Inspiring others at work

There would be moments when perhaps you suffer from a feeling of lethargic helplessness and feel that you have reached a dead end or perhaps hold a judgment that an assignment is unlikely to logically conclude. Have you taken on tasks where you comprised the process of resolution but never witnessed the end result? Do you question that great idea that gained extensive response but now has apparently faded away into oblivion?

            You need to be part of the majority, part of the blowing wind. Regrettably, most of us are generally not kept in the loop, particularly with regard to the workplace efforts and their wrapping up. However, our operational system is also deficient in offering and receiving advice and criticism that would serve to inspire, bring up to date and connect us in the all-important process of moving forward.

            There is something known as the ‘advancement theory’; it is founded on surveys undertaken amongst sentient employees who possess the capability to offer indescribable but valuable options for resolution of issues. They are the lot who invariably exert day in and day out, sometimes all by themselves to get to the bottom of organizational problems and cracking them. As a byproduct of their efforts, the clients also stand to benefit. The issue thus is, “As a supervisor or director, how can I egg on top players in the centre of continuing and intricate assignments?” The result of surveys conducted conclude that if I were to boost your resourcefulness, productivity and job contentment, I should be shoring up your growth on every possible occasion.

            A common example will clarify the issue. An infant who mutters mama or papa invariably receives encouragement. No parent waits to rejoice till the moment his or her child speaks fluently. The maiden expression by itself calls for celebration and is commemorated; likewise, any good step forward by any worker also calls for similar action.

            At any workplace, big or small, men and women want to witness the greatness of the feeling that they are progressing. Petite beatings have the capacity to lower self-confidence and spirits and resultantly motivation levels. Therefore, all hold ups should be viewed as an opportunity to modify, rectify and improve matters rather than view them as disaster. In other words, there is this inescapable requirement to bolster the vital belief that we are on the correct path.

            There is no denying the fact that advancement and development singularly result in unsurpassed excellence in work, including meeting deadlines. If that be so, how do managers and executives conduct themselves to optimize their output as also of their subordinates? There is also no denying the fact that impediments and pessimistic dispositions are prime reasons for all breakdowns and perilous outcomes. So, if you can do away with them in any workplace environment, people will reach the zenith of their performance. But the most important point of the matter is that such liberating actions should be launched judiciously and without they ever coming to know about them.

            It is a known reality that absence of requisite wherewithal or presence of inappropriate means and paucity of time impede growth. But an atmosphere san correct and precise apparatus renders any assignment hundred times more complex and complicated. And if there is no supporting gear or a qualified person to address problems, work will perpetually come to a standstill. The aspect of offering encouragement apart, all supervisors and directors should be disposed to a display of some sort of decentralization and delegation. This will facilitate every worker to realize individual potential and role; and most importantly take responsibility for the same. If such an atmosphere at the workplace persists, all employees will be willing workers and their sense of enthusiasm go sky-high; needless to state they will never ever want to leave the organization.

            It is essential that explicit and unambiguous objectives are identified for accomplishment. Objectives extend into both short and long terms. However, the important aspect is that both are significant as far as individual and organizational prosperity are concerned because it is daily, weekly and monthly aims eventually contribute to the attainment of eventual targets. It is therefore, not without reason that organizations insist on collating periodic steps forward so that employees at all levels derive feelings of job contentment whenever they execute assignments as per plans. In addition, they also become conscious of the fact that they are on the correct path and close to attainment of larger objects and end result.

            The question that now comes up is how can you extract the maximum out of those working with you or for that matter, advance ahead in your own sphere of activity? You should as a matter of rule and with no exception:

·   Identify short term goals for yourself. Besides this, you also need to keep an eye on and be cognizant of their accomplishment.

·   Leave no stone unturned in clearing your workplace environment of off-putting manipulations. As a supervisor or director, you should refrain from both accepting and offering unduly gratifying remarks about any matter.

