Book review Playful approaches to serious problems - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Book review Playful approaches to serious problems - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog So, why on earth am I reading a book about child therapy? First of all, therapy is all about change. You have a problem, you need to change, therapy is one potential tool, and therapy contains many potentially useful methods for promoting change. And one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today is the need for constant change. Its almost a clich? to say it, but it remains true. Secondly, I discovered the concept of narrative therapy on the net, while netresearching therapy, and it seemed really interesting for a number of reasons. Among other things, narrative therapy is: Short-term Unlike some other forms of therapy, narrative therapy is focused on solving the problem, and on doing so as quickly as possible. Playful No matter how serious a problem is, you can probably make it worse by taking it to seriously. Narrative therapy approaches problems playfully. This is especially important when working with children, but also holds for adults. Taking your problems lightly, makes them easier to solve. Narrative The use of stories was especially interesting to me (Ive written about it earlier). Here they use stories of the childs positive qualities to replace the stories of the problem. This also helps externalize the problem, so that everyone involved can see that the child is not the problem the child has the problem. Focused on the positive Throughout the process, focus is on the childs and the familys own resources, and how they can be used to meet the problem. This makes everybody involved feel more powerful towards the problem and more in control. These principles (if not the actual methods described in the book), can probably be transferred to any change initiative anywhere. Reading the book is a delight. Its full of stories of children and families discovering their own strengths and overcoming seemingly insurmountable and in some cases life-threatening problems. The approach used by the authors is based on an obvious and deep respect for children. And the results speak for themselves. 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

How to Track Work Accomplishments - Punched Clocks

How to Track Work Accomplishments - Punched Clocks When caught up in daily tasks and to-do lists, you finish one challenge and move on. Months pass, and you know you made progress and did your part â€" but do you track work accomplishments? Many people don’t, due to daily pressures and the constant need to think ahead. When enough time passes, it’s difficult to remember all you’ve done. In truth, you accomplish more than you think. You will feel more capable and can reward yourself for a job well done when you track work accomplishments, and in turn, your career growth. Perks of Tracking Work Accomplishments With so much asked of you, it’s time to put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and keep records of what you achieve throughout the year. Here are the perks of making that list and continually adding your wins to it: Responding strategically to interview questions: You may rehearse your answers, but a list helps you think strategically and objectively when you respond to interview questions. Campaigning for a raise: You have to know why you deserve it and demonstrate that. Your list gives you concrete evidence of your contributions and growth. Proposing new initiatives: Your past success demonstrates your ability to succeed in the future and be trusted to get a little experimental with your innovation. Arriving prepared for performance reviews: You’ll have a clear picture of your last few months or year to communicate with your employer. Updating your resume in a snap: When you’re ready to move on, applications will feel like less work, and you can target the job you desire and deserve. Networking at your best: Share what you’ve learned and accomplished more easily, authentically and with confidence. Suggestions for What Work Accomplishments to Track Track what you define as success, from small to large achievements. This document is for your eyes â€" and maybe the eyes of others, depending on whether you post your list publically or keep it in your files at home. From awards to negotiations, here are a few suggestions for what you should track: Financial goals achieved: Include results with analytics and the steps you took. Interpersonal resolutions: Here’s one you may not think of â€" include difficult scenarios you resolved or negotiated with coworkers that ended with a positive result. This may arise as an interview question. Tasks and projects: Did you meet the deadline? What did you accomplish? Include small and big items. Succeeding under pressure: Include moments where you persevered while under pressure and succeeded. Exceeding employer expectations: List moments where you exceeded expectations and how you did it, along with positive remarks. Winning awards and earning recognition: List big and small awards, especially those specific to your company or industry. Leading: Include any times that you held a leadership role, such as spearheading a project or office meeting. List nonprofit organization memberships and other responsibilities, too. Methods to Track Work Accomplishments Now that you have a few ideas, you have to figure out how to describe each of these accomplishments in a concise, organized and powerful way. Like any narrative, you should include the instigating incident, action and change. Well-rounded characters always change. Interviewees often use the STARR method when asked tough questions during an interview, and this method of description offers a strong tool to demonstrate your accomplishments in a powerful way through narrative and timeline. Name the situation, and set the scene. Describe the task that challenged you and the action you took to handle the situation. What happened as a result of the action you took? Did you take a moment for reflection, and what did you learn in the end? In what format should you store and track work accomplishments? Will you keep a journal or a file online? What about recording through audio or video? Here are a few suggestions for maintaining your records: Handwritten journal: When you write something down, you’re more likely to reflect and accomplish more â€" 42 percent of people achieve their goals by writing them down regularly. Record the date and details. Binder: Using a binder feels old-fashioned, but it provides a physical record where you can include data reports and any handwritten thank-yous that you receive. Program or app: Programs and apps allow you to take your list with you on the road and update it instantly. Programs and apps like Inkpad or Evernote are great for notetaking and tracking, and Evernote lets you send your notes to your email. Include links and photos, like a digital scrapbook. LinkedIn: Your resume and praise are already listed, so why not use LinkedIn to track work accomplishments? Update awards and positions. Remain professional. Using LinkedIn consistently lets others interested in you keep up with your career growth. Side note: Don’t forget to update your website or portfolio in relation to your accomplishments. Voice or video record: Use a voice recorder to record your accomplishments in real time. Add to a more permanent record later on. A private vlog allows you to look at your body posture and feel the enthusiasm all over again. Calendar: This provides more of a snapshot in terms of details, but it’s easier to see your timeline unfold over the course of the year as it relates to other events. Just pop in the details of what you accomplished. Don’t let your list get too long before you add the details to your resume. Use strong verbs when updating your resume with your accomplishments, such as managed or spearheaded over handled. Zero in on statistics, facts and figures and include what’s relevant. When applying for a job, only list accomplishments related to the role you’re applying for. It’s easy to get caught up in daily work tasks and stay on top of everything to maintain your workflow. If you don’t take time to reflect and track work accomplishments, you risk stagnancy and feeling stuck in your career. Tracking your work accomplishments benefits your self-esteem and allows you to check in with yourself during your career growth, making sure you’re really where you want and deserve to be. Subscribe to Punched Clocks for more tips on celebrating your successes and using your hard work to level up your career. Keep the conversation going by sharing and commenting. Get everything you need to build a career you love by signing up for the newsletter.

