Rethink, Rebuild, Rebound our Teachers
by: Ronnie Rimando Principal 1 Bolin (1989) states that “teacher empowerment is defined as investing teachers with the right to participate in the determination of school goals and policies and to exercise professional judgment about what and how to teach” (p. 82). To follow the above definition, administrators must be active in providing experiences for all teachers to grow as leaders. In today’s economy and with limited funds available to provide teachers with administrators must be creative and open to numerous options for individual and school growth. This growth is enhanced by empowered teachers, who are committed to the overall success of the school’s mission, have increased productivity in and out of the classroom, and an increase in the teachers disposition To enhance these experiences, administrators need to recognize teachers and their accomplishments. With the opportunity to grow as a professional and be recognized for their efforts, teachers will become more empowered and willing to explore future experiences leading to continued growth. High performing schools have administrators who articulate a vision, help teachers grow professionally, and play a leading role in determining the school’s climate. Teschke (1996) puts forth some points for principals to follow. “Principal’s should assist teachers in maximizing their strengths, principals should develop collegiality and be proactive in the pursuit of the schools vision” . Therefore, the principal as part of school improvement team should be committed to allowing teachers and staff to gain new experiences on a daily basis. These experiences will allow all members of the school to develop a better understanding of their role in the school’s mission and vision. With a commitment to this process, schools with teachers who are empowered to become leaders, the focus of control changes from the principal to the teachers who directly impact the success of the students. Concepts that may be used to train staff to become more empowered:
Role of Principal Leadership in Improving Student Successby: Christian Dela Cruz
Teacher-In -Charge School leadership has been the focus of intense scrutiny in recent years as researchers try to define not only the qualities of effective leadership but the impact of leadership on the operation of schools, and even on student achievement.It contributes to this growing body of knowledge by examining the links between student achievement and educational leadership practices. This article review reveals about the basics of successful education leadership and offers practical suggestions for their implementation. The Basics of Successful Leadership the authors warn that it is tempting to get caught up in defining the many adjectives often used to describe leadership in education literature (e.g., participative, instructional) but note that ultimately these descriptions focus on style, not substance. A more productive strategy, they contend, is to examine the following three sets of practices that make up the basic core of successful leadership:
Principal's Managerial Function
by: Christian Dela Cruz Teacher-In -Charge The key managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling are all crucial to the success of any principals. Managers exist in every business just like principals exist in every school. In fact, principals do the same types of tasks in all businesses. Whether a school head manages a small school or a big one, the principal’s job consists of similar tasks. Planning, organizing, leading and controlling all serve an important part in achieving management’s vision. Each component is important and one cannot function well without the others. Planning The first component of managing is planning. A principal must determine what the organizations goals are and how to achieve those goals. Much of this information will come directly from the vision and mission statement for the company. Setting objectives for the goal and following up on the execution of the plan are two critical components of the planning function. For example, a schoolhead of a new complete elem school will need to have school improvement plan, a hiring plan and an annual implementation plan. Organizing principal are responsible for organization of the school and this includes organizing people and resources. Knowing how many employees are needed for particular shifts can be critical to the success of a company. If those teachers do not have the necessary resources to complete their jobs, organization has not occurred. Without an organized workplace, teachers will see a manager as unprepared and may lose respect for that particular principal’s supervisory techniques. Leading Managing and leading are not the same activity. A principal manages teachers; this person makes sure that tasks are completed on time and policies are followed. Teachers typically follow schoolhead because he or she is the supervisor and in-charge of teachers. Employees see a leader as someone that motivates them and guides them to help meet the firm’s goals. In an ideal situation, the principal also serves as the leader. Principals who want to lead effectively need to discover what motivates their employees and inspire them to reach the company objectives. Controlling The controlling function involves monitoring the firm’s performance to make sure goals are being met. Principals need to pay attention to costs versus performance of the organization. For example, if the school has a goal of increasing mps by 5% over the next two months, the principal may check the progress toward the goal at the end of month one. An effective principal will share this information with his or her teachers. This builds trust and a feeling of involvement for the teachers. Being a principals involves many different tasks. Planning, organizing, leading and controlling are four of the main functions that must be considered in any management position. Management is a balancing act of many different components and a good manager will be able to maintain the balance and keep teachers motivated. Vermicomposting
