Retired Salesman Returns to the Job-Search Fray

Retired Salesman Returns to the Job-Search FrayRetired Salesman Returns to the Job-Search FrayWith a declining retirement fund, Chuck Jordan took his 28 years of experience and re-entered Californias schlussverkauf market.Chuck Jordan, 56, welches retired and looked forward to living the good life after 28 years as a federal sales rep for a communications company kusined in California. But as the economy slowed and his 401(k) shrank, Jordan, who lives near Sacramento, began to get nervous.After a five-month sabbatical an opportunity for a high-level sales position at Northrop-Grumman opened up, and Jordan went back to the workforce.After only a year, however, he says he was back to Square One, as the entire division for which he worked closed. More than 700 people lost their jobs that day, Jordan recalled, including him.I liked what I was doing, and it was such a shock to think, Oh, well, Im back in the job market again, Jordan said. I didnt want to make a career change and there wa snt ever a question of whether or not I wanted to get back into the job market. I had to do it because of my inability to continue to live comfortably on my retirement funds.Making the pitchJordans first instinct, as with many job seekers, was to blanket the known universe with resumes and cover letters and hope that sheer quantity would sway the odds in his favor.If you looked through my e-mail, there are probably over a hundred different versions of my resume and cover letter that I modified slightly to align with various requirements of jobs I applied for, he said.Jordan signed up for all the different job-search sites, scanned local newspapers and magazines and networked furiously in attempts to land a position. One incident, however, offered him an astounding perspective and permanently changed the way he went about his job search.Id applied for a job I found in the paper with a solar-energy products-manufacturing company, and I realized one day when I was out that I was right around the corner from the address. I decided to stop by, he said. It wasnt a field in which he was interested or experienced, but it was a job, Jordan said. What he found was a nearly empty office space and a lone receptionist.He explained his situation and asked if he could get some additional information about the job, the benefits and salary. The receptionist informed him that the company had received mora than 300 applications for the position, and that only $35,000 had been budgeted for the position.That was really sobering to me, Jordan said. A job that wasnt that great, with lousy pay, and they had over 300 applications.But that experience was a blessing in disguise, he added. He realized that it made more sense to rein in his search and hone in on specific markets and companies with which he knew his skills and experience aligned.Youd think that it would make more sense to apply for anything at all you could possibly do, but in reality, if you dont differentiate yourself in some way, one of those other people will get a job and you wont, Jordan said.Deal or no deal?As a sales representative with a career focused on the government market, Jordan says hed been under pressure most of his working life to move to the East Coast. But he was adamant that he could do what he loved and stay where he was.For more than a year, Jordan was employed at a number of companies in California. His first position was with a company that did work for the State of California itself, where he was assured hed be the only salesperson working with the state. When he started work, he realized theyd left out some crucial information.It was a big culture shock, said Jordan, whod worked much of his career in business casual environments or from a virtual home office. And, he said, he discovered that far from being the head salesperson at the firm, hed been hired to handle overflow work from an existing employee. Needless to say, it wasnt a fit.I thought, OK, I work in a cube, I ha ve to wear a tie, and Im a second-hand salesperson I realized shortly that it just wasnt gratifying, he said. After moving to another position, he encountered similar issues.My next company hired me and rehired an employee whod left the company some time earlier. He took over existing accounts in preferable sales territories, and I was given new accounts whod never worked with the company before, Jordan said.To make matters worse, the company appeared on a federal non-approved vendor list because it had entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection a few years earlier, so most of Jordans efforts were futile.I had new territory with skeptical, hard-to-sell customers that werent allowed to buy from me, he said.Closing the saleAfter 13 months, Jordan signed up for SalesLadder. Out of all the job-search engines he used, he said, Ladders was the most effective, since it allowed him to fine-tune his search and weeded out positions and companies that didnt fit his criteria.It did a lot of the q ualifying and handled the elimination process for me, he said. What was taking me ten hours a day was made so much simpler.His refusal to give up or to give in paid off, when Jordan landed a position as senior account manager/consultant with Valencia, Calif.-based Nexus IS, which works on many federal government contracts. After only four days on the job, Jordan said hes happy about the choices he made and feels hell be content and successful in his new role.While his base salary isnt as high as it was in previous jobs, Jordans not complaining. He said he understand that base pay rates have declined because of the economy, and adds that he has no salary cap in his new position, so his total earnings are up to him.Jordan said the key to surviving and thriving was tenacity and a positive attitude, and he hopes other job seekers like himself will take his advice to heart.Once you realize that complaining and moaning arent going to help, you just have to stick with it and never give up, Jordan said. Once you get past that, fighting depression and suppressing the urge to just give up is the hardest part.