·   Be vigilant and display alacrity over what is happening around you. In this way, you will be able to notice acts done well and seize the opportunity to give a pat on the back.

·   Have a yardstick formulated with which you can properly gauge advancement.

·   Make available appropriate wherewithal and adequate time for accomplishment of any task. If you have a gut feeling that something may not be achievable, it is always better to consider the issue pragmatically and with due consideration to various operating parameters.

·   Give confidence to your subordinates by frequent pep talks in a manner they receive best. A system of providing honest advice and legitimate criticism always pays rich dividends.

·   Permit certain amount of decentralization so that those under you have sufficient elbow space for making use of their ingenuity. Remember that it is the end that justifies the means.

·   Make it a point to express your delight at all progress made by anyone and if possible, always observe the occasion with collective rejoicing.

·   Compliment those who excel and be a party in their feelings of accomplishment.

·   Serve as a source of encouragement and motivation to everybody.

It is human tendency to experience forward looking feelings. We all take some pride and pleasure in current attainments; and if they are acknowledged, the levels of motivation go up automatically. What is of utmost importance is the need to improve operational and functional standards by injecting inventiveness and ingenuity in the entire system. And once this is achieved, individual and professional contentment will register an upward swing.

Masters in English or Psychology - make your choice

“Each man has his own vocation; his talent is his call.

There is one direction in which all space is open to him.”

--- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today, there are a horde of career options that exist and their range and scope is increasing day by day. Out of school, many boys and girls enroll themselves for graduation courses in subjects that were not preferred options a decade ago. Armed with a degree, they then want to do their masters. Two subjects that are quite sought after are English and Psychology; however quandaries prevail in their minds over which one they should opt for.

Talents are common, everyone has them - but rare is the courage to follow our talents where they lead. The aim of this article is to highlight what doing a post-graduation in English or Psychology implies and the career prospects that they have in store.

English

If you are looking at English for your masters, then conceivably you have already got your rationale for studying traditional books and literature. Should you not be certain, you should be mulling over the fact that an MA (English) will afford you an opportunity to read various authors you like or have not been able to do so yet and be able to ascertain the reasons for the same. In addition, you will be able to discern true-life evidence of the life and lifestyle that prevailed then as also identify those that will endure the test of coming times.

Language style has been subjected to change over the years and reading books authored way back will help you mark out words and phrases that have become obsolete or common usage in the present times. English as a language differs in various parts of the world; you will be able to perceive how this aspect is echoed in accounts all the way through different eras. In addition, due to revolution in printing technology, today books are available to readers more than ever before. You will be able to find out their importance vis-à-vis other modern platforms like the internet or television.

Prospects:   There are many professions that call for interactive skills, serious thinking and exposure to wide-ranging issues and which, require a good knowledge of English. In case, you regard yourself as an avid reader with a penchant for delving into technological subjects, there will be no dearth of opportunities. Areas, in which you can get a job, are explained below:

·   Based on your linguistic and investigative expertise, publication houses can hire you as a writer, copywriter, proofreader, editor or translator.

·   Depending upon your communication skills, to include verbal and writing abilities, you can become a reporter or a journalist, script writer or even take to website production.

·   Corporate setups, commercial houses, multinational organizations and government departments can take you as an interpreter, public relation officer, business development executive or customer care manager.

·   If you seek to have an independent venture, you can well be a literary critic, freelance writer or language coach.

·   Business magnates, public figures and political leaders can also employ you as a campaign manager or speech writer.

·   English being lingua franca, the education sector is also full of opportunities for teachers qualified in it.

·   A postgraduate degree in English is also good enough to compete for the civil services.

·   The tourism sector is also witnessing an upswing and you can well be part of it as a consultant, liaison officer, marketing executive or tourist guide.

Psychology

In recent times, Psychology as a branch of science has become known as an important career option. It is all about mental conduct; and as a postgraduate in this important subject, you will possess skills that can be used for the betterment of performance levels of people through methodical application of techniques. There are two post-graduate courses in Psychology; you could pursue either Master of Arts or Master of Science. While the former may indicate a stronger liberal arts focus, the latter may require concentration on research and sciences.

