The Creative Department of an Advertising Agency

The Creative Depspeciesment of an Advertising AgencyThe Creative Depspeciesment of an Advertising AgencyAlthough every department is essential in an advertising agency, the creative department is the one that defines it. If an advertising agency has a product, it is creative work. And that is done by the talented people who work in the creative department. Everything from print ads and direct mail, to broadcast ads, websites, social media, and guerrilla campaigns are conceived here. Without the creative department, there is no agency. In fact, many people consider the creative department to be the engine of the machine, although, without the other departments to support it, there would be no work anyway. Although it varies a little from agency to agency, the creative department is generally made up of similar roles who perform similar duties. Creative Directors If the creative buck stops with anyone, its the creative directors (CD). It is their job to ensure that the work the tea ms are doing is on brief and of a certain quality. Creative directors also decide which teams will work on which projects, the time needed to solve it, and will often be there to present the work to the client, alongside the team that devised the campaign. When the occasion arises, CDs may have to help with a problem, or even solve it if no other creative rolle can. Its for this reason that the CD is often called the last line of defense in the creative department. With a background as a copywriter or an art director, and sometimes a designer or account executive, the creative director steers the work, and if successful, is instrumental in making the agency a financial and critical success. Creative directors like David Abbott, Bill Bernbach, Lee Clow, and Alex Bogusky shaped their agencies in this way. Some agencies have several levels of creative director, starting with the associate creative director, creative director, senior creative director, and finally, executive creative di rector. Copywriters There are many levels of copywriter in an ad agency, depending on its size, client base, and the types of projects in which it specializes. For example, an agency that focuses on direct marketing and web content will have more writers on staff than an agency focused on packaging and point of sale. Copywriters usually work in conjunction with art directors or designers, a workflow devised by Bill Bernbach of Doyle Dane Bernbach in the late 1950s. That model is becoming less popular these days, as agencies staff up or down with freelancers based on workload. At the low end of the rung is the junior copywriter. After a year or so, that position changes to copywriter, then senior copywriter, and then associate creative director. Junior writers work on the low-level projects, and are coached by more senior staff until they find their footing. Copywriters work on anything from the smallest online ads and banners to full-blown integrated campaigns. And they are not just the creatives who come up with the words- copywriters are usually strategic, creative thinkers, proposing as many visual ideas as art directors and designers. Art Directors Just like copywriters, there are art director levels within agencies that range from junior to senior and finally to the art director role. An art director works alongside copywriters and designers to craft a campaign, and is as much of a creative thinker as the writer. Although art directors have the word art in the title, drawing skills are not required. This is a job of creative problem solving - execution can be handled by other people. When the art director takes on a project, he or she will work hand-in-hand with the creative director to establish the look and feel of the campaign. Most art directors have excellent computer and design skills, but that is not always necessary. If the agency has a team of top designers, art directors can direct them to implement their vision. Designers There are many types of designers, including those proficient in graphic design, web design, and even product design. However, most agencies have graphic designers on staff to assist the art directors and copywriters with campaign materials, and also to work on jobs that require pure design without the need for a concept team. Designers are valued members of the team, as they can take ideas to the next level and give the finished work a polish that the creative team could not add. In smaller agencies, designers may not be on staff, but are hired as freelancers as required, or will work at a design studio whose services are requested from time to time. Web Developers Working alongside the designers and art directors are the web developers. With so much emphasis being placed on digital, it is a role that has become invaluable to most agencies. Some digital agencies employ a whole team of developers, while others have just a couple of staff to assist on digital portions of the campaign. Web developers job is to help design the online experience, code it, modify it, and sometimes maintain it. They should have excellent user experience (UX) skills, and be proficient in clear navigation and user-friendly platforms. Production Artists Production artists have the sometimes thankless task of preparing campaigns for print. This job includes setting the files up for the printing press, creating versions of one ad for multiple publications and media, and also creating updates to existing campaigns. Although its not a job that requires a lot of critical thinking, it does require great attention to detail and a studious disposition. Sketch/Storyboard Artists Some agencies, especially those that do a lot of TV and outdoor advertising, have a sketch artist or wrister on staff. This is someone who can quickly and skillfully sketch storyboards for TV shoots, or for image campaigns. In the past, sketch artists worked with pencils and markers, but these days its just as quick, and easier in many respects, to use a tablet, as digital sketches can be altered and colorized many different times based on client feedback.

