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10 types of people who get better jobs

Go-getters, the whiners, the strugglers, and the hard workers -it takes all kinds (read: personality types) to make up an enterprising workplace. This is especially good for small companies, say human resource managers, as it makes the workplace far more dynamic. It is essential for small business entrepreneurs to find the right set to call a team with unique traits. No matter what business or job, there are some characters every organisation must hire.

The cheerleader 

What's a good sport without a happy bunch of cheerleaders? All work and no promotion, makes the company disappear in the market.

So your small law firm maybe known in the circles, but a little push from a marketing guru will make the world aware of your facilities, capabilities, which will result in acquiring more clients. The marketer works in tandem with the founder to position the company that suits his or her vision and build the brand. This personality type is highly assertive, understands urgency and is willing to gamble (even when the founder develops cold feet).

The multi-tasker 

So your company is tiny and everyone is a bit stretched. There are some who just can't handle the pressure, but there are few who can grin and bear it all, and can put their hands in several puddings all at once -be admin one day, and a creative executor the next.

These multi-taskers serve as real assets to smaller firms whose budgets are meagre and manpower a handful. Young entrepreneurs are constantly on the look out of talent that not only can juggle many roles, but also switch parts as and when required.

The obligator 

What's the difference between an accommodator and multi-tasker? The former is a `willing personality', while the latter is just blessed to focus on too many things at the same time. But as an owner of a small business, you need an accommodator in your squad, too. Read: These personalities are not spineless `yes minister' kinds, but understand when they need to up their game, and do whatever it takes to work with impossible demands and deadlines.

Reverse role player 

Small firms have a strong tendency and leaning to employ people who are like-minded, but HR officials reckon that a personality whose views and beliefs are opposite of that of the company would do the latter good and result in growth. He/she would bring in the perspective and insight that owners would fail to notice. Sometimes, they'll also serve as mock rivals, thus further enhancing the chances of success and productivity.

The decision maker

When an entrepreneur has just started off in the business, he/she is always a bit averse to taking big risks and making concrete decisions. They are constantly turning to people who can use their own judgment and give them sound advice. Remember, they need someone who is not afraid to pull the trigger in times of distress. If you're a firm decision maker, then you are just the person your boss needs by his/ her side.

The cautious player 

Likewise, if you're the kind of entrepreneur who has a tendency to run with his /her dreams, an employer who likes to play it carefully is always a good hand in the team. You need this type of personality as a counterbalance to risk takers.

They are risk-averse, but sometimes you need such people to bring in stability and caution you from getting too excited and taking on more than your resources can manage.

The planner 

A person skilled in draft ing policies and plan ning the next action the compa ny must take is a key member to have in the team. Many serve as efficient executors, but few as effective planners (who essentially run the ship). These are the guys who can identify long-term goals, have a vision for the future and can work on a calculated measure to get there.

The organiser

It's one thing to be a good strategist, and another to pull it all together. The best ideas go for a toss if you do not have someone who is task-oriented to put them into action. So if you are a master at organising, then it's imperative to add that in your CV.

The analyser 

While the strategist and organiser have their own skill sets to execute the idea into action,it takes an observant kind -who has one eye firmly on the markets and another on the rivals -to help you weigh the pros and cons and work ccordingly.

The helper 

If you have wetted your hands in the hospitality business, and are looking to make a switch, be sure you retain the `service-oriented' trait in your next job, too. A person who has a willingness to help others always makes for a great team player.

They balance administrative qualities, understand urgency and have the patience to deal with finicky clients.

16 Traits of The World's Most Successful People

When the young journalist Napoleon Hill interviewed the industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1908, Carnegie liked Hill so much that he decided he would share all of the strategies that turned him from a penniless immigrant into the richest man in the world.

From that point forward, Hill dedicated his career to understanding the work ethics of highly successful people like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, collecting them into his own philosophy and then packaging it into articles, books, and lectures for regular people wanting to achieve more in life. His 1937 book "Think and Grow Rich" is one of the bestselling books of all time.

Before he began writing books, Hill ran two magazines with articles that provided the foundation for his most famous work. In the inaugural April 1921 issue of Napoleon Hill's Magazine, Hill wrote about "The Magic Ladder to Success," an essay based on a speech he gave on a tour of the US and would later adapt into a full-length book in 1930. We found it in "Napoleon Hill's First Editions: From the Napoleon Hill Archives."

