deserved to be there. It meant that I was the first one in, last one out and had to be more reliable than anyone else in the office," he remembers. "It likely didn't make me popular, but each time the boss had to make sure something got done right and chose me, it made me just a little bit more invincible."<br /><br />Put in the effort<br />Learn from Thom's dedication. You might not become the office darling in a day, but good work will earn you the reputation of a dependable and hard worker. Keith Pillow, vice president of public relations firm Abelson Group, offers the following advice to young professionals trying to fit in:<br /><br />· Communicate like a professional<br />Speak clearly, intelligently and authoritatively, Pillow suggests. "Make sure to consistently use standard business and workplace vocabulary, not buzzwords or clichés."<br /><br />· Participate in problem-solving and brainstorming<br />"Take steps to consistently offer fresh ideas, perspectives and solutions that can resolve specific problems or situations," Pillow recommends. "[These ideas] prove that the young associates are experienced, insightful and initiative takers."<br /><br />· Dress the part<br />"There is no way a supervisor or senior executive will take an employee seriously if he or she is not attired appropriately," Pillow warns. "Revealing or casual attire indicates a lack of respect -- for oneself and for the organization -- and a lack of judgment, neither of which will get an employee anywhere."<br /><br />· Be respectful<br />"Follow the golden rule," Pillow advises. Treat your colleagues like you want to be treated.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

When You're the Youngest Person on the Team

If ever your parents were so cruel as to drag you to a dinner party during your childhood, you probably remember the inescapable discomfort....

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Day 20: Eating more, moving less

Guess what? I've proven the theory that eating more and exercising less doesn't work! I said I wasn't Einstein, I wasn't kidding.<br /><br />I got on the scales this morning, as I do every morning, and I'm up two more pounds. Now I'm 164. Six pounds in almost two weeks. I am NOT calm. I am FREAKED out about this. WTF?<br /><br />I know exactly what happened. I relaxed a little, eased up on how much I was eating and cut back on my workouts a little. I decreased my gym time from 90 minutes to 60 minutes. Oddly, I've seemed hungrier lately since working out less.<br /><br />So, the insanity is back. Back to my 90-minute workouts, which I don't really mind. I kind of enjoy them. The hard part is the eating less. I love food, especially in quantity. I need to re-evaluate what I'm eating and how much. I need to journal everything, all day, not just 3/4 of the day. Maybe change things around a little.<br /><br />I'm back at it! Eating LESS and moving MORE is the correct formula for weight loss. I had it backwards.<br /><br />Diana<br />164.0<br /><br />My new favorite P!nk song - Glitter in the Air<br /><br /><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ0zhsvhynw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ0zhsvhynw&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>

Day 20: Eating more, moving less

Guess what? I've proven the theory that eating more and exercising less doesn't work! I said I wasn't Einstein, I wasn't kid...

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Five Ideas to Cut the Cost of Your Commute

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q9/ar5f3cp731lctnkpnpq9.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/q9/ar5f3cp731lctnkpnpq9.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>How much did it cost to fill your tank of gas last time? Chances are it was more than you'd like to spend. As gasoline prices continue to burden customers, many workers are changing their commuting habits. In fact, 44 percent of professionals surveyed by Robert Half International said higher gas prices have affected their commutes, up from 34 percent two years ago.<br /><br />Thankfully, many employers have launched initiatives to help their staff cope with high gas prices. According to workers polled by Robert Half, the most common benefits companies are implementing are increased mileage reimbursement for travel, ride-sharing or vanpooling programs, and telecommuting.<br /><br />Here are five ways you can combat the rising costs of commuting:<br /><br />1. Make 'travel buddies'<br />If you know of other people at your company who live nearby, consider arranging a carpool schedule. You'll not only save on gas money but also have the opportunity to get to know your co-workers better during the drive to and from the office. Camaraderie with co-workers may even have a positive impact on your work performance: Nearly two-thirds of workers polled by Robert Half said that office productivity improves when colleagues are friends outside the office. With more than one person in the car, you'll also be able to take advantage of high-occupancy vehicle lanes and, in some cases, bypass road tolls, saving you time and money.<br /><br />2. 'Tap internal resources'<br />Many companies have programs to ease their employees' commutes, such as discounts on public transportation, free shuttles and ride-share programs. You may not be aware of every initiative your firm offers. Let your manager know you're interested in programs that could help. Your supervisor might be able to offer suggestions, like working from an office closer to home.<br /><br />3. 'Spread the word'<br />If you've identified gas-saving strategies -- either those you use or those you've heard about from others -- offer to compile the information and share it with your group. You might schedule a short brown-bag meeting where you can present your findings and discuss other best practices in a casual setting. Doing so will help your co-workers with their commuting costs and demonstrate initiative.<br /><br />4. 'Evaluate a compressed workweek'<br />A compressed workweek -- in which you work four 10-hour days rather than five eight-hour days -- may be an option to consider, depending on your job. Many government employees around the country, for instance, are being given this choice by their employers. If a compressed workweek is offered by your firm, keep in mind that this arrangement may only be successful if your manager and co-workers can reach you on your day off. For instance, if deadlines frequently fall on Fridays -- the day you typically don't work -- you may need to be available should your team have questions regarding a certain project.<br /><br />5. 'Make a case for telecommuting'<br />If you'd like to work remotely, you'll need to show how the arrangement is not only good for you but also for the business. Start by contacting your human resources department or consulting the employee manual to determine whether your company has a telecommuting program in place. If one exists, you can build your proposal on actual policies. Also cite any personal characteristics, such as a history of dependability and excellent organizational skills, that could help make your case. If your firm has no formal policy concerning telecommuting, tap your professional network to identify people who have worked remotely and ask them what steps they took to secure the arrangement.<br /><br />You can't control gas prices, but there may be actions you can take to cut the cost of your commute. A simple change could save you money and improve your on-the-job satisfaction.<br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.<br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Five Ideas to Cut the Cost of Your Commute

How much did it cost to fill your tank of gas last time? Chances are it was more than you'd like to spend. As gasoline prices continue t...

Read more »