8 Reasons You Should Try Gen Ys Best Job Search Skills - FlexJobs

8 Reasons You Should Try Gen Ys Best Job Search Skills - FlexJobs8 Reasons You Should Try Gen Ys Best Job Search Skills -11Todays guest deutsche post ag was written by Megan Totka. Megan is the Chief Editor forChamberOfCommerce.com. She specializes on the topic of small business tips andwrites business news.Many people look on the current generation as shut-ins who have lost the value of face to face communication. While this is certainly the case in some areas, in many areas Generation Y has the right idea. One of those areasGeneration Y gets it right is in job searching.They have mastered the complexities of the Internet and social media and learned to leverage these to their advantage. Here are some of Generation Ys best job search ideas that could help you land that next great job.Best Job Search Ideas from Generation YThey Understand and Use FacebookIt is easy to say that Facebook has replaced an in person visit with a relative or old friend and has taken away our need to get ou tside. What Generation Y knows about Facebook is that it can be used to find a great job. According toJobvite, 92% of all companies use social media sites to find new employees.They Open BusinessesVarious studies show that Generation Y is more likely to open a new business than any other generation.In one survey, nearly 50 percent of those aged 18 to 29 either opened or were in the process of opening their own business. There is something to admire and learn from this type of ingenuity. Opening a business means you will no longer have to rely on someone other than yourself for a paycheck and it could mean the difference between unemployment and prosperity.They Work TogetherGeneration Y is known for working together and sticking together. Their inter-connectivity through social media and other outlets has led to this natural conclusion of collaboration. Older job seekers can learn from this and use social networking to help them land the perfect job or start the right business.They A re On the MoveGeneration Y tends to stay in a job for about two years compared to five for Generation X and seven for baby boomers. Some say this is due to no loyalty from the gammeln generation but a further look could reveal a more useful purpose to job switching. Many companies no longer offer the huge retirement plans of the past and retirement planning is left to the individual. This tends to free workers to move on when necessary. Frequent moves between opportunities means that person is constantly learning and expanding their horizons. If you want to keep your employees, especially Generation Y, this post explain the secret to finding, and keeping, top talent.They Are FlexiblePerhaps reading a book while listening to the stereo and surfing the Internet has made Generation Y masters of multi-tasking. Whatever the reason they seem more capable on working on multiple problems at one time. The next time one of your kids has the stereo on during homework, take notes and maybe you can gain some of this flexibility in your job.They VolunteerIt stands to reason that the Internet has made people more socially aware than in the past and this could account for the rise in volunteerism among Gen-Yers. There is no doubt that the importance of internships and leadership opportunities has increased thanks to modern business practices. If you are having trouble finding a job, you should look at somecommunity service opportunities.They Look Beyond the PaycheckPaychecks are our primary motivation for finding a job. Lets face it, without income life can get pretty rough and ugly. Generation Y workers, however, also look for satisfaction in their employment. They even do this rather than taking the higher paying job they are not passionate about. Job satisfaction can easily outweigh higher pay in the long run.They Apply CreativityFamiliarity with the Internet and things electronic tends to create people who have a unique view of the world and the way things work. Due to th is, Gen-Yers tend to apply more creative solutions to problems faced on a daily basis. This creativity makes them appealing to employers. Seek out ways to enhance your own creativity and do not be afraid to show it when necessary.The task of finding a job is never an easy one unless you happen to be in a profession that is in high demand. For the majority of people a job search is a career in itself. Keep your mind open and look for new ways to enhance your value to employers. Dont fear learning from the examples set by those younger than you you just might land that dream job.Readers, what do you think are the best job search ideas from Generation Y? Let us know in the comments section below