Writing a Resume After Mom Break Up

Writing a Resume After Mom Break UpWriting a resume after mom break up is easy, but it can be difficult when you don't know what to write. There are several tips that can help you write a resume that will help you get back into the job hunt. The first tip is to always be truthful and honest in your resume. Be honest about your accomplishments, your skills, and anything else that will allow you to get a new job.Another tip is to be open and honest about your needs. If you have several jobs and you have no idea how to fit them all into your resume, be sure to make a list of the jobs that you do. It could take some time to get everything on your resume together, so when you come up with a list, just keep it to one or two at a time. You may need to choose one job that doesn't have a part time, full time, weekend, or similar thing. Once you do this, start building your resume.To give you ideas, I'll share with you my resume after mom break up. My first job was in retail, which I had no in terest in doing. That job allowed me to go out and do what I wanted, and I had a boss who was very understanding. I also like to go back to school to earn my degree, which allowed me to get more jobs.I moved on to another position and needed to have my resume prepared, which is easier than it sounds. There is no reason why your resume has to be as long as mine was. All you need to do is write something short and to the point and mention the job you have now, and what you can do for a company to get them to hire you.Now that you have a list of your favorite jobs, start filling out your resume. Tell the employer how much you enjoy working there, how your family helps out and how they are important to you, and why you would make a great employee.Finally, have the employer search the student financial aid office online. If you are ready to apply for scholarship money, have your college to help you fill out the FAFSA form and email it to the right people. Get the information to the right person right away, so you can get back into school soon.Writing a resume after mom break up is really simple. The rest is really about planning, preparing, and doing the legwork.

