Team Building for Success
No matter who we are and what we do for a living, we all have had the opportunity to work closely with a group to get a large task accomplished. Whether we have had the opportunity to work closely with friends or people we don't know, we have all been assigned a task at one point or another that must be completed. Although there are many advantages to working in teams to accomplish a task, we all have our share of negative group experiences in which we were not able to work collaboratively with our group to get the job done. As a result of these negative experiences, I ultimately avoided participation in groups, because I thought I would either not have the chance to voice my opinion, or I would end up doing all the work for the group all by myself. Because of my recollection of these experiences, the content of today's post will talk about the basic team building skills needed to develop a more successful group interaction.
1) Set goals
Having a vision of the goals needed for a project is essential for good teamwork. What do you want to get out of your group's task? What are the consequences for not accomplishing the goal you want to achieve?
2) Know your resources
Acknowledge the help you can receive inside or outside of the group. Does your group have the skills necessary to complete the task? Do you have the equipment necessary to complete the task?
3) Divide and Conquer
Be able to delegate the workload to various members of the group based on their strengths. However, do not overlap the roles that must be played. Each member of the team should feel they have a critical role in the function of the group.
4) Be able to communicate
Be able to express how the accomplishment of specific goals will benefit each member of the group. Encourage team discussions between members and team leaders about any concerns that may affect the performance of the group in the future.
Despite past experiences of group work, implementing the right team-building strategies into the group's functioning will allow each member of the group to be able to contribute their talents, as well as increase productivity from the variety of interactions. With the right collaboration and effort, larger tasks can get accomplished faster and easier.
Team Building 101. N.d. Retrieved from: http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com/employer/employer-research-resource-center/hr-tips-strategies/training/team-building101.stml
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Resume tips for the college graduate
Upon the decision of the content of today's blog post, I had thought about the trouble I have been having in designing a resume to include in my career portfolio. Although I have created a variety of different styles of resumes in the past, I have had little experience in creating a resume that was based on my future career aspirations. Due to my lack of experience in the workforce, it has been difficult to create a resume that acknowledges future accomplishments and experiences. As a result of this difficulty, I wanted the content of today's post to assist recent college graduates in creation of resume that will surely appeal to the eye of a potential employer.
Don't oversell your experience and qualities:
Do not over-exaggerate your experiences and qualifications. Even though you may have picked up a few internships, school projects, and jobs along the way, hiring managers will often pay closer attention to your aptitude and potential rather than your length of experience. It is okay to express your skills and capabilities, but do not let it lead to cockiness
Don't be afraid to apply for a variety of jobs
Hiring managers often tell you that most jobs include more requirements than the job may call for. However, this often is merely wishful thinking, and often candidates are hired for positions that they are not fully qualified for. For this reason, it is not a bad idea to apply for a variety of positions regardless of qualifications
Don't express skills that the hiring manager may not care about
Avoid using a one-size fits all resume. Customize your resume for each company and role that you are applying for. HR employers will scan your resume to see how well your qualifications fit the job; irrelevant details have the potentiality to be discarded by the employer
Although these details may seem minor to the amount of material that must be included in a resume, they are essential to establishing a job a search that will guarantee you success. If you have any comments or question about the content of today's article, feel free to visit http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57585238/ or comment in the box below.
N.a. (2013). Crucial Resume Advice for Recent College Grads. Retrieved from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57585238/
Upon the decision of the content of today's blog post, I had thought about the trouble I have been having in designing a resume to include in my career portfolio. Although I have created a variety of different styles of resumes in the past, I have had little experience in creating a resume that was based on my future career aspirations. Due to my lack of experience in the workforce, it has been difficult to create a resume that acknowledges future accomplishments and experiences. As a result of this difficulty, I wanted the content of today's post to assist recent college graduates in creation of resume that will surely appeal to the eye of a potential employer.
Don't oversell your experience and qualities:
Do not over-exaggerate your experiences and qualifications. Even though you may have picked up a few internships, school projects, and jobs along the way, hiring managers will often pay closer attention to your aptitude and potential rather than your length of experience. It is okay to express your skills and capabilities, but do not let it lead to cockiness
Don't be afraid to apply for a variety of jobs
Hiring managers often tell you that most jobs include more requirements than the job may call for. However, this often is merely wishful thinking, and often candidates are hired for positions that they are not fully qualified for. For this reason, it is not a bad idea to apply for a variety of positions regardless of qualifications
Don't express skills that the hiring manager may not care about
Avoid using a one-size fits all resume. Customize your resume for each company and role that you are applying for. HR employers will scan your resume to see how well your qualifications fit the job; irrelevant details have the potentiality to be discarded by the employer
Although these details may seem minor to the amount of material that must be included in a resume, they are essential to establishing a job a search that will guarantee you success. If you have any comments or question about the content of today's article, feel free to visit http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57585238/ or comment in the box below.