Springboard Your Modeling Career With 3 Special Skills

Springboard Your Modeling Career With 3 Special SkillsSpringboard Your Modeling Career With 3 Special SkillsAs you already know, most jobs these days require you to submit a resume. You know, the classic list of education, skills, and experience, all summed up by a neat little cover letter. Its standard and expected, and whether you submit your resume zugreifbar or in person, theres really no way around it. But the modeling industry is special in this regard. While many websites go into great detail about how to set up a modeling resume, the truth is that you dont need one. Theyre notlage even a real thing. Instead of using resumes, models use photos like tearsheets, test shots or even snapshots (if youre especially new to the business) to show potential agents and clients their work. That doesnt mean your portfolio is the be all and end all of your career, though. Modeling is all about marketing yourself, and having special skills that fall outside of the modeling realm is just one of the ways to boost your career. After all, the more versatile you are the more types of modeling jobs your agency can book you for. So you might be asking yourself, If models dont use resumes, then how do I share my special skills with the world? Well, there are plenty of ways Forms on agency websites often include space to fill in your skills. ModelScouts.com, a popular scouting site, includes a section for Additional Skills in their online portfolios, and you can always add your skills to your social media profiles (pro tip keep your personal and modeling profiles separate). Of course, you should always mention them when you go to agency or client interviews. Here are some of the top skills that will give your modeling career that special something. Dance A trained dancer (or just a talented one, for that matter) tends to be aware of their body and its position, to move gracefully, to perform effortlessly in front of others, and to let their personality shine without inhibit ions getting in the way. Plus, they often have healthy and fit physiques. Sound familiar? Thats because dancing and modeling have more in common than you might think So if youve taken dance classes since you were a kid or have even just recently enrolled in some, its definitely worth mentioning. And if you need further convincing, just take one look at Coco Rochas epic Irish jig down Jean Paul Gaultiers runway (Fall 2007 at Paris Fashion Week). Its one of the top runway moments of all time and catapulted Coco into the supermodel stratosphere. Acting As a model, particularly a commercial one, youre basically pretending to be someone else while youre on set. And the more convincing you are, the better the ad will be. So even if you dont plan on branching out into TV, movies, or theater, its helpful to have an acting background. If youve never acted before, dont be afraid to check out classes at your local community college or community center or to get involved with a local theate r group. Sports/Fitness A lot of times, a model will be booked not only because of her looks but also because she has actual experience with a certain physical activity and can make theposes look authentic. For example, picture someone whos never held a golf club before versus someone who has.) Of course, no model is going to know everything about every physical activity, but it still pays to be sporty. Athletic-minded individuals tend to be healthy, outgoing, and have confidence in their bodies and how they move. So the more knowledge you have of the athletic world, the more likely you are to land not just those niche kinds of jobs, but all jobs

How to Write a Super LinkedIn Headline

How to Write a Super LinkedIn HeadlineHow to Write a Super LinkedIn HeadlineYour LinkedIn headline the most visible section of your LinkedIn profile. It is the very first thing people see under your picture and it stretches across the top of your profile page. Your LinkedIn headline is the key to making a positive first impression.Technically speakingLinkedIns search algorithm takes the headline into account, so it must contain strategic keywords(similar to the keywords you would include in a resume) to help you appear in the right searches. LinkedIn states in their Help forum thatIf you want your LinkedIn account to be a way that people discover you or your company, youll want to place an emphasis on keywords - words which people will search for on LinkedIn and that will show up on search engines.Long story short, it matters So, we offer some quick tips on how to write a super LinkedIn headline. And hey, if it is being viewed by business connections and recruiters, then your Linked In headline is key to successful maximizing the networking power of LinkedIn.Writing a super LinkedIn headlineDid you know that LinkedIn creates your headline by default? They do it based on your current job title and company. But default titles are always boring and look default, maybe even lazy. If you stick with the default you are wasting an opportunity to show up in more searches and show you are actively using LinkedIn.Everyone is at adifferent stage in their career. Here are some great LinkedIn headlinesyou can use whether you are a job seeker, currently employed, unemployed, a student, or running a business.1. Unemployed and job seekersYou can imagine having the word Unemployed as your headline would leid be very helpful for recruiters to find you. First, it says nothing about what you do. Next, if everyone is doing it, you are not standing out. So, be specific and try a headline in this formatschabloneexperience level type of role you are seeking your value propExample Exe cutive Business Development I turn Fortune 500s into Fortune 50s.2. StudentsAs a student with limited experience, there is not much that can be added to a profile. But by no meansdoes the profile have to be empty, boring, or unprofessional. Show enthusiasm to get your first job and try this headline belowTemplate industry you actively seek your alma mater type of employment you seekExample Graphic Design Artist Penn State University Actively Seeking Entry-Level or Internship PositionsNote One thing all students should know now and for the future You will find your college friends and alumni are your network and friends for life. It was this way before social media, too. College is an everlasting, unique bonding experience for people who attended before, during, and after school. It helps you to connect with people who attended the same college or university as you.3. Custom LinkedIn headlines for the employed and business ownersWhether you use LinkedIn to attract business conn ections or seek employment while employed, your headline should expand upon the LinkedIn default headline of job title at company name. So, use the headline to mention your special skills, goals, and business name. We will use an example of Find My ProfessionTemplate Untraditional Job title Skills Industry or Business NameExample Definitely Not A Recruiter $100k+ Exec Career Finder FindMyProfession.comThe important things to remember for your headlineUse strategic keywordsExpand upon the LinkedIn default headlineThink of ways you can create opportunities with your headlineKeep these three points in mind and you are surely going to write a super LinkedIn headline.

