- Posted by admin in Uncategorized |
- June 20th, 2009 |
While we understand the general idea behind the stimulus package and its ability to jump-start the economy, it is easy to see why so many folks are turned off. Items like the $4 million in Pentagon work awarded to Murtech, another of those no-bid contracts that went to the company owned by Robert C. Murtha Jr., 49, the nephew of Rep. John P. Murtha, certainly raise a stink.
For those who do not know, John Murtha is the Pennsylvania Democrat who just so happens to be the chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee. What is most troubling is that at the same time another $150 million in stimulus money has been given to build and maintain an airport in rural Pennsylvania, yes the John Murtha airport.
Just how does stuff like this happen?
Car Voucher, Yet Another Stimulus Option
In recent days we have heard about the renewed push for a government voucher to help citizens purchase a new, fuel-efficient automobile. Like the initial response to the stimulus package, there appears to be support out of the gate for the proposal.
The current idea centers upon a $4,500 voucher that can be used by people to trade an older, nearly worthless gas guzzling auto for a new, fuel-efficient vehicle. The value of the voucher would theoretically be dependent on the differentials in gas mileage between your current vehicle, one that must be at least eight years old, and that of the newer option.
Hypothetically, trading your 18 miles per gallon clunker for a new vehicle that offers 22 miles to the gallon might get you $3,000 say, while trading for one that yields 28 miles per gallon would result in the voucher being worth the full $4,500. The goal seemingly is to max the coupon only when a 10 mpg difference is created.
Supposedly, the plan involves a separate set of numbers for SUVs (5 mpg increase to max the voucher), light-duty trucks (2 mpg increase) and work trucks.
According to the latest gossip, there appears to be great support for some type of voucher plan in Congress. The specific dollar values and respective goals seem to be the debate, not the concept itself.
Proponents indicate the program would create a strong jolt to the economy. First and foremost, it gives individual citizens an incentive to help meet the president’s goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Second, if limited to the purchase of American autos, it could be just the catalyst to jump-start the moribund auto industry. Lastly, it would seem to help the hardest-hit Americans the most if the voucher could only be used for vehicles eight years and older.
In addition, European car sales are reportedly benefiting from such plans. According to at least one report, the idea has increased sales globally by about 400,000 vehicles.
Key Sticking Points
One of the key sticking points of course centers upon potential restrictions. For example, restricting the voucher to American cars only would bring on cries of protectionism yet the supporting rationale for some is that it must help the American auto industry as well as the consumer.
Another is the voucher could prove expensive to the government if large numbers of people took advantage of the program. Of course, many people insist that would be a better use of taxpayer dollars as it would be helping the consumer even as it is helping the automakers, something we are doing already.
A third concern is that the process could re-institute a borrowing craze as folks who could not truly afford a new vehicle utilize the voucher but end up now having monthly payments once again.
In fact, for some folks, it would make far more sense for them to trade up to a newer, fuel-efficient, used option instead.
But now that the stimulus genie is out of the bottle, there will no doubt be constant pushes for options that will jump-start the economy. The auto voucher seems to be one that is garnering significant support.
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- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- June 18th, 2009 |
When it comes to choosing a specific online program over that of a traditional program, there are essentially three major areas to consider.
The first is a person’s rationale for choosing to study online rather than on a traditional college campus. The second is whether to choose an entirely online program or one of the more innovative hybrid options. Finally, there is the traditional decision for any college selection, the choice of an actual school.
The Rationale for Online Education
The primary reason to consider an online education program over that of a traditional, on-campus study option is the level of flexibility and convenience. Online education offers enormous flexibility making this study option one of the easiest to fit into an already busy schedule that includes work and family obligations.
With online programming, you can do your coursework in your pajamas at virtually any time of the day. Depending on those work or family commitments, you can do your studies in the early morning or late at night or entirely on the weekend.
In addition, these online programs often offer sliding start dates (no need to wait until the fall or spring semester) and at times flexible completion options should a student wish to progress at a faster rate. Lastly, because there is no class to drive to, you can also spend 100% of your time strictly on completing the necessary coursework.
