Write your First Resume

10:16 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
If you are entering the job market, you need to know how to build a perfect resume before applying for your first job.

Since you are fresh out of college and possess no work experience, use your education as your strong point. Aggregate %, CGPA, accolades, club participation, etc .should be your focus.

How you present yourself in that resume will go a long way towards getting you your first job.
It's a myth that resumes of entry-level graduates are unimportant. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is a well-made resume important for every job seeker, it is more critical for entry level graduates. A resume is a mirror of your professional identity. A well-defined resume impresses a recruiter.  Here are some do's and don'ts on what makes a great resume for graduates seeking entry-level positions in industry.

OBJECTIVE
 
Resumes of fresh graduates have confused, general objectives or no objective at all. Mentioning a specific objective is by far the most important feature of an entry- level resume. Without goal clarity you are bound to drown in mediocrity.

 Your objective should be clear, well-defined and short-not more than 10-12 words.. It should be aimed towards getting a particular position in a specific industry. Thus your objective should talk about the following:
1. Position wanted
2. Functional area
3. Industry wanted

Examples of good objectives:
 
Example 1: "Junior management position wanted in PROGRAMMING/ engineering field in IT industry.'
Example 2: GET in position in the manufacturing field.
Example 3: Entry level programmer in a software development company.
Example 4: Marketing position in the FMCG segment of a Multinational Company.
Example 5: Multimedia software development position. Open to Relocation.
Example 6: "A position as a Production supervisor with a petro-chemical company."

SUMMARY
 
Summary is the second most important factor that is conspicuous by its absence in resumes of entry-level graduates. It is a good idea to include a summary of your resume after having mentioned your objective. This sums up your resume in a nutshell and gives you an opportunity to highlight your strengths. It invites the recruiter to read your detailed resume. The summary should consist of 4-5 specific points-either bulleted or in one paragraph.

Sample Summary 1:
  • B.E (Computer Science) from IIT-Delhi, in 2000.
  • Course in Computers Database programmes Oracle 8I & VB6 from PENTASOFT in 2005.
  • Consistently good academic record.
  • Good analytical and communication skills.
  • Have worked on a curriculum project "* XXXXX XXXX"
Sample Summary 2:
 
"Masters in Computer Application with specialisation in J2EE/Web Technologies. Great operational, communication and computer skills. Good academic record throughout. Among the top three students out of a batch of 120 students. Undergone Industrial training in a top petrochemical Company.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
 
It is a good idea to include only those educational and professionals qualifications which are relevant. Put your qualifications in a reverse chronological order. i.e. the recent ones first followed by earlier ones. Entry level resume should also mention the names of their school and college, years in which they passed their board examinations. However, include your marks only where you have shown a good academic performance.

WORK EXPERIENCE
 
An entry- level resume cannot compete with resumes of experienced workers in the area of work experience. But don't forget to list internships, voluntary work and summer training that you have undertaken. How you present these is very important. Make sure you clearly define your duty and responsibilities during this training.
E.g.: "Worked as a summer trainee in India's largest Oil Refinery. I was working for the system control department. Wrote quality reports as well as ISO features for the  company." Any projects done for your school or your college should also be mentioned.


DESIGN
 
Follow a simple design, which gives maximum information in the minimum number of pages. Use an easy to read and commonly used font like 'Times New Roman' or 'Verdana.' Limit your font size to 10-11. Do not underline heavily.

WORD USAGE
 
Simple language, lucid expression with good grammar is the thumb rule. Watch your tenses carefully. Use short and simple sentences. And never-ever make the mistake of using long words just to impress the recruiter. Flowery words are for speeches, keep them away from your resume.

OUCH! THE TRUTH HURTS
 
There are many things we would rather not write in our resumes. And while writing a resume the strong temptation to stretch the truth (or simply lie through our teeth) can be quite overpowering. But just stomp on the temptation. Most companies opt for a reference check during recruitment. Your resume is considered a legal document and fudging up small details may cause you great embarrassment in your career.
important post-resume do's left.

