Career Advice - The Reason Careers Fail

Failures or shortfalls in careers do not usually result from the lack of education and training. The number one reason for such disappointments is most often not knowing "how to work".

Said another way, the difference between winners and losers in the world of work is that achievers know how to translate their "know-what-to-do" skills into "how-to-get- things-done" strategies and actions.

People who can carry out the procedural functions associated with a job are a dime a dozen. But those who can manage people and resources to complete a successful project are in the minority.

CAREER TIP: COMMON SENSE IS THE KEY

Without common sense, the careerist is severely handicapped in driving ideas from incubation to results. He may have brilliant ideas, but unless he can move them through the organization to achieve tangible results, those ideas will die without serving a useful purpose for anyone.

Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, father of the U.S. nuclear navy, put it this way: "What it takes to do a job will not be learned from management courses. It is principally a matter of experience, the proper attitude and common sense--none of which can be taught in a classroom."

In his groundbreaking book EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Daniel Goleman posits: "I would argue the difference (between high achievers and also-rans) is quite often in the abilities called emotional intelligence, which includes self-control, zeal and persistence, and the ability to motivate oneself."

That equates to common sense in my experience.

Common sense is not very common. This rare quality is much easier to see in hindsight. Some people are lucky. They seem to have been born with common sense. But most have to work to learn its rules. Common sense can be identified and embraced by observing successful careers in action. It can be learned from studying the biographies of achievers.

CAREER TIP: COMMON SENSE IS RARE

It is the goal of this blog and other publications from Common Sense At Work© to provide common sense career advice for ambitious men and women who want to accelerate careers.

All you read in Common Sense At Work publications (click here) is written from my real-world experiences working with a wide range of men and women from working as a common laborer in the sawmills of South Arkansas, to the power offices of the Federal government in the nation's capital, to the elegant towers of American Express's New York City headquarters and the sedate club rooms of Europe.

I have also interviewed scores of careerists including those just beginning their careers, middle manages and chief executive officers. I have benefited from the input of professionals who practice in the fields of management psychology and organizational dynamics. Finally, I have done exhaustive research on what has been written and said on the subject of how to get ahead in the world of work.

From these sources I have learned that Common sense is the essential ingredient in career success.

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Top 9 Ways to Improve Employee Morale and Motivation

In many organizations people are working longer hours and doing more jobs because downsizing has reduced human resources to a minimum, yet workload has not decreased. In most cases the intensity and pressures of the job are on the rise. People are working longer and harder to make up for the ones that are. A key issue is "How do we motivate employees after the downsizing?" Managers need to understand:

1) Basic concepts of motivation and human behavior
2) Why people do what they do and;
3) What can be done to improve the motivational climate within their organization.

Here are the top nine techniques you can use immediately to improve productivity and morale in your organization, because you will have better satisfied employees:

1. List jobs being performed in your area of responsibility.
2. List employees in your area of responsibility.
3. Match the jobs with employees wherever practical or possible.
4. Define and list expectations for each person who reports to you.
5. Communicate these expectations to each one in a nonthreatening manner. Make this a positive encounter as you spend time with each employee.
6. Ask each worker what "hassles" prevent him or her from reaching peak performance. Eliminate as many "hassles" as possible.
7. Identify ways to recognize each person in your area of responsibility.
8. Make it a point to provide individual attention to each person who reports to you every day. Even with the distance work place it can be done electronically, but of course personal is more effective. If you are in the same building make opportunities for face to face conversations.
9. Feedback, feedback and more feedback. Constantly seek ways to provide feedback to your employees frequently and in small doses.

Before this week is over, personally, say thank you to every person who works for you. You may be saying this won't work. Give it a try. If approached sincerely, it will result in improved performance and genuinely motivated employees. Simply saying "Thank You" will improve productivity.

Remember, worker motivation involves more than the job and more than the paycheck. It involves day-to-day concern and sincerity on the supervisor's part. There is no magic to improving the motivational climate. It is simply a matter of hard work and paying attention to details. Using these nine steps can help you improve productivity in your business, whatever your business happens to be.