But as with any endeavor, a commitment to school requires time and discipline. Students must determine the actual number of hours they can devote and then compare that with the expectations of the program they select. And while students will not need to free up time every week to meet a class schedule, they will have to find the time to handle the course materials and assignments.
Most importantly, some students have the idea that the online degree format flexibility translates to courses that involve little time or work. Any viable college program that leads to a meaningful degree will place significant demands on students.
Online versus Hybrid Programs
All online programs consist of two options: either the program is 100% available online or students take a combination of online and on-campus courses called a hybrid program. While the first option offers almost complete flexibility, hybrids, because they mix distance learning with specific on-campus learning, require students be available at specific times for classes or seminars.
Because of course expectations in specific areas of study, not all programs can be completely offered online. In such programs, students may be required to attend a monthly seminar, a summer session or some other on-campus option where all online students gather simultaneously.
Though these programs do have specific time constraints, some students find they prefer this mixture of course offerings. They find the chance to meet face-to-face with fellow students and professors periodically a positive motivational tool. In addition, the chance to actually meet with professors and other students interested in their desired field of study often adds a great deal to the overall learning experience.
Of course, to consider a specific hybrid option you must live close enough to the school to be able to travel to the campus at the required times. It can be the perfect option for the student where the program of study they are interested in just happens to be offered at a school close to home.
In simplest terms, the hybrid option is a great step in convenience when compared to the traditional method of taking courses on campus. But these programs are nowhere near as flexible as an option that can be completed entirely online over the Internet from some distant location.
Choice of School
If a student does a Google search using the term online education and then begins surfing sites, he or she will be bombarded with advertisements. Education is now big business and many schools advertise heavily to gain name recognition.
If you are considering online education, start by looking past the school name and search for the academic program that you are most interested in. Some schools focus entirely on business options or the teaching profession while others do seek to offer a more general course of studies.
In other words, some of the biggest advertisers simply may not offer a program in the area you are interested in. Once you have determined the schools that offer the program you want, move on to check the accreditation and program standards for that entity.
Examine both the respective accreditation and program standards the online school indicates that it adheres to. Once you have determined what accreditation standards the school claims, do a quick review of the organization that awarded the accreditation.
There are of course a number of diploma mills that allow students to buy a worthless degree. However, not only should students stay away from these schools, they should also be leery of some legitimate schools that may have failed to earn program licensures in certain fields of study.
Students should immediately look for another option if a school is not accredited or if the program they offer does not ensure a student earns the desired license or certificate that is necessary to enter a specific career field.
One last, additional consideration is the cost of the program. The first thing that students must realize is there are often higher costs associated with online programming. In other words, that convenience and flexibility generally cost money.
At the same time, costs of programming vary significantly among schools and whether or not a student elects to take a program in-state. It is absolutely essential students do their homework here. In certain cases prices may vary two- or three-fold.
Ultimately, cost cannot be the overriding factor when it comes to the other areas. A less expensive, unaccredited program is not worth considering. Nor is a less-expensive school that simply does not offer the area of study you want to pursue.
Online Programming a Great Option
The bottom line is that online programming is revolutionizing education. While traditional college attendance rates are stagnating, online rates are actually growing exponentially.
But remember, there are three keys to ensuring that online programming will work for you. As with all college choices, choosing the right program at the right school is critical.
But be sure to add in the rationale for choosing this educational approach.
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- June 15th, 2009 |
There are times when I realize I simply graduated from school too soon.
Back in our day, passing notes was the surest way to get removed from class. I can only remember seeing it happen once in college and the results were not pretty.
Especially when the person found himself banned from attending the class he had already shelled out big bucks to attend.
Now, we are hearing cases of students instant messaging and checking their Facebook pages right under the professor’s nose. Without repercussions.
Still we could not believe that there would come a point where a professor actually encouraged students to pass notes in class. And certainly not via Twitter while he was lecturing.
