Category: Work and Career

How to Write a Great Resume in Seven Steps

I am a facilitator at Bracknell Careers Springboard which is a jobs club for people seeking employment. One of the most important key topics we focus on is the candidate’s resume. If you are looking for a job then your resume (or CV) is the key document which will either get you an interview or put you on the reject pile. Most recruitment agencies and most recruiting managers receive hundreds... Read More--

Advance your Career by becoming an Innovator at Work

Bill Gates Bill Gates said, ‘We are in an economic downturn but an innovation upturn.’  When times are tough most people focus on the downturn and the dangers it poses rather than on the opportunity for innovation. Many businesses are restructuring and streamlining their operations. How can you benefit from the change rather than being its victim? One way is to take a positive approach... Read More--

Lose your Fear of Losing your Job

If you work for an employer then try asking yourself these three questions: 1. What are you paid to do? In other words, what is it that you were taken on to accomplish? What is it that you are supposed to be doing? Most people answer this question with some form of their job description or objectives. 2. What is it that you actually do? When I ask this second question in my workshops people often say... Read More--

Ten great questions to ask yourself about your job.

Take a moment for a reality check. Ask yourself these questions – how many positive answers do you get? Is what I do really worthwhile? In other words: Does my work make a difference to people? Does it help people? Am I adding something of value to the world? Doing something worthwhile makes us feel worthwhile and can compensate for other shortcomings in the position. Do I enjoy my job? Do you... Read More--

How to cope with a Difficult Boss

What should you do if you really cannot get on with your boss at work? Maybe there has been a breakdown in trust, in communication or in respect. In any event it is ruining your time at work and making you frustrated and unhappy. Let’s call your manager John and see how we can approach the situation. (The advice here works equally if your boss is a man or a woman). 1. How do other people find... Read More--

Five Ways to Boost your Income

Broadly speaking there are two ways to improve your financial position – reduce your outgoings or increase your income. Let’s focus on the latter and see if you can boost the money coming in. 1. Ask your boss for a raise. This is one of the simplest and best ways of increasing your income but many people never try it. Ask for a meeting with your manager. Be polite and respectful. Point... Read More--

10 Great Ways to Increase your Followers on Twitter

Some people use Twitter as a social network with a handful of friends and consequently do not want a large number of followers. Others use it to increase their influence and the awareness of their personal brand. For these people it is important to attract a large number of followers – and the right kind of followers. Here are some practical tips on how to gather a large number of suitable followers: 1.... Read More--

Boost your Career by Becoming an Ideas Carrier

You can increase your success in business if you can become an ideas carrier, someone who identifies, collects and communicates fresh ideas for other people’s business challenges.  If you work in an office you can do this for your colleagues, your boss or the people who report to you. If you are a consultant or sales person you can do this for your customers. If you are a buyer you can do it... Read More--

How to Run Super Effective Meetings

Do you spend too much time in meetings? If so, you are in good company. One of the most common complaints of office workers is that their productivity is hampered by too many unproductive meetings. Ineffective meetings lead to frustration. They waste the time of the participants and they undermine the effectiveness of the whole organization. Here are some ways to tackle this problem. 1. Fewer attendees. The... Read More--

How to be Innovative when your Boss Isn’t

A common complaint that I hear when I run innovation workshops is this, ‘I have plenty of really creative ideas but my boss just isn’t interested in trying anything new. What can I do?’ Let’s leave aside the possibility that this view is itself distorted and take it at face value. It is a tricky situation that most of us will experience at some time. What can be done? Here are... Read More--