After spending 12 years analyzing 'more than 12,000 men and women,' both successful entrepreneurs and ordinary people, Hill determined 16 elements of exceptional leaders that anyone can practice:

1. They have a definite aim in life.

Hill likens having just a vague aim to succeed to being a ship without a rudder. "Bear in mind that both your definite aim and your plan for attaining it may be modified form time to time... The important thing for you to do now is to learn the significance of working always with a definite aim in view, and always with a definite plan," Hill writes.

2. They are self-confident.

To be capable of setting ambitious goals, you need to believe you can follow the plans to achieve them. And when you believe in yourself, others tend to believe in you as well.

3. They show initiative.

The only way to rise up the corporate hierarchy or to develop your own business is to to look for other things to accomplish once you've fulfilled your regular duties.

4. They are imaginative.

A lack of the driving force of initiative and the creative power of imagination is "the main reason why 95% of the adult people of the world have no definite aim in life, which, in turn, is also the reason why this same 95% constitute the followers in life," Hill says.

5. They are active.

You may have earned multiple degrees from elite universities and have read history's most important books, but none of it means anything if you don't turn knowledge into action.

6. They are enthusiastic.

Do what you love, Hill says, or else you will lack the energy to become truly successful.

7. They practice self-control.

Hill says that he did not start to become successful until he learned that he was working against himself whenever he gave into anger or arrogance. "No person ever became a great leader of others until he first learned to lead himself, through self-control," he writes.

8. They go beyond what's required of them.

The most successful people outperform their competition, and when they make it to the top, they compete with themselves.

9. They are incredibly likable.

When you are charismatic and foster relationships with others, you build a network of people who are willing to help you without your asking.

10. They know how to separate truth from bias.

Because their actions have ramifications for other people, leaders understand that they cannot take what they hear or read at face value, and learn how to pluck truth from others' worldviews.

11. They are focused.

Successful people are able to concentrate their energy and skills toward specific goals without becoming distracted by irrelevant issues.

12. They are persistent.

Those who are able to achieve success are not stopped by the inevitable nonstop challenges and setbacks that are in their path to attaining their goals.

13. They are resilient.

"When you begin to realize that failure is a necessary part of one's education, you will no longer look upon it with fear, and lo! the first thing you know, there will be no more failures!" Hill writes. "No person ever arose from the knockout blow of defeat without being a stronger and wiser human being in one respect or another."

14. They are sympathetic.

In "Think and Grow Rich," Hill writes that it's not a coincidence that history is filled with tyrants and dictators being overthrown. The most successful leaders work in harmony with their team, not in dominion over them.

15. They work hard.

Hill says that this sounds simple enough, but it's important to remember that even if you achieve your greatest goal, you need to continue pushing yourself or risk losing everything you worked for.

16. They are empathetic.

Hill's favorite philosophical maxim is The Golden Rule, which states, "Treat others the way you would like to be treated." He uses it as the final rung of the ladder to true success. Hill writes:

The Golden Rule acts as a barrier to all of man's tendencies toward the destructive use of power that comes from developing the other qualities outlined in this ladder. It is the thing that antidotes the harm man could do without knowledge and power; the thing that guides man to the intelligent, constructive use of those qualities he develops from the use of the rungs of this ladder.

Courtesy: Times of India

Dealing With Multiple Bosses is A Challenge Faced by Many Aoday. Priya C Nair Discusses a Few Tips to Deal With All of Them Tactfully

    Imagine a situation – you have five different bosses and each of them give you different assignments to be finished on the same day! Seems chaotic? But working with multiple bosses is increasingly becoming a reality in today’s corporate world. According to Mohinish Sinha, leadership & talent practice leader, Hay Group South & South East Asia, Pacific & 

Africa geographies (SAPA), all organisations that operate across more than one country, with more than one product, serving more than one customer group, operate in a matrix format. “The matrix creates a place for everyone and interconnects them where all have a ‘real’ boss and a ‘virtual’ one,” adds Sinha. 

    But employees find it extremely challenging to work with multiple bosses. According to experts, with more than one person assigning you work, the workload increases and you have to work more. Another challenge is that of dealing with conflicting messages – different bosses have different expectations and you might find it impossible to satisfy all. 

BOSSES, TOO MANY?