An Invitation to Distraction
But such is the case with Cole W. Camplese, the director of education-technology services at Pennsylvania State University at University Park. According to published reports, Camplese teaches with two projection screens.
One of the screens features what one would always expect, the professor’s notes. But directly alongside of those slides, the professor provides a second screen featuring Twitter comments from students in the room. The theory is for students to enter into a discussion of the material as it is being presented.
But, to be honest, I cannot envision myself in such a setting. Which screen would I pay attention to? And how attentive could I be if I entered the Twitter discussion at any point?
Of course, whatever the students write is visible on the screen for all to see, including Camplese. So talking about the keg party at Bernie’s on Friday or that gorgeous young blond from Sweden who just enrolled second semester simply is not conceivable in such an environment.
So it is not the equivalent of passing notes from my day. And there were a good many lackluster lectures that could have been far more enticing if we had used the Camplese format. Certainly, the more tech-savvy, multi-tasking crowd would find this structure far more in keeping with their Facebook life style.
And while I was at first shocked by the concept, I was even more surprised to learn later that the process had a name: back channeling.
Most adults, myself included have expressed concern that the process will create nothing but chaos in the classroom. However, Professor Camplese insists that it is the first step towards new educational processes that feature the student more and the professor less.
Hmmmm.
Readers, what say you?
- Posted by admin in Uncategorized |
- June 10th, 2009 |
Each year, U.S. News & World Report compiles its ratings of American colleges and publishes its summary findings for students. The publication is seen as a must-have for any prospective college student, a factor that makes the annual edition a best seller each and every year.
Because of it’s strong reputation, the magazine is one of the fundamental publications for students and families to review. However, when it comes to the college selection process, many college admissions folks have questioned the validity of the ratings.
Today, officials caution students to contrast this publication with other literature that examines their respective college of interest. To get a sense as to why the US News ratings should not be considered the be-all and end-all, we turn to a recent incident involving a presentation by Catherine E. Watt of Clemson University
Seeking Higher Ratings
It seems Watt, once the head of Clemson’s institutional research office and now the point person for a research center at the school, raised more than a few eyebrows with her presentation at the Association for Institutional Research in Atlanta. Apparently, she was a tad too outgoing with her acknowledgement of the importance of the ratings to schools and her subsequent explanation as to how the school might have been able to manipulate the ratings system.
Clemson has publicly aspired to being considered a top 20 public research university. Some of the actions Watt claims the school took to help it climb rapidly up the ratings system were steps that took advantage of flaws in the U.S. News rating system.
For example, to increase the schools standings, Watt claims the school had lowered class sizes in specific classes below a critical U.S. News threshold. The magic number of 20 was obtained, again according to Watt, by increasing class sizes in other classes that would not harm the school’s rating.
A second element was the astonishing claim that school officials had taken the step of rating other schools lower scores on the reputational rankings survey of other colleges. In other words, the school sought to improve its standing by downgrading the standing of competitors.
A third involved assertions of duplicate salary summaries, with U.S. News perhaps getting a doctored version. Ultimately, her statements were reported in numerous higher education publications and subsequently discussed by bloggers everywhere.
Clemson Officials Take Exception
Needless to say, the comments created a storm of controversy. Therefore, it is not too surprising that shortly after Watt gave her presentation officials at Clemson sought to regain a certain level of integrity.
According to published reports, Cathy Sams, Clemson’s chief public affairs officer, released a public statement that took exception to the comments from Watt’s presentation. Again, not too surprisingly, the gist of the rebuttal focused on the potential that school officials may have engaged in unethical behavior.
Those same sources noted that while Sams gave “alternative explanations for the reduced class sizes and other outcomes” there was no direct evidence to challenge or contradict Watt’s assertions about the steps related to class sizes. In other words, Clemson had in fact definitively raised its percentage of classes containing 10 to 19 students while decreasing the percentage that held 20 to 29 students.
One area where Watt was rebutted centered on the notion that Clemson might have cooked some books regarding faculty salaries. In that area, Watt asserted that the school may have provided U.S. News a set of faculty salary numbers that were not entirely accurate. Clemson officials unequivocally denied that assertion.