CHECK, AND RE-CHECK!
 
The most important post resume step: Read and re-read your resume for any mistakes. Check the facts, the grammar, the spellings. After you have checked it, get you parents, friends, teachers to check it for you. One small mistake may cost you your job.
And finally - Do not procrastinate over anything, specially making your resume. Most fresh graduates prefer to leave the unappealing task of resume making till the last minute i.e the day before their first interview. However, remember that making great resumes take time and effort. And the rewards will last you a lifetime.
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10:12 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
There are many different types of interviews designed to serve different purposes or situations. Regardless of the type of interview, most will incorporate the following stages: establishing rapport, exchanging information, and closing the interview. Pay attention to the job titles of the interviewer(s). This can help you decide how much technical detail to provide in your responses.  
Establishing Rapport

This is a very important part of the interview because while establishing rapport, first impressions are made, and the tone of the interview is set. Some people suggest that the decision to hire is greatly influenced by the first five minutes of the interview. A good interviewer will introduce him/herself, and take the lead. Follow his or her lead - if they are chatty, be chatty; if they are formal, be formal. Some employers use what seems to be casual conversation to get to know you on a more personal level – this may be crucial to a hiring decision!

Tips:

  • Smile and maintain eye contact. This is one way of communicating confidence, even if you don't feel it.
  • If the interviewer offers his or her hand, shake it firmly. If they don't, it is appropriate to offer yours.
  • Wait until the interviewer sits or offers you a seat before sitting down.
  • If the interviewer is making small talk, participate. Keep your answers short and positive.

Exchange of Information

This is the bulk of the interview. It is your opportunity to let the interviewer know what you have to offer, and your chance to learn more about the organization.

Tips:

  • When you answer a question, look the interviewer in the eye.
  • Be aware of the interviewer's reactions. If he or she looks confused, ask if you can clarify anything.
  • Be aware of what your body is saying. Avoid closed postures. Sit upright, but not stiffly.
  • Try to find a comfortable position as that will make you feel more relaxed.
  • Control your nervous habits. Don't swing your foot, talk with your hands (to an extreme), or fiddle with jewelers, buttons, pens, etc.
  • Show that you are interested in the job by asking questions.
  • Try not to appear bored or anxious. Don't look at your watch.

Closing the Interview

When the interviewer is done gathering the information that is needed, he or she will ask if you have anything to add, or if you have any questions. This is your opportunity to mentally review your inventory of skills and make sure that you have communicated everything that you wanted to. If any of your questions have not been addressed during the course of the interview, now is the time to ask them.

Tips:

  • Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration.
  • Ask when you can expect to hear from him/her. 
  • If it is not known when a decision will be reached, ask if you can phone in a week's time to inquire about the progress. 
  • If the interviewer offers his/her hand, shake it firmly. Otherwise, it is fine to offer yours first. 
  • If not already discussed, you can offer to leave a sample of your work, or portfolio if you have one.
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~Life's Tug Of War~

10:04 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post

~Life's Tug Of War~

Life can seem ungrateful ~ and not always kind.
Life can pull at your heartstrings ~ and play with your mind.
Life can be blissful ~ and happy and free.
Life can put beauty ~ in the things that you see.
Life can place challenges ~ right at your feet.
Life can make good ~ of the hardships that we meet.
Life can overwhelm you ~ and make your head spin.
Life can reward those ~ determined to win.
Life can be hurtful ~ and not always fair.
Life can surround you ~ with people who care.
Life clearly does offer ~ its ups and its downs.
Life's days can bring you ~ both smiles and frowns.
Life teaches us to take ~ the good with the bad.
Life is a mixture ~ of happy and sad.

So.....