    With the organisational structure changing and more organisations adopting a flat structure and concentrating on specific projects, employees are expected to work with several bosses. So experts suggest looking at the positives and learning to manage multiple bosses effectively as the way forward, rather than cribbing about the challenges. Sridar Narayanswami, vice president - India Region, Emerson believes it is quite beneficial to have multiple supervisors, especially for the younger employees who are embarking on their leadership journey. He says, “Employees get to see different leadership styles as well as learn from varied insights and perspectives. This also helps them to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders in the longer run.” 

    Experts say that getting to know your ultimate boss, who makes decisions about your career w.r.t performance review, compensation, etc is important. Also handling the challenges proactively is the way forward. “The employee needs to keep in mind that in general, most supervisors are aligned and focused towards achieving the organisation’s common goals. If they can communicate seamlessly and build strong credibility with multiple supervisors, they could gain immensely by being able to reach out to more than one mentor as they grow in their careers,” concludes Narayanswami. 

PRIORITISE 

    “While reporting to different bosses, it had become difficult to prioritise work. I eventually realised that the decision on what needs to be done can be prioritised between them and then after discussion, they can assign work accordingly. Another challenge is the appreciation of your work. Every individual has a different work style, different expectations; so adaptability for the reportee becomes key for success.The positive aspects of working with multiple bosses are that you learn from each of the experiences and you tend to get a knack of handling people effectively.”  

Proverb

A prover is much matter decorated into few words--Thomas Fuller

Make sure to be in with your equals if you're going to fall out with your superiors.

If you don’t go into the cave of the tiger, how are you going to get its cub?

Fit secure an independent income, then practice virtue.

He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by a wolf.

Do not throw the arrow that will return against you.

Gratitude is the heart’s memory.

Charity sees the need, not the cause.

He who borrows sells his freedom.

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.

Grey hair is a sign of age, not of wisdom.

The believer is happy; the doubter is wise.

Call on God, but row away from the rocks.

If you scatter thorns, don’t go barefoot.

It is not enough to aim; you must hit.

The best armour is to keep out of range.

A hungry dog will eat dirty puddings.

Clothes make the man.

Happiness                                                                                                                                                                           

All of us seek happiness. All of us want to be happy, and free of suffering. Nobody wants to be sad, miserable and unhappy. And yet, there are so many unhappy people around. Why is happiness so elusive? Or is it really? Maybe the fault lies in our looking for happiness in the wrong places, in our not understanding what happiness means, and what makes us happy.

Due to ignorance, we strive to find happiness in places where it cannot be found. We keep on doing this because superficial appearances delude us into thinking that it can be found where we seek it – within the world of desires and senses. However, true happiness cannot be found there. Thus, our efforts lead us to more frustration and unhappiness.

So where can happiness be found? How can one be happy? What is the definition of happiness? Perhaps the answer lies in the following words of wisdom.

Happiness ...

… doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude. - Dale Carnegie 

… isn’t the easiest thing to find, but one place you’re guaranteed to find it is in a friend’s smile. - Allison Poler 

… grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers’ gardens. -Douglas Jerrold

… comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable. - Leo C. Rosten

… often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open. - John Barrymore

… does not consist in pastimes and amusements, but in virtuous activities. -Aristotle

… depends more on the inward Disposition of mind than on the outward Circumstances. - Benjamin Franklin

… makes up in height what it lacks in length. - Robert Frost

… walks on busy feet. - Kitte Turmell

In case of speed, less than 30 kmph there are chances of survival of pedestrians, but in case of speed more than 50 kmph death is almost certain. According to Prof S S Chakraborty 10% increase in speed enhances 40 % possibility for personal injury, 30 % in fatal accidents and 20 % in all accidents.

The survey establishes that most of the accidents take place because of increase in speed. Understanding the alarming issue, the union government has decided to form state level safety boards on road design and vehicle safety. With ever increasing number of vehicles accidents are bound to happen.

Minister of state for Shipping K H Muniyappa said that the norm will be followed by all collective safety and security. The government is planning to discuss the issue with auto manufacturers to initiate more sophisticated gadgetry and assure commercial vehicle install speed governors.

“OH GOD! Please let them come back home safely.” From the time our family members step out from home till they return, we echo the same words for our loved ones.

Our country, which is marching towards the development in various fields is not left behind in increasing the rates of road mishaps.

In developing countries, the fatality rates (defined as road accidental deaths per 10,000 vehicles) are quite high in comparison to developed countries. India has recorded over 1,05,749 deaths in the year 2009 as against China’s toll of 89,455 as per latest figures disclosed by the ministry of shipping road transport and highways.

