How to Deal with the office Scrooge

How to Deal with the office Scrooge by Michael Cheary By now, most workplaces up and down the country should be aglow with Christmas cheer.But while most of us are happy enough to go along with the festivities, theres usually someone who resists the temptation at all costs. They exclude themselves from Secret Santa, schedule meetings for 5 oclock on Christmas Eve, and bah humbug the office party.Every office has an Ebenezer or two. So, to help you spread the Christmas cheer where you work, we bring you our top tips on how to deal with the office ScroogeBe inclusiveNever underestimate the power of peer pressure. Even if they dont want to be included, dont take no for an answer.For example, once youve convinced them to take part, rig Secret Santa and make sure its them who receives the most festive present. A snazzy Christmas jumper and a bottle of mulled wine (insert better present here) should be enough to melt even the iciest of attitudes.Kill them with kindness (Warning: Do not take literally)Get nostalgicEve ryone has different memories of Christmas. However, there are some conversations that are universal. Talking about a favourite Christmas movie, a beloved seasonal television special or a childhood toy that you remember opening on Christmas morning are all great ways to get into the festive spirit.Be a good listenerThe holidays arent for everyone. Whatever the reason your colleague doesnt enjoy Christmas, the key to resolving the situation is to ascertain why. It could be for personal reasons or something that happened in their past. It could just be that they dont like Noddy Holder.They may not want to talk about it. But if they do, be there for them.Play Christmas songs continuouslyThis has the potential to go either way, depending on how intensely they dislike the holiday season. If you dont start too early and stick to the classics (were thinking Kirsty McCall The Pogues, the original BandAid, and anything by Michael Buble), you should be fine.If they do complain, dont worry. Th eyre probably just being stubborn. Turn it up, and wait patiently for the breakthrough.Because the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Obviously.Win them over with foodWherever their disdain stems from, this one is a sure-fire winner. This time of year is unparalleled for the sheer variety of festive food and drink available, meaning theres something on offer for everyone. Get a few homemade mince pies down them and theyll be feeling more festive than a box of fairy lights.If all else fails, offer round the Roses. Wish them a Merry Christmas Always end on a classic. A handshake, a hug and a heartfelt Merry Christmas can say more than any novelty tie or charity Christmas card ever could. And, if you have children, use them to your advantage. Bring them into the office, and get them to work their childhood magic.Every Christmas movie weve ever seen suggests that this is a foolproof plan.Even with the best intentions, you cant win them all. Pick your bat tles, and only focus on those you think you can save. Even Bob Cratchit knew when it was time to throw in the towel. However, if your workplace Grinch does manage to turn it around, all your time and effort will be worth it.After all, theres no greater gift than the gift of human kindness (although its always important to remember that this doesnt apply to Secret Santa).Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features

What Office Design Keeps People Happy

What Office Design Keeps People Happy This year, the office cubicle turns 50 years old! Love it or loathe it, it can’t be denied that cubicles revolutionised the design of offices all over the world. With an eternal struggle between privacy and interaction at the workplace, it looks as though office design has gone full circle since the emergence of the white-collar age. Privacy vs. Interaction: Back when white-collar work began to boom, managers believed that to maximise efficiency, workers should me arranged on aligned desks in a large, open-plan offices, with managers in their own private offices overlooking the  office workers. This design was first used by F.W. Taylor (1856-1915) and was inspired by scientific management a technique used in labour factories that emphasised economic efficiency. No doubt, this office design soon went out of fashion as managers realised it was hindering motivation. The beginnings of cubicle design: This is  what prompted Robert Propst, of Herman Miller Furniture Design studio, to come up with an alternative solution to office design. Here he came up with Action Office a design that gave workers a makeshift office space, with storage and privacy in a bid to boost productivity. Propst believed that workers needed autonomy and independence and cubicles seemed like an efficient way to achieve just that.  Propst introduced vertical office  shelving systems, which were groundbreaking at the time, and managers began to notice Propst solutions. Super-efficient cubicles: Propst took  the cubicle design even further and this is when super-efficient cubicle design came into play. Im sure this is what we all think about when we hear the word cubicle a  dreary symbol of an office job you hate. The 70s saw the rise in these  fabric covered wall cubicles which made sound proofing simple and cost-effective, but also made workers  question their sanity.  The design was revolutionary companies went crazy for the groundbreaking solution and it still remains popular to this day. In 1985 it was even named the most successful design of the previous 25 years at  the World Design Conference. Is open plan best? More recently, companies have been dismantling their cubicles and opting to go back to an open plan environment this time  in a more team-orientated layout. Having a  cool open-plan office has become popular in more recent years. But which design actually increases productivity? Surprisingly, a study carried out in 2013 found that productivity actually dropped by 6% when an office opted for an open plan design. However, a reason for this could be that more people are sharing ideas meaning the work that is being carried out is to a higher quality. Another unusual statistic from a study carried out in 2014  reveals that 54% of open-space office workers would actually prefer to have a private cubicle. The perfect office design: Realistically, the perfect office design (probably) doesnt exist.  An office design that works for your company may not work for others and vice versa. Advancements in technology means that work doesnt have to be done sat down at a desk with a desktop computer. More companies are embracing this and bringing in alternative interiors to match the ever-changing working landscape. Having an alternative, fun office space means that work-life is more fun, which in-turn leaves workers feeling happier and more fulfilled with daily office life. And as the cliche goes, a happy worker is, of course, a productive one. So what design is best? Let us know in the comments below! RELATED:  How to Boost Workplace Productivity

