Why Good Leaders Are Great Listeners

Why Good Leaders Are Great Listeners How often do you truly listen? Despite what you might think, it’s probably not that often. In this decade, we are so used to being force-fed bite-size chunks of information, without putting in much effort. Yet, our bodies are hard-wired to listen three times faster than anyone can even speak! So we have more than the capabilities, but it’s easier to not even bother. But not listening properly carries heavy consequences; while you’re absorbing just enough information to be able to mumble a reply and then change the topic, you come across as inattentive and a bit rude. So if you want to become more likeable and influential in both home and work life, why not try to truly listen? Pay more attention This is a difficult one to start with. Essentially, if someone is talking to you, regardless of who they are, put your phone down. You might think that you can digest everything at once because we’re all becoming so used to multi-tasking. But this type of multi-tasking is not healthy. Scrolling through Instagram, with the TV on in the background, and trying to listen to, say, your partner’s story is just like sitting at the end of multiple conveyor belts and being fed fragments of information. You are not really concentrating, or using your brain, you are just being fed. So to counter this passiveness, try to focus your entire attention upon the human that is attempting to interact with you… and truly listen. You might not notice at first, but the speaker will feel valued and appreciated, and  in turn, they will develop more respect for you. Do NOT interrupt This point speaks for itself really. But when you actually think about it, how annoying is it when someone cuts you off before you finish the story/point you’re trying to make? Really annoying is the answer, and you are left feeling like your ideas and opinions don’t matter. So why do we interrupt? Well it’s usually because when we are ‘listening’, we are actually trying to find a way to relate to the particular topic, and think of an even better  anecdote to follow up with. But how about we stop thinking about ourselves, and focus on what is currently being said? Only when that person is comfortably done with their turn should you follow up, but you should make a concerted effort to genuinely listen and absorb what this person is saying first. Plus, if you allow someone to have their say, theyll be more likely to then give you a longer turn at expressing yourself.  If you want to be heard, just like everyone does, try listening to others too. Keep your body language in check Hopefully your phone is out of sight by now, but to show even more engagement, make sure your body language is also in check. Even if you’re just listening to the same old story from your parents about the time the postman was late, sit up straight, face them and throw some eye contact their way. But not too much eye contact. If you take this advice, you’ll see your various relationships improve, as you both feel respected, appreciated, and most importantly, heard. Show acknowledgement Particularly in a working environment, you should practise repeating back the main points of what a colleague has said. Even if it’s just a drinks order, or perhaps an intricate task, getting into the routine of regurgitating the details will show that you were fully listening. Not to mention,  this is also an effective memory technique! In other situations, such as a heart to heart chat, provide acknowledgement  with sympathetic or empathetic reactions (Oh no, thats terrible). Often, people just want to speak and be heard, so give them the time of day, and you will be respected for your time and patience. Help others You know those times when you say something hilarious or really insightful, but no one actually hears you? Often, you’ll then feel too embarrassed or under pressure to repeat what you said. But what if someone, even just one person in a group, picks up on your point and acknowledges it? Be that person. Even if it’s a ‘boring’ comment, or a bad dad joke, show that you’ve heard them, or encourage the group to return to what they were trying to say, once the conversation dies down i.e. “Oh yeah, what were you going to say Charlie?” If you are the person that listens and helps others out, this will be recognised and your reputation will reflect this.

Where Will U Go Next- The Family Move

Where Will U Go Next- The Family Move This week has been extra challenging  for this mom of 5 we moved!  While that might not sound like the end of the world, it was quite the expierence.  I consider myself a very calm person, that can withstand the pressure of stressful situations (ummm, hello I am a wedding planner).  But this week I was falling to  pieces, I felt as though my patience was dwinddleing away and everywhere I turned I was going to have a nervous breakdown.   I remember sitting in my van looking at our U-Haul truck as my (wonderful  handsome)  husband went in to take care of all the paperwork.  All of my childhood memories  flooded me.  All the moves, all the schools, all the new houses, and then suddenly the lightbulb went on. YOUR MOVING, duhhh of course you are stressed out.  Your whole life is changing, all the daily routines that you have been  comfortable  with, day in and day out will be different.  And naturally there are emotions that come with these life altering moments.  Why do I feel a trememdous attachment to a house that is too small for our huge family?  Because it has memories of my babies, of my family, of us doing life together.  And I am leaving that house to create new memories in a new house.  While the move was the right move for our family it was  taxing on our comfort zones and I was definitely feeling it. I think the hardest part was having to reassure our children, who didnt want to leave all their friends behind, that it will all be ok.  Then, as I was starring at that U-Haul truck I read the words, Where Will U Go Next, and it reminded me that this is a life change,  much like a marriage, much like the weddings that I help plan. Brides feel so much pressure from the big day but there is so much more really going on under the surface.  Like me, they feel like,  I am totally changing all my daily routines, I have to share my life with someone else, and although it is exciting, it is different.  And the pressure is sometimes too much for brides  Que  in bridezillas.  I ALWAYS tell my brides that they are NO different than any other bride,  any woman in this much pressure  would feel the same way, there is no such thing as a bridezilla, its a woman dealing with a lot of stress! This is where I find myself helping my brides on the emotional front of their weddings.   Supporting them, coaching them and counseling them through one of the biggest moves of their life.  While I dont feel qualified to take on such a  humongous  task, it is an honor to watch these woman get through it and transform from an engaged bride to a Mrs.  I take all of my brides friendships and our journey together with me in all that I do, and am so thankful that I can be there for them. So, when you are looking at your next U-Haul truck whether you are graduating from college or moving a family of seven, know that there is a wonderful new stage of life waiting for you where youre going next!