Federal Agencies Loan Repayment Assistance for Employees

Federal Agencies' Loan Repayment Assistance for Employees The federal government helped repay more than $58.7 million of its employees’ student loans last year, according to a report from the Office of Personnel Management. That’s an 11% increase in what government agencies contributed to employees’ debt repayment in 2013, and 15% more employees received the benefit: 8,469 in 2014, compared to 7,314 in 2013. Those figures have previously been higher â€" 10,543 employees received $70.3 million in 2012 â€" but budget problems reportedly made it more difficult for agencies to offer the incentive in recent years. Still, for the thousands of employees who received loan assistance last year, the perk can be a huge help. The average student loan payment in 2014 was $6,937, down from $7,233 in 2013. Federal agencies have offered loan repayment assistance for more than a decade, but as more and more people take on increasingly large amounts of student loan debt to finance their educations, the program’s popularity has grown (in 2001, only one agency reported authorizing a student loan payment, according to earlier reports from the OPM). The amount of help employees can receive has also increased, and borrowers can now receive up to $10,000 in loan payments from their government employer each year (limited to $60,000 overall) on certain federal student loans. The employee must stay at the agency for three years to qualify. How Can I Get Help With My Student Loans? Given that about 70% of bachelor’s degree recipients graduate with an average of $28,400 in student loan debt, student loan repayment programs are an attractive perk to much of today’s workforce. If you’re among this indebted population, it’s worth researching companies who offer such programs and asking potential employers how they might be able to help you pay down your debt. There are also student loan forgiveness programs for people in certain career fields, so take the time to see if you qualify. You may be able to save tens of thousands of dollars. Whether or not you’re getting help repaying your education debt, it’s crucial to stay on top of your loans. Student loans can affect your ability to buy a car or house, because missing payments will hurt your credit score. Read Next: This Legal Brothel Is Matching Sex Workers’ Student Loan Payments More From Credit.com: What’s a Good Credit Score Range? How to Get a Credit Card with No Credit How to Pick a Good Student Credit Card Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  SharePlayback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window. This video is either unavailable or not supported in this browser Error Code: MEDIA_ERR_SRC_NOT_SUPPORTED Technical details : No compatible source was found for this media. Session ID: 2019-12-31:a4b2581e8f3b4e77bb4aa485 Player Element ID: jumpstart_video_1 OK Close Modal DialogBeginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.PlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  Playback Rate1xFullscreenClose Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

6 Sources Of Online Human Resources Information For Every HR Practitioner - Work It Daily

6 Sources Of Online Human Resources Information For Every HR Practitioner - Work It Daily By CAREEREALISM-Approved Expert, Jessica Miller-Merrell Human Resources practitioners who are working in the trenches need access to information, advice, and data immediately outside of HR associations like SHRM and ASTD. Thankfully, there are HR bloggers, communities, and websites providing HR pros with real time information and resources. Here are a handful of resources, in fact six resources I recommend HR professionals add to their RSS readers or bookmark. The Best Sites For Human Resources Information The Human Race Horses. An HR blog managed by Mike Vandervort. Mike discusses Human Resource topics, Labor Relations and a mix of social media. TNLT. An HR extension of the popular Electronic Recruiting Exchange or ERE, TNLT is a new network of HR related blog posts and articles. LinkedIn HR. Almost 300,000 members strong. This is a valuable resource and LinkedIn Group to build connections, ask questions, and learn about news and information that concerns the HR Practitioner. Enjoying this article? You could get the best career advice daily by subscribing to us via e-mail! Enter your email address: | SmartBrief Workforce. An amazing e-mail newsletter and resource with a collection of leading HR bloggers and practitioners. Last week’s announcement of their new editor and former COO of SHRM, China Gorman is a smart move for this publication. HR Fishbowl. Charlie Judy is a senior level HR practitioner and one of my favorite new and upcoming HR bloggers. He is focused on HR issues and provides an experienced point of view with a focus on strategic and feet on the street human resources. The HR Net. Steve Browne, an HR Practitioner from Ohio who has created an amazing HR Forum that is free and available for anyone to join called The HR Net. He sends weekly updates to members of the forum who are able to post HR questions and comments anonymously. Connect with Steve directly to learn more at sbrowne@larosas.com. Do you have a great Trench HR Resources you care to share? Leave a comment! Did you enjoy this article? You can read more articles by this expert here. Also, check out all of our free webinars! CAREEREALISM Expert, Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR is an author, new mother, and human resources professional with a passion for the job search, recruiting, and all things social media. Jessica has over 10 years of experience in human resources and recruiting industry. She specializes in helping job seekers with personal branding specializing and job search strategies helping others learn the unwritten rules of the job search. Her creative technique and strategies have received national recognition from Entrepreneur, Glamour Magazine, HR Executive Magazine, and Employment Digest. Jessica also is the host of the only live job search web show every Sunday 9 PM EST on Mingle Media TV. The photo for this article is provided by Shutterstock. Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