How Telling Personal Stories Can Help You Establish Trust

How Telling Personal Stories Can Help You Establish Trust I have mentioned it briefly in other posts but I have Multiple Sclerosis. I have been diagnosed since 2002, about 3 months after surviving 9/11. Let’s say it really wasn’t my best year, eh? Now, the MonSter, as it is called by some, has lots of challenges. Let us go then, you and I, as we go into way too much information about one of them. One of my worst symptoms is Bowel Urgency. When I need to go, I really need  to go. I am constantly aware of the closest bathrooms. I carry around a knapsack with a spare change of clothes, wet wipes and plastic bags. My pockets always have Pepto Bismol. I learned to do this via some very bad experiences. Even then, my emergency kit doesn’t always help. I have befouled and soiled so many places I deserve an award. If you need to know how to work your way into a “Customers Only” bathroom, I’m your man. It sucks and it’s embarrassing. Being afraid of crapping your pants in a sales meeting, on public transit or, well, anywhere, stinks. (Pun Intended). For the right audience I can make this horrid thing an explosively (Pun Intended) funny series of anecdotes but it is an in-person sort of thing. Why am I leading this post with such a personal story? Sharing a private thing is a great way of establishing trust, of getting to know someone more intimately and achieving as much transparency and better communication from hiring managers and candidates. I often go back to Robert Anton Wilson speaking in the guise of the character of Hagbard Celine. Celine’s Laws  are an amazing read. The 2nd law, “Accurate communication is possible only in a non-punishing situation” is essential to not only being a good recruiter, but a good employee and employer. What this means is that when we want something, say proving to the interviewer why we are right for a role, or showing the Hiring Manager why our candidate is the best, we will change our tone. We will highlight things and perhaps lie by omission. We will answer with what we think the person wants to hear. We reflect back to the person what we think they want in order to get what we want. From your boss, it might be job security. From your spouse, it is probably something else. (See me keeping it clean, Undercover Editor?) No matter what, when one person needs something from someone else, the dialogue isn’t ever going to be 100% honest. Recruiters don’t do the skill set we are hunting. We have some buzz words, a soft-focus understanding at best, of the roles we fill. One aspect of our job is ferretting out all the information needed to help the Hiring Manager make sure the candidate is the right fit. We want to know the real reason you had a 6 month gap. We want to make sure you are really committed to 75% travel and a relocation with no money to Edinburgh. We need to minimize the amount of bull dookies we are going to get. Establishing a relationship is key to that. Getting someone to share things they’d rather not but are key to smoothing the process of a hire is essential. People share easier, they tell more honest lies, if we’ve already told something perhaps even more revealing and more horrific. Which is worse: shitting your pants during a celebratory drink with a candidate (true story, brah) or that you have bad credit? Crap. I also have bad credit. I can’t tell you how many people have told me about 6 year old DUIs or 20 year old felonies at some stage of the process. However, an equal amount of people have told me about… incidents…. when they get the paperwork for the background check. Tell me the “secret” before we get there and many times it can be smoothed out. We can make it work. I promise though, a surprise on a background or credit check is a guarantee the offer will be rescinded. Again, I return to the theme that permeates my posts. Honesty is always better. Transparency is always better. Maximize open communication by any means necessary because we will never have true 100% honest communication. It isn’t possible when one person has “authority” over the other but we can do many things to get as close to it as possible. Sharing an awkward anecdote and self deprecating humor is one way of getting there. Post Scriptum:   Just for fun, here is another true story albiet without bowel issues. I tell this one whenever I debrief someone who tells me they had a bad interview. I was 24 years old, thought I was the best recruiter ever born. I had won an award or 2 and had a much better year than many of my more experienced peers. To say I got a bit cocky was an understatement. So, I go out and start interviewing. One of my all time favorite films is Glengarry-Glenross, a must see for anyone in our field. There is one scene, where Alec Baldwin is asked why he’s so successful. He replies that when he gets up in the morning, he looks in the mirror and says, “Today you will win. You’ll win because your name is F**K YOU”. Do not give this answer when asked how you psych yourself up for a day of cold calling. It doesn’t go well on a first round interview. Trust me. Author:  Jeff Newman a.k.a. The Peoples Recruiter, has been a Full Life Cycle IT Recruiter and Full Desk Placement expert for over 14 years. He prides himself on always making sure that what he is offering a candidate is an Opportunity and not just another job.  Jeff Newman  contributed to this article in his personal capacity. The views expressed are his own and do not represent the views of the his employers. Image credit: Shutterstock

WEBCAST The Promote Yourself Book Launch With Dan Schawbel - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