Take the life that you have ~ and give it your best.
Think positive, be happy ~ let God do the rest.
Take the challenges ~ that life has laid at your feet.
Take pride and be thankful ~ for each one you meet.
To yourself give forgiveness ~ if you stumble and fall.
Take each day that is dealt you ~ and give it your all.
Take the love that you're given ~ and return it with care.
Have faith that when needed ~ it will always be there.
Take time to find the beauty ~ in the things that you see.
Take life's simple pleasures ~ let them set your heart free.
The idea here is simply ~ to even the score.
As you are met and faced with ~ Life's Tug Of War.

~Author Unknown~
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A Inspirational and Motivational Story ACRES OF DAIMONDS

9:55 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
There was a farmer in Africa who was happy and content. He was happy because he was content. He was content because he was happy. One day a wise man came to him and told him about the glory of diamonds and the power that goes along with them. The wise man said, "If you had a diamond the size of your thumb, you could have your own city. If you had a diamond the size of your fist, you could probably own your own country." And then he went away. That night the farmer couldn't sleep. He was unhappy and he was discontent. He was unhappy because he was discontent and discontent because he was unhappy.


2. The grass on the other side always looks greener.
4. When people don't know how to recognize opportunity, they complain of noise when it knocks.
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Questions you may be asked in the interview

9:55 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)

What do you know about our company?

Why should we hire you?

What can you do for us that someone else can't?

What do you look for in a job?

What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?

How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?

How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?

Describe your management style.

What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?

Why are you looking for a new career?

How would your colleagues describe you?

How would your boss describe you?

How would you describe yourself?

What do you think of your present or past boss?

What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?

What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?

Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?

How much do you expect if we offer you this position?

Why do you want to work for us?

What other positions are you considering?

Have you kept up in your field with additional training?

What are your career goals?

What are your strong points?

What are your weak points?

How did you do in school?

What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?

If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?

What was wrong with your current or last position?

What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?

Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember don't give it out unless it is asked for).
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The cardinal sins never to commit during interviews revealed

9:53 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
Want to crack a job interview without any blunders? Well, then here are some things, which the interviewers don't expect you to do during the one on one session.

The survey carried out by a career website over more than 3000 managers and human resources professionals brought forth the worst interview faux pas by job seekers that failed them to land the job.

Fifty one per cent of managers said 'dressing inappropriately' for an interview was the biggest mistake a jobseeker could make.

According to Kirsty Ferguson, from Pinstripe Solutions Interview Coach, inappropriate dressing leaves a message that the candidate hasn't bothered to research the company, industry or the culture.

"A lot of people these days say this is who I am, and too bad," News.com.au quoted her, as saying.

"But to get what you want, you have to have those professional standards," she added.

Christine Connors, owner of Interview for Success, echoes that same.

She said that candidates wear the wrong thing because they go with what they're used to, and don't understand the company's culture or requirements of the new role.

"I advise clients to go observe employees coming and going from the building and then step it up one notch from that," said Connors.

Complaining about a former employer can also land you in trouble for 49 per cent of managers said that it was the biggest mistake you could make.

While seeming disinterested was third, with 48 per cent.

Jobseekers appear disinterested when they haven't researched the company and don't have any questions - another thing interviewers hate - said Connors.

Do not ask about your salary in the first interview. Focus on selling the product, which is you.

"The one that sticks in the mind a candidate where body odour was a big problem," Connors said.

The candidate was well dressed, qualified and personable, but it was a hot summer's day.

"As soon as he came in, an odour permeated the room," she said.

He wasn't hired because the customer and sales focused job required excellent grooming.

Remember to turn off your phone before entering the room. Ferguson said that answering a mobile phone during an interview also irks the interviewers.

"When you have the mobile phone on, it says waiting for a call is more important - it takes away your credibility," she said.

Don't be too friendly since interviewers may try to draw candidates into a 'false sense of security' to see if they stay professional.

Avoid using slangs. Younger generation make the mistake of 'like this, like that', which is unprofessional and annoys older managers.

Connor said that telling too many personal details when asked 'tell us about yourself' is another big mistake. Have a personal statement of two to three minutes prepared which highlights your key strengths and how they are relevant.