N.a. (2013). Crucial Resume Advice for Recent College Grads. Retrieved from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57585238/
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Listening For Success
As a college undergraduate student, my experience in the workplace has been relatively limited in comparison to employees and professionals with many years of experience. Therefore, the majority of experiences I encounter may only come from the classroom setting. Keeping this thought in my mind, I realize that although the content of this blog is meant to pertain to anyone in the professional setting, it is missing a very important audience, COLLEGE STUDENTS! As a result of this realization, I have spent this week looking for material that pertains to EVERYONE. In this event, the content of today's post is referenced from material that I have learned in my other Communications courses throughout the school year. I will talk about a skill that everyone needs in any area of their life to be an effective communicator-LISTENING.
No matter who we are or what we do, listening is essential in any function of life when we must work with others. We must learn to avoid the internal and external distractions that hinder our ability to interpret a message, while learning to communicate in response to the message. Here are a few strategies that can be used for more effective listening.
1). Paraphrasing:
By stating the message we have received within our own words, we demonstrate that we are paraphrasing the message to better fit our own understanding. We are responding to both verbal and nonverbal signals that are given by the speaker. By taking the main points of what is said and putting them into a context that fits our understanding, we can fight daydreaming, stay on track, and remove any emotional issues that separate us from effective communication. In a variety of different conversations whether they have been in class or between my friends, I always find myself selecting the main points of a conversation and confirming what has been said with the speaker. By doing this, I feel that I am able to not only put the words into context for my understanding, but I can avoid any distractions that disrupt my thought process.
2). Expressing Understanding
In many situations it is of more importance to not only be able to comprehend the message that is being received, but to understand the speaker's feelings and how they affect the message. In this situation, we express understanding, meaning that we are able to assess the speaker's feelings more accurately and respond to them. At many times in past experiences whether on the job or with my friends, I have at times focused too hard on what is being said rather than understanding how the speaker feels as a result of it. Because of this, I have responded in ways that do not correlate with what has been said. Although it is important to understand the message, the speaker's feelings and concerns should always be the most important part of any conversation when communicating.
3). Asking Questions
As an extension of paraphrasing and expressing our understanding, it is important that we also learn to ask questions to help us gain a more in depth perspective of what is being said . Because we are not necessarily taught how to ask questions, we are often given a challenge of what types of questions are appropriate to ask in certain situations. In my past, I can recall many times where I have misunderstood a message that the speaker has given. To better understand what was spoken, I debated with myself many times whether the questions I wanted to ask were appropriate to the situation or to the individual's privacy. Therefore, appropriate questioning should be used to clarify a person's perspective, while opening up discussion on a previous idea.
4). Using Verbal/Non-Verbal Communication
While it is important to be able to comprehend what is being said, effective listening also requires making use of nonverbal gestures. Many of these gestures include: eye contact, nodding our heads, and sitting in an attentive manner to show that we are listening and interested. In the majority of the conversations I have, I always try to implement these nonverbal gestures to show the listener that I care about the content of what they are saying and understand their point of view. Despite our opinions of the content of what is spoken, it is important that we use nonverbal gestures in our conversations in order to show others we are giving them our full attention, and care about what they have to say.
No matter what we do in life, everyone must learn how to listen and work collaboratively with others. If we are not able to effectively listen to what is being said, we not only miss out on what is being said, but we have the potentiality of showing others that we do not care about what they have to say, or we are not interested. Therefore, it is crucial that we use various listening skills to our advantage. If we do this, we not only benefit ourselves, but we are better able to manage and maintain relationships with our co-workers and our friends.
(photo courtesy of http://blog.complete.com)
Harris, Thomas E. (2011). Small Group and Team Communication. Boston, MA. Pearson Education, Inc.
As a college undergraduate student, my experience in the workplace has been relatively limited in comparison to employees and professionals with many years of experience. Therefore, the majority of experiences I encounter may only come from the classroom setting. Keeping this thought in my mind, I realize that although the content of this blog is meant to pertain to anyone in the professional setting, it is missing a very important audience, COLLEGE STUDENTS! As a result of this realization, I have spent this week looking for material that pertains to EVERYONE. In this event, the content of today's post is referenced from material that I have learned in my other Communications courses throughout the school year. I will talk about a skill that everyone needs in any area of their life to be an effective communicator-LISTENING.