WEBCAST The Promote Yourself Book Launch With Dan Schawbel - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career To celebrate the release of my new book, Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success, Ive teamed up with Ernst Young LLP to hold a global webcast of our New York City launch event. As a loyal subscriber to the Personal Branding Blog, I wanted to personally invite you to this webcast event. The webcast will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. EDT on September 10th and will be streamed live for the first 1,000 people to register. Opening remarks will be from  Ken Bouyer, Americas Director of Inclusiveness Recruiting, EY, who will share his perspectives as the leader responsible for developing and implementing EY’s strategy to recruit a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the Americas. I will then deliver a keynote presentation and moderate a panel focused on the book. The panel will bring key concepts of the book to life by addressing millennials’ impact on the workforce now and in the future; describing how we can all manage the generational mix; highlighting the criteria managers seek when determining promotions; and listing creative ways professionals can enhance their own careers. The panel will include: Valerie Grillo , Chief Diversity Officer, American Express â€" representing American Express’ proprietary study featured in the book. Kathryn Minshew , Founder CEO, The Muse â€" representing a Gen Y perspective as one of Forbes’ 2012 30 Under 30. Karyn Twaronite , Americas Inclusiveness Officer, EY, and Partner, Ernst Young LLP â€" representing a Gen X perspective. Kendall OBrien , Vice President, Group Finance Medical Device and Diagnostics, Group Operating Committee, Johnson Johnsonâ€" representing a baby boomer perspective. Register here Pre-order the book

You Are Not a Brand. You HAVE a Personal Brand - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

You Are Not a Brand. You HAVE a Personal Brand Some people take it too far. They take the personal out of personal branding, and refer to themselves as a brand. They think of themselves â€" and ruthlessly market themselves â€" as a product. And they speak and write about Brand Them incessantly. Along with referring to themselves in the third person, being a brand somehow gives them license to shamelessly self-promote their product . . .  that is, themselves. They feel that having a brand automatically makes them an expert at something. This tiresome self-promotion shows that they don’t really understand what personal branding is all about. I think they help give authentic branding a bad name. The Onion hilariously spoofed this phenomenon in the news report, I Am A Brand, Pathetic Man Says: Sad, pathetic local web developer and blogger Phillip Cathin, 34, told reporters today that he sees himself as a brand. I am my own product, the little worm said while staring at a laptop and depressingly shuffling between his Twitter,

Monday Tip Get out! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Monday Tip Get out! - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Get out! Thats this weeks Monday tip. Sarah Yeoh writes: I try to take an hour lunch break each day and GET OUT OF THE OFFICE. Fresh air, walk, lunch, chat, sunshine (if weather permits) etc. It?s a good way to get to know your work colleagues and I think it really helps in reducing stress. I often find that I have a clearer head when I return to my work hence increased productivity. It?s a simple suggestion but I think that there are a lot of people who just work through lunch and eat at their desk. You could pick someone new to have lunch with each Monday! Yes! Some fresh air, some scenery and some physical activity. Whats not to like. Thanks for the tip, Sarah! The Chief Happiness Officers Monday tips are simple, easy, fun things you can do to make yourself and others happy at work and get the work-week off to a great start. Something everyone can do in five minutes, tops. When you try it, write a comment here to tell me how it went. Previous monday tips. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Writing a Career Summary on Resume

Writing a Career Summary on ResumeWriting a career summary on resume is a common practice among job seekers. It is one of the most important aspects of the resume because it will help you look for a job. The most important aspect of a resume is the career overview section because this will highlight your skill set and talents. For those who are looking for a career change, this section on resume will be a wonderful idea to begin their search.Writing a career summary on resume will be the best idea if you have just landed a new job or if you need to refresh your skills and knowledge about a specific field. It will provide you with an overview of the different roles that you can fill in your work. It will also serve as a reflection of your job experience in a wider perspective.When you are working on a career overview on resume, you should keep in mind that you will not only write about your position but also about your skills. This means that you should include a description of the jo bs you have held and their related responsibilities. For instance, if you have been in a management position, it is expected that you have been a manager. So you should include that information in your resume. However, if you are still working in a position where you will be making decisions, you can include that information.When writing a career summary on resume, you should always be certain that you will have a clear and concise writing style and will be able to present your ideas to the potential employer. If you do not know how to write well, you can hire someone to do the writing for you.It is also necessary to note that you should emphasize your skills as well as the responsibilities that you have. It is essential to do so because your resume reflects your skills and capabilities. If you do not highlight these aspects, you may find yourself not being contacted for interviews.Before you start writing a resume, you should have an idea of the kind of professional you want to bec ome. If you are uncertain about the things that you should include in your resume, you can ask your resume writing company or the company where you are applying for the job.Writing a career summary on resume is one of the easiest ways to write a resume. Once you have decided the type of career you want to work in, you can begin to write the format of your summary. You can add in the details about the job titles, responsibilities, and other skills that you can offer to the employer. You should make sure that the employer gets all of the details you have provided in your resume.When writing a resume, you should always check what information is included in the summary. If you are unsure about some parts of the summary, you can request the company to make changes. Also, make sure that you check that there are no mistakes in the summary because it will be helpful to the employer when you are interviewed. So be sure to keep your resume clean and neat so that you can present yourself as th e best applicant for the job.