by Thomas Jahson S. Mercado (June 2014) Organic waste management is one of our problems today. Vermicomposting is only one of the solutions that can also help our farmers to produce quality organic fertilizer. Vermicomposting is a method of composting using earthworm called African Night Crawler (ANC), known as scientifically Eudrilus eugeniae, this kind of earthworm is considered as the most efficient in breaking down organic materials in the tropics like Philippines. The ANC was introduced into the Philippines by Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III in 1982 via West Germany, the original cocoons courtesy of Dr. Otto Graff (Guerrero et al. 1984). The origin of this species is West Africa, but it is now widely distributed in both tropical and subtropical countries of the world (Graff 1981, cited by Guerrero et al. 1984). ANC’s are laying their cocoons every week, they are hermaphrodite, meaning they have a male and female organs, reason for rapid population growth. Averages of 173 cocoons are laid every 5 months and these cocoons are hatched every 21 days. Matured ANC weigh about 1 gram. This kind of earthworms prepared a temperature ranging from 13-25 ˚C. ANC are also photosensitive, they are more active in the dark place. According to Prof. Nemensio V. Torres, Division Chief of Technology Promotion, RET-Extension Office, CLSU the price of ANC’s is about 400 pesos per kilo, the harvest compost are sold for 200 bag, and vermicast from ANC are sold for 600 pesos per bag. Composting using ANC minimizes organic waste, environment friendly and as additional source of income. Application of organic fertilizer in our vegetable growing areas, commercial or backyard, we can assure that our health is secured. Chemical Free Vegetables by Using Biopesticides by Thomas Jahson S. Mercado (June 2014) Application of pesticides help the farmers to gain high and quality harvest but heavy use of these pesticides harms our health and environment. One of the alternative controls of pest and diseases in crop production is the use of biospesticide. The use of biopesticides. Biopesticides usually are inherently less harmful than conventional pesticides. It affects only the target pest and closely related organisms, in contrast to broad-spectrum conventional pesticides that may affect organisms as different as birds, beneficial insects, animals and also humans. Biopesticides are effective and often decompose quickly, thereby resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional pesticides. Extracts from chili, kakawate leaves and yellow ginger are some samples that can be use as biopesticides. Extracts from these plants manage pest causing diseases in our crops like the Leaf eating insects, ants, aphids, caterpillars, flies, mealybugs, armyworm, whitefly, diamond back moth, sucking and chewy insects, spotted beetles and many others. This is also used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Biopesticides can decrease the use of conventional pesticides, while crop yields and quality remain high. To use biopesticides effectively, users need to know a great deal about managing pests. |
Helping Filipino People through
Microcredit Financing By Thomas Jahson S. Mercado (June 2014) Microfinance institutions is a kind of financing for small and medium business enterprise with a low interest rate per month. It is a complete package that conducts training and seminars on the type of business that will fit within the area, from processing to marketing, and simple financial indicators as a tool given to them for effective growth of their success. Increasing number of population and unemployment in our country make an issue to some businessman with a capital to engage with this particular Microcredit Financing. It aims to help individual to put up an small business as additional source of their income to sustain their needs, and also to eradicate “5/6” type of lending with a 20% percent monthly interest which a good consideration for every Filipino to survive. A one good example of Microcredit Financing institution is the Central Luzon BIDANI Development Foundation Inc. (CLBDFI) in CLSU, Science City of Muñoz here in Nueva Ecija as a livelihood program built in 1997 as funding aid to uplift the nutritional value of the families in the Barangay. Under this programs are Missionary loan, Agricultural loan, Individual loan, ATM Loan, and LBC loan (Loan for Barangay Council) of CLBDFI with an interest rate of only 3% per month. Microcredit Financing will continue to rise to address the needs of Filipino People as a poverty alleviation in our country and to sustain economic growth through small jobs that will be created through this kind of trainings and seminars held by the Microcredit Financing institution. Urban Agriculture By Thomas Jahson S. Mercado Problem in planting vegetable crops in the cities, small backyard or areas? Urban Agriculture is the answer. In this technology we can also help our environment clean by recycling some plastic cans, box, pale, and many others. Urban Agriculture was introduce in Central Luzon State University by Dr. Pedrito S. Nitural, small area were use to showcase the technology in the campus. Recycled Styrofoam’s, plastic bottles, tires and many others are can be use to serve as the potting materials for planting. Some vegetables crops are can plant like tomato, eggplant, chili, spinach, onion, ginger, pechay, etc. Pots and plants are can be place anywhere as long as there is a available sunlight, you can hang it in your fence and walls, it is also served as decoration. Planting your own vegetable crops can help the environment by reducing, reusing, and recycling some solid waste materials for urban agriculture. In addition, it contributes good health for eating chemical free vegetables. Do Principal Observations Improve Teaching Practices?by: Ronnie Rimando
Principal 1 Do principals have the time and expertise to enhance student learning through classroom observations? Is this the best way to improve a school? To answer these questions. Observations are to be preceded by a pre-conference, in which the principal and the teacher discuss the lesson, and followed by a post-conference, in which the principal shares his or her impressions of the teacher's performance. Principals must then input data on the observation using the state rubric for assessing teachers. Principals report that the process requires four to six hours for each observation. No doubt these requirements are well intentioned, but we're convinced that advocates of this approach fail to recognize the crushing demands on the contemporary principal. Different responsibilities that principals must address in an environment where any or all of those responsibilities may suddenly be put on the back burner by crises over which the principal has little control. What We Learned As Principals But beyond the time demands, the premise behind the policy of having principals observe teachers and help them improve is fundamentally flawed. We were both award-winning principals who devoted massive amounts of time and energy to trying to improve teaching through our different systems' supervision and evaluation processes. We typically found that teachers