Davis M. Woodruff, PE, CMC

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Employee Motivation - 10 Tips to Boost Job Performance

Increase Employee Performance by Harnessing the Power of Motivation

Employee motivation and productivity can be enhanced and improved by creating a work environment that maximizes the factors that affect performance. These factors are simple to understand, easy to measure, and can add tremendous value to any organization that is willing to implement them. Use these 10 tips to make sure that your employees are energized and inspired to produce the best results possible.

1. Interesting Work

Intrinsic motivation comes from the shear joy and pleasure of doing a task. When you read a great book, no one has to pay for each page you read. It is a pleasure to learn how the story unfolds and watch the plot develop. It is the same way with employee motivation. To maximize employee performance, find out what employees like about their jobs and then try to add more tasks that align with their own natural interests and talents.

2. Appreciation & Recognition

William James said, "The deepest desire in human nature is to be appreciated." It does not matter how much you pay someone, everyone want to know that their efforts are being seen and appreciated, especially by their manager. Don't just send them a thank you e-mail - that just means you care enough to hit the "Enter" key. If you really want to thank someone buy them a real "Thank You" card and describe how their behavior and performance has added value to the team and organization. Make it a point to catch people doing things right and they will inevitably do things right more often.

3. Feeling Involved In the Work Process

Research shows that when people get to participate in creating a system or process, they are much more likely to follow it than one simply imposed upon them by an outside expert. Recognize that the people doing the job have the knowledge of how things can be done better, faster, and cheaper. If you want them to tell you, then make it easy for them to offer suggestions and reward employees who contribute ideas that add value to the bottom line.

4. Achievement

Napoleon once remarked, "It is amazing how willing men are to risk their lives for a little bit of tin and ribbon to wear upon their chest." Awards and prizes can serve as a great motivator to harness the power of healthy competition. It is always better to use rewards that are meaningful and inspiring. When an employee exceeds your expectations, then make sure you recognize their achievement. On the day someone retires, they will pack up these awards and prizes to serve as fond reminders of a wonderful career.

5. Job Security

If everybody had what it takes to be an entrepreneur, then there would be no General Electric or Toyota and we would all be buying products from artisans and craftworkers. Thankfully, many people prefer to be part of a large organization and can be more productive when they get to focus on doing their job instead of worrying about developing a business plan or marketing strategy. Telling people that they are lucky to have a job creates an atmosphere of fear and worry that decreases job performance. Instead, tell your employees that the company is lucky to have such a skilled and committed workforce and people will take pride in their work and their company.

6. Increased Responsibility

We all know that some employees lack ambition and have no desire to advance on the job, but the vast majority of workers want a chance to take on more responsibility and add more value to the organization. Always be aware of opportunities for training that will equip your employees with the skills and tools they will need to advance in their career. Always try to fill open positions with internal applicants before looking for an outside candidate. This will create a culture of career development and preserve institutional memory and organizational knowledge so that it can be transferred to rising employees as they advance in their own career.

7. Good Wages

Robert Bosch, founder of the world's largest automobile parts supplier, said, "I do not pay good wages because I have a lot of money; I have a lot of money because I pay good wages." If you want motivated, high productive employees you have to pay such people according to their ability and performance. Good employees are motivated by more than just good wages, but never allow low wages to be the wedge a competitor can use to steal away your best people.

8. Good Working Conditions

If you want to get the most out of people you need to create an environment that facilitates success. At the minimum, you must offer a safe, clean, and sanitary work site. To get the most out of employees, help them take pride in their workspace, even if it is only a cubicle or workstation. Allow people to personalize their own work sites with photos or small trinkets so they will feel like they have a place that belongs solely to them.

9. Being Part of a Team

Being part of a dysfunctional team is an emotionally draining experience that results in low morale, low productivity, and high turnover. The great coach, Vince Lombardi, once remarked, "Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." We are all social beings and we all want to be part of a healthy team where we can give and receive support, help, and encouragement. Organizations can harness this natural human desire by aligning employee efforts to achieve goals that are mutually beneficial to both the organization and its employees.

10. Help with Personal Problems

How many times have you heard about a bad boss who told their employees to leave their problems at the door so they could focus on their job? Unfortunately, they probably left their motivation and productivity at the door as well. Smart managers know that it is not their job to be a counselor or therapist, but it is there job to recognize when one of their employees is having personal problems that are affecting their job performance. They need to have open lines of honest communication so that employees can feel encouraged to ask for help and then be directed to their Human Resources Department or their Employee Assistance Programs.