The managers also managers listed arrogance as another big mistake.

"Some candidates have been successful all their lives, they think they are going to breeze in but they haven't taken the initiative to learn about or show interest in the company," said Connors.

"It has to be a two way street. Showing you are confident but asking about the company and how you can contribute will avoid coming across as arrogant," she added.
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Frequently asked Interview Questions

10:21 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
Most frequently asked Interview Questions
Are you prepairing for your job interview? Have you given any mock interviews? Or have you planned how you are going to answer the interview questions? If not than here is the list of some general questions which are usually being asked in job interviews:
  • Why have you selected to join us?
    I always longed to work with a company. I am familiar and whose products I have used and trusted.
    (Narrate briefly how you can prove your statement. Do good research on the company before facing the interview)
  • Where do you want to be in 5 years?
    I would like to be frank. Judge me from the work and I am sure you will put me right where I want to be.
    Note : Do not over ambitious and speak in a way that you are not satisfied with your current job which you have applied for.
  • Describe your ideal career?
    Talk of what you enjoy most your skills and natural talents. Do not specify your goal and any job title.
  • Tell me something about yourself
    Do not just repeat what you have given in your resume. Be ready with the answer, a talent or something you did out of the ordinary. You can sound it as unique or give it a touch of your personality.
  • How did you apply for the job?
    Be specific and give a straight answer of how you came to know about the vacancy. If it was advertised specify how you came across it.
  • Why do you want to work here?
    Have a research done about the company / organization
    Give just one or two reasons why you are interested. You can add these points (1)  company's reputation(2) desire to join the specific field of interest.
  • Don't you think that you are over qualified for this job?
    (This question is put to you to puzzle a candidate. Be calm and answer the question with a positive and confident approach)
    Answer in the negative
    My experience and qualification will just help me to do the job better. Moreover I am at establishing a long term relationship which my qualification will favor me to handle more responsibilities and help me to rise to your expectations.
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Peer Pressure

10:19 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
It is important for kids to feel that they fit in with their peers (other kids in your group or school or neighbourhood). But sometimes you may find yourself doing something because others are doing it, and which makes you feel uncomfortable or not safe. You always have the right to say no to something that you don't feel right about. Sometimes it is hard to say no to your friends - perhaps you need to learn how to keep out of situations that could lead to trouble.
Dealing with negative pressure
Learn to recognise the signs. If you feel a bit scared, how does your body tell you?
  • Your legs feel shaky.
  • Your mouth feels dry.
  • Your tummy feels full of 'butterflies' or you feel sick.
  • Your heart beats faster.
  • Your head feels hot - or cold.
These are some body reactions which some children have had when they are feeling pressured to do something they don't feel right about.Do you have any different ones?
If you tune in to your feelings, you will be able to recognise when your body isn't comfortable, and your mind will try to tell your body what to do next.
 Choosing what to do
You need to take charge here. Stop and think. Ask yourself some questions.
  • Could this be trouble? Will it break the law? Will it break the school or home rules?
  • Will people in authority be angry with me or disappointed?
  • Will someone be hurt - their body or their feelings?
  • Will I be safe? 
  • Do I feel good about this?
  • Assess the situation - think about what is happening.
 You need to be able to recognise bad peer pressure.
If someone is asking you to do something that is good and won't lead to trouble for someone, they will not say things like.....
"Everyone does it"
"No one will know"
"You're chicken"
"Who's going to find out?"
"Don't be a wuss"
"Go on I dare you"
Make a good choice
Think:
  • do I want to do this? [What is your body telling you?]
  • what good things could happen?
  • what bad things could happen?
  • Take action to avoid trouble
  • Think quickly.
  • Decide which strategy to use for saying NO.
  • If this is a situation where you are being bullied or you might be in danger, then you must ensure your safety first. This might mean agreeing to think about it and then saying 'NO' when you are in a safer place, or not alone. 
    How to say no
    These are some ways that have worked for kids who wanted to say no.
  • Just say No! Keep on saying it.
  • Leave, so that you can't be persuaded.
  • Pretend you haven't heard and walk away.
  • Make an excuse. "Can't stop now, got to go....."
  • Talk about something else that they are interested in and don't let them change the subject.
  • Laugh. "I thought you said… You've got to be joking!" Then change the subject or leave - still laughing.
 Have a better Idea???
  • Pretend to be shocked or amazed. Give friendly advice: "That could be a dumb thing to do. Whose idea was it? You're too smart to get into that."  
  • Say, "I'm not doing this because I'm your friend and I don't want to see you get into trouble."  
  • Say, "That's a bit unkind. How would you feel if someone did [said] that to you?"  
  • Say, "Everybody's different, even you."  
  • Say, "You're entitled to your opinion, I'm entitled to mine."
  • Whatever you do, speak quickly and firmly. Make it clear that your mind is made up and you don't want to talk about it any more.
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LEADERSHIP SKILLS - A short story