were unpersuaded by our recommendations. After all, previous principals had found them satisfactory, if not exemplary. Further, as elementary principals, we often observed teachers in content areas in which we were clueless. . We were ill-equipped to enhance the pedagogy of an industrial arts teacher when we were mechanically inept. Because we frequently were unable to determine the appropriateness of either the content or the level of its rigor, we had to resort to generic observations about teaching and apply what we knew about effective questioning strategies, student engagement, classroom management, and so on. We don't mean to imply that the process was without benefits. As a new pair of eyes in the classroom, we were sometimes able to help a teacher become aware of unintended instructional or classroom management patterns. We could express appreciation for the wonderful work a teacher was doing because we had witnessed it firsthand. We observed powerful instructional strategies that we were able to share with other teachers. We increased our own knowledge about what constitutes effective teaching. So classroom observations can be meaningful and beneficial to some extent, but principals should not use them as their key strategy for improving their schools. Perhaps intensive supervision of teaching would be a viable strategy for improving student learning—if good teaching could be reduced to a single template, rubric, or checklist aligned to program fidelity. However, there's no such thing as a universally effective teaching strategy; the effectiveness of any given strategy can only be determined by evidence of its effect on student learning . The checklist approach to providing feedback to teachers doesn't enhance their pedagogical expertise. As Marzano (2009) notes, it's "antithetical to true reflective practice … [and] is profoundly anti-professional" (p. 37). |
Strategies for Coping with an Abominable Superior:
By: Winnie Valdez What can you do if you are working for a Abominable Superior? This article will arrange you with the tips you need to manage the situation as best you can, but remember that sometimes the only solution is transferring to a different part of the Agency . Make sure you are doing everything right The first solution is an honest analysis of your actions and behavior. How have you been handling yourself in your job? Have you always taken the high road, or have you resorted to occasional backstabbing, gossiping, or underperforming? If you're human, it's likely your abominable superior has affected your performance, so try ignoring all these distractions and focus on your work to see if that changes anything. Find other sources of positive reinforcement for doing your job to the best of your abilities. Compile a list of abominable superior actions The second solution is a bit more involved, but should be a cathartic experience for you. Make a list of all the things that your superior does that drive you nuts. Let the list sit for a few days and then review it again, adding or deleting activities upon further reflection. Next, rank the list from most annoying to least annoying. Pick the top two or three worst offenses and develop some suggestions for how your boss could act differently in those situations. Edit the suggestions to remove sarcasm or anger. Show the suggestions to a trusted friend who has no vested interest in the situation. Edit the suggestions again. Once you feel comfortable that your suggestions are positive and helpful, consider scheduling a meeting with your superior to discuss. Perhaps suggest meeting outside the office for breakfast or lunch. Leave your emotions at the door, but be prepared for your superior to have an emotional reaction. It's possible that your boss is unaware of his/her actions, and this meeting could be very positive for all involved; however, it's also possible that the meeting will end badly. Keep a journal of incidents The third solution involves documenting each bad behavior of your superior in a journal. Don't judge or write emotional reactions; simply document the facts of the situation and how the bad behavior impacted your performance -- as well as others in theagency. Again, this process may be enough to relieve you of the stress so that you can cope. However, at some point in the future -- perhaps as you are leaving for a new job -- you might consider taking the journal to a trusted colleague in human resources or even a mentor within the company. Find a adviser with the company If you love the company but hate the superior , another solution is to develop a mentoring relationship with the other part of the agency. Advising is a fantastic strategy that you should consider even if you have a good superior because a adviser is someone who can help you in many ways, from offering advice to suggesting you for a promotion. And in coping with a abominable superior, a adviser can be a good sounding board for you, and perhaps after you have documented all the offenses, someone who has the pull and the power to do something about your abominable superior. Report your abominable superior A last resort is reporting the bad actions/performance of your superior to his/her supervisor -- or to someone in human resources. While logic would hold that the company would not want a manager who is hurting performance or productivity, the reality is often that you become branded as a trouble-maker/whiner/complainer and your days at the company quickly become numbered. Don't sacrifice your health The worst thing you can do is simply to do nothing, hoping the problems will get resolved. No job, superior, or agency is worth losing your health, sanity, or self-esteem. If you can't find a way to resolve these issues and/or your superior simply will never change his/her behavior, you should immediately start working your network and begin looking for a new job -- within or outside the organization. Again, if you love the agency, a transfer might be the best option -- but keep in mind that your superior might be as evil as to sabotage that transfer. And try not to quit before you find a new job, but again, if work just becomes too unbearable, you may need to consider quitting to save yourself. |
Rules and Guidelines of Maintaining Your Job
By: Winnie Valdez
Whether you love your job, hate your job, or simply see it as a means to an end, there are times when your focus is less on job satisfaction and more on job preservation. When your profession or industry is on the decline or when the economy is in the tank and employers are cutting jobs at a dizzying pace, it's time to hunker down and focus more on protecting your position within the organization.