The spectrum of application of Psychology is indeed and astonishingly very wide as it entails covering issues related to human exploits and responses; convictions and confidence; contemplations and sentiments; and passions and attitudes. As a qualified psychologist, you will have an inherent attribute to correlate interpersonal associations of countless people as they affect their domestic life, workplace efficiency and social standing. You will be qualified to analyze various moods, purposes and responses of people. In addition, you will be eligible to offer solutions to vexed problems to bring about an altered behaviour.   

Prospects:  The job opportunities available to you after earning your master's degree in Psychology can depend on a number of factors. In addition to the overall job outlook in your geographic area, the focus of your master's degree can play an important role in determining your employment prospects. To be able to embark on a career in Psychology, the precondition is a genuinely instinctive desire to help others. The job prospects are indeed huge in the following fields:

·   Clinical: You can be of immense use in examining and treating people with psychological problems; and work as therapists to facilitate overcoming crisis situations they are plagued with. .

·   Counseling:  You will be required to concentrate on individuals who have adjustment problems in new environments.

·   Preventive:  Here you will have a role to play in ushering good health by designing programmes related to alcohol and drug abuse, tobacco consumption, obesity and stress, to name just a few. Hospitals and rehabilitation centres employ psychologists for the purpose.

·   Teaching:  You could also work in educational institutions as counselors to help students afflicted with various problems. At research centres, you could be tasked to develop approaches and matters to better learning procedures.  

·   Workplace:  In big and conscientious organizations, psychologists are employed to help in hiring processes and devise novel methods to boost productivity. Your contributions can be immense and highly rewarding.

·   Sports:  Psychologists have a very important role to play in perking up performance of sportspersons. You can do so by examining various facets of exercise and physical activity regimen vis-à-vis psychological fine-tuning and health.

·   Social:  Here you are required to work in community initiatives so that general public awareness on specific issues like sanitation, child marriage, child labour and gender bias, etc is generated.  

The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn. Why should you be saddled with restrictions and predetermined courses? You sure have an inner drumbeat that you must learn to hear and march in harmony with. What you do with your life is actually just one half of the equation; the other half, which is the more important one, is who you are working with. And that depends on who you feel comfortable surrounded with.  

You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself into one. Both English and Psychology have immense scope and utility; to that extent your decision to pursue which one for your masters has to be well deliberated upon. And once you have taken it, the world will conspire to make you successful. All that you need to do is plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively and pursue persistently.

Going to a career fair

Job fairs can be really superb chances to get to know about prevailing job markets and interacting with people from establishments out to recruit men and women. But before you decide to attend one, you should do your homework well to create that excellent impression. After all, the first impression does matter.

Here are some guidelines that will help you gather vital information, establish contacts and send upbeat signals to recruiters at job fairs:

·   Research data:  Prior to attending a job fair, you should try and gather as much information about those sponsoring or coordinating the event; internet is perhaps the best tool for the same. You will get to know the participating companies and by visiting their web sites, you will be better informed and better armed. Scan those that appeal to you in detail and learn about their plans and lineups as also people working in them who you possibly are acquainted with. If you make notes, you will be able to raise judicious queries with the staff manning the booths.

·   Prioritize companies:   Having got to know details of participating companies, you could well identify those amongst them that interest you. Make it a point to visit their stalls; this will help you to not wile away your precious time and remain on the ball. It will manifest your self-assurance and cool, besides indicating that you know what you seek. In case you simply saunter around the venue, you will be discerned as one sans any comprehension. A point to note is that you should not carry your resumes in bulk with you but only a few intended for some preferred companies to whom you intend applying. The resumes should be apt and pertinent to the posts that you aspire for, else they will gather dust.