Bloggers also noted that the university was essentially silent in its public statement regarding the claim that Clemson officials had rated the programs at other institutions below average.
Indirect Evidence Provides Some Answers
While the school took the extraordinary step of providing a written rebuttal to Watt’s assertions, the ultimate assessment of the situation is that Watt is still employed by the school. In fact, when the school was reportedly asked if Watt might face disciplinary action, Sams indicated otherwise.
Therefore, though the school has insisted that their employee did not accurately represent the school, the fact that they did not take action against the employee speaks volumes. If it was as simple as school officials insisted, it is hard to imagine that the institution would not have taken some form of disciplinary action.
Regardless of the hoopla and whether or not Clemson specifically sought to game the system, the revelations of Watt appear to match those of others who insist that the ratings can be manipulated.
Meanwhile, U.S. News insists it is one step ahead of those seeking to game the system. Still, Clemson climbed from 38 to 22 making us wonder whether they are indeed one step ahead.
Ultimately, we think the lesson for students is that they should look well beyond the placement of a school within the U.S. News college rankings when considering their choice of college.
Essay Writing ! Custom Essay Writing
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- June 8th, 2009 |
Today, students can expect multiple requests for interviews. From applying to college to seeking out scholarships to pursuing a job opportunity, students will receive multiple requests for a face-to-face question and answer period.
In those situations where competition is keen, students must understand just how important these interviews are. The impression you make is critical and these face-to-face conversations are the single largest determinant separating a number of very worthy candidates.
While most advice focuses on the type of questions being asked and the answers that should be provided, there is growing agreement that the actions you take are as important as the actual answers you provide.
Those actions involve a person’s body language and the general behaviors that create an impression that you fit the characteristics the interviewers have in mind, whether it be for admission to school, selection for a scholarship, or a job offer.
The critical behaviors:
Setting the Right Tone
The consensus is that within the first five minutes the interviewer or the committee conducting the interview will form their impression of you. If it is negative, the remainder of the interview will be immaterial – simply stated it is nigh-near impossible to change a poor first impression.
We will skip the standard about your attire as it goes without saying that your appearance is the very first aspect that will be assessed. Assuming you have dressed neatly in clothing that is appropriate for the type of interview setting, the first step is to greet the interviewers with a smile, engaging the person with your eyes and offering a firm handshake (not too firm, but not dead-fish limp either).
In the case of multiple questioners, take the time to engage each of them by adding a “pleased to meet you” followed by the person’s name. Taking the time to pause and truly listen to the person as they introduce themselves is the best method to ensure you make solid eye contact.
Be sure to control the early energy. You will no doubt be excited and nervous. That is a given. The key for interviewees is to refrain from having that excess energy emerge in a negative manner.
A Calm, Confident Demeanor
Once seated, keep you hands in front of you as you answer questions. Preferably, the goal is to not clasp them as that is considered a sign that you are closed off. More importantly, experts insist that you must refrain from touching any aspects of your face, your nose, ears, throat or mouth. Such gestures are considered a sign that you may be hiding the truth.
As you begin answering questions, it is extremely important to come across as calm and relaxed as is possible given the situation. Everyone will expect a certain level of nervousness – interviews can be extremely intimidating.
The key is to project an air that you can overcome that feeling. The ability to conquer one’s fears is considered one of the most positive traits a person can have.
To ensure an appearance of openness and confidence, keep your hands directly in front of you at all times, relaxed and on the table surface or your lap if no table is present. Refrain from shifting in your chair and from crossing your arms.
Likewise refrain from crossing your legs. Maintaining a firm, erect posture with shoulders back is the best way to physically demonstrate an air of confidence.
Listen to, then Answer the Question
Given the nervous tendency that will be natural, it is critical that you slow the interview process down. The first way to do so is to be sure to listen very carefully to the question being asked.
Here again, the key is to give an impression that you are firmly in control of your emotions. Some find it can be helpful to repeat a portion of the question aloud when the interviewer is finished.