Here are the rules and guidelines for helping currently employed workers to maintain their job
· Do your job well. Too obvious? Perhaps, but if you generally aren't happy with your job, it shows in your job performance, so now is the time to step it up and show that you can excel in your job (whether you love it or hate it).
· Don't stand out for the wrong reasons. Now is not the time to complain about the snacks in the breakroom, argue over the temperature in the office, or otherwise act as if you are entitled to things your employer doesn't currently offer.
· Do keep your boss informed of your activities, especially as you finish major projects. If your boss isn't aware of all your accomplishments, it makes it much easier for him or her to see you as expendable when budgets are cut. And do listen to what your boss says -- and try and find ways to make his/her job easier. Keep a "paper" trail by emailing your boss with weekly updates or progress reports.
· Don't even think about gossiping. It's best to stay as far away from the office water cooler and any of the regular gossipers because the easiest workers for management to cut are the ones perceived to be the unhappy (and ungrateful) bunch. But do keep an ear to the ground (and an eye toward Google alerts about your employer) so that you are not blindsided by bad news.
· Do volunteer for new projects or to help complete tasks previously done by others who have already been laid off. Showing your care and concern -- even if it makes your job harder and longer -- goes a long way to securing your spot with the organization.
· Don't be negative -- about anything. You don't have to walk around the workplace as if you have popped some happy pills, but you don't want be perceived as Doug the Downer, so no trash-talking or bad-mouthing about work, the economy, the climate crisis, and so on.
· Do focus on maintaining current skills and certifications -- and obtaining new ones that make sense for your career. Even if these skills and certifications are not appreciated by your current employer, you'll want to be prepared to show your next employer that you are on the cutting edge for your field.
· Don't grab the limelight. While it's important for your boss (and his or her boss) to know that you are performing great work, you don't want to be seen as a prima donna who does not recognize the work of others. Make sure the boss knows of the accomplishments, but make sure the team also gets the credit.Don't bad-mouth or backstab of any team members.
· Do continue networking -- both within and outside your employer. Building relationships is the name of the game in job-hunting and career success. You can build your reputation and better protect your position with a strong internal network. By increasing your network outside the organization, you increase your chances of succeeding in your job-search should you lose your job.
· Don't forget about developing a back-up plan. Your employer is in trouble, your industry is shrinking, and you can't just go to work and pretend that everything is fine. Develop a plan for dealing with a potential layoff, including a job-search strategy and a savings and budget plan.
· Do keep an open mind. You may be asked to work two jobs or take on responsibilities you never imagined -- or that you know you won't like -- but now is the time to be open to new job duties and responsibilities, especially if it means securing your position for at least the short-term.
· Don't ask for a promotion or raise. If the organization is struggling and workers are being laidoff, you'll look like either a fool or an egomaniac in asking for a promotion or raise.
· Do become a "company man" or "company woman." Now is the time to arrive to work early and stay late -- and work hard all day long. Face time is especially important, so don't telecommute -- or don't telecommute as often as you did in the past.
· Don't give up. If it appears as though your job is in serious trouble, you may be able to negotiate with your employer to keep your job by working fewer hours, by taking a temporary pay cut, or by becoming an independent contractor.
· Do keep your resume current. While it's a good practice to always to keep your resume regularly updated with your most recent accomplishments, it's especially important in times when your current position is not very secure.
· Don't lose sight of your goals. While you may feel stuck in your current job -- with no short-term options for escape -- stay focused on your long-term job and career strategies. While you may need to adjust your timetable, do your best to keep building toward your goals.
· Do look for opportunities to build your brand -- and possibly land a better job. While you may need to be more conservative about saying how great you at the office, it's still important to build your brand both within your company and within your profession. Consider writing position papers or other articles for your professional association, developing or enhancing your personal Website, and maximizing the use of social networking sites -- all with the idea of strengthening your digital presence.
· Don't stop job-hunting. Even in a horrible economy, some employers are still hiring. Job-hunting will take much more time, energy, patience, and persistence, but you can find a new job in any economy if you have the right plan and execute it well. Just don't advertise the fact that you are looking for a new job.
Thoughts on Maintaining Your Job
Most of us will face times in our lives when we have to maximize our efforts to protect and keep our jobs -- even for jobs that we may not particularly like or enjoy. By following the advice in this article, you'll use proven techniques for helping you fight for your current job while also keeping a foot in the job market so that you are ready to find a better job when the opportunity arises.
By: Winnie Valdez
Whether you love your job, hate your job, or simply see it as a means to an end, there are times when your focus is less on job satisfaction and more on job preservation. When your profession or industry is on the decline or when the economy is in the tank and employers are cutting jobs at a dizzying pace, it's time to hunker down and focus more on protecting your position within the organization.