How to Interview with Confidence

How to Interview with ConfidenceHow to Interview with ConfidenceWhether youre new to the job search market or a seasoned career pro, interviewing for that next big gig can be a nerve-wracking experience. The difference between a job offer and a polite, no thanks, is often those x-factor qualities such as polish, poise and, most importantly, confidence. When a candidate knows their stuff and exudes confidence in their skills and experience, it puts prospective employers at ease and shows that the job-seeker is the right man or woman for the position. In need of a confidence boost for yur next interview? Read on for some of our favorite confidence boosting tipsConvey Your Confidence Via SpeechThey say the thing that sets man apart from the animals is our ability to communicate via speech. Thoughtful, intelligent and confident speech during your interview is one of the primary ways to win over your new eignung employer. While most of us often dont think about things such as speech patte rns, word choice or spoken words per minute, these are all qualities that will be picked up on by potential employers.Be sure to include deliberate pauses between sentences and inflection in the appropriate places. Your speech should be an even 170 words per minute for optimal digestion for your listener. Before your interview, try recording yourself answering sample questions and then play your speech back to help identify any quirks or other areas in need of improvement.Practice Makes PerfectWhether a music recital or a job interview, practice is the key to success with most things in life. Before your job interview, practice responses to potential questions for preparedness on the day of. Consider using a mirror to monitor things such as body placement, posture and facial expressions. If you have a willing friend or family member, engaging in a mock interview for prep can help boost confidence levels by ensuring youre prepared for whatever may come at you during the main event. D o Your ResearchPreparation is more than just rehearsal of your answers or speech patterns. Researching your potential employer and desired job position are huge confidence boosters for those looking to be unsurprised on interview day. Thoroughly review the job listing for your potential responsibilities and dont forget some background info on the company you want to work for. Information on core values, history, industries and more could provide a valuable foot up in your quest to land the next job opening or prime employment position.Identify Your Strengths and AssetsOne of the primary keys to building confidence for your interview is knowing that you have the skills and abilities it takes to be the perfect fit for your desired job. To prep for your interview and provide a vital confidence boost, compile a list of your personal and professional strengths the day before your interview. Be sure to choose traits that will be applicable to your new role for added value in making you fe el like you know your stuff. This assurance that your skills and experience fit the job w you stand out from other candidates. Make sure you understand exactly what they are seeking from an employee and what specific skills or ideas you can bring to the table.Dress for SuccessThe final tip for boosting confidence on interview day involves clothing yourself in armor suitable for the field of battle. If youve ever adhered to the saying of dress for the job you want, suiting up in interview-appropriate duds will be old hat. For other interviewees, putting on your interview best can help make you feel extra professional and polished which will provide big returns in confidence during your interview will shine through on interview day and help gain you the job offer of your dreams. Know what you have to offerGo into the interview knowing that you are the right person for the job because of what you can offer the company. This will not only boost your confidence during the interview but a lso help your interviewers realize whyHave another tip for boosting your confidence on interview day? Feel free to send us your ideas in the comments below. From preparation to your appearance to your prospective employer, boosting confidence can often times mean the difference between landing the job of your dreams and coming away open handed