No matter who we are or what we do, listening is essential in any function of life when we must work with others. We must learn to avoid the internal and external distractions that hinder our ability to interpret a message, while learning to communicate in response to the message. Here are a few strategies that can be used for more effective listening.
1). Paraphrasing:
By stating the message we have received within our own words, we demonstrate that we are paraphrasing the message to better fit our own understanding. We are responding to both verbal and nonverbal signals that are given by the speaker. By taking the main points of what is said and putting them into a context that fits our understanding, we can fight daydreaming, stay on track, and remove any emotional issues that separate us from effective communication. In a variety of different conversations whether they have been in class or between my friends, I always find myself selecting the main points of a conversation and confirming what has been said with the speaker. By doing this, I feel that I am able to not only put the words into context for my understanding, but I can avoid any distractions that disrupt my thought process.
2). Expressing Understanding
In many situations it is of more importance to not only be able to comprehend the message that is being received, but to understand the speaker's feelings and how they affect the message. In this situation, we express understanding, meaning that we are able to assess the speaker's feelings more accurately and respond to them. At many times in past experiences whether on the job or with my friends, I have at times focused too hard on what is being said rather than understanding how the speaker feels as a result of it. Because of this, I have responded in ways that do not correlate with what has been said. Although it is important to understand the message, the speaker's feelings and concerns should always be the most important part of any conversation when communicating.
3). Asking Questions
As an extension of paraphrasing and expressing our understanding, it is important that we also learn to ask questions to help us gain a more in depth perspective of what is being said . Because we are not necessarily taught how to ask questions, we are often given a challenge of what types of questions are appropriate to ask in certain situations. In my past, I can recall many times where I have misunderstood a message that the speaker has given. To better understand what was spoken, I debated with myself many times whether the questions I wanted to ask were appropriate to the situation or to the individual's privacy. Therefore, appropriate questioning should be used to clarify a person's perspective, while opening up discussion on a previous idea.4). Using Verbal/Non-Verbal Communication
While it is important to be able to comprehend what is being said, effective listening also requires making use of nonverbal gestures. Many of these gestures include: eye contact, nodding our heads, and sitting in an attentive manner to show that we are listening and interested. In the majority of the conversations I have, I always try to implement these nonverbal gestures to show the listener that I care about the content of what they are saying and understand their point of view. Despite our opinions of the content of what is spoken, it is important that we use nonverbal gestures in our conversations in order to show others we are giving them our full attention, and care about what they have to say.
No matter what we do in life, everyone must learn how to listen and work collaboratively with others. If we are not able to effectively listen to what is being said, we not only miss out on what is being said, but we have the potentiality of showing others that we do not care about what they have to say, or we are not interested. Therefore, it is crucial that we use various listening skills to our advantage. If we do this, we not only benefit ourselves, but we are better able to manage and maintain relationships with our co-workers and our friends.
(photo courtesy of http://blog.complete.com)
Harris, Thomas E. (2011). Small Group and Team Communication. Boston, MA. Pearson Education, Inc.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
The Interviewer's Perspective: Conducting and Effective Interview
Whether we are experienced employees in our field or on our way to finding a career, we all have participated in the interview process in which we have had the opportunity to show potential employers the necessary qualities we could bring to the job we are applying for. No matter what qualifications we possess, potential employers have the ability to choose the best traits that they feel are necessary for the company and its needs. However, how is an employer able to determine these traits? In response to this question, today's posting will not only be able to assist employers in conducting an efficient interview, but will also assist potential job candidates in knowing what interviewers look for in candidates.
1) What qualities are you looking for?
Before you begin the interview process, determine the characteristics you would like to see in your employees. These traits may include: level of education, specialized skills, and behavioral attributes. In order to determine these characteristics, you may want to examine your current employees and determine what their best qualities may be, and how they contribute to the company and its functions
2) Review resumes carefully.
Make sure that you know the qualifications of each applicant before the interviewing takes place. It is important for you as the interviewer to set an impression of professionalism and organization when interviewing candidates.
3). Have interview questions ready in advance
Try to keep all questions you may ask open ended in order to avoid candidates giving you an answer that you expect of them to answer. Ask more questions that are behaviorally based. In other words, it is important that you ask questions that require a candidate to recall of specific situations in which they had to use specific behaviors. It may be easier for you as a potential employer to ask questions that pertain to the job the candidate is applying for, and how their behavior may help them to respond to the situation. Most importantly, focus interview questions on job experience, skills, education, and achievement. However, avoid questions that may be inappropriate for the situation, or may be illegal for hiring.