Here are the rules and guidelines for helping currently employed workers to maintain their job
· Do your job well. Too obvious? Perhaps, but if you generally aren't happy with your job, it shows in your job performance, so now is the time to step it up and show that you can excel in your job (whether you love it or hate it).
· Don't stand out for the wrong reasons. Now is not the time to complain about the snacks in the breakroom, argue over the temperature in the office, or otherwise act as if you are entitled to things your employer doesn't currently offer.
· Do keep your boss informed of your activities, especially as you finish major projects. If your boss isn't aware of all your accomplishments, it makes it much easier for him or her to see you as expendable when budgets are cut. And do listen to what your boss says -- and try and find ways to make his/her job easier. Keep a "paper" trail by emailing your boss with weekly updates or progress reports.
· Don't even think about gossiping. It's best to stay as far away from the office water cooler and any of the regular gossipers because the easiest workers for management to cut are the ones perceived to be the unhappy (and ungrateful) bunch. But do keep an ear to the ground (and an eye toward Google alerts about your employer) so that you are not blindsided by bad news.
· Do volunteer for new projects or to help complete tasks previously done by others who have already been laid off. Showing your care and concern -- even if it makes your job harder and longer -- goes a long way to securing your spot with the organization.
· Don't be negative -- about anything. You don't have to walk around the workplace as if you have popped some happy pills, but you don't want be perceived as Doug the Downer, so no trash-talking or bad-mouthing about work, the economy, the climate crisis, and so on.
· Do focus on maintaining current skills and certifications -- and obtaining new ones that make sense for your career. Even if these skills and certifications are not appreciated by your current employer, you'll want to be prepared to show your next employer that you are on the cutting edge for your field.
· Don't grab the limelight. While it's important for your boss (and his or her boss) to know that you are performing great work, you don't want to be seen as a prima donna who does not recognize the work of others. Make sure the boss knows of the accomplishments, but make sure the team also gets the credit.Don't bad-mouth or backstab of any team members.
· Do continue networking -- both within and outside your employer. Building relationships is the name of the game in job-hunting and career success. You can build your reputation and better protect your position with a strong internal network. By increasing your network outside the organization, you increase your chances of succeeding in your job-search should you lose your job.
· Don't forget about developing a back-up plan. Your employer is in trouble, your industry is shrinking, and you can't just go to work and pretend that everything is fine. Develop a plan for dealing with a potential layoff, including a job-search strategy and a savings and budget plan.
· Do keep an open mind. You may be asked to work two jobs or take on responsibilities you never imagined -- or that you know you won't like -- but now is the time to be open to new job duties and responsibilities, especially if it means securing your position for at least the short-term.
· Don't ask for a promotion or raise. If the organization is struggling and workers are being laidoff, you'll look like either a fool or an egomaniac in asking for a promotion or raise.
· Do become a "company man" or "company woman." Now is the time to arrive to work early and stay late -- and work hard all day long. Face time is especially important, so don't telecommute -- or don't telecommute as often as you did in the past.
· Don't give up. If it appears as though your job is in serious trouble, you may be able to negotiate with your employer to keep your job by working fewer hours, by taking a temporary pay cut, or by becoming an independent contractor.
· Do keep your resume current. While it's a good practice to always to keep your resume regularly updated with your most recent accomplishments, it's especially important in times when your current position is not very secure.
· Don't lose sight of your goals. While you may feel stuck in your current job -- with no short-term options for escape -- stay focused on your long-term job and career strategies. While you may need to adjust your timetable, do your best to keep building toward your goals.
· Do look for opportunities to build your brand -- and possibly land a better job. While you may need to be more conservative about saying how great you at the office, it's still important to build your brand both within your company and within your profession. Consider writing position papers or other articles for your professional association, developing or enhancing your personal Website, and maximizing the use of social networking sites -- all with the idea of strengthening your digital presence.
· Don't stop job-hunting. Even in a horrible economy, some employers are still hiring. Job-hunting will take much more time, energy, patience, and persistence, but you can find a new job in any economy if you have the right plan and execute it well. Just don't advertise the fact that you are looking for a new job.
Thoughts on Maintaining Your Job
Most of us will face times in our lives when we have to maximize our efforts to protect and keep our jobs -- even for jobs that we may not particularly like or enjoy. By following the advice in this article, you'll use proven techniques for helping you fight for your current job while also keeping a foot in the job market so that you are ready to find a better job when the opportunity arises.
Best Strategic Tips for Gaining Promotion at Office Work
By: Winnie S. Valdez
Being a successful employee involves issues such as attitude, professionalism, and teamwork. This article will show you how possible to get ahead in your career by gaining a promotion with your current employer.
Here’s the tips to enhance your career.