The Importance of Medical Secretary Resume

The Importance of Medical Secretary Resume The New Angle On Medical Secretary Resume Just Released Gaining just as much experience as possible to be able to find knowledge is essential in the departure. Usajobs help center how to construct a resume. Gaining as much knowledge as possible to be able to find information is essential in the start. Gaining as much knowledge as you can to be able to find information is critical in the beginning. The 30-Second Trick for Medical Secretary Resume Though some continue writers could be a bit more costly than others, it doesnt signify youll need to prevent them. You are likely to want a good resume, and ur receptionist resume illustrations are a great place to begin. Therefore, if youre trying to receive a task ( not just any work, but the job which you want), be certain to do things right and learn how to earn a superb resume. Thus, it really is a tough job but in the proceedings youre enthusiastic about working folks, then its str aightforward to manage all the tasks. When youre searching for work, a work application can be absolutely the most important tool you bring to the desk. On the opposite hand much or what type of experience youve got, theres a work application format that will probably make the qualifications shine. 7 Another for free Word resume example made by MOO in addition to Microsoft. Always think about the reader requirements. The one most important tool in your job search will become your CV. There are various pardon resources ansprechbar that provide Fresh Sample Medical Secretary Resume. Bear in mind, the web is a wonderful resource for recruiters and if you dont want to devote huge quantities of child support upon uselessness job boards, at this point you have the skills it can take to locate forgive Medical Secretary Sample Resume. Dont forget, the web is an incredible resource for recruiters and if you dont want to devote massive quantities of maintenance on directionless job bo ards, at this point you have the skills it requires to locate forgive Sample Medical Secretary Resume. The web templates are produced in such a manner they make the resume stick out. There are a lot of no cost resume web templates readily on the net but sometimes it might be rather tough to choose the best one which is most suited for you. Our creative web templates allow you to stick out from your group. Word Job application templates are simple to locate or position on the web and can be downloaded to secure more use. The Ultimate Strategy to Medical Secretary Resume Being a medical secretary shouldnt mean that you ought to be stuck in an identical position for a long time. Be aware that if you create a secretary resume, you should have an emphasis on your communication abilities. Our healthcare secretary ought to be efficient and well-spoken with experience running a health arbeitszimmer. In a smaller private clinic for instance, the medical secretary may report right to the physician. The Secret to Medical Secretary Resume The work description of health care secretaries includes a wide selection of important tasks like administrative, front office and clinical. In fact, it is extremely important to be more polite to the receptionist. Attempt never to locate a fantastic job whenever you could be unemployed. In addition, you can look for secretary jobs on Monster. You might take a look at our Medical Receptionist Resumes. In addition, you can look for medical receptionist jobs on Monster. Receptionists, it must join healthcare secretary restart. A Receptionist has a valuable part in a company or company. An independent worker whos equipped to complete numerous tasks efficiently and accurately. Soits a tricky job but if youre passionate about serving individuals, then its easy to manage every one of the responsibilities. Some workers decide to specialize instead. As a good example, our healthcare secretary resume sample focuses on the s kills that produce our example jobseeker so important to healthcare organizations. The Advantages of Medical Secretary Resume To begin with, you have must complete a software to your job merely by sending a copy of somebodys bio-data, then in case the bio data becomes short-listed, youve got to encounter a string of tests and interviews. The option of resume format and the sections to have in your health care secretary resume will be contingent on the author or the applicant. To start with, youve got to fill out an application for the task by sending a duplicate of your biodata, in the event the biodata becomes shortlisted, you may need to face a succession of tests and interviews. Generally, a certificate program is completed in under 1 year.

Vote for Australias Best Nurse in the 2018 HESTA Awards

Vote for Australias Best Nurse in the 2018 HESTA Awards The Hunt is On for Australias Best NursePosted January 15, 2018, by Jenny Sakr Nominations for the 2018 HESTA Australian Nursing Midwifery Awards have opened, with communities asked to shine the spotlight on Australias fruchtwein over-worked and under-rated worker the nurse. We want to hear from patients, colleagues and employers who have witnessed an extraordinary act by a nurse, or watched a nurse relentlessly put in the hard yards over time whether it is a one-off deed or an ongoing commitment to the industry and patients, said HESTA CEO, Anne-Marie Corboy. This year will mark the 12th year of the awards, which give well-deserved recognition to nurses, midwives, personal care attendants and assistants in nursing, all of whom are eligible for the award. Nominees from across the country will have the chance to win one of three awards Nurse of the Year, Team Excellence and Graduate Nurse of the Year. The $30,000 prize pool, p rovided by ME Bank will be divvied up amongst the three winners. The prize will be in a ME EveryDay Transaction Account and can be used for personal development or further development of processes or services in the workplace. The HESTA Australian Nursing Midwifery Awards dinner will be held in Melbourne on Thursday, 10 May 2018. For more information or to make a nomination, visit the HESTA awards website. If youre interested making a difference and want to pursue a career in nursing, check out our online nursing courses.Graduate Certificate of NursingStudy modeOnlinePayment optionsFEE-HELPUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineNursing ResourcesPharmacy assistant sample resumeEnrolled nurse sample resumeCareer Insider StoriesAziza Sahib - Registered NurseAileen Towse - OptometristInterested in becoming a?Disability Support WorkerAged Care WorkerCommunity Care WorkerPersonal Care AssistantTherapy AidePopular Career Searchesdiploma in nursing brisba nenursing course in perth tafeendorsed enrolled nursefast track nursing degree australiaassistant in nursing duties and responsibilitiesNursing CoursesGraduate Diploma of NursingEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of NursingEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Business Administration (Medical)Enquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre fruchtwein likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreHealthNursingCritical health problem in nursing jobsFor well over two decades there have been warnings of a looming crisis in the health-care system due to the ageing population and significant workplace shortages.Aged CareWORKFORCE TRENDSAged care workers demand pay riseAust ralian aged care workers have lodged a claim for a 60 per cent pay increase a rise that would add up to $10 an hour to the hourly wage.Aged CareNursingNEWS Aged care workers to receive $1.2 billion pay riseThe federal government has announced that it will spend an additional $1.2 billion over four years to raise the wages of aged care workers.