9:44 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
In ancient times, a king had a stone placed on a roadway. Then he hides himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the rock, the rural person laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the rock had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the rock from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand.

Moral of the Story

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.
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Try not to USE the Word TRY!

9:40 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
Try not to USE the Word TRY! to Gain the Power of Communication.

Try is amongst the most misunderstood word. “Try, try, try again” is a quote that we all grew up with and we have heard it time and again. Yes, it means to persist, and not to give up too early or not to get disheartened due to setbacks and failures. This usage of the word “TRY” is motivational and hence good.
 

I will try to pass in first class, I will try to accomplish the targets, I will try to come on time, etc are in reality reflects that the person is ‘not confident’ and is ‘uncertain’. The word “TRY” used in this context actually means nothing or demonstrates a defensive behaviour on the part of the user.

 
Here the word ‘TRY’ is like a ‘cat on the wall’ statement as you really do not know which side of the wall the cat will jump the right, the left, forward or backwards. Try is a neutral statement and as such does not carry the conviction of a positive YES or a negative NO. So the statement indeed enables the user to hide under a mask by not letting you know the true intention.
 
In our daily life we do come across a lot of individuals who use this word TRY often. The frequent use is probably due to ignorance of the consequences of such unintended usage. The word TRY does not communicate the definitive step to the mind and hence the mind does not know what to do really. The word TRY is dangerous in that it has no commitment or ownership to the action even within the individual. Hence he or she may end up as an average or a poor performer as the communication within the person’s mind is unsure and lacks a definite direction.
 
Today, take a sure step. Avoid the word TRY in your communication like you would a negative NO. Do replace it with a positive YES and see the difference for your self. A positive yes, denotes confidence and control as well as trust and concern. Your communication will have that much more dignity of purpose and supports positive thinking and action.
 
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The Global Workforce: Communication Across Cultures

9:37 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
by Deepak Desai

For organizations to succeed in a global market in which geography quickly is becoming irrelevant, a shift in perspective is necessary. In a knowledge economy where expertise, innovation, intellectual property and research and development have replaced land and natural resources as the most valuable assets, human capital drives business growth.

It's estimated more than 70 percent of workers in developed countries are information workers. To sustain a competitive edge, organizations must continually develop and enhance these knowledge-based resources. Particularly in a global enterprise, collaboration is critical to facilitate the flow of information and optimize the exchange of expertise and ideas. In the new economy, effective communication is a fundamental imperative.

As the Internet evolves from a static collection of data into a dynamic, interactive platform, Web 2.0 is connecting people like never before. The second generation of wikis, social networking sites, collaboration tools and the like let people interact in ways previously unimaginable.

Technology offers the possibility of instant integration of far-flung offices into one united team. But the convergence of cultures and languages presents incredible communication challenges in the global enterprise.