4). Have an evolution form
Prepare an evaluation for that includes all of the questions you plan to ask during the interview. Using a similar interview format will allow you to better compare multiple candidates.
5) Remember listening skills
Have control of the nonverbal cues you may give during the interview. Make sure that you are taking good notes during the interview to remember the qualities of each candidate in order to assist you in your decision-making at the end of the interview process. Remember to ask the interviewee if they have any questions at the end of the interview.
6). Examine the candidate's technical skills, experience, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
Examine the body language and comfort level of each candidate in order to determine interpersonal skills. Also, it is important to analyze the candidates ability to answer difficult questions; if their is a contradiction in the candidate's answer to a question, ask about their contradiction and examine their reaction.
7.) End your interview allowing your candidate to know your expectations
Let the candidate know when you expect to make your decision, and how they will be contacted. Make sure to thank the candidate.
No matter if we are an experienced interviewer or job candidate, everyone has had the opportunity to pass through the interviewing process. However, despite who we are in the interviewing process, it is imperative that we exhibit the utmost sense of professionalism and organization when working with each other in a team-oriented atmosphere. If you have any further questions in response to this article, please feel free to comment below, or visit http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com where the content of today's post was referenced from. If you have any further suggestions for future post material, please feel free to comment in the box below.
Keys to Conducting an Interview. n.d. Retrieved from http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com/employer/employer-research-resource-center-hr-ti
Whether we are experienced employees in our field or on our way to finding a career, we all have participated in the interview process in which we have had the opportunity to show potential employers the necessary qualities we could bring to the job we are applying for. No matter what qualifications we possess, potential employers have the ability to choose the best traits that they feel are necessary for the company and its needs. However, how is an employer able to determine these traits? In response to this question, today's posting will not only be able to assist employers in conducting an efficient interview, but will also assist potential job candidates in knowing what interviewers look for in candidates.
1) What qualities are you looking for?
Before you begin the interview process, determine the characteristics you would like to see in your employees. These traits may include: level of education, specialized skills, and behavioral attributes. In order to determine these characteristics, you may want to examine your current employees and determine what their best qualities may be, and how they contribute to the company and its functions
2) Review resumes carefully.
Make sure that you know the qualifications of each applicant before the interviewing takes place. It is important for you as the interviewer to set an impression of professionalism and organization when interviewing candidates.
3). Have interview questions ready in advance
Try to keep all questions you may ask open ended in order to avoid candidates giving you an answer that you expect of them to answer. Ask more questions that are behaviorally based. In other words, it is important that you ask questions that require a candidate to recall of specific situations in which they had to use specific behaviors. It may be easier for you as a potential employer to ask questions that pertain to the job the candidate is applying for, and how their behavior may help them to respond to the situation. Most importantly, focus interview questions on job experience, skills, education, and achievement. However, avoid questions that may be inappropriate for the situation, or may be illegal for hiring.
4). Have an evolution form
Prepare an evaluation for that includes all of the questions you plan to ask during the interview. Using a similar interview format will allow you to better compare multiple candidates.
5) Remember listening skills
Have control of the nonverbal cues you may give during the interview. Make sure that you are taking good notes during the interview to remember the qualities of each candidate in order to assist you in your decision-making at the end of the interview process. Remember to ask the interviewee if they have any questions at the end of the interview.
6). Examine the candidate's technical skills, experience, communication skills, and interpersonal skills.
Examine the body language and comfort level of each candidate in order to determine interpersonal skills. Also, it is important to analyze the candidates ability to answer difficult questions; if their is a contradiction in the candidate's answer to a question, ask about their contradiction and examine their reaction.
7.) End your interview allowing your candidate to know your expectations
Let the candidate know when you expect to make your decision, and how they will be contacted. Make sure to thank the candidate.
No matter if we are an experienced interviewer or job candidate, everyone has had the opportunity to pass through the interviewing process. However, despite who we are in the interviewing process, it is imperative that we exhibit the utmost sense of professionalism and organization when working with each other in a team-oriented atmosphere. If you have any further questions in response to this article, please feel free to comment below, or visit http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com where the content of today's post was referenced from. If you have any further suggestions for future post material, please feel free to comment in the box below.
Keys to Conducting an Interview. n.d. Retrieved from http://www.workforcecentralflorida.com/employer/employer-research-resource-center-hr-ti
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