The Design of Your Workplace Can Impact How Innovative Employees Feel

The Design of Your Workplace Can Impact How Innovative Employees FeelThe Design of Your Workplace Can Impact How Innovative Employees FeelThe Design of Your Workplace Can Impact How Innovative Employees Feel ConlanDoes your office inspire your employees to be more innovative and creative? Is it a place that generates workplace productivity?A survey by Gensler, a design firm based in San Francisco, cites a connection between the design of work spaces and the level of innovation employees say they feel a pspecies of. Not surprisingly, a well-considered work space helps drive creativity and a culture of performance.The goal is to enable employees to perform their daily work routines and leave room for creative inspiration.You never know when, or where, the next big idea will strike, says Cory Grosser of Cory Grosser + Associates, a design senderaum based in Pasadena, California. Workplace design is increasingly reflecting this realization by providing more variety, Grosser says.Here are some ideas on how to structure your workplace design and cultivate creative innovation at your company.Delineate Spaces to Allow Collaboration and FocusThe open-plan workplace, once the darling of forward-thinking and dynamic employers, is starting to fade away. Why? It tends to increase distraction, not to mention transmission of illness.Instead of an open space floorplan, experts say, think about separate spaces for group and individual work. The Gensler report found that innovative companies are five times more likely to have workspaces that prioritize both individual and group workspaces.Collaborationmay be the buzzword of the decade for workplace design, but without its counterpart worker focus productivity may actually decline, Grosser says. Providing both private offices and workstations that are visually and acoustically separated from larger spaces that facilitate group work is important.Build for FlexibilityA rigid, unchanging environment can feel stagnant and put a dam per on creative efforts. Spaces that are dedicated to only one use could have an effect on creativity and innovation by enforcing routines or locked-in work groups.Look for multiple uses for spaces. A lunch roommight also serve as an ad hoc meeting room, casual client presentation area or all-hands engagement hall, says Heidi Hendy, managing principal of H. Hendy Associates, an interior and architectural planning firm in Newport Beach, California.Hendy says this approach can often reduce the need for space. Many newer buildings have shifted cores that allow for flexible layouts, which result in increased occupancy and more productive space utilization, she says.Bring on the Bright ColorsBeware of 50 shades of tan when decorating, says Susan Robertson, who teaches creative thinking at Harvard University and is the founder of Sharpen Innovation, a consulting firm based in Orlando, Florida. Offices that are entirely neutral can stifle creativity.Visual stimulus is a sure-fire way to en hance creative thinking, Robertson says. Bring in some splashes of bold color. Put some interesting art on the walls and sculptures in the hallway. Robertson also recommends encouraging employees to customize their own spaces.Keep in mind that an uncomfortable environment physical or emotional will significantly detract from creative thinking,she adds. So encourage people to add an extra cushion on the back or their chair, or bring in a plant or a personal picture.

How to Quit Your Job the Smart Way

How to Quit Your Job the Smart WayHow to Quit Your Job the Smart WayHow to Quit Your Job the Smart WayThere comes a time in every workers life when he/sheneeds to quit a job.Maybe its for personal reasons, maybe the best job ever has just become available, or maybe the work environment istoxic and unfairand you just HAVE TO GO.No matter what the reason, its always best to leave with dignity and integrity. So put that middle finger away, hold on to your f-bombs, and make sure you read this list on how to quit your job first.DONT ever do this when quitting your job.Do it in publicEven in an open plan office, its important to schedule a one-on-one with your supervisor somewhere private enough to have a discussion without an audience or without putting your boss in an uncomfortable position. Keep it confidential.Be afraidNobody is going to be mad at you. And if they are, then thats more a reflection on the company or the culture and, well, good riddance. You have to look out for your own professional growth. Leaving one job for another doesnt have to be an insult.NegotiateUnless this was your strategy all along and you go in prepared to stay. If youvealready accepted another offer, or you are truly miserable where you are, dont even humor the counter offer. Even if the money is too good to be true. It probably is. Remember why you were leaving in the first place.Be vulgarNo expletives. No curses. No middle fingers. No door slamming. No desk-slapping. You get the idea. Stay calm and class it up.GhostJust never showing up to work again is not the way to go. Youll look like a lunatic, or worse. Make sure to actually have the conversation and follow the appropriate protocol.Backstabbedrngnis about your evil boss or your arch nemesis, or the colleague who tormented you. Now is not the time. Save it for a ranting session over happy hour with your out-of-work friends.Treat it like Senior SpringSo youve given your notice. Great. Dont stop working. Youll obviously have a li ttle less to do as your projects taper off in your transition, but dont just sit there painting your nails or playing on Facebook until your final day. Stay respectful be respected.DOGive noticeThis is by far the most important. Give sufficient notice so you wont leave anyone hanging or any colleagues under undue stress. Even if you hate themBring treatsWhy not bring something as a parting gift to your co-workers on your last day? Think a plate of cookies or brownies or order a pizza for the break room, just to show your appreciation for the people you have worked with and learned from in your time there. Its probably a good gesture even if you dont respect a single one of them.Give back your stuffGive back your company laptop and phone and security passes. Yes, even your company iPad. If youve really gotten close with your stapler well, well look the other way.Be honestWith your boss and in your exit interview. Who knows, something constructive could come out of it, for one or both of you.Consider the counter offerBut, as above, only if you are prepared to stay and wouldnt be totally miserable. Youre allowed to take a day to think it over.Do it in personNot over the phone. Not over email. NOT OVER TEXT. You owe your boss, even an awful one, this courtesy.If you stick to these parameters, you can leave your job without humiliating yourself or anyone else, and with preserving your integrity and respect-worthiness. You never know when youll run into these people again. Keep em sweet on your way out the doorReady to write the next chapter of your career? Hire a TopResume writer todayNote This article originally appeared inTheJobNetwork