India is estimated to have the second highest number of road accidents in a year, according to World Road Statistics (WRS) 2007 data for 2009. KH Muniyappa, the minister of state for shipping road transport and highways, said that the total number of people killed in road accidents was 94,985, next only to China where 98,738 people were killed.

Tamilnadu and Maharashtra have earned the dubious distinction of having the largest number of  road accidents in our country, accounting together for one-fourth of the total 3.94 lakh of such mishaps in 2009.

The drivers do not want to give pass to any other vehicle. Everyone seems to be in hurry. Overtaking has become a common practice. And if the drivers hit someone or some vehicle they are so egoistic to apologise we do not hesitate to do such things and feel pride to play the blame game on others.

But is it fair to blame our government all the time? Isn’t it our responsibility to uplift ourselves?

By sheer palm greasing, we are able to get the driving licence but have we ever tried to know the driving rules?

As far as our government is concerned, it should come up with better enforcement of traffic laws and avoid myopic policies on the part of our politicians because these road accidents not only costs human lives but also affect approximately three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) of India (as estimated by World Bank). Speedy medical assistance is also required to minimise the death toll.

Measures taken by the government is just a pinch of sugar in sea. Traffic laws are needed to be enforced strictly and it is our duty to follow them. These reasons are enough for us to come forward with road safety measures.

Extracurriculars & Academics

Extracurricular activities are an important aspect of college life. How do undergraduates balance extracurricular activities along with the rigor of academics?

When one looks back on their college days, the memories that come rushing back often create nostalgia. In all probability the memories we cherish from college are not those of attending lectures and writing exams, but those of the college annual day organizing a festival participating in the football team or other such extracurricular activities. It is thus evident that one must live up their graduation years to the fullest.

Time walk

Waking the tightrope between academics and extracurricular activities however does not come easy. How much time and importance should be assigned to each? Unable to find a suitable equilibrium most students tend to falter on this front.

Naval Chopra, a computer science and engineering student at IIT Bombay has an outstanding GPA of about 9.33 despite being involved in various extra curriculars like debating gym, and snooker. He says his secret is local time tabling. Professors always announce exams and tests well in advance. I just ensure that I’m never unprepared for them. Procrastination is probably not the best idea if you intend to balance both academics and extracurriculars.

The key is good time management and minimizing the time spent on unproductive activities. Agrees another student of bioinformatics engineering, who was class representative for four consecutive years and was involved with the organizing of several college festivals. He shares I tried to make use of all my time by studying till late at night, or while commuting. I also made the most of my weekends.

Mass media student Sapan Verma of Jai Hind college ensured that academics and extracurricular activities remained compartmentalized. Throughout the semester I took part in various college festivals and events, while allocating some time for academics. But as examinations approached I would study like a geek! It is nice to work hard on festivals and have fun equally important to be serious and give academics their due.

Of course, it’s not only managing your time well. Interest and passion go a long way too. It is not difficult to balance academics and extracurricular activities if you are interested in both. I liked my course, and enjoyed all my extracurriculars too. If you love what you do, it won’t seem like a chore or burden at all.

Why extracurriculars?

Why are students so eager to participate in extracurricular activities, despite the fact that hey are hectic and time intensive? The answer lies in the fact that extracurriculars open up a whole new world for students. Agrees Verma I’ve learnt so much from festivals and internships. These are things that no classroom lecture or examinations can teach. Students who excel in extracurriculars always have the added advantage of experience.

While academics lead to one sided development extracurriculars facilitate holistic growth of the student. Organizing events and being in positions of responsibility helps one with a practical exposure to being in or / and leading a team, problem solving crisis management and negotiation skills. This complements the academics learning. Extracurriculars also hone personal skills. Participating in extracurricular activities has made me versatile and confident. It has widened my horizons on multiple issues.

Prospective employers too are increasingly placing emphasis on holistic achievements and not just academics. Employers look for people who are good at what they do, be it at academics, extracurriculars or in positions of responsibility. If one demonstrates excellence in these spheres, it makes him /her stand out and gets noticed by employers.

Of course there’s no overlooking the fact that extracurriculars are a whole lot of fun too! Smiles Ramchandani I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I enjoy every minute. I spent with these non-academic pursuits. I’ve met so many interesting people faced challenging situations and gained diverse experiences.