Turning your head towards each questioner is considered one of the few acceptable body movements. Nodding to the interviewer as he or she delivers the question is a great way to make them aware of your focus on what is being asked and is also considered acceptable.
A second element is to be sure to answer the question asked and only that question. Keep your answers concise and resist the temptation to answer that question and another that comes to mind.
It is a definite negative to go on and on about yourself and what you know. To demonstrate a true level of professionalism, the line should be drawn when the question has been answered.
Lastly, when there are multiple persons conducting the interview, the protocol is to begin answering with your focus on the person who asked the question. He or she should get the majority of your focus during the time you are answering but it is very important to try to make eye contact with the others in the room at some point while answering that specific question.
Sustain Interest until the Interview Is Complete
While you must set the tone early, it is also important to understand that others will do so as well. Those who are able to control their nervousness and project their basic level of confidence throughout the interview stand the best chance.
This includes the final steps at the conclusion of the interview. Body language must remain open and confident and you must remain in control of your energy level. Such control means your focus must not trail off as the interview moves into its final stages.
Lastly, when the time has come to conclude, repeat your opening. Shake hands and engage each person, thanking them for the opportunity. It can be too much to use the person’s name though if the position is one of true subordinate it can be a nice touch to say thank you Mr. so and so. With multiple interviewers, using first names again and again might come across as a tad too confident.
Lastly, walk out with that same, in control posture that defines the air of confidence you were hoping to project when you came in. The key is to leave one final, very positive impression.
More than Answers to Questions
There is no doubt that your answers will form a basis for an interviewer’s evaluation. But the general consensus is that you, the person, is just as if not more important.
To be the chosen one, it is essential that you project the right image. If you keep these tips in mind whenever you are interviewing you will create a very strong impression, one that ensures the committee will give you careful consideration.
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- May 31st, 2009 |
Great minds see the world in a vastly different way.
Buildings typically are constructed with two key thoughts in mind.
First, there is a specific structure based on a notion of function that seeks to meet a prescribed and generally singular purpose. Second, there is sense of permanence and life span, the structure is built to best handle the designed function for decades.
So the idea that a building could be designed to transform is certainly an anomaly. But such is the case with Koolhaas’s Transformer, constructed in a manner that it can not only be reconfigured monthly, it can be removed when its one year life span is complete.
The Transformer
Even those without an architectural interest have to be intrigued by Koolhaas’s concept, a temporary construction that now rests near a 16th-century Korean palace in Seoul. The Prada Foundation asked famed architect Rem Koolhaas to create a temporary structure that would host a diverse group of cultural events over the upcoming summer.
While the building will need the assistance of some decent size cranes, the structure began with a focus towards being a venue for hosting a fashion show. Later, the building will be lifted and rotated to serve as a movie theater. Likewise, with the help of those same cranes, it will be adjusted later in the summer so as to host an art exhibition before being reconfigured to again host a fashion show.
Each side is flat and the rotation will involve the amazing step of using a different side as its base for each cultural event. Mathematically, the term tetrahedral is used to describe a structure that has but three sides exposed and a fourth that is used as the base.
Instead of hard, firm surfaces, the structure is wrapped in a white fabric skin and the four sides offer a multi-faceted, visual appearance that includes a circle, a cross, a hexagon and a rectangle. 
For the first fashion show, the building was set so as to rest on the hexagonal side, a shape most conducive for fashion shows.
Later, for the movie house the building will be placed on the rectangular side, etc. With those rotations will come yet another of the visual effects of a specific shape greeting visitors to the city or the building.
And in the ultimate of transforming, the entire structure will live a short, albeit famed life. It will be disassembled and removed at summer’s end though where it might reappear is apparently still not finalized.
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- May 27th, 2009 |
If you are a college sophomore or upperclassman, you have experienced the full-frontal assault of the end of the year dorm clean out.
Because some students have exams right through Friday afternoon, then have only until 12:00 p.m. Saturday to be out of their room, there is no time to appropriately deal with all the items in the dorm room or on-campus apartment. Not only is there simply too much accumulated stuff to fit all of it in your car without making multiple trips home, you simply don’t have the time to deal with breaking the stuff down so that it might fit.