Is Your Career the Best Factor to Determine Self-Worth

Is Yur Career the Best Factor to Determine Self-Worth Is Your Career the Best Factor to Determine Self-Worth Other survey highlights include-45 percent of workers are still searching for the right career, and more than one-third (37 percent) plan to change careers in the next two years.-Younger workers are the most interested in transition, with 66 percent of workers in their 20s still searching for the right career and 55 percent planning to change careers in the next two years.-The youngest and the oldest working adults are the most likely to quit a job if it decreases their feelings of self-worth, as reported by 69 percent of workers in their 20s and 72 percent of workers age 60 and above.-54 percent of employees surveyed believe that pursuing additional education would increase their feelings of self-worth.A 2013 USA Today article supports the findings of this current study. The article, At Work Job, self-esteem tied tightly together, references a Gallup-Healthways Well-Being I ndex of 100,000 Americans, which revealed that 11.4 percent of unemployed Americans last year were depressed compared to 5.6 percent of those working full time during the survey period. Aleidher 16.6 percent of Americans not in the workforce were depressed at that time.It is possible that there is something about employment that contributes to lower depression rates, or it could be that those who have depression are less able to seek out and retain employment, Gallup wrote. The USA Today article quotes a psychotherapist who supported this concept. It readsBeing employed helps you feel wanted and that youre contributing to your finances, says psychotherapist Elizabeth Lombardo. It also gives you social support - a buffer against depression.In his practice, psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert sees a lot of unemployed people who are depressed.He describes them as usually feeling hopeless and helpless, their sense of identity greatly diminished.Employment provides a sense of purpose, of b elongingness, he says. Those who are unemployed lack that purpose.The article also quotes another psychotherapist, Charles Allen, who believes working and self-esteem are closely aligned. The article readsWhen you have a job, you have a continuous source of feedback that you are a contributing member of society, he says. Thats not to say you go to work thinking, Hey, Im a valued member of society. The idea is largely subconscious.You feel it in the depths of your brain, he says.Allen notes that this idea of self-worth and career is largely subconscious. Many things in our world play on our subconscious, and ones career is no different.Think about how our society is setup Were told to go to school, get a degree and get a job.Degree=money and opportunities (to make more money)Money=stability, ability to support oneself/familyStable family life=happinessA degree also symbolizes an accomplishment, and there are varying levels of being deemed accomplished in society.A high school graduat e is accomplished compared to someone who earned a GED. And a person holding a doctorate degree is held to a higher esteem than one who earned a BA in English.So then we transfer this title and/or accolade definition of success to our careers and self-worth. A job equals hard working, but unemployed equals lazy.And the more distinguished the role, the more distinguished the individual.Dr. Jane Doe is held to a much higher esteem than security guard John Doe, even though both are college educated and employed. Yet, both Jane and John are higher up and/or superior to Jim, Pam, and millions of other unemployed persons, especially those who have been unemployed long-term and receive government assistance.Of course, the above example is just a brief snapshot of our societys hierarchy and not a complete depiction (nor does it represent everyones views) but it does offer one simple explanation of why people define so much of their self-esteem by their occupations.Most of us have been train ed to follow these steps for success and these societal standards and definitions of success have been driven into our subconscious since we were little.I say we have to make the decision to define success for ourselves. Not every worker equates his or her self-worth with his or her job. Having a college degree, owning a company or even having millions in the bank are not universal signs of success and accomplishments, although were pushed to believe this.Success is objective, and this holds true for ones occupation. Think about what makes you happy, fulfilled and accomplished as an individual, and then pursue that.Define success for yourself and on your own terms, and dont attach your sense of self-worth to any one thing or person- especially not a job or title that could literally be yours today and someone elses tomorrow.