Thomas Haizlip is an executive coach who works with college educated, mid and senior level managers. He specializes in three types of clients:

1. High Potential- clients that need fast track development,

2. Valuable, But Risking Derailment - clients who are competent, but are not performing well now because of poor people skills,

3. Diamonds in the Rough- clients who are technically competent but are not advancing because of a lack of emotional intelligence and limited leadership competencies.

Tom 

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Are You a Good Employee? The Top Five Ways to Improve Job Performance

In spite of improvements in the economy, the American job market remains tighter than ever. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15 million Americans remain unemployed as of May, 2010. Among teens and young adults the unemployment rate is much higher, nearly three times greater than the rest of the workforce. There are also signs that the unemployment rate may surge by the end of the year. Faced with such grim statistics, the focus for many of us has been finding and nailing that all-important job interview, but anyone with experience in the job market knows that the real challenge begins after getting hired.

That's right, the need to market yourself to an employer doesn't end once you've filled out the W-2 form. Businesses are watching their workers more closely than ever before, and being a good employee these days isn't just about striving for a raise or a promotion -- it's about protecting your job security and your future. So what can you do to secure your position and ensure your success once you get hired? Become a great employee! Below are the top five qualities many companies are looking for in their employees along with ways you can improve your job performance.

#5 Wear Appropriate Attire

Appearance matters and the interview isn't the only time you need to look good for an employer. Don't just follow your company's dress code policy; make an effort to look your best every day on the job.

One of the easiest ways to improve job performance begins before work -- personal appearance and hygiene can speak volumes about one's character, and employers know it. Most job seekers are aware that it's important to dress professionally for an interview, but landing a job does not give you license to stop showering or to start wearing sweatpants to work. Your employer is expecting you to act as professionally on the job as you did during the hiring process, and looking like you just rolled out of bed on your first day will have him or her wondering if hiring you was a mistake.

Dress conservatively and always be well groomed, even if your company has an informal dress code.

Cathy Ward, a business owner since the 1990s, maintains a relaxed dress code at her ecommerce company, but says even businesses with a casual atmosphere still expect a certain degree of professionalism in their employees' attire.

"Yes, we are a laid back place to work," Ward says. "That doesn't mean you can come in dressed like you're out on a Friday night excursion. That shows us you don't care about your job and that you can't make appropriate decisions about important matters."

You may not need to wear a suit to work, but you do need to carefully follow your employer's dress code. Being a good employee means never testing your company's limits and trying to see what you can "get away with." Your clothing should always be clean, free from wrinkles, and conservative.

A slovenly appearance can cost you your job.

Many businesses factor attire and appearance into employee reviews, and those outfits you threw together from clothes heaped in the laundry basket can cost you a raise, a promotion, or even your future with the company.

#4 Be on Time

This is one of the simplest and easiest requirements of any job, yet it remains one of the biggest headaches faced by employers. Arrive at work at least five minutes early each day and be ready to start working the moment you punch in.

Don't want to get out of bed in the morning? Before you hit the snooze button you may want to ask yourself if your future is worth that extra five minutes of sleep. Punctuality remains one of the great unresolved problems of many employers, and the crackdown has already begun.

Over the past decade some of the biggest companies in America have started implementing strict or even zero tolerance attendance policies aimed at problem employees, many of which are monitored electronically. Your boss may not notice that you've been sneaking in a few minutes late each day, but the company's computer does, and your tardiness can put your position in jeopardy.

Your attendance affects everyone around you and your company's bottom line.

A zero tolerance policy may seem a bit harsh, but being late to work has a real economic impact on businesses struggling to remain profitable in a tight economy. Your attendance affects not just your own work but the performance of your coworkers and your company's ability to do business. Those few minutes every day add up, and the time and productivity lost from all those late starts represents a major expense. Your employer is fully aware that if you aren't willing to be punctual every day, they can find someone else who is.

"Businesses waste a tremendous amount of time covering for late or no-show employees," Ward says. "It also puts incredible strain on the people who do show up on time to do their jobs. It isn't fair to your employer, its clients, or your coworkers, and it shows that you don't care. If you don't, you don't deserve the job."

Finish all personal activities before you punch in.