Desert Storm Basic Timeline

Desert Storm Basic TimelineA Desert Shield/Desert Storm Basic TimelineHere is a timeline for events that occurred during rechengang Desert Storm in 1990 and Desert Shield, which followed in 1991. Operation Desert Storm 1990 August 2 - Iraq invaded Kuwait.President George Bush condemned Iraqs naked aggression and states that the United States is considering all options. The aircraft carrier CV-62 USS Independence welches moved towards the Persian Gulf.August 6 - Saudi Arabia requested assistance from the United States.August 7 - Operation Desert Shield commenced.The first U.S. forces arrived in Saudi Arabia, consisting of F-15 Eagle fighters from Langley Air Force Base, VA.August 12 - A naval blockade of Iraq began, and all shipments of Iraqi oil halted.An Air Force sergeant became the first fatality of Operation Desert Shield when he was hit by a military truck in Saudi Arabia. August 22 - President George Bush issued an executive order authorizing the first call-up of Selected R eservists to active duty for 90 days.August 23 - Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney authorized call-up of 25,000 Army National Guard personnel and Reservists in combat support and service units.November 8 - President George Bush ordered more U.S. troops to the Gulf.November 12 - Call-up was widened in subsequent authorizations and the period of service was extended to 180 days by executive order. November 29 - United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 was passed, which gave Iraq a withdrawal deadline until 15 January 1991 as well as authorizing all necessary means to uphold and implement Resolution 660 and a diplomatic formulation that authorized the use of force should Iraq failed to comply. Operation Desert Shield1991 January 12 - United States Congress granted President George Bush the necessary authority to wage war to end Iraqs occupation of Kuwait.January 17 - Operation Desert Storm began with an extensive aerial bombing campaign, 3 a.m. (January 16, 7 p.m. Eastern time ).Iraq attacked Israel with seven Scud missiles.U.S. Patriot missile successfully intercepted first Scud, over Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.January 18 - President Bush authorized the call-up of up to 1 million National Guardsmen and Reservist for up to two years. January 19 - DoD announced the deployment of Europe-based Patriot missiles and crews to Israel.January 25 - Sabotage of Kuwait loading pier byIraqi dumped millions of barrels of oil into the Persian Gulf, creating a massive oil slick.January 29 - Iraqis attacked Khafji, Saudi Arabia.January 31 - Iraq captured first U.S. female prisoner of war.February 21 - Award of the National Defense Service Medal was authorized.February 22 - President George Bush issued a 24-hour ultimatum that Iraq must withdraw from Kuwait to avoid the departure of a ground war. February 23 - Iraqis ignited an estimated 700 oil wells in Kuwait.February 24 - Allied ground assault began at 4 a.m. (February 23, 8 p.m. Eastern time).February 25 - Iraqi Scud destr oyed U.S. barracks in Dhahran, killing 28 U.S. military personnel.February 27 - President George Bush declared Kuwait liberated, and suspended all U.S. and allied force offensive operations, exactly 100 hours after the ground battle started and six weeks to the day since air attacks were launched against Iraq.February 28 - Cessation of hostilities declared, 801 a.m. (1201 a.m. Eastern time). March 1 - Cease-fire terms negotiated in Safwan, Iraq.March 13 - Award of the Southwest Asia Service medal was authorized.March 17 - DoD announced first troop redeployment home, that of the 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA.April 5 - President Bush announced U.S. relief supply airdrops to Kurdish refugees in Turkey and northern Iraq.April 6 - Iraq officially accepted cease-fire terms.Task Force Provide Comfort formed and deployed.April 7 - U.S. transports delivered 72,000 pounds of supplies in the first of six Operation Provide Comfort missions. April 11 - Cease-fire took effect.April 20 - Construction of the first Provide Comfort tent city began near Zakhu, Iraq.June 7 - United Nations commission assumed responsibility for Kurdish refugees. Information Courtesy of American Forces Information Service, the 1991 Defense Almanac., and CNN 2001 Gulf War Special report.