It costs $31,000 more raising a kid today than in 1960

It costs $31,000 more raising a kid today than in 1960It costs $31,000 more raising a kid today than in 1960Raising a kid has never been cheap. Diapers cost money and tiny mouths need to eat. According to the United States Department of Agricultures annual breakdown of child-rearing costs, it now runs parents around $13,290 a year to raise one child ? or $233,610 all told to get them out the door to college. Thats $31,000 more than it did in 1960 when the USDA started tracking the numbers and a single kid cost about $11,883 a year. And it may explain why more Americans want to have families with three or more kids, but are still sticking with one or two.Heres the interesting thing though. While the overall cost of raising a child has skyrocketed over the past 58 years, its never been cheaper to feed, clothe, or otherwise care for a kid. Many of the highest expenses ? food, shelter, and transportation ? have either remained constant or are on the decline, consuming less of a familys b udget than they did in 1960 according to the USDA ? around 27% for lower-income and 16% for middle-class parents.But if thats the case, why is the cost still going up? And whats eating up that extra money? We took a look at the most recent numbers to see whats changed over the past 60 years, and found the results both surprising and completely expected.First, whats omitted Pregnancy and college tuitionThe most sobering reality of the USDAs annual Expenditures on Children by Families report is whats not included Expenses related to life before and after a kid enters or leaves the house. That includes prenatal care, fertility care, childbirth, and adoption and college tuition. So while it might be tempting to assume the extra $31,000 now includes the cost of giving birth ? anywhere between $5,000 and $14,000 depending on your state ? or the rising cost of tuition at a four-year public college (now $9,410 per year), it doesnt. Those expenses remain both extra and steep. The $233,610 on ly accounts for the 17 years during which a child is living under your roof.Where the money isnt going diapers, clothes, or sporting goodsPampers debuted in 1961 and cost $.10 per diaper ? or a whopping .$84 each in 2018 dollars. Today, an 84-count box of Pampers Swaddlers runs $25, or a paltry $.29 a diaper. Thanks to advances in technology and production, as well as the growth of global trade, the cost of diapers, clothing and most household incidentals, from shampoo and toothbrushes to rash cream and dishwashing soap, not to mention portable media players, sports equipment, video games, and reading materials have all fallen, according to the USDA. In 1960, the average middle-class family spent 11% of their budget on their kids clothing and shoes and 12% of everything from haircuts to baseball gloves to transistor radios. Those slices of the pie are down to 6% (clothes) and 7% (miscellaneous goods and services), and that even takes into account the rising cost of youth sports.The big three housing, food, and transportation have also decreasedSince the surveys inception, the largest bills parents have had to foot are housing, food, and transportation. Thats as true today as it was in 1960 ? all three still constitute the three highest expenditures. Except there is one big change, all three have dropped as a percentage of a familys spending. Housing prices have skyrocketed, yes, but incomes have also risen and as parents have fewer kids, they require fewer bedrooms ? and thus less expensive house or apartment. Whereas the typical family spent 31% of their income on housing 60 years ago ? that includes everything from mortgage to utilities to furniture ? today its 29% (even lower for high-income families) ? around $3,680 per child per year or $66,240 over the course of a single kids life.Meanwhile, it may not feel like it when strolling through the grocery store, but food prices have plummeted precipitously since 1960 thanks to improvements in agricultural pr oduction. Food used to eat up almost 25% of a familys budget. Today, it only accounts for an average of 18%, or between $1,620 and $2,860 per year depending on the age of the child considering that, like most expenses, the cost of raising a kid grows along with the child ? the bigger the kid, the more they eat.Finally, shuttling kids between school, soccer, and saxophone lessons gets expensive. While transportation costs related to raising kids includes car payments, insurance, and maintenance, the number tends to fluctuate based on gasoline prices. That said, its remained relatively constant as a percentage of parents income over the last five decades. In 1960, it constituted 16% of the budget in 1995, it was around $22,110 per kid today, its down only a percentage point to 15% ? between $24,750 and $49,770 for 17 years based on a familys income. So despite Americans obsession with SUVs and all the extra scheduling kids have in their lives, it hasnt made much of dent in the cost of moving kids around.The new culprits childcare education and healthcareAnd so it boils down to two big expenses driving the explosion in child-rearing costs. First, healthcare expenses continue to balloon in the United States, no less so for families as for single adults. According to the USDA data, the price of out-of-pocket medical and dental services not covered by insurance and prescription drugs has more than doubled to around 9% of a familys budget, up from 4% in 1960, and accounts for between $1,180 and $1,300 a year per kid. In addition to the fact that healthcare, in general, is more expensive behauptung days, the figure also takes into account the rise in childhood chronic illness and the growing number of kids who suffer from obesity, food allergies, asthma, and diabetes ? all of which are on the rise.And finally, it shouldnt come as any surprise to parents with kids under 4 years old, but childcare is whats busting family budgets the most. In 1960, when most mothers sta yed home to watch the kids, childcare accounted for only 2% of a households income. By 1995, that number had grown to 9% or almost $9,870 per year. Over the last 20-plus years, however, thanks to the continued growth of two-income families, childcare education ? which includes day care tuition and supplies babysitting and elementary and high school tuition, books, and supplies ? has overtaken transportation as the third highest expense at 16% of the budget, or around $38,040 over the course of a childs life. Not surprisingly, childcare expenditures are shaped by family income more so than other expenses, as wealthy families ante up for expensive daycares and schools ($86,820 for 17 years) while lower-income parents rely more on grandparents for childcare, spending only $21,240.This article first appeared on Fatherly.