#MakingTime A Day in the Life of a Manager Back From Maternity Leave

MakingTime A Day in the Life of a Manager Back From Maternity Leave As most women whove had children will tell you, transitioning back into work from maternity leave is often anything but seamless. Between days spent catching up on an avalanche of unanswered schmelzglass and nights characterized by little sleep and a lot of baby rocking, to call this transitional time hectic would be an understatement.The key to nailing this transition as smoothly as one possibly can? Working for an employer that actually cares about supporting new moms and families. Certainly, Aine Abruscati has found that to be true of her time at OnDeck. In 2016, she joined OnDeck as its Senior Manager of Communications Culture while five months pregnant with her first child, and today, shes recently returned to work from maternity leave with baby number two.OnDeck is hiring See opportunitiesWith the support of OnDeck behind her, Abruscati and her family have been acclimating to their new life pace and everything it entails on both the work and home fronts. She gave Fairygodboss a glimpse into what, for one day, that pace looks like, and her best tips for getting it all done.--Who Aine AbruscatiWhat Senior Manager of Communications Culture at OnDeckWhere New York, New York--230 a.m.My fur-and-a-half month old wakes up and refuses to be put down in the crib. He woke up two hours ago and had a bottle, so I know he is not hungry. After countless efforts, I end up sitting in the chair in his room until 400 a.m. when I successfully put him down and go back to my bed for a little more slumber.530amMy alarm goes off. I hit snooze twice and manage to get out of bed 20 minutes later. I shower, plug in the percolator, open the shades in the house, and attempt to look like a presentable human being with the aid of a lot of makeup and hair products. My goal is to finish getting ready by 630 a.m. so my husband can get in the shower and be finished by the time were ready for breakfast, since its the onl y meal during the week during which we eat altogether.650 a.m.My two year old wakes up. I let him watch a few videos of himself on my phone while I change the babys diaper and get his bottle ready. Then we all head into the kitchen where I get my toddler his Danimals monkey yoghurt and we watch Sesame Street in the living room.715 a.m.While my toddler dances to the Letter of the Day and the baby tries to roll on his side on the mat, I gulp down coffee, get everyones bowl of cereal on the table (maybe with some fruit on the side if we managed to go grocery shopping) and quickly make lunch for my husband and I. Were trying to be better about bringing lunch, but we totenstill cant manage to make it the night before (which would obviously be way easier).720 a.m.Family meal time We just started the baby on solids. He hates the rice cereal (who can blame him) but its nice for all four of us to be together around the table. Im usually up and down, though, while I try to empty the dishes in the sink so its not a nightmare for the nanny who watches the baby, lay out my toddlers clothes for daycare, and grab my shoe from my room. (Yes, thats singular I fractured two toes while walking into my kitchen wall the last week of my maternity leave, so my right foot is in the most fashion-forward space boot you can imagine.)740 a.m.I kiss everyone goodbye as I dash out the door. Its a 10-minute drive to the train station if I manage to avoid red lights, which never happens. Parking is a nightmare, so I usually spend five minutes looking for a spot, and then I have 10-minute walk to the platform.807 a.m.I do my best to catch the earlier trains, but this is usually the one I make. While I hate the commute, this is my alone time. I read my New York Times (I get it delivered daily and Ill never change) and catch up on email, texts, etc. I also make koranvers to look at my calendar so I can best prepare for the day including any discussions I need to facilitate or presentations I n eed to revise (or create) last minute.905 a.m.At my desk and raring to go. Its a meeting-lite day for me and my first call isnt until 1130 a.m., so I revise copy for several internal communications, have a cup of coffee with some peanut butter on the side, and work on designing our Inclusion roadmap for 2019, which includes speaking with potential partners.1130 a.m.Monthly check-in call with Fairygodboss1200 p.m.One of my closest friends who I havent seen in four years is in town for a business trip and she has 30 minutes to catch up over coffee today. I go to Maison Kayser (because this seems as good an excuse as any), grab two lattes and a pain aux raison, and meet her in Bryant Park where we embrace for five minutes and talk for 25 about our lives.115 p.m.Return to the office, scarf down my salad, and take a couple of meetings around upcoming sponsorship opportunities for our Denver team, which is expected to grow by 15 percent within the next five months one with Women Who Code and the other with Make-a-Wish Foundation. One of the things I love about OnDeck is the passion our team members have for community. Whether its creating networking, learning or philanthropic giving opportunities, we are always switched on.330 p.m.Part of my job is focused on content management for our employer brand. OnDeck recently surpassed $10 billion in lending to small businesses a huge win for our company and our customers I spend some time making content updates to platforms like our Careers site and LinkedIn profile to reflect this milestone.400 p.m.Even though Im at my coffee threshold for the day, I catch up with the new coordinator on my team to see how she is settling in at the company, learn about her interests and career aspirations, and just connect. I am guilty of rescheduling these types of meetings, especially on Mondays when Im cranky and tired, but they are so important speaking from my own experience, it feels good when colleagues take time to invest in you and your personal relationships. And then it becomes contagious.500 p.m.If my meetings are finished and I have wrapped up any pressing work, I try to leave at 5 p.m. so I get to spend an hour with the kids before they go to sleep. Im so fortunate to work with a team that challenges me and holds me accountable but also allows me to be with my family when I need. Tonight I catch the 517 p.m. train and finish some email before falling asleep with my mouth open on the train.630pmI walk in the door and my house is a disaster But my sons are in good form. I am so fortunate to have an incredibly supportive family and my parents, who live two minutes away, are a huge part of our lives. They take care of the kids in the late afternoon until my husband and I get home. The baby is fed and bathed, and my toddler is fed and ready for dancing My husband walks in shortly after me and we hear about everyones day. My parents leave, my husband takes the baby and gives him a bottle while I get my todd lers bath ready.710 p.m.Once bath time is done and my son is in pajamas, we all read a few books together before we go our separate ways. We breed horrible sleepers, so my husband stays with my toddler until he falls asleep in his room and I rock and sing the baby to sleep in his room.740 p.m.Im ready to collapse but of course this is where the evening begins My husband and I just started a new routine several weeks ago where one of us goes to the gym while the other person tidies up and cooks dinner, and then we alternate the next night. But were both pooped and neither of us wants to exercise. We change out of our work clothes, divide and conquer putting toys away and washing bottles, and then whip together a big salad to complement the loaf of brioche that we shove in our mouths while we clean.830 p.m.We usually sit in the kitchen for dinner, without our phones, and talk (or grunt depending on how tired we are) but the Emmy awards are on tonight and I want to watch so we sit in t he living room and chat about our day during commercials.1000 p.m.We both decide to call it a night so we set up the coffee, shut off the lights and head to bedjust in time to hear my toddler waking up from a bad dream. I head into his room to reassure him everything is OK and then make it to my bed. I would love to say I wrote in my journal or read one of the five books gathering dust on my nightstand, but instead I check email and news headlines before I fall asleep while holding my phone.--Fairygodboss is proud to partner with OnDeck. Find a job there today