Remember that being physically present at your place of business is not the same thing as being on time. Punching in then hanging up your coat, eating breakfast, or chatting with your coworkers for ten minutes is actually worse than simply showing up ten minutes late. If you want to make a pot of coffee or talk about last night's episode of Dancing with the Stars, fine, but arrive early and get everything taken care of before you're scheduled to start your day. Once you're on the clock you should be ready to immediately begin working.

If you can't avoid being late, notify your employer and prevent it from happening again.

Sometimes fate can conspire to make even a great employee late. A traffic accident, a blown tire, a meteor crashing from the sky; there's always the risk that some unforeseen occurrence will prevent us from being on time. When this happens it's your responsibility to contact your employer as soon as possible and to take steps to avoid future delays.

Unexpected hassles are an unfortunate part of commuting, but they aren't your employer's problem. Don't make excuses; just give yourself ample time to get to work each day. That tiny bit of lost sleep is a small price to pay for your success.

#3 Keep a Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude at work is the key to a successful career in any field or industry. Negative attitudes are self-sustaining and will only make you feel worse about your job while robbing you of opportunities to improve it.

Many people treat their personal attitude like a private matter, but it isn't -- it's a very public expression of who you are and how you feel about the job. Showing up to work every day with a chip on your shoulder doesn't just carry over into your performance and hurt your career, it harms everyone around you. Your bad mood will darken your coworkers' moods, and their annoyance will blow back onto you -- creating a feedback loop of stressful negativity and conflict that accomplishes nothing.

A lesson from Sunday school: Treat your coworkers the same way you want them to treat you.

Avoiding cycles of negativity and having a great attitude means making a mental commitment to keeping positive about your work and being supportive of your coworkers. Do you have to like everyone you work with? No, but you are obligated to give them the same deference and respect you want them to give you. This simple "Sunday school" concept is at the heart of professionalism and is the key ingredient of teamwork and a successful work environment.

Your attitude is communicated through more than words alone.

Also keep in mind that much if not most of our communication is non-verbal and that everything you do conveys your mood. Your facial expressions, appearance, the slouch of your shoulders, the way you walk, and especially your tone of voice (think sarcasm) clearly express how you really feel. Going through the motions of being polite will backfire if your teeth are always clenched or if you're constantly slamming down the phone. Attitude comes from within, so don't just settle for being passive aggressive -- work on genuinely improving your outlook.

If your job makes you miserable and you can't improve your attitude, find another job.

But what if your job is so mind-numbing you just can't feel good about it? Or if your boss truly is unbearable? Or deep down you hate how your company does business? Should you just learn to live with it? Teach them all a lesson by being a problem employee? Absolutely not, explains Bob Bryant, owner of the merchant services company ProcessForLess.com. He adds that if you really can't stand your job, then it's time to find another one.

"Attitude is everything," Bryant says. "If you are only working where you are for the money, consider searching for a position that you enjoy. Spare your employer your bad attitude and poor performance."

Businesses do not have the time to resolve your interpersonal conflicts or to make life decisions for you.

If you really dislike your job or keep finding yourself in intractable conflicts with your coworkers, the only things within your power to change are your attitude and the job itself. There's nothing wrong with discovering that a particular work environment isn't right for you, but if you're truly unhappy then it's up to you to improve the situation. Your employer is obligated to pay a fair wage and treat you with respect, not mediate your disagreements or obsess over your mental well being.

Cathy Ward agrees. She explains that while workplace disagreements are inevitable, employees need to be positive, respectful, and resolve conflicts as adults. She adds that businesses simply do not have the time to deal with overly negative employees. "This isn't daycare," Ward says. "Behave. Believe it or not, times are tough and most businesses are struggling to stay on top of this recession. Don't waste our time by forcing us to intercede on petty disagreements."

Use self-examination to make yourself aware of your own attitude.

But is your attitude really that bad? Seeing yourself as others do can be tricky, and it's important to be as objective as possible when examining your behavior. Below are some of the trademarks of a great employee -- try to answer the following questions as honestly as possible:

- Do you complain or whine that you would rather be doing something else?

- Do you engage in gossip or point out the faults of fellow employees?

- Do you check emotional baggage at the door, or do you discuss personal matters that are inappropriate to the workplace?

- Do you downplay the efforts of your coworkers, or take credit for things you didn't do?