·   Avoid bragging:  If you portray an ‘I know everything’ attitude and display an undue confidence about your expertise, your reliability rating will take a beating. Companies invariably want to recruit knowledgeable and proficient people who will fit well in their team and make useful contributions. You should be positive in your outlook and display true enthusiasm to create a good impact. Whatever you are briefed about should be listened attentively and genuine doubts clarified. Simple attendance with no participation also sends wrong signals. The crux of the point is that you need to be positive, enthusiastic and interested during your presence at any booth.

·   Be truthful:  At a stall, a company agent could well seek to know your career inclinations. Your response should be deliberate and given with due contemplation. It is likely that you may not have decided on your career objectives, but definitely your interests can be spelt out. You should be weighing up your principles and impelling factors and based on them, express your views in a matter-of-fact and polite manner. Remember that rarely will one be recruited at a fair; the aim of organizers always is publicity and dissemination of information. Of course, hiring is also an agenda, for which, a truthful approach will pay dividends.

·   Manage time:  You may not be only person around at the career fair or at a particular stall. There will be others like you who will have to be attended to. Therefore, hanging around at a particular stall is not recommended. Company representatives have several issues to deal and perhaps will not be in a position to devote more than some time to each candidate. It is the usefulness derived from those few minutes that matters, so your stay should be brief and your conversation concise.

·   Attend listings:   There could be audio-visual presentations, panel discussions and special briefings on general subjects like tips on drafting resumes, interview processes or presentation skill. These would be dovetailed into the daily schedule and listed in brochures. Attending these programmes on the sidelines of the career fair will help you in your job hunt and also strengthen your networking through a focused approach.

·   Remember people:   At a booth, company agents may or may not wear name tabs. Some perhaps may introduce themselves, however, there is nothing wrong in requesting for the same. You can even request for a business card, but it is important to make a brief note on it to facilitate that the name does not slip out of your mind subsequently. Before leaving a booth, make certain that you thank the company representative by his name. Subsequently, but not later than one day, a thank you email should be sent; should you have any elucidations to seek, the same could be sought in the email. Remember that by doing do, you are initiating a contact link which will in some way or the other serve to canvass your case.

·   Interact with equals:   It is not that company agents are the only well-informed people at a career fair. There are many others like you and hailing from diverse denominations with plethora of experience to their credit. You must interact them and make friends with them because in the long run some amongst them could prove to be of immense help in your hunt. An important point to note is that all conversations have to be courteous; butting in will imply shrinking from propriety.

It should be remembered that establishment of ties and networking are important factors for consideration for any job hunter. If recruiters leave the venue remembering your name, there is every possibility that you too will spare no effort to maintain contacts with them.

Mere attendance at a career fair is not enough. You need to be well-informed about companies and organizations so that you can talk sensibly and not grope in the dark. And when you talk about yourself, make certain that you maintain your self-confidence and do not deviate from established norms of modesty. If you follow the above tips, your presence will be notable; what will follow will be in your favour.

Help your child on to an apt career path

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

------ Denis Waitley

This piece is for parents of budding school students.

The process of career planning has several components – making a career choice is one of them. A career plan made early in life to facilitate going on the best career path is a significant facet of one’s life and parents can make useful contributions by way of guidance. Be it helping your child to select subjects in college or deciding on a college to get admitted to, parents can help their child to achieve whatever he actually seeks. It is indeed a privilege to be able to facilitate your child to excel in whichever sphere of activity he yearns to join.

There is no denying the fact that it is a long way to go from teenage the career choice phase. However, teenage is perhaps the most appropriate stage to commence formulation of a career plan. In this context, self-evaluation and comprehension of who an individual is, are fundamentally very important, because it is here that personality traits are discerned. The facilities for such tests are available at various career counseling centres; they can even be taken online. .

Having determined personality traits, the next step is to match them with objectives and aspirations. This will help determine various career paths obtainable. Once career paths are identified, they need to be critically examined for future prospects – remuneration factors, promotion avenues, job content and risks involved to name a few. In addition, the place of work and stipulations on personal and community life are also important and warrant active contemplation.