The Ultimate Solution for Web Writing Skills Resume That You Can Find Out About Today

The Ultimate Solution for Web Writing Skills Resume That You Can Find Out About Today Whenever you think that wont be in a standort to include anything in your essay, always ask yourself what do you consider it and develop a plan based on your opinion. At any time you feel stuck, return and examine the examples and see whether you can place your words into the formula. Theres alfruchtwein always a way to generate a skill profitable if its something other folks need or wish to acquire good at. Youve got to reveal your critical thinking abilities and make judgments about the subject as you analyze a guide, so it is possible to think of clear opinion and conclusions. Expository writings major objective is to explain. Technical writing style incorporates many aspects you should remember. First of all, great writing is clear. Business writing needs to be clear and accessible. All About Web Writing Skills Resume Clear writing is a symptom of clear thinking. If youre interested in becoming a technical writer, these tips may help you to get started. To write clearly is the principal target of technical writers. Since human resource professionals are very likely to lack the technical vocabulary unique to the job, describe the skill initially and follow with the technical info. Sure, there are various on-line courses you may take to advance your knowledge, and youre more than welcome to locate the best one to help you grow. To begin with, you must know there are two distinct kinds of skills. If a specific field appeals to you, it is very good to have matching skills, needless to say. If you consider whether itll be acceptable for you or not, here are 3 primary details of the technical writing profession. As youre researching, youre educating yourself on a particular topic. Its important to get immaculate writing skills together with the proper structure. There are numerous writing resources online, but I found watching it happens is among the most helpful means of learning. Definitions of Web Writing Skills Resume Before jumping on the following course and hope which youll learn a skill from there, make time to craft a learning program. Youve already done all the difficult work. To be sure you compose a high-quality work, you always need to concentrate on the backbone. You want to make the most of your time doing value-add work.