Find Out Who is Concerned About Skills to Put on Your Resume and Why You Should Listen to Them

Find Out Who is Concerned About Skills to Put on Yur Resume and Why You Should Listen to Them If youre scared your skills might be inadequate completely free certifications are there to assist you. Naturally, certain skills can assist you almost in any position. In addition to the practical demand for developers in virtually every company, programming skills demonstrate advanced schwierigkeit solving skills that could lead to a well-rounded professional. Identifying desirable important skills is critical. Soft skills are the skills that are applicable to every job. They are also known as personal or social skills. Mainly because they cannot be easily taught. The soft abilities, however, are tricky to be measured and cannot be touched but identified by emotional intelligence. Your accounting degree or experience with bookkeeping might be more applicable than you believe. Banking on your abilities to acquire a job (rather than experience) is the best way to go forward. Sof t skills permit the employer know which candidate would result in a better fit with companys values and general environment. Your skills are an overview of what you could do for the possible employer if you were offered the work at the moment. Skills to Put on Your Resume - Is it a Scam? If youre fighting to think of any, you can attempt employing the job descriptions of ads inside your industry, in addition to looking at LinkedIn profiles of folks working in similar roles. Youll find more details on various kinds of skills for a resume in the previous section. If youre interested in submitting an application for a particular job, review the post carefully and pay attention to the list of skill requirements. People with analytical skills are in a position to investigate an issue and discover a creative solution. Despite the fact that it may not be as rewarding as a true job since you dont get paid, it can bring plenty of excellent knowledge on how things work, for instance, or ganizing events, fundraising, and similar pursuits. One of the greatest regions to get resume examples is online, since there are many sites offering templates an individual may download and use. The other way how to construct a resume to appear charming is by adding finished free courses online alongside free certifications which can be achieved on our BitDegree website. Obviously, there are a lot more courses on various topics that will earn a change in your resume. First off, you must discover the ideal job offerone that fits with your professional interests and experience level. In the event the work description mentions additional abilities and abilities, then its always advisable to place a couple of them in the appropriate section of your resume. You may find below a list of the greatest skills you may put on your resume based on the kind of job which you are applying for. Thus when writing down your job skills take some time to strategize and find out the ideal appro ach to organize them in your resume. Therefore, if you come to an interview, the deficiency of Soft Skills may be one reason you werent chosen for the job. Soft skills are a little bit more vague and open to interpretation. Hard skills to put on a resume are things which you can do that are especially linked to the job in question or the industry youre going to be working in. The Downside Risk of Skills to Put on Your Resume Whats more, there are a couple more things you mean to continue in mind while you ask yourself about how to compose a resume to receive the job. When youd like to do a job resume, the first thing you should consider is precisely what it is for. Of course if you know what sort of job that you want, its going to be better to create your resume. Though many men and women assume youre employing for at least 1 job at a moment, it is an outstanding idea never to do something like youre. Using resume developer software may also make sure that your resume makes the appropriate impression. Which is essential part of your professional Resume. For instance, if youre interested in work that revolves in the computer science industry its advised to have a better comprehension of how certain programming languages and software work. While resume publishing software can be very useful, you should place some effort into the process. The New Fuss About Skills to Put on Your Resume The resume maker ought to have the ability to supply several samples. If you ought to be requesting for work away from the usa, start by means of a template to acquire a CV as an alternate to a resume. The skills section of your resume needs to encompass all your finest qualities and attributes in a brief summary. There are lots of examples of resumes, but you need to remain certain to create your resume and cover letter with your very own personal touch.