Self-assessment of your work performance. Before gearing up to request a promotion, take a hard look at every aspect of your work performance, from your work ethic and attitude to perceptions of how your boss, co-workers, and any other major stakeholders (clients) view you. The next tips will guide you with that assessment. Attainment, One of the hardest tasks for workers and job-seekers alike is quantifying work achievements. Keep a weekly log of your results -- whether it's how many widgets you produced or sold, how many customers you serviced, how many new clients you converted, and so on. Those folks who can document their successes -- and their impact on the organization -- tend to get the rewards. Attitude. You don't have to be "Cheerful Sally" -- in fact, don't be or you might not be taken seriously -- but having a positive and go-get'em disposition is important. People like working with -- and helping -- co-workers with a positive attitude. Work ethic. Examine how hard you work at your job -- and we're not talking about just showing up on time and not leaving early. Work ethic is about how much effort you put into your job. Typically, the more you like your work -- and your employer -- the stronger your work ethic. Initiative. You may be very good at your job -- and that is important -- but do you ever try to push the limits of your work? In other words, do you ever consider better ways you could do your job -- or better ways your department could function -- and make suggestions to your boss? Just do not confuse taking initiative with knowing it all. Team skills. Review how well you work in teams, examining key issues such as communications, working relationships, team successes (and failures). Team skills are invaluable at all levels within an organization, and certainly necessary for a promotion. For a reality check, you might consider asking a few teammates for some honest feedback. Education, skills, training. You obviously had the right mix of education, skills, and training to land your current job, but have you been continuing your education -- not only staying ahead of trends for your current job, but obtaining additional training that could propel you to the next level? Avoid spreading the gossip -- or being part of it. Nothing can derail someone's future with an organization faster than negative information -- and being involved in gossip in any way is the fast path to the end of your career with your employer. Sometimes you can't avoid hearing the rumors, but you can choose not to spread them. And you never want to be the subject of those rumors either. Perceptions play a major role in how you are judged by your supervisors and bosses. Volunteer for additional tasks. A great way to get noticed by the bosses -- and gain additional experience and contacts -- is to volunteer to take on additional projects or assignments. Asking for more work shows your interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed -- as well as putting a spotlight on your value to the organization. Don't do it alone -- find a mentor. One of the smartest moves any worker can make is finding one or more mentors to help guide your career forward. The ideal scenario is having at least one mentor within your employer and one outside your employer (but within your profession or industry). A mentor is a key member of your network, someone more established in your career field who can offer advice, support, and more. Research best next step for you. One of the challenges some people face is not knowing what's the best next step for their career. In fact, many people get promoted to positions outside their passions -- which eventually results in job burnout and disillusionment. Take proactive steps to decide what's best for you -- and remember to not just look up, but also laterally. Practice self-promotion. One has to tread a bit carefully here -- there's a fine line between self-promotion and bragging -- but the cliche that no one will toot your horn unless you do is especially true in today's overworked, understaffed workplace. Share your career goals with boss/supervisor. All good bosses want their workers to succeed -- because their hard work makes the boss look good and helps lay the groundwork for his/her next promotion. Assuming you have a good rapport with your boss (and if you don't, you should first work on building that relationship), talk to him or her about your career goals; you might be surprised how helpful that conversation can be. Review and apply to internal job postings. Sometimes your boss has no way of promoting you -- even if you are deserving of such -- and if you work for a fairly large organization, you may find the best way to obtain your next promotion is to apply for a job in a different department or division. Before doing so, though, discuss your options with your mentor(s) and your boss (assuming a good relationship) Create your own opportunities by suggesting a new position. With all the organizational changes that occur within many employers, it's possible that you discover a strategic gap that needs filling -- with you, of course, being the perfect person to fill it. Consider writing a proposal to the bosses suggesting the new position. Even if the company does not go for the new position, you have shown your initiative, creativity, and value to the firm -- and these things can only help you the next time you request a promotion.
Conclusions on Gaining a Promotion
By following these tips, you should be in good hands to strategically prepare yourself for gaining a promotion with your current employer.
A note to younger workers about taking responsibility: Blame it on your permissive or overly protective parents, but one of the biggest complaints we here from bosses of younger workers is that young employees have a hard time taking responsibilities for their actions -- and especially for their mistakes.
While we often think we're ready for a promotion sooner than our managers do, workers today need to have patience to wait for the right opportunity, as far fewer opportunities are available in many organizations -- because fewer levels of management exist. (On the other hand, don't wait forever, either.)
If all else fails, consider employment with another organization -- or even start your own company. Only you can decide what opportunity is the correct one for you, but even if you love your employer, if there is no room for advancement, it may be time to seek other work ventures.
Finally, remember that a promotion is not always the right path to take. If you are already struggling with work-life issues or burnout, it might be better to consider ways to reduce your workload, not add to it. Your job title should not define you.
By: Winnie S. Valdez
Being a successful employee involves issues such as attitude, professionalism, and teamwork. This article will show you how possible to get ahead in your career by gaining a promotion with your current employer.
Here’s the tips to enhance your career.