4 Rules the Most Successful Leaders Live By

4 Rules the Most Successful Leaders Live By4 Rules the Most Successful Leaders Live ByThe old adage states that rules are meant to be broken. And, in fact, many of todays fruchtwein revered leaders echo this time-tested mantra Sir Richard Branson once uttered the sage advice, You dont learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over. But while the rule-breaking approach certainly lends itself to disruptive ideas, innovative thinking, and challenging the status quo, dont let the bravado fool you Leaders do follow rules- just bedrngnis always the rules taught in Management 101. Below are a few out-of-the-box guidelines that some of the most famous leaders in recent history swear by- and how you can incorporate them into your own life.Rule 1 Dont Waste Brain Power on TrivialitiesWhen it comes to leadership style in the most literal sense, Mark Zuckerberg is famous for his, lets call it, dorm room chic fashion choices. His grey hoodie is an inextricable part of h is public persona. Steve Jobs is aleidher iconic figure whos famous for a signature ensemble Even Jobs LEGO character dons the black turtleneck. Theres a well-documented reason why some successful leaders wear the same thing every day, and its notlage because theyre making a thinly veiled statement about corporate fashion Its to avoid decision fatigue, or the mental paralysis that results from information overload. The theory posits that your brain has a limited amount of decision-making power, so using it for trivial things- like your daily outfit or how to cook your eggs in the morning- is ultimately wasteful of a finite resource.While were not advocating tossing out every wardrobe item thats not on the grey scale, there is a valuable takeaway here Prioritizing decisions is a crucial element of successful leadership. Look for opportunities in your own life to cut out or delegate choices that you dont need to make- it can be key for reducing decision fatigue and freeing up extra br ain space for matters that matter.Rule 2 Fail, Fail AgainGrowth through failure is one of the most prevalent themes touted by modern leaders. James Dyson, for example, famously tested 5,127 prototypes of his revolutionary vacuum cleaner before releasing the version that finally went to market. Airbnb faced numerous VC rejections before finally successfully securing funding. Google Glass was probably one of the most famous failures out there. I could go on and on. If you think about it (or do a little research), youll find that nearly every notable company has experienced spectacular failure at some point on the way. Thats because if youre taking the risks required to do big things, things are bound to not work out as planned from time to time. Or, as author and speaker Ken Robinson says, If youre not prepared to be wrong, youll never come up with anything original.So how can you use failure to propel you forward like the great leaders of our time, rather than letting it get you down ? In their book The Other F Word How Smart Leaders, Teams, and Entrepreneurs Put Failure to Work, John Danner and Mark Coopersmith suggest this Expect that disasters will happen and plan for the worst of them ahead of time aim to recognize failure early and respond as its happening and if everything falls apart, analyze what went wrong and put those lessons into everything you do moving forward. And, wed add, make aya you take care of yourself along the way and surround yourself with colleagues and comrades youre certain will have your back in a slump.Want to Grow Into a Leader? Check Out Open Roles at UnileverRule 3 Always Ask for CriticismOn the path to successful leadership, feedback walks right next to failure. Not only is it important to never stop iterating, but its also crucial to seek honest feedback from consumers, colleagues, and your own team members.In a 2013 TED talk, Elon Musk advised about the importance of seeking negative feedback, particularly from those closest to you and your business. Really pay attention to negative feedback, and solicit it, particularly from friends, he says. This may sound like simple advice, but hardly anyone does that, and its incredibly helpful. Bill Gates backs him up, suggesting leaders pay close attention to any negative points of feedback from users or customers Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning, he once famously advised. Wed note that this also applies to unhappy teammates, bosses, or anyone else you work closely with. While its never fun to face your shortcomings, its important to take them seriously (but not personally) if you want to move forward. First things first, figure how much of the feedback is a fact or an opinion. While both may be worth addressing, this simple distinction is important. If need be, ask more questions of the person giving you feedback to really try to understand the crux of the problem. Then, start creating a plan to solve it, working with a trusted frie nd or advisor if you need some help understanding how to move forward. And, of course, make sure to also remind yourself what youre doing well along the way, to help keep your spirits upRule 4 Have Confidence to Ask for What You NeedPeople often think successful leaders have gotten to the top by throwing themselves into their work, sacrificing their life for long hours at the office, and always being available. And while, yes, for some this is true, more often leaders are able to succeed because they are thoughtful about what they need to make all aspects of their lives work- and arent afraid to ask for it. Sheryl Sandberg is one of the most famous proponents of this rule, and one of the disciples of Sandbergs philosophy is Stacy Brown-Philpot, CEO of TaskRabbit. Brown-Philpots list of accomplishments is lengthy her resume includes names like Goldman Sachs and Google, and shes the founder of the Black Googler Network, a cornerstone of the companys revamped diversity efforts. But, in her Lean In story, she shares that some of her successful decisions came not because she threw her life to the side, but because she figured out what she would need to balance everything. Never be afraid to ask for what you need to make your whole life- not just your work life- work for you, she shares.Asking for the things you need to maintain work-life balance, as well as asking for support from employees, colleagues, and trusted confidants is paramount for successful leaders to avoid burnout and, ultimately, be better at what they do. So, if you think a weekly work-from-home day, the opportunity to leave the office a little earlier to pick up your kids, or something similar would make you a more balanced person and, in turn, a better professional, dont be afraid to approach your boss and see if a flexible arrangement can be worked out. Becoming a leader isnt easy, but the good news is, those whove come before have left a playbook thats worth paying attention to. Begin to follow ansicht rules, and youll likely get closer to success than you ever imagined. Photo of woman in city courtesy of d3sign/Getty Images.