10 Pieces of Career Advice for My 21-Year-Old Self

10 Pieces of Career Advice for My 21-Year-Old Self Article by Kate GilbertThe corporate world is not for amateurs. Its ruthless, unforgiving, and downright brutal onyour self-esteem. I consider myself a survivor of this world, having escaped before it took the last remnants of my energy, moral standing, and sanity.But after 20+ years spent climbing the corporate ladder, I am now an outsider.Now that I havea more objective viewpoint, I understand what I did right and what I did wrong. If I knew then what I know now, I would have developed fewer grey hairs, drunk a lot less alcohol, and found more balance in my life well before I reached 45.If I could give advice to my 21-year-old self when she was just starting out in zu sichcareer, it would be this1. Associate Yourself With Good PeopleYou will work with hundreds of individuals in your career. Given the choice, you will never want to work with most of them again. The corporate world is full of mediocre people who occupy office chairs and not much else. Talent in the workforce is a bell curve. The truly awful people tend to get weeded out, unless they are related to someone in management. The middle of the bell curve is where most people are. When you find good people those individuals who care and want to do honest, good work stick with them as long as you can. When you work alongside a talented coworker, boss, or employee, you should never see them as a threat or competitor. Instead, feel lucky to be on the same team, learn from them, and share in their success.2. Leadership Is mora Important Than the Quality of Your ProductYou will probably work with some crappy products at some point in your career. But the best products dont always succeed. Some quality products or ideas will never get out of the starting gate, and less stellar ones will go on to be amazing successes. The line between success and failure is slim, and any given product will have its set of pros and cons. Don t be put off by a long list of cons. If you have to plattl between a good product and a crappy leadership team, or an average product with a killer team behind it, go with the latter. That team is far more likely to find a successful strategy, and you will learn a lot more in the process. You will also be better equipped to deal with less-than-perfect products in the future.3. Speak Your MindYou were given this job for a reason. You convinced someone you were smart enough to be worthy of a paycheck. Keeping your head down and going with the flow is not your style. Over time, you will gain experience that will give you insights many others dont have. You have valuable contributions to make participating and challenging is what you are there for. Dont be afraid to go against conventional thinking. Even if your ideas arent implemented, you will be recognized as someone who has earned a seat at the table.4. Know When to QuitYou might think youre right you might actually be right but t hat doesnt mean you will get your way. Sometimes you will think your company is making a wrong turn or launching a lousy product. Fight for what you believe in, but recognize when you lose. The moral high ground can be a lonely place. Dont waste valuable energy and career currency flogging a dead horse. When you lose an argument, dust yourself off, fall in line with the decision, and move on.5. Be Prepared to Be WrongMaking decisions is hard, and as your career progresses, you will be called upon to make more and more of them. Make the best decision you can with the information you have available to you at the time. Thats the best you can do. More information might become available later, but your position requires a sense of urgency.You dont have that luxury of waiting for more information. Sometimes you wont know you are wrong until you try, but at least you will know. Its better to make a wrong decision quickly than to make no decision at all.6. Respect People Who Make Tough Deci sionsPeople in executive positions have to make difficult decisions all the time. Reducing staff, cutting expenses, or stopping projects might seem illogical to you, but you cant always see the full picture. Its easy to criticize from the outside. Yes, sometimes these decisions are made out of self-interest or with bad intentions, but often they are not. You are not in the boardroom, nordo you have all of the facts. Once you get a seat at that table, you will have a chance to face these difficult choices.7. Be KindCompassion and empathy may not always be rewarded in business, but they will help you live with yourself as you make your way up the career ladder. You may have to make tough calls in your career, ones that affect real peoples lives. You might also be on the receiving end, so remember to always treat people with respect and kindness. Treat them as you would want to be treated yourself.8. Dont Give Someone Too Many ChancesAs your career progresses, you might find yourself m anaging people, or at the very least being someone your colleagues look up to. Be a good listener, coach, and mentor, but remember it is not your responsibility to resolve other peoples problems. While you might have the occasional success in turning a negative contributor around, most of the time, you wont. Instead, you will become frustrated at the time and effort invested in a losing battle.Often, thebest way to help someone is to give them a chance to move on. That way, they can find a role or situation that better suits them. You cant fix everyone.9. Keep Some Emotional PerspectiveYou will find this very hard. In fact, you might never master it. Your rational self will know it is not worth getting frustrated, angry, or upset that your boss doesnt value your contributions or the ideas that you poured your blood, sweat, and tears into but you will still find yourself crying, despondent, and defeated. Try tocontrol your reaction, andremember that you will meet some wonderful peop le during your career. They will become lifelong friends. They are worth emotionally investing in the rest wont matter.10. If You Dont Like the Rules, Make Your OwnThere is an alternative to working for the corporate world. At some point, you will realize the best way to work and live the way you want means walking away from your comfy cubicle. Dont be afraid to go it alone. Youll be surprised how fulfilling and challenging your life can be even when you dont have a fancy job title and a corner office.You are smart, thoughtful, and ambitious, and your career will be important to you. It will bring you great rewards and wonderful experiences. If you take my advice, you just might find that you need to spend less money on hair dye and sauvignon blanc. Good luckA version of this article originally appeared on SUCCESS.com.Kate Gilbert is the author of The Happy Camper How I Quit My Corporate Job and Sold Everything to Travel Full Time. After 20+years of pursuing the American dream of wo rking hard, getting promoted, and acquiring lots of stuff, she realized that she wasnt happy. At age 45, she walked away from her executive job, sold her home, and started a freelance career. She splits her time between apartment rentals around the world and roaming the US in an Airstream trailer, working from wherever she can connect to the Internet.