- Are you polite and considerate in all interactions with employees and supervisors, regardless of whether you agree with them or like them personally?

- Do you treat problems as challenges that can be solved as a team, or as the personal failure of your company, supervisor, or coworkers?

- Are you willing to talk through and amicably resolve workplace conflicts, or do you treat them as fights you need to win?

- Are you open and accepting of modifications to workplace procedure, or do you actively resist every change?

Try this exercise to see yourself the way your employer sees you.

Still not sure if you have the right attitude for your job? Here's an easy exercise for seeing yourself the way your employer does:

Think of yourself as a one-person business (in a way that's exactly what you are). Now imagine that your employer is your customer. Your employer has the right to expect the same attitude and behavior from you that you would expect from a business when you are shopping or buying a service. Really look at the "experience of you" that you give your employer every day. Ask yourself if you've given them reasons to keep coming back to your business. Would you want to buy something from you?

A great attitude doesn't mean being happy 100% of the time or somehow getting everyone to like you, but it does mean being honest with yourself and your coworkers. A good employee constantly strives to be upbeat and professional. Keeping that attitude no matter where you find yourself will make your job a better place to work, and your employers will appreciate you for it.

#2 Appreciate the Job

You have to appreciate your job and your employer if you want your employer to appreciate you.

Lately there's been a tendency in popular culture to depict most companies as greedy, mismanaged behemoths populated with spectacularly incompetent middle managers who are completely out of touch with reality. We've all seen news reports about executive bonuses, or watched TV shows like The Office, or read comic strips like Dilbert. Yes, over the past ten years the images of have employers has taken a real beating. But while it's true there are plenty of immoral businesses and ineffective managers out there, many employees now take it for granted that they know better than their bosses or that it's acceptable to get one over on their employer.

This perception has led to a sense of entitlement and ingratitude that many problem employees have used to justify a variety of questionable behaviors ranging from poor attendance (see above), to insubordination, to simple laziness, to even outright theft. However, this sense completely ignores the fact that most companies are small and independently owned businesses, not mega-corporations, and that the vast majority of these employers are operating in the most ethically responsible way that they can. As for your clueless boss, chances are he or she worked hard to get to where they are today. They may not always be right, but they do have knowledge of the job born from experience.

Many companies and managers welcome fresh perspectives and ideas from their employees, but that doesn't mean you get to act like the CEO. You need to appreciate that there's probably good reasons things are the way they are, and unless you're omniscient you likely don't know them all. Even if your ideas are great, you still need to show proper courtesy when you share them.

"Most employees have no idea what it takes to run a company," says Cathy Ward. "I know that now that I'm a boss. If an employee questions something I do, that's fine, but they need to do so respectfully. I have reasons for many of my decisions that come from twenty years experience."

"It's not easy being a boss," adds Adam Williams*, a human resources consultant. "It's even harder these days when so many people automatically assume their boss is stupid. When I coach managers I tell them if they see signs of disrespect from an employee once or twice, they need to confront that person. From there the employee either needs to get on board or drown."

The fact is that no matter where you work or whom you work for, there's no such thing as job entitlement. No, your employer is not obligated to act on your ideas, but you are obligated to complete your assignments, even if they seem pointless. By the same token it's never acceptable to shirk a task, skip work, or steal simply because you feel your employer isn't perfect. Your job, and the perks that come with it, need to be earned.

Respect is a two-way street. If you want to be an active part of your company and treated as a good employee, great, but you need to first appreciate the job and the huge amount of effort that goes into running any company. Unless you have that appreciation, your employer will never appreciate you.

#1 Work to the Best of Your Ability

Do your absolute best to fully complete any task, duty, or assignment regardless of whether it's something you enjoy doing or not.

There's an old saying that goes, "Close enough for government work." Avoid this mentality (especially if you actually work for the government) and commit yourself to putting forth your best effort to every aspect of your job -- never walk way from something that is merely "close enough." Consistently giving your best is a fundamental unwritten rule of any job, and it's the most important quality for ensuring your success throughout your career.

Doing your best can lower stress and make work more fun.

Giving your best can also make your job easier and a lot more enjoyable. Bob Bryant points out that when an employee works to the best of his or her ability, they inspire their coworkers to do the same. This not only increases productivity but can make any environment a more pleasant place to work.