The result, loads of valuable items get tossed into the dumpster or in most cases by the end of the week, piled alongside an overflowing trash unit. Chairs, couches, tables, VCRs, and even television sets can be seen sitting on top of these containers or resting on the curb beside these huge bins.
Perhaps the most appalling aspect is the realization that the space in your car is already spoken for yet you are now witness to literally piles of items that you would scoff up in a minute if it were the beginning of the school year.
Schools and Students Taking Action
More and more, as green-eyed students across the country become aware of the earth and the need for greater sustainability, recycling programs have started to emerge for this end of the year clean out. The goal is simple: reduce the number of reusable items heading to a landfill or transfer station and get them into the hands of another potential user.
There are many successful ways to deal with the process. One simple step is for a group of students to locate a place for storage of viable items, especially the larger units such as mini-refrigerators and other electronic gear. Then, using a group of student volunteers, these unwanted items are collected and taken to the storage facility to be sorted out.
The following fall, those very same items are put up for sale to the incoming students at the school. Any collected funds that remain after the costs of storage have been taken care of are either donated to worthy charities or to the school’s nonprofit sustainability organization to further sustain a school’s green mission (if one exists).
Another common method of dealing with the leftover items is to involve community organizations and use them to solicit volunteers for all the handling tasks as well as the storage of items. Instead of selling them to students, the collected items can be sold in a massive community yard sale. Later, the proceeds from any sales can then be divided among the nonprofit groups according to the time each specific organization puts into collecting and selling the items.
Want to Start a Program?
Many other programs are underway with variations on these themes. In certain instances, students can simply leave unwanted items in their dorm room where they will be collected later.
Still, there are a number of schools where the idea has not caught on.
If you are interested in getting such a program started at your university, a nonprofit called Dump and Run helps interested groups. They can offer ideas regarding item collection, donation and storage, as well as appropriate ways of handling the cash that comes from selling the collected materials.
If the end of the 2009 school year has come and gone and your school still is not on board, it would make a perfect project for next year. Students interested in starting a program at their school can contact Dump and Run for assistance and advice.
Ultimately, the end-of-the-school-year recycling program is a true win-win. No student ever feels good about throwing such material in a dumpster. And our landfills/transfer stations are already strapped with mountains of trash.
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- May 25th, 2009 |
Stating that the internet has changed life as we know it is an understatement of epic proportions.
Still, even for those who understand the power of the internet, it is hard to imagine stories like that of Miss Pipi Quinlan, certainly not prior to the technology age. But her story offers some critical lessons for those of every age.
For those who missed it:
Three-Year Old Purchases Excavator Online
Young Pipi Quinlan had, at last, been given permission to use the family computer. Of course, at three-years-old she was still a tad on the youngish side for such permission and her access had been allowed for but a week when she made internet history.
You see, her mom had done what so many of us do (here’s the first place we all need to pay attention). Ms. Quinlan had asked the computer to store log-in information to make it easier to bring up those sites she would use frequently.
Mom had set up such a log-in on an auction site which Pipi then managed to reboot. While mom had used the site earlier to bid on some toys, Pipi took a little different track.
Instead of a kid’s plaything, she bought a man’s toy, managing somehow to place a bid on a Kobelco, a “digger” as folks in New Zealand referred to the excavator. Though still no one is not quite sure how, the youngster had posted a bid of 20,000 New Zealand dollars, about $12,300 by our standards, for an earth mover that was anything but a toy.
Momma Quinlan learned of her daughter’s action when she opened her e-mail the following morning. There she found several e-mails from, the auction site TradeMe, announcing she had won an auction and from the seller noting that she would love her new purchase.
Fame and Notoriety
The story of course reminds us why we should never store personal information on a computer. It also makes it clear that when we become parents we need to think things through a wee bit more carefully.
Because in the age of the internet, technology can create issues we never conceived of previously. Most of the focus has been on the actions of the youngster.