9 Ways to Get Through a Busy, Chaotic Work Week - The Muse

9 Ways to Get Through a Busy, Chaotic Work Week - The Muse9 Ways to Get Through a Busy, Chaotic Work WeekGetting slammed at work is never fun- even if you love your job. There are lots of late nights, an onslaught of frantic emails, and all sorts of problems that keep popping out of nowhere. Who knew sitting at a desk all day could be so draining? (Oh, you did? Well, carry on then.)If youre handling a bustling week, month, or (Heaven forbid) year in the office, fear not. These resources will get you through it alive.The name of the game is preparation on all fronts when youre gearing up for a rough time in the office. (The Daily Muse)Busy times may require you to (gasp) wake up earlier. Theres good news, though You can train yourself to get up in the wee hours of the morning. (Fast Company)Having to go to work with little or no sleep? Dont worry Heres the schedule you should be using to get through the day. (Science of Us)Late morning is clinically the best time to get work done, so save your most pressing tasks for that point. (The Wall Street Journal)Do you know what the peak coffee time is? It could help you seriously up your productivity on a rough day. (Gizmodo)Be aya to take good breaks at work. And yes, theres a scientifically proven way to have a good break. (Buffer)If youre dealing with lots of work, chances are your colleagues are, too. Cut them some slack and remember to be nice no matter what. (Forbes)Also make sure youre communicating effectively with your team via email, as itll save a lot of stress as you navigate your workload. (99U)Be sure to take time to decompress after a long day, or else you wont be prepared for whats to come. (Zen Habits)Photo of papers flying courtesy of Shutterstock.

The Different Ways People Lie on a Resume

The Different Ways People Lie on a ResumeThe Different Ways People Lie on a ResumeRecruiters and other human resource professionals will all agree.reading resumes should not feel like a game of Two Truths and One Lie While not always obvious, there are a ton of ways people lie on a resume.There are people who are the culprits of some famous resume lies dont be one of themSome of the more common resume liesJob ExperienceExtending dates to cover a period of unemployment, exaggerating titles, and padding the scope of responsibilities. All of these things equal being dishonest with potential employers.Educational ExperienceIf you were six credits shy of earning that degree, dont say you have it. Technology makes it easier than ever to verify basic information on a resume or application. Dont embarrass yourself by claiming to be something you are not.Licenses and CertificationsAlong the same lines as the degree that doesnt exist, people will often claim to be licensed or certified in are as that they arent. Knowing about a certain subject or possessing a certain skill is NOT the same as actually sitting for, and successfully completing, the necessary requirements for a license or certification.Call it what you will lies, half-truths, embellishments, misleading information, falsifications, or embellishments. The best practice is ALWAYS to be accurate and forthright in the information you use to represent yourselfHave you ever known someone who was less-than-honest in their job search? Tell us what you think