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The Scary Thing About Values

7:12 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
"The answers to the question of values will come only when you're willing to take a journey through your inner territory -- a journey that'll require opening doors that are shut, walking in dark spaces that are frightening, and touching the flame that burns. But at the end is truth."
How can values be scary, you ask?
For some, getting clear about personal values is a frightening journey towards the truth. And once you figure out what you truly care about, what drives you, or what really gets you out of bed every day, there is no going back! You simply cannot ignore it!
The trouble is, many people do not dig deep enough to intimately articulate what is important to them. They do not build that conscience to guide them through life. Do you want your conscience nattering at you all the time? Probably not!
However, as scary as this journey can be there are certain benefits to personal values clarity: 

Values Clarity is Empowering
Personal values clarity is empowering. When we are clear about our personal values, we are much more in control of our own lives. For instance, when we are acutely aware of our personal values and live them, suddenly the smallest actions or gestures can have a huge impact.
Further, with greater awareness of what matters we tend to make decisions based on integrity for longer-term positive results -- not to mention peace of mind. We feel good and empowered when we can honestly say we made choices in life based on what we truly value. 

Values Motivate
Values motivate us in that they keep us focused on why we do what we do and on the ends toward which we are striving. Life can get busy and it can get tough. Have you ever needed to remind yourself why you embarked a new difficult endeavor?
Reminding ourselves of our values can pull us through difficult times and keep us motivated to reach our goals or to take us through life transitions.

Values Rejuvenate
Similarly, we refer to our values when we need to replenish our energy. As Kouzes and Posner put it, "values are the banners that fly as we persist, as we struggle, as we toil." When you are feeling off balance and in need of rejuvenation we are drawn to spending time doing the things we value most. It might be watching a football game or spending time with family. Whatever that value may be, refocusing on what matters can be a powerful way to get energized so that we can take on our next challenge. 
 
Values Resolve Conflicts
Values can keep you and your colleagues, friends, family, community on course, especially when you become engaged in conflicts or controversies. Getting caught up in conflict can keep individuals preoccupied with petty differences. Instead, adopting a broader, bigger picture focus through values clarity can assist individuals with moving past the pettiness of the conflict.
Ultimately, when you know what matters to you, letting go of the small things that do not matter can be quite freeing. It allows you to let go of getting what you think you need, instead of what you really need. 

Values Provide Focus
Values can also help us move forward with focus. Just reminding yourself of the principles that are most important often can refocus your attention on the things that really matter.
Understanding our core values can raise us up to see the bigger picture, removing unimportant activities and actions from your busy schedule. Using values as our guidepost for action encourages us to do more of the "right stuff" while kicking the "wrong stuff" to the curb.
So, although the journey toward realizing what we truly value in life can be a bit daunting the benefits are many. Get clear about what you believe in! Take the time to self-reflect, to soul search or to re-assess your values. Doing the work to get there is well worth it! 

By Jennifer Cottes, MBA

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Why It Is So Hard To Let

8:54 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.
 
"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?" Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. “300/- rupees. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra responsibilities for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get more money from Grandma."
 
As soon as girl got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 70 rupees. After dinner, she did more than her share of responsibilities.
 
On her birthday, Grandma did give her 100 rupees. And at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
 
Girl loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere – functions, nursery school, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
 
Girl had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked her, "Do you love me?" "Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you." "Then give me your pearls." "Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess - the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite." "That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
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Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation

8:48 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
By: Mike Robbins
"Have you ever had something taken away from you only to realize how much you appreciated it after it was gone?

I often ask this question when I start one of my talks or seminars on appreciation. As I pause and wait for people to respond, many hands go up.

Most of us have taken someone or something for granted. We only truly realized how much that person or situation meant to us after the fact.

For example, at the age of twenty three my professional baseball career ended abruptly when I blew out my pitching arm. I was in my third season in the minor leagues with the Kansas City Royals, and just like that my childhood dream was over.

I realized looking back on my eighteen years in competitive baseball that I had only one major regret; I pushed myself so hard that I’d forgotten to enjoy the game. I was so focused on “making it” and on overcoming my weaknesses, I had not taken much time to appreciate what I was doing along the way.