And of course, the press had a field day with one liners (toddler usually prefers high-heeled pink shoes over giant yellow and black diggers).
But what is truly amazing is an internet search of the name Pipi Quinlan now reveals page after page of links to reports and commentary of this cute little story (OK, us too). It reminds us that in this day and age, privacy is minimal and our actions can be shared globally in the matter of minutes.
Whether she likes it or not, this information will always be part of her online brand. Fortunately, this could be one of those cute stories that ultimately works in her favor sometime in the future. We hope so as it will be archived forever.
All’s Well that Ends Well
Meanwhile, it seems the story has ended positively. The auction site has negated the winning bid and reimbursed the seller’s costs. Reportedly another adult went on to make the purchase for real.
The elder Ms Quinlan also noted one of parenting’s greatest challenges. You see, it was extremely difficult explaining to the three-year-old the gravity of her actions, especially doing so without laughing.
In addition, the parents have learned another valuable lesson. Pipi has since been banned from using the computer by herself (hmmm, perhaps that should have been insisted from the start).
And of course, the Quinlans have deleted all their automatic log-ons just in case.
The only question remaining is how long before you delete yours?
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- May 20th, 2009 |
If you are not familiar with Cat Stevens and his famous song, Father and Son, you should be. It is filled with many short, meaningful lyrics such as:
You’re still young
That’s your fault,
There’s so much you have to go through.
Gaining Respect in the World of Work
Those about to venture beyond the campuses they have called home for the past four years may well be entering the harshest work environment since the great depression. Jobs are exceedingly difficult to come by - for the better part of several months, nearly as many people have been laid off from work each and every week (600,000+) as will graduate from college this year (700,000+).
So the chances of finding work are extremely challenging. If you do find someone willing to give you a shot, be ready for some good old-fashioned jealousy on a number of fronts. After all, who are you, still wet behind the ears, to be so lucky as to be awarded an opportunity in this job climate?
Gaining respect has never been easy for someone fresh out of school. People always look at the newbie with a raised eyebrow and a not so subtle, prove it to me attitude.
But in 2009, your first days may well be met with an even stronger response, one that features more than a tad of resentment. To gain respect in today’s job setting, you will need to make all the right moves.
Origins of Respect
First off, respect doesn’t come from a title or because you have been assigned authority. In fact, if you are a newbie, the fact that you have been given a title by your boss could make your first days even more challenging.
Respect is earned and gained over time. It is given to folks who do their work well and consistently demonstrate they can become an integral part of a team. Perhaps most importantly for someone young and new to the company, respect is given to those who make others feel like they are an integral part of the team.
However, generally speaking, it is only over time, after you prove you can handle the challenges, that you will earn the trust and respect of those around you.
That said, here are three things to keep in mind:
A. Humble Beginning
Remember, you only get one chance at a first impression. To gain respect quickly, begin by acknowledging you are the newbie. Whatever you do, don’t give folks the impression that you are one of those stereotypical, brash, spoiled, over-confident, know-it-all’s college kids.
Because that is what they think you will most likely act like.
Instead, be polite and respectful of those who have established experience. Study your environment carefully and be sure to ask questions and seek the advice of others.
The first real sign of maturity is the acknowledgment that you do not know it all, not by a long shot. And demonstrating maturity is the first way to begin earning the respect of colleagues.
B. Demonstrate Good Work Habits
Without being flashy, model what it means to be a good worker. Show up early or at worst, on time. Stay late.
Take your break only for as long as is permitted. If lunch is a half hour, take 28 or 29 minutes max.
Be attentive in all meetings. Listen carefully and avoid being the first to speak about issues. Instead, listen to what everyone else has to say before venturing your opinion.
Veteran employees will think of things you will never have even considered. Waiting before you speak will ensure that you will not commit the most famous of faux pas: putting one’s foot in one’s mouth.
Join work groups and take advantage of every seminar available. Be careful not to take on more than you can handle but being a part of a work group will help you get acclimated to the company much more quickly while attending seminars will ensure your knowledge of industry practices is totally up-to-date.