No Regrets

Time spent on extracurriculars almost becomes the essence of college life. It’s worth the hassle, the running around and the sleepless nights. I may not remember what my textbook said but will always fondly remember my extracurricular pursuits. There are no more regrets about extracurriculars. I like to think of it as productive use of the time I anyway wouldn’t spend studying.

Sooner Or Later ...

Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take.

• He  learns that it doesn’t pay to let things get his goat; that he must let some things go over his head like water off a duck's back.

• He  learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the quickest way to get into a fight.

• He learns that buck-passing acts as a  boomerang.

• He learns that carrying tales and gossip about others is the surest way to become unpopular.

• He learns that giving  others a mental lift by showing appreciation and praise is the best way to lift his own spirits.

• He learns that the world will not end   when he fails or makes an error; that there is always another day and another chance.

• He learns that listening is frequently more  important than talking, and that he can often make a friend by letting the other fellow tell his troubles.

• He learns that all men  have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn’t let their grumbling get him down.

• He learns that people are  not any more difficult to get along with in one place than another, and that ‘getting along’ depends about 98 per cent on his own   behavior.

Effect Of Emotions On Job Performance

Emotions at work place, generally, fall into the category of positive (good) and negative (bad) emotions. Positive emotions are those feelings of an individual that are favorable to the attainment of organizational goals while negative emotions are those that are perceived to be destructive for the organization. To classify them further, emotions can be categorized as discrete, dispositional and as moods. Discrete emotions reflect short lived emotions like joy, anger, fear and disgust which arise from the occurrence of a particular event; while dispositional define an employees overall approach towards life like cheerful, negative, etc. Moods, however, are long lasting as compared to discrete emotions.

The impact of emotions, whether positive or negative, is well researched on. Studies suggest that negative feelings have adverse effects on job performances. Anger often leads to aggressions towards colleagues while sadness leads to dissatisfaction with the job. Envy or conflict with peers also leads to frequent fights and in turn results absenteeism. It is not always that only bad emotions lead to bad results. Office romance, despite being a positive feeling, can have negative effect on others. However, emotions can have positive effects as well. Positive emotions increase creativity, encourage helping behavior and cooperation and reduce aggression both against the organization and against people. Research suggests that positive people have better cognitive abilities and tend to do better in the workplace and with accuracy.

Emotions influence the task on which an employee is working, the efforts he puts and how he influences other employees around him. In other words, what employees feel and how they express their emotions affects their performance.

Effect on decision making : Studies have shown that positive mood leads to better and efficient decision making. However, this doesn't mean that decisions taken in a bad mood are disruptive. Studies have also found that negative emotions can lead to more effective decision making. Negative emotions, sometimes, may lead to more concentrated, detailed, and analytic processing of the facts.

Emotions and absenteeism : Positive mood is associated with reduced absence and intention to quit the job while negative mood increase absenteeism, intention to turnover, and actual turnover.

Effects on creativity : Positive emotions influence creativity positively as it creates a content state of mind which is open to all ideas. It also leads to a more complex and flexible thinking.

Interpersonal relations : Positive feelings induce helping behaviors while feelings of jealousy of hatred lead to poor relations with colleagues.

Managing Emotions 

Emotions directly influence behavior, so one has to manage emotions while at work. Some jobs simply cannot be done, if emotions are not dealt with first. Imagine how employees whose jobs asks compulsion towards specific emotions, like the front desk people or customer care executives, manage their emotions. This is where the concept of emotional labor comes in to play. Emotional labour or emotion work is the effort, planning and control needed to express desired level of emotions while on work. Emotional labor is a form of regulation in which workers are expected to display certain emotions as part of their job and to promote organizational goals. When interacting with coworkers, customers, suppliers, and others, employees are expected to abide by such rules.

There are two main ways of managing emotions at work - surface acting and deep acting. In surface acting, employees are required to show emotions that they actually might not feel. For example an employee may fake a smile for his client even if in actual he is unhappy because of some personal reasons. This method of managing emotions may lead to discrepancy between what employee expresses and what he actually feels and result in job dissatisfaction. This leads to emotional dissonance, which refers to a state of disagreement between internal expression of emotions and publicly displayed emotions. Emotional dissonance is often accompanied by high emotional exhaustion, low organizational commitment, and low job satisfaction .

In deep acting, instead of expressing fake emotions, employees try to experience the emotions that they are supposed to express. This method of requires more effort but leads to greater job satisfaction. Thus, the containment of unpleasant emotions decreases job satisfaction and increases intentions of quitting the job.

Courtesy: King Careers