We often waste way too much of our time and energy focusing on what we don’t like, what we’re worried about, or what we think needs to be fixed, changed, or enhanced. We live in a culture obsessed with “bad stuff.” Just turn on the news, listen to the conversations and negative attitudes of the people around you, or pay attention to the thoughts in your own head.

The Power of Appreciation in Your Life

What if we stopped this negative obsession and started paying attention to what and whom we appreciate, right now?

Imagine how this simple but profound shift could transform our lives, our families, our relationships, our results, our work groups, our communities, and more. Our experience is a function of what we focus on. Each and every moment we have a choice about where we place our attention.

I am not advocating that we deny, avoid, or run from the challenges, issues, or even the pain in our lives or around us. It’s important that we’re able to confront, face, and deal with these difficulties. However, we don’t have to obsess about the bad stuff and let it run us. We each can consciously choose to focus on the good stuff in our lives, with others, and most importantly towards ourselves.
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Managing Religious Conflicts

10:02 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
One-third of employers have seen clashes in the workplace about religion, and experts expect that number to rise. Training managers on ways to mediate conflicts as well as educating employees and supervisors on the issue is important.

Personal clashes about religion are not that uncommon in the workplace. Yet, most organizations do not have a policy addressing the issue.

That's according to a recent study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), which found that one-third of 278 employers surveyed worldwide have seen worker conflicts in the workplace linked to religion.

And even though personal friction over religious beliefs is not all that uncommon, nearly two-thirds of those companies say they do not have a written policy specifically addressing religious bias.

"I am definitely seeing more concerns, clashes and discrimination lawsuits surrounding religious issues in the workplace," says Joseph Beachboard, a partner in the Torrance, Calif., office of Ogletree Deakins.

"It's definitely more of a sensitive issue," he says. "People are also becoming more comfortable expressing religion at work."

At the same time, it seems clear many organizations are still unsure about how to handle religious differences at work, researchers say.

"Businesses must find ways to handle religious conflicts while allowing room for employees' spiritual needs," says Anne Lindberg, research analyst for the Seattle-based i4cp. "Effectively handling religious differences not only requires specific attention, but also creativity, empathy and fairness."

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Being the boss of your ANGER!!!

9:54 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post

Sometimes you just get so angry that you feel like you are going to burst! It may seem like your anger will be the boss of you, instead of you being the boss of your anger.
What can you do to work through that anger and keep yourself and others safe?

  • Take a deep breath and breathe out hard.
  • Count to 10 slowly in your mind before you open your mouth. Count another 10 if you are still feeling out of control. Stop and think about what to do or say, then make a good choice.
  • Walk away and go somewhere else until you've thought about what you can do. 
  • Use your words to tell your feelings.  Never hurt someone with your hands, feet or by what you say. 
  • Say what you feel in a firm voice, not a loud shouting voice. 
  • Sometimes you need to do something to get those angry feelings out .
Some ways of getting out the anger.  
  • Squeeze a pillow, a ball or your jumper really hard and say to yourself that you are squeezing out your anger. 
  • Try taking some deep breaths until you feel your heart slow down again. 
  • Go for a fast walk or run, somewhere safe until you feel calmer. 
  • Sometimes anger can be useful.
  • Use your anger to do a chore that you really hate, eg. cleaning up your bedroom, sweeping, mowing or cleaning up the shed. You get rid of your anger and can feel good about getting that chore done too.
  • Listen to some music and dance really hard.
  • Listen to some soothing music, lie on the floor and do some relaxation exercises.
  • Talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
When you're feeling calmer