Connecting personal and work values 3 steps to more fulfillment

Connecting personal and work values 3 steps to more fulfillmentConnecting personal and work values 3 steps to more fulfillmentWhat are values and why are they important? Because values are basic assumptions, we are often bedrngnis aware of our individual truths. We tend to focus on what society, social media, and external forces say they should be such as being the best, looking good, or wealth.Given that7 in 10 Americansuse social media to engage in news content and connect with one another, its no surprise that our values are hard to find amidst messages inundated with perfection, abundance, and popularity. However, values are not presumptions, but rather subtle and implicit.Values are who you are in your life today, not who you would like to be or who you think you should be.They define what is most important to us and form the basis for what we will and will not do.As acareer coach for young professionals, I regularly consult with clients who are starting their first jobs and tra nsitioning into new careers and one of my favorite exercises to do with clients is to have them identify their core values. Many go into it with a preconceived idea of what they think their tenets should be, but walk away with an aha, this isreallywho I am moment. My aha moment came to me with my own career coach when, I discovered that my number one value is human connection. By ignoring my core value, I had lost my livelihood and sense of self-actualization in my job that was analytical and data-driven. In that moment, I knew that I had to make a change becausewhen your work and behavior match your values, life is fulfilling.If you are feeling dissatisfied at work and having trouble understanding why, I would suggest checking in with yourself to identify your core values and assess whether they complement those of your employer. Below are three steps to help create alignment between values and work1. Take time to identify your personal core valuesWhile I recommend working with a c oach to help dig and name your principles, below are some key questions to start asking yourselfDescribe your peak experience. What were you doing? What values were being implemented?Think of a time you were frustrated or angry what was happening? What values were being suppressed?When making your most significant decisions, what are the fundamentals you base them on?What is one thing you would like to be remembered for when you die?What things, if taken away from you, would make life unbearable?Review your answers and observe themes to determine your top values. What are crucial to your life and constitute your primary way of being? How are your personal principles practiced in your work today?2. Familiarize yourself with your organizations valuesThis may be less straight-forward for you to identify, but do your best to speak the truth to your experience.An organizations values set the tone forworkplace cultureand pinpoint what the company cares about.Research suggests that compani es with an authentic set of values that are consistent with employees values havegreater team coherence and productivity. If your company does not have a published list, ask your boss or manager, or reflect on your personal experience. Some questions that help define company values areWhat matters most to your firm?Where does your company invest its resources?When has your organization felt most alive?Review your answers and observe themes to determine top values. What represents the main actions your firm will stand by? Which values are vital to your work environment?3. Create an action planAre you practicing your personal values in your work? Are your personal values consistent with your organizations values? If not, identify the disconnect and create an action plan. Ignoring the issue can create tension and resentment. If challenge is a personal truth that is not being carried out day-to-day, find a way to honor it. If your personal values are misaligned with your organizations v alues, either (1) choose to work in an environment with greater alignment or (2) see the disconnect as an opportunity to further develop into your own leadership and help the company evolve. Be bold andcommunicate with your boss or managementabout where you see and potential for firm to progress. With this, you will have a new understanding of companys willingness to revolutionize or stay stagnant.- - - Bottom line when your values are honored each day, life is fulfilling. Find time to identify your personal and organizations values and create an action plan to find congruence.Elizabeth Smithburg is a career coach who helps professionals gain clarity on their goals, values, and strengths and provides guidance on how to make goals actionable and real.After spending nearly a decade pushing to climb the corporate ladder out of fear of change or failure, she knows the anxiety surrounding questions like, What do you want to be when you grow up? or, What is your life purpose? Through he r own coach, she found her natural gift of helping people realize their dreams through the human connection. She believes (i) in data and is committed to giving you quantifiable results, (ii) that your untapped natural strengths are more powerful than correcting your weaknesses, and (iii) that your greatest investment is an investment in yourself.Currently, she is completing her certification to become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through Coaches Training Institute. She holds a BA in Economics from Middlebury College and lives in Chicago with her husband, Tommy and dog, Rocky.This articlefirst appeared on Kununu.