C. Help Others
Find ways to help other company employees be successful. If you have an idea, talk about it with a pertinent colleague. Collaborate with them instead of trying to make the idea solely your own.
If a colleague asks for assistance with a task, take time from you schedule to give it your focus and your best effort. If after careful examination you cannot help, admit it. Most people will see right through any youthful attempt to blow smoke by them.
If you can help, be sure to come across as offering suggestions and advice for consideration. Avoid any language that would give anyone the impression you are telling them how a specific task ought to be done.
Ultimately, Avoid Being an Idiot
No one sums this respect notion up better than Chuck Westbrook, who has his list of “6 Ways to Get Respect Quickly, Despite Your Youth.” Number six, “Avoid Being an Idiot,” puts it in words we can all fully understand:
“Avoid being an idiot,” writes Chuck. “Subtle advice, no? Anyone who’s spent any amount of time in an office has seen talented people who can’t stop shooting themselves in the foot with stupid habits. Improper attire, showing up late, inappropriate jokes, failure to stop talking about oneself… The list goes on and on. Exercise good judgment and at least be aware of the norms in your workplace.”
He goes on to add that “you need to prove you can follow the rules before you can get away with breaking them.” We would suggest that you take that one step further and forget about getting away with breaking any rules.
Because as Chuck concludes:
“It’s hard to get respect when you’re fired.”
- Posted by in Uncategorized |
- May 17th, 2009 |
When it comes to graduation events, most of the media focus the past couple of weeks has been on President Obama’s appearance at Notre Dame. The decision of school officials to invite the president to deliver the commencement address and award him an honorary degree was clearly not sitting well with many Catholics.
Given the president’s views on abortion, protesters have been reportedly out in great numbers. In addition, one person set to be honored offered the greatest of protests as she opted to decline a prestigious award.
Less Media Coverage
Lost amidst the hoopla was a mind-numbing story from another prestigious college, Morehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. In yet another of those situations where the term justice seems to have totally taken a hiatus, about 500 students were set to graduate without such protests.
This despite the fact that one perpetrator, Joshua Brandon Norris, was graduating and his victim, Rashad Johnson was not.
The back story represents one of the more troubling tales we have read about in years. Norris was graduating despite the fact that he had shot Johnson three times.
That’s correct. Norris had pulled a gun on Johnson in an altercation outside a night club in 2007. A scuffle ensued and Norris shot Johnson three times.
The Plea Deal
Facing one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and second count for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Norris attended a court hearing in January. There he was offered the plea deal by the prosecutor.
Norris pleaded no contest to the first count and the second charge was dropped. He ultimately received six years of probation, a $1,000 fine and 240 hours of community service.
Somehow, the incredible plea deal was also accepted by the presiding judge.
And since he avoided any jail time (he faced up to 20 years), he was able to remain in school to complete his degree. In fact, the plea deal mandated that he remain in college and complete his college degree.
Not a School Issue
Understandably, Johnson and his family were astonished to learn of the deal. Johnson, one bullet still in his left leg, had left Atlanta and gone home to California to be with his mom and to recover from his injuries.
Fahizah Johnson, the victim’s mom, took issue with the school.
“I am so disappointed because Morehouse has been an institution in my family for three generations,” she told CNN. “This guy shot my son three times, and he’s still in school? He’s still a student with other students?”
While CNN also seems to take exception to the actions of Morehouse, the school is not at fault. The incident took place off school grounds and the legal verdict essentially mandated that Norris attend school.
Therefore, there was simply no recourse for the school. Refusing to let Norris return to school would not have been legally supportable regardless of the actions he took.
The issue was an appalling set of decisions by the prosecutor in the case.
No Longer a Morehouse Man
According to CNN the prosecutor of the case has since resigned. His boss insists he would have been fired had he not quit.
Little has been said about the judge’s role.
The one step Johnson can take is to separate himself from the school and the city. Despite the school being a longstanding family tradition, Johnson has done just that.
He is now attending Sacramento City College and plans to attend law school after he graduates in 2011.
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