"Work doesn't have to be fun, but it can be," Bryant says. "When everyone makes that extra effort you can actually see the stress level of the workplace decrease. People start having more fun even as their performance improves."

Bryant says that just as with attitude the opposite is also true, and workers who fail to focus on their tasks can make everyone else's jobs more difficult and hurt morale. "If you can't get behind the people you work with and support them to your fullest capacity," Bryant says, "you do both them and yourself a disservice."

Seek help and ask for clarification when you need it.

Bryant adds, "People sometimes mistake doing your best with being perfect. That's simply not true. If you don't understand what's being asked of you or honestly don't feel you're capable of handling it on your own, it's OK to go to someone for help."

Ward agrees, and notes that, "It always takes longer to fix a mistake than it does to take an extra moment to learn how to do it right the first time. If you don't know, ask."

Never leave something unfinished or try to sweep a project under the rug simply because it is unfamiliar or difficult. While you should avoid causing your coworkers too many distractions, there is no shame in reaching out for assistance once in a while, especially if you are new to a position. It shows you care about the job and are committed to seeing it done right.

When you make a mistake, accept responsibility and work to resolve it quickly. Take the initiative to prevent it from happening again.

But until the robots take over, all of us are human and mistakes are unavoidable. When they happen, face the problem head-on and don't make excuses. Trying to weasel your way out of a mistake you made by fabricating a story or blaming someone else ultimately wastes everyone's time and is a poor reflection on your character. Identify what caused the problem, do whatever you need to do to correct the issue, and work out a plan to prevent it from happening again. Employers have far more respect for employees who take responsibility for their actions than those who don't, and your integrity will take you far in the long run.

Grow with your position while consistently striving to improve your performance.

When an employer hires you, he or she is making a bet on your future. Your company is going to invest time and resources into training you because they believe you will be an asset to their business. Doing the bare minimum of work or resisting change stalls that investment. It makes it harder for the company to grow and makes it inestimably more difficult for you to grow with the company.

Working to improve your performance and to consistently raise your personal standards doesn't just benefit your employer, it benefits you -- and not just with raises and promotions. It makes your work more engaging, your days more enjoyable, and prepares you for a great future. You spend a lot of time working, after all, so why not make it the best experience you can?

Committing Yourself to Being a Good Employee Will Help You Succeed in Any Economy

With nearly one in every ten Americans still out of work, embarking on a career is more difficult now than in recent memory. So, if you are currently employed, take a moment to congratulate yourself on making it this far -- we all know it wasn't easy. But next think about the commitment you've made to your appearance, your attendance, your attitude and outlook, and whether you're ready to give your best. These are simple ways to improve your job performance that will make you a great employee and will give you the tools to succeed and develop your dream career, no matter what the economic outlook. Good luck and get to work!

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Career Advice - The Boss Is Not Always Right, But He's Always The Boss

You are well served on your career path when you accept this fundamental truth and learn to deal constructively with it. Your boss and the organization that employs both of you will also be better off.

Bosses often have a way of appearing to be infallible. In fact, it is easier for them to be right, or appear to be right, than it is for those whom they supervise. Bosses have access to more data and resources. They have more control over circumstances. Moreover, we tend to assume (often with a little nudging from them) that they are always right. Still, bosses do make mistakes.

Career Tip: Help The Boss Deal With His Mistakes

A primary responsibility of subordinates is to help their bosses to avoid making mistakes and to help correct errors once they are committed.

Some bosses want to blame others. They are like the humorist James Thurber, who made a mistake in placing a telephone call and then demanded of the person who answered and told him he had the wrong number, "Well, if I called the wrong number, why did you answer the phone?"

It is not easy to tell the boss he is wrong, nor is it without risks. Even under the best of circumstance, most bosses don't relish hearing that message. But then who does? Nevertheless, the bosses (and subordinates) who are going to be successful don't shoot the messenger. They grit their teeth, hear the truth and take corrective action.

Career Tip: Put Off Action That Will Lead To Mistake

Sometimes, it is best to avoid supervisor making a mistake by not carrying out an order or by procrastinating until the situation cools down. This is particularly effective if your boss is given to temper fits during which he acts rashly.