Inversion The billionaire thinking skill you were never taught

Inversion The billionaire thinking skill you were never taughtInversion The billionaire thinking skill you were never taughtAll I want to know is where Im going to die, so Ill never go there.These are the famous words of Charlie Munger, the geschftlicher umgang partner of Warren Buffett and Vice Chairman of the multi-billion dollar company, Berkshire Hathaway.Charlie Munger is an American businessman and investor with a net worth close to 2 billion dollars.Although Munger credits some of his and Buffetts success to skill and knowledge, he often mentions that the way they think about solving problems is crucial to their success.Specifically, Munger suggests that thinking about and planning for the opposite of what you want to happen could give you a competitive advantage in anything you do.This thinking technique, also known as inversion, has been used by great thinkers, scientists, Stoics and innovators throughout history.Its a counterintuitive way of thinking that we were never taug ht in school, yet it is crucial for solving difficult problems in a unique way and making good decisions consistently.Heres what you need to know about inversion and how to apply it in your life to solve difficult problems easier, improve your decision-making and innovate better ideas.The inversion technique explainedInversion is a way of thinking about what you want to achieve in reverse.In other words, instead of only thinking forward about what you need to do to get what you want, youd flip it in reverse and think backwards about what you dont want to happen.For example, when I had just started public speaking and struggled with fear, I focused on avoiding the mistakes of a bad speech, instead of focusing on how to deliver a good speech.Another example was when I was writing this article. Instead of thinking about what i need to write a good article, I focused on avoiding the mistakes in writing a bad article - over complicated use of language, repetitive words, no practical tak eaway etc.The inversion technique originated from German mathematician, Carl Jacobi, who made significant contributions to different scientific fields throughout his career.Particularly, Carl Jacobi was well-known for solving difficult problems by using the simple strategy of man bedingung immer umkehren, or in other words, Invert, always invert.Carl Jacobi believed that hard problems could be solved easier and quicker by expressing them in the opposite way.By asking the question of what would happen if the opposite was true, Carl Jacobi innovated solutions to familiar problems which helped him to make unique contributions to his field of work.Success equals good decisions minus bad decisionsThe most powerful benefit of using the inversion technique is that it will help you to avoid the bad decisions preventing you from achieving your goals.Charlie Munger highlights this pointIt is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not st upid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.Invert, always invert Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward. What happens if all our plans go wrong? Where dont we want to go, and how do you get there? Instead of looking for success, make a list of how to fail insteadthrough sloth, envy, resentment, self-pity, entitlement, all the mental habits of self-defeat. Avoid these qualities and you will succeed. Tell me where Im going to die so I dont go there.By simply thinking about what you want to avoid or the opposite of what you want to achieve, you can plan effectively to prevent failure.Combined with forward thinking, backwards or inversion thinking could help you to unlock solutions to difficult problems that may have been unternehmensverbund you back for years.As Munger states, it is not enough to think problems through forward. You must also think in reverse, much like the rustic who wanted to know where he was going to die so that hed never go there. Indeed, many problems cant be solved forward. And that is why the great algebraist, Carl Jacobi, so often said invert, always invert. And why Pythagoras thought in reverse to prove that the square root of two was an irrational number.Via Damn Right Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger.Billionaire Warren Buffett also uses a similar inversion technique to make his business and investment decisions.Instead of focusing on how to make more money, like most business leaders do, Buffett focuses on how to not lose moneyRule No. 1 Never lose money. Rule No. 2 Never forget rule No. 1. Warren BuffettHow to use inversion to solve difficult problemsFirst, you would think about what you want to happen. Then, simply flip this around into the opposite scenario and brainstorm opposite solutions that will help you to achieve what you dont want to happen.Afterwards, you would brainstorm preventive solutions to prevent these opposite solutions from happening.Here are three simp le examples using the inversion technique to create solutions to every day problemsWhat you want to happen How can I get new customers?The Opposite of what you want to happen (Inversion) How can I prevent the business from attracting new customers?Opposite solutions reduce the promotion of the business, dont share the benefits of working with your business, avoid research into understanding what customers really want.Preventive solutions Run free giveaway promotions, promote the benefits of the business on social media, interview potential customers.What you want to happen How can I lose weight?The Opposite of what you want to happen (Inversion) How can I prevent myself from losing weight.Opposite solutions avoid reducing the daily calories you consume, focus on quick results instead of change in habits, dont track or measure your diet and exercise routine.Preventive solutions make it easier to eat healthy and harder to eat unhealthy by changing your environment, use a daily fitness app to track your meals and a journal to track your workouts, skip a meal to eat less.What you want to happen How can I become a better leader?The Opposite of what you want to happen (Inversion) How can I prevent myself from becoming a better leader?Opposite solutions blame the people you lead for everything that goes wrong and take all the credit when things go right. Make demands from your gruppe that youre not willing to do. Discourage your team from making contributions.Preventive solutions Lead by example. Listen 80 percent of the time and talk the other 20 percent. Reward and recognise your team for their efforts. Encourage new ideas and open criticism.Think oppositeWe have a tendency to look ahead to the future for how we want to achieve our goals- but, this may not always be the most effective way to avoid bad decisions that prevent us from making progress.Instead of focusing on what you want to happen, you can use the inversion technique to think about what you dont want t o happen and plan to avoid this.Inversion is a powerful thinking skill that could help you to solve difficult problems easier and make better decisions in a unique, well-balanced and less risky way.TakeawayPick your most important goal and use the inversion technique to think about the opposite of what you want to happen. Then, write down different ways you could avoid this failure.- - - Mayo Oshin writes atMayoOshin.com, where he shares practical self-improvement ideas and proven science for better health, productivity and creativity.To get practical ideas on how to stop procrastinating and build healthy habits, you can join his free weekly newsletterhere.A version of thisarticleoriginally appeared atmayooshin.comas Inversion The Billionaire Thinking Skill You Were Never Taught in School.FootnotesThanks to Shane Parrish from Farnam Street for inspiring some of the ideas in this post.Note that inversion is different from beginning with the end in mind i.e. Stephen Coveys 7 habits. Inversion is focused on thinking about the opposite of what you want to achieve.