Self-assessment of your work performance. Before gearing up to request a promotion, take a hard look at every aspect of your work performance, from your work ethic and attitude to perceptions of how your boss, co-workers, and any other major stakeholders (clients) view you. The next tips will guide you with that assessment. Attainment, One of the hardest tasks for workers and job-seekers alike is quantifying work achievements. Keep a weekly log of your results -- whether it's how many widgets you produced or sold, how many customers you serviced, how many new clients you converted, and so on. Those folks who can document their successes -- and their impact on the organization -- tend to get the rewards. Attitude. You don't have to be "Cheerful Sally" -- in fact, don't be or you might not be taken seriously -- but having a positive and go-get'em disposition is important. People like working with -- and helping -- co-workers with a positive attitude. Work ethic. Examine how hard you work at your job -- and we're not talking about just showing up on time and not leaving early. Work ethic is about how much effort you put into your job. Typically, the more you like your work -- and your employer -- the stronger your work ethic. Initiative. You may be very good at your job -- and that is important -- but do you ever try to push the limits of your work? In other words, do you ever consider better ways you could do your job -- or better ways your department could function -- and make suggestions to your boss? Just do not confuse taking initiative with knowing it all. Team skills. Review how well you work in teams, examining key issues such as communications, working relationships, team successes (and failures). Team skills are invaluable at all levels within an organization, and certainly necessary for a promotion. For a reality check, you might consider asking a few teammates for some honest feedback. Education, skills, training. You obviously had the right mix of education, skills, and training to land your current job, but have you been continuing your education -- not only staying ahead of trends for your current job, but obtaining additional training that could propel you to the next level? Avoid spreading the gossip -- or being part of it. Nothing can derail someone's future with an organization faster than negative information -- and being involved in gossip in any way is the fast path to the end of your career with your employer. Sometimes you can't avoid hearing the rumors, but you can choose not to spread them. And you never want to be the subject of those rumors either. Perceptions play a major role in how you are judged by your supervisors and bosses. Volunteer for additional tasks. A great way to get noticed by the bosses -- and gain additional experience and contacts -- is to volunteer to take on additional projects or assignments. Asking for more work shows your interest and desire to help your department and company to succeed -- as well as putting a spotlight on your value to the organization. Don't do it alone -- find a mentor. One of the smartest moves any worker can make is finding one or more mentors to help guide your career forward. The ideal scenario is having at least one mentor within your employer and one outside your employer (but within your profession or industry). A mentor is a key member of your network, someone more established in your career field who can offer advice, support, and more. Research best next step for you. One of the challenges some people face is not knowing what's the best next step for their career. In fact, many people get promoted to positions outside their passions -- which eventually results in job burnout and disillusionment. Take proactive steps to decide what's best for you -- and remember to not just look up, but also laterally. Practice self-promotion. One has to tread a bit carefully here -- there's a fine line between self-promotion and bragging -- but the cliche that no one will toot your horn unless you do is especially true in today's overworked, understaffed workplace. Share your career goals with boss/supervisor. All good bosses want their workers to succeed -- because their hard work makes the boss look good and helps lay the groundwork for his/her next promotion. Assuming you have a good rapport with your boss (and if you don't, you should first work on building that relationship), talk to him or her about your career goals; you might be surprised how helpful that conversation can be. Review and apply to internal job postings. Sometimes your boss has no way of promoting you -- even if you are deserving of such -- and if you work for a fairly large organization, you may find the best way to obtain your next promotion is to apply for a job in a different department or division. Before doing so, though, discuss your options with your mentor(s) and your boss (assuming a good relationship) Create your own opportunities by suggesting a new position. With all the organizational changes that occur within many employers, it's possible that you discover a strategic gap that needs filling -- with you, of course, being the perfect person to fill it. Consider writing a proposal to the bosses suggesting the new position. Even if the company does not go for the new position, you have shown your initiative, creativity, and value to the firm -- and these things can only help you the next time you request a promotion.
Conclusions on Gaining a Promotion
By following these tips, you should be in good hands to strategically prepare yourself for gaining a promotion with your current employer.
A note to younger workers about taking responsibility: Blame it on your permissive or overly protective parents, but one of the biggest complaints we here from bosses of younger workers is that young employees have a hard time taking responsibilities for their actions -- and especially for their mistakes.
While we often think we're ready for a promotion sooner than our managers do, workers today need to have patience to wait for the right opportunity, as far fewer opportunities are available in many organizations -- because fewer levels of management exist. (On the other hand, don't wait forever, either.)
If all else fails, consider employment with another organization -- or even start your own company. Only you can decide what opportunity is the correct one for you, but even if you love your employer, if there is no room for advancement, it may be time to seek other work ventures.
Finally, remember that a promotion is not always the right path to take. If you are already struggling with work-life issues or burnout, it might be better to consider ways to reduce your workload, not add to it. Your job title should not define you.