In a rage, President Kennedy ordered the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to punish the NBC television network, through whatever means possible, for a news report it had broadcast. The FCC chief sat on the order and did nothing for several days. He then told Mr. Kennedy that he had not followed his orders, making the point that the chief executive was fortunate to have people working for him who were too loyal to carry out every order posthaste. By then The President had cooled down and agreed with the tactic.

In one of his books, President Nixon wrote of how he was frustrated because his aides declined to carry out his orders. On the other hand, those staff members say they were protecting him from making mistakes.

It is a matter of history that the president and the country would have been spared a great deal of trauma if those aides had ignored his orders that resulted in the Watergate scandal.

Career Tip: Not All Mistakes Are Worth Correcting

Before telling the boss he is wrong, be sure the mistake is worth the effort. Some mistakes made don't make any material difference. They are just pains in the backside. But if the problem is material, bite the bullet and speak up.

Career Tip: Success Is In Delivering The Message

Of course, a great deal depends on how the message is delivered. Obviously, it is not wise to declare, "Boss, you are wrong." Never discuss the supervisor's mistakes with those who are not involved in making the correction.

When you have to point out an error, make the message as impersonal as possible. Do not point fingers or become accusatory. Be sure you have the facts to support your case and stick to them.

Wrap the message in diplomatic language.

"Have you noticed that ...? "

"What would happen if we took another approach?"

"I am not being critical but ... "

"I know you would want me to tell you about ... "

Offer to help. Always have a suggestion for corrective action or a better way to do something so the mistake will not be repeated.

Take your fair share, and more, of the responsibility if you have had a role in creating the error.

Remember, this is not a game of "gotcha" in which you see how many times you catch the boss in a mistake. Don't keep score. Your trip on the career path will be smoother and more rewarding when you follow these career tips.

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Balancing Work and Family

These days there isn't a family that isn't supported by a dual income. There are many people with 2 jobs. Finding time to fit in all your responsibilities as well as have a meaningful home life can definitely be challenging. But there is no reason for you not to be successful in both. Here are a few thing to keep in mind when feeling burdened by those expectations.

Schedule Everything

Every single one of us has only 24 hrs each day. So why are there people who seem to get more accomplished than others? Planning! When it comes to business successful people have their schedulers filled to the max. Not having a planner doesn't necessarily refer to your work life alone. It is important that you schedule personal time as well.

It's Starts At Home

Whether you have a family or significant other, each deserve and warrant time from you if you want them to be healthy. Neglecting one aspect of your life will cause an imbalance in the rest. This results in disharmony and resentment. Once you schedule personal time, don't slack it off. It's just as important as anything you do in business. Believe me; those who you deal with will understand your responsibility. If you have an unstable home life, you'll have an unstable professional life. Take care of what's most important first before you tend to everything else.

Stay Focused

I know it's very hard for some people. But when you have time with your spouse or family, turn off the laptop, ignore the calls from the office. You'll get to them. Relationships need work too. You just can't expect them to be because they are there. If you put nothing into your family/ relationship you'll get nothing out of them. Focus in your partner. Listen to them, tend to them. Give yourself to them. Give yourself to your children. Play with them. Notice the trend? Make it about them. Not about you. You'd be surprised by truly giving yourself how much you receive in return.

Respect Time

Now that you've scheduled everything be sure to stick to that schedule. If you've scheduled the gym and 6 am... stick to it. If you schedule an appointment with your biggest client you certainly aren't going to miss that are you? One gets into trouble when they skip a schedule, or over lap time. You should never go into any meeting completely prepared. Time is money in business, and in relationships time is invaluable. People who are always late, or cancelling appointments are not organized and don't respect time. You can accomplish everything you want if everything is given it's proper time and place.

Respect Others

The health of the relationships you have whether it be personal or professional are a direct reflection of the value you place in them. Neglect them and they will reflect your mentality towards them. Nobody wants a spouse who never has time for them or when they do spend time together is focusing on everything but them. It's disrespectful. We all need nurturing, and that balance shifts constantly. You can show you care by focusing on them and giving them your attention. They'll love you all the more for it. In business your clients want to see that you're well prepared, on time, and can listen to their needs. The difference isn't all that great between business and personal success. The biggest difference is usually a selfish one from you. Neglect in one area will have negative affects in another. You owe it to all in your sphere to be the best you can be.

Elliot Zovighian

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