Your child will exercise his choice for a career perhaps a couple of years later in life, but having advance information on alternatives existing will definitely help in opting for superior preferences. It is therefore, pertinent that parents arm themselves with maximum knowledge so that their child can look much ahead of conventional and mundane careers or professions. Quite a number of young men and women land up in jobs that are not their cup of tea – all because that they were ignorant of alternative available to the.

So, whenever you broach the subject to your child, it is imperative that you stick to some “Dos & Don’ts”. Inter alia, these are:

·   Make the most of your network to help your child be face to face with specialists in spheres that he considers stimulating. Even if it amounts to spending an odd day at a workplace, the effort is worth it because the child having seen things will exercise a more clued-up option subsequently.

·   You should be well-aware of the person with whom your child is in contact with; a wrong person will not be able to put things in the correct perspective. In the process, your child will end up making a wrong career choice.

·   Desisting from imposing your own schemes and designs on the child.

·   Refrain from indulging in discouraging or downbeat remarks that may impede a child’s preference.

As a parent, you need to adopt a three-pronged approach and help your child in the following:

·   Conduct self-assessment:   You can assist your child do this by a horde of actions, some vital ones being:

ü  Having a heart to heart talk about what he wants to do in life and his aspirations.

ü  Helping him identifying aspects that interest him and he loves to pursue in his leisure or those he despises.

ü  Assisting him in categorizing aspects that he is proficient in and derives pleasure from indulging in them.

ü  Helping him undergo a couple of self-assessment tests, be they online or in career counseling centres.  

ü  Helping your child record and reduce to writing various things that others opine that he excels in.

ü  Interacting with his teachers for an independent evaluation of his inclinations and propensities.

ü  Having a frank discussion with him on his priorities. Eg, remuneration, status, work timings, work environment and type of schedule, etc. these will help identify what he rates high and seeks to accomplish in his life.

·   Survey alternatives:  With the objective of rendering access to various career alternatives, this will help your child understand them without much trouble. His expansive field of curiosity can be catalogued based on his attributes, inclinations and desires. From this catalogued information, you can help your child narrow down to select few options. Needless to say, this will entail extensive liaison and use of internet; for each option so narrowed down, the following will also have to be categorized:

ü  Basic qualitative requirements and distinctive expertise.

ü  Charter of duties, work schedule, touring requirements, places of posting and promotional or diversification avenues.

ü  Expenses involved, if any.

ü  Inherent risk and job security considerations to include rivalries and struggle involved.

ü  Considered opinions of others.

ü  Principles and standards required to be adhered to including participation by family.

ü  Characteristic personality traits identified.

·   Hands-on experience: It is essential that your child acquires information pertaining to at least six appropriate career spheres. He should be fairly conversant with what they entail, particularly the demands that they impose. You can be of immense help to him if you are able to afford him opportunities to gain personal, realistic and actual familiarity about them. This can be made possible if you are able to do the following:

ü  Motivate your child to pursue hobbies and pursuits outside his academic schedule.

ü  Take him on a trip to a concerned facility like a factory or any other establishment.

ü  Make available photographs and video clippings about relevant career fields.

ü  Arrange for job silhouetting for your child by letting him go through the routine of a person in a particular career arena.

ü  Help him take up a vacation job, even if it entails no remuneration.

It is possible thus for your child to get a good and practical exposure to the nuances of various career options, even while he is at school. Should he come to a conclusion to discard any of them based on the familiarity gained by him, remember that this is also a career option exercised and that you need to go along with it. The intended objective of your efforts is to afford to your child to all possible career options so that he determines what is apt and what is not for him.

As a parent, it is essential that you edify your child on the importance of networking and drafting his curriculum vitae. You must emphasize the need to maintain a diary of people your child meets along with his impressions about them. You also need to guide him to prepare his resume; an outline can be provided to him, which, he can complete and progressively refine. These will help him find a good placement in his later years.