9 Ways to Start Investing in Yourself

9 Ways to Start Investing in Yourself Women in their twenties often focus so much on pleasing their employers, significant others, family, or coworkers that they forget to invest much-needed time and resources in themselves. But focusing on yourself is the least risky investment you can make because it’s guaranteed to pay off â€" and often in ways more valuable than money. Going beyond the traditional definition of financial investing, these nine to start investing in yourself are worth the costs. Get a personal trainer. Exercise helps reduce stress, improve self-confidence, sharpen memory, and boost overall health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise) per week, supplemented with strength training. If you struggle with consistency, a personal trainer can provide motivation and support, while tailoring your exercise routines to meet your personal health goals. Replace your old mattress. When you’re sleep deprived, you’re more likely to make risky financial decisions, experience higher levels of anxiety, and even gain weight. A good mattress is key for getting a good night’s sleep and, as a result, feeling happier and more rested. If you haven’t replaced your mattress in the last eight years, it’s time for a new one. Before you buy, though, test out a few different mattresses to find one that feels best for your body. Improve your home’s security. While you probably think of your home as a safe place, it’s important to maximize that security as much as possible. Along with installing a home security system, sweep your home for any potential weak spots, like rusted door locks or old windows. If you’re technologically savvy, home automation makes it easy to secure and monitor your home. Avoid cutting corners here â€" your peace of mind is worth the expenses. Update your wardrobe to reflect your career. In the business world, the saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t always hold true. While your specific dress code will depend on your industry, the way you dress should reflect your professionalism and dedication to your position. Leave the jeans and t-shirts for the weekend, and invest in a few tailored pieces for work, such as blazers, pencil skirts, slacks, blouses, and conservative heels. Work with a career coach. Are you uncertain about what you want from your career, feeling dissatisfied with your industry, or struggling to define your dream job? A career coach can help you gain confidence, inspiration, and insight into your current or desired career. Even if you’re satisfied with your job, your coach can provide guidance on when to move for a promotion, how to negotiate salary increases, and where to find opportunities for growth. Meet with a nutritionist. What you eat and drink affects both your mind and body. While most people understand the value of maintaining a healthy diet, a nutritionist takes things one step further by evaluating what foods and types of exercise work best for your body specifically. A nutritionist can help you establish a meal plan and set long-term health goals. By understanding what nutrients your body needs, you can feel more energetic and productive. Attend a professional conference. Whether you work in marketing or are passionate about starting your own business, there are professional conferences geared toward a variety of industries. While conference entrance fees and travel costs can be expensive, the experience will pay dividends. You’ll have the chance to network with fellow professionals in your line of work, learn from the experts, improve your skills, and connect with potential future employers and coworkers. Experience the world through travel. Don’t look at travel as a nonessential expense â€" think of it as a necessary life investment. There’s no substitute for real experience. Exploring the world allows you to learn about new cultures, meet people with different worldviews, discover your passions in life, and develop respect and love for the places you visit. Transition from renting to owning. Don’t assume homeownership isn’t achievable if you aren’t making a three-figure paycheck yet. Recent studies show that it’s 23 percent cheaper to buy a home than to rent one, and millennials are currently dominating the housing market, constituting nearly 70 percent of first-time homebuyers. Allocate some extra resources to build your credit and savings so you can secure a competitive mortgage loan interest rate and afford a 20 percent down payment â€" and do it sooner rather than later. As you navigate your career path, balance your financial investments with personal ones. From improving your well-being to learning new professional skills, commit yourself to making a few self-investments this year and see how they impact your life.