  • Think - is this your problem or someone else's? If it's theirs, tell them so in a quiet voice and walk away. Or, if something you are doing is a problem for someone else, see if you can work out a solution. 
  • If it's your problem then you need to deal with it.
  • Is this a minor drama or a major drama?
  • Minor drama. If it's really not worth worrying about, then forget it.
  • Major drama. If it's a really big problem ask yourself some questions.
  • Can you deal with it yourself? 
  • Do you need some help looking for ways to deal with the problem?
    After you have thought about these things, work out what you are going to do to sort things out with the person or situation that started your angry feelings.
Keeping yourself safe from other people's anger
  • If you live with someone who gets very angry, you can often recognise when they're getting angry.
  • The best way to avoid their anger being turned on you is by not being there.
  • Get out of their way.
  • Stay calm. 
  • Don't talk.
  • Don't get angry yourself.
  • Don't shout.
  • Tell a trusted adult if you feel unsafe.
A - Avoid. Don't let your anger or the anger of others control you.
N - Never use your body or your voice to hurt others.
G - Get away so that you manage your anger safely.
E - Evaluate. Think about your choices, and then make a choice, which keeps you and others safe.
R - Responsible. You are responsible for your feelings. No-one can make you angry, you allow yourself to become angry.
What works for you?
These are ways in which some people control their anger.
• "I go to my room and scream in the pillow".
• "I go away by myself to think".
• "When I get angry I run outside and kick the footy (football) or I go in my room and do wrestling moves with my toy monkey".
• I am very mad -I feel very bad - My face is red - I might go to bed.
• "When I am angry I lie on my bed and listen to my radio or have  a sleep".
• "I go for a real fast bike-ride or I ride on my roller blades".
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Haircut... worth story

9:31 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.   Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.   Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and left the shop. The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.   And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.   BOTH POLITICIANS AND DIAPERS NEED TO BE CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON!   We are  not changing our politicians every 5 years. It's high time we did it now.
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Build Your Self-Esteem

9:18 AM | Posted by Ankur Rawat | | Edit Post
Having high self-esteem is the first step towards carving out a better life for yourself. Here are practical tips on what you can do to build your self esteem.
Exercise
Exercise regularly. The connection between high self esteem and regular exercise is not apparent, but it exists all the same. The more you exercise, the healthier and better you look and feel. Regular exercise pumps up circulation and makes skin glow. It makes you feel more alive and vibrant, and lifts your mood.
Goal
All of us have dreams of what we want to be, what we want to achieve and so on. These dreams can only come true if we have faith in our abilities to achieve our dreams, and this faith comes with a strong sense of self worth.
If you have a dream, don't just spend all your time lost in it. Instead, work towards it and start planning. What do you need to do to fulfil your dream? Make a plan and set a goal. Those with a definite goal in life have higher self-esteem than 'drifters' who just let life pass them by without paving a path for themselves.
Failures
Don't let your failures get you down. When we see a successful person, we often assume he achieved success overnight, and fail to see the years of hard work, struggle and failures he had to deal with. JK Rowling's Harry Potter manuscript was turned down again and again by a number of publishers, before it was finally accepted.
Public Speaking
Many tremble at the thought of speaking in public. Although you may never need to give a speech to a large crowd, taking up a good public speaking course helps in making us more confident when speaking up in a group of friends and acquaintances. Similarly, taking up a voice modulation course should help as well.
Classes
Join classes in subjects you find interesting. Don't wait for a friend to join with you - simply sign up by yourself. If you enjoy entertaining people, join a bartending course! If you like to cook, enrol in a cooking or baking class. Joining classes gives you the opportunity to interact with more people, and the more you interact with others, the more confident you will be in company.
Theatre
Another great course to do to increase your confidence would be a theatre course. Being able to perform on stage will undoubtedly give you a high. In addition, the feeling of being part of a group, practicing and rehearsing together, will definitely bring you out of your shell. However, taking up theatre as a hobby and as a profession are two different things entirely. Going in for the latter means opting for a career filled with uncertainties, unexpected highs and lows and a whole new ball game of insecurities.
Relationship
Being in a bad relationship also has an adverse effect on our self-esteem, and no woman, good looking or otherwise, is immune to abuse. What will help you in this situation is your ability to stand on your own feet, so you can get out of the relationship, so make having a career or a qualification that you can fall back on, a priority.
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