A Person Who Works to Excess
By: Winnie Valdez
Workaholic is called to a person who works to excess, Workaholics live for their work, often spending many extra hours at work, and often taking work home to complete. Americans -- when compared to many other countries -- are typically a work-hard culture, but when work becomes the sole reason for a person's existence above more important things (such as family and friends), the issue becomes critical. You love your work and are responsible for multiple projects and tasks that continue to be assigned to you or your group. You actually thrive on the multiple deadline pressures. Or perhaps you hold multiple jobs or own your own business. Your work hours are long, your at-home hours short, and your sleep hours few. Vacations and social visits with friends are a distant memory. Your only hobby is your job.
Part of the matter is technological. We live and work in a connected environment -- e-mails, instant messaging, fax machines, cell phones, and digital assistants -- making it hard for workers to truly get time away from their work.
Part of the matter is financial. Whether it is how more and more of us mistakenly define success in terms of financial and materialistic measures or the fact that many Americans simply must work multiple jobs simply to earn a living wage and keep their families out of poverty, we are working more and more for the financial outcomes.
Regardless of the reasons, workaholism can be a serious condition that can lead to the decline and destruction of families, as well as to serious stress-related health problems. When work becomes the sole reason for being -- when it becomes the only thing we think about, the only thing that truly makes us happy -- then it is time for some sort of intervention. And do not confuse hard work for workaholism. Hard workers know the boundaries between work and personal times and can function normally when not at work, while workaholics have no personal times and cannot function well outside of work.
Suggestions for Concentrating Workaholism
1.Making time away from work ,totally away from work,to get your life back in balance. It will take some effort on your part ,and perhaps the part of a friend or spouse to make the shift from a sole focus on work, but for your mental and physical well-being, you really should make the effort.
2. Block out "personal time" to spend with family and (non-work) friends.
3. When on the road for business, call home regularly to stayed connected.
4. Learn how to delegate work and learn to say no to new assignments (or at least learn not to be the first to volunteer to take the assignment).
5. Take time off, perhaps starting with a long weekend and gradually moving up to longer vacations and leave work behind.
6. Consider an exercise routine after clearing it with your doctor to get your body back to a healthy shape. And better, have a friend or significant other as your exercise buddy to make it more fun (and to keep your mind off work while working-out).
7. Consider volunteering to help others and to meet new people.
8. Convince yourself it is okay to sometimes just sit and relax and do nothing.
9. Fight the urge that everything you do must be perfect to your standards.
10. Accept that we all need a decent number of hours of sleep.
If you find yourself not able to do any of these suggestions, consider getting professional help to deal with what is basically an addiction.
By: Winnie Valdez
Workaholic is called to a person who works to excess, Workaholics live for their work, often spending many extra hours at work, and often taking work home to complete. Americans -- when compared to many other countries -- are typically a work-hard culture, but when work becomes the sole reason for a person's existence above more important things (such as family and friends), the issue becomes critical. You love your work and are responsible for multiple projects and tasks that continue to be assigned to you or your group. You actually thrive on the multiple deadline pressures. Or perhaps you hold multiple jobs or own your own business. Your work hours are long, your at-home hours short, and your sleep hours few. Vacations and social visits with friends are a distant memory. Your only hobby is your job.
Part of the matter is technological. We live and work in a connected environment -- e-mails, instant messaging, fax machines, cell phones, and digital assistants -- making it hard for workers to truly get time away from their work.
Part of the matter is financial. Whether it is how more and more of us mistakenly define success in terms of financial and materialistic measures or the fact that many Americans simply must work multiple jobs simply to earn a living wage and keep their families out of poverty, we are working more and more for the financial outcomes.
Regardless of the reasons, workaholism can be a serious condition that can lead to the decline and destruction of families, as well as to serious stress-related health problems. When work becomes the sole reason for being -- when it becomes the only thing we think about, the only thing that truly makes us happy -- then it is time for some sort of intervention. And do not confuse hard work for workaholism. Hard workers know the boundaries between work and personal times and can function normally when not at work, while workaholics have no personal times and cannot function well outside of work.
Suggestions for Concentrating Workaholism
1.Making time away from work ,totally away from work,to get your life back in balance. It will take some effort on your part ,and perhaps the part of a friend or spouse to make the shift from a sole focus on work, but for your mental and physical well-being, you really should make the effort.
2. Block out "personal time" to spend with family and (non-work) friends.
3. When on the road for business, call home regularly to stayed connected.
4. Learn how to delegate work and learn to say no to new assignments (or at least learn not to be the first to volunteer to take the assignment).
5. Take time off, perhaps starting with a long weekend and gradually moving up to longer vacations and leave work behind.
6. Consider an exercise routine after clearing it with your doctor to get your body back to a healthy shape. And better, have a friend or significant other as your exercise buddy to make it more fun (and to keep your mind off work while working-out).
7. Consider volunteering to help others and to meet new people.
8. Convince yourself it is okay to sometimes just sit and relax and do nothing.
9. Fight the urge that everything you do must be perfect to your standards.
10. Accept that we all need a decent number of hours of sleep.
If you find yourself not able to do any of these suggestions, consider getting professional help to deal with what is basically an addiction.