Holiday Gift Idea Enjoy AudiBooks with DownPour.com

Holiday Gift Idea Enjoy AudiBooks with DownPour.com Audiobooks are now more popular than ever. Audiobooks can make it so easy to  go through the pages of an otherwise difficult to read book.The only problem is that it is  hard to find the good ones, and if you do find them, they tend to be expensive.  Downpours audiobook rental service promises to make finding and enjoying Audiobooks easier!   DownPour.com has recently launched an audiobook rental that has a great selection of books for your hearing pleasure. This came in very handy in my recent long haul trip! How does it work? It syncs directly to your iOS or Android gadget, which stays  30-60 days to listen to, then auto removes itself from your device. You can buy rental extensions if you arent able to finish your book before the deadline.I love this idea for two things: its convenience  and its affordability. CONVENIENCE. As a traveller and a busy career girl, I enjoy listening to Audiobooks because of its many convenient perks. For one, you can enjoy  a switching from one  book  to another  without the added weight of a number of books in your bag. Listening to the book also allows you to be more relaxed in your travels. Sometimes even having the backlight of a kindle or a reading light can give you a headache or bother the people around you. Thats when an audiobook helps. Downpour allows you to enjoy as much audiobooks as you want on the go!  Your books  can be accessed from the app and since it removes itself in your device after the 60 90 period, you dont have t worry about clearing memory space in your gadgets because you downloaded too many for you to keep track of. AFFORDABILITY. Buying audiobooks can get expensive, and since you are only renting the audiobook from DownPour, you are able to enjoy them at a fraction of the cost. Also sometimes, you end up downloading Audiobooks with reading which you do not particularly enjoy. This is why I really liked how you can also try  audiobooks without a huge $ commitment, so you dont have to waste money or time on a book that you end up not liking halfway through. All in all, this is a service that you should definitely try if you are a book or audiobook lover.  Intrigued? You can go to downpour.com, create an account, and download the app into your device. This is a definite must have for someone who is looking to relax after a long day of work, want to catch up on reading even when traveling, or simply someone who loves literature and is willing to try the new age of enjoying it! I also recommend this as a gift for your loved ones. After all, the best purchases  are the ones that make you richer. You can enrich your life and the life of others with the gift of books! Many people include the resolution to read more ever new years. This would make that resolution so much easier to accomplish! What do you think of AudioBook rentals? Tweet us @mscareergirl and #downpour or #audiobookrental now!

Tips For Writing A Teacher Resume

Tips For Writing A Teacher ResumeIf you're looking to make your mark in the field of education, there are many things you can do to take your career to the next level. Having a resume that highlights your skills, experience and training can be one of the most important steps in the process.It is essential to find the perfect job. This doesn't mean you need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive training or cover letters, it simply means finding the right place for you. If you find the right institution, then you can make a great difference in the lives of those you teach.However, when you start looking for jobs, you will quickly realize that some of them have to be advertised, and you will need to post a resume to get noticed. You may even need to post a teacher resume in order to get the job.One of the best tips for writing a teacher resume is to use keywords carefully and choose the best opportunity to express yourself in the resume. With proper keyword usage, you can take your career to a new level and advance in the ranks.Some of the most common trends in this field include assistance with academics, special talents, writing, children and more. You will need to understand the available opportunities that fit your needs and personal preferences. When you are able to research these areas, you can find jobs that meet your needs and offer a great living.There are many schools and programs that offer specialized skills to specific positions. However, you may need to work your way up to the position, in which case you may need to submit a teacher resume that features the skills you have.It's also important to choose a location that works well for you when you are looking for tips for writing a teacher resume. Being in one area all your life isn't always a good idea, as you will be competing with those with the same background. Many people end up moving into other cities to further their education and careers, so if you are hoping to make a career change and m ove to a different city, be sure to choose a place that offers a high salary and has good opportunities.Career advancement can be difficult, but following the tips for writing a teacher resume will help you meet the demands in this industry. The important thing is to meet the qualifications, and ensure you maintain the skills to reach success.

It is November...Already!

It is November...Already! November begins the holiday season! Ive begun to see Christmas decorations in stores. I even saw one house that had white Christmas trees with lights and a glowing Santa out front. (What happened to Thanksgiving?). Maybe one day some retail establishment or marketing guru will invent a Magic Pilgrim or Tom the Turkey who will come bearing gifts of some sort for this under-commercialized holiday. Until that day comes, let us create our own magic for Thanksgiving. A day when the early settlers gave thanks for survival. Whenyou look back over the past year, youve managed to survive. Some of you may even be grateful for the opportunities presented. In honor of Thanksgiving, I double-dog-dare you to make November amonthto recognize the things you are thankful for. Each day, acknowledge one thing.If you want, you can even write it down in a journal. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around you will have one or both of the following outcomes: A really good Thanksgiving prayer A new outlook I am thankful for the wonderful new friends Ive made this year! (Too many to name).

Joining Groups on LinkedIn Can Expand Your Network

Joining Groups on LinkedIn Can Expand Your Network You dont have to be on LinkedIn.   But why wouldnt you be there? Being there doesnt mean just having a profile.   It is a great way to meet and engage with others who share a similar interest. If you are unclear how to take advantage of groups, this video by LinkedIn might help.     In case you havent found it, there is the LinkedIn Learning Center with tons of helpful videos   check that out here. You can find the right groups for you by searching groups. How do you do this?   By using the tool bar on your profile: Think about professional associations, alumni, alumni groups from past employers, regional/city specific groups.   Yes, there are job seeker groups too.   You can belong to as many as 50 groups.   But more importantly, be strategic and selective and ENGAGE!   Use these groups to build relationships! PS: The other suggestion made yesterday was to pay attention to LinkedIns recommendations in People You May Know   which is also on your profile page: