How Well Do You Know Yourself?

Should I be a doctor or an engineer? 

A graphic artist or a journalist? We've all been through the process of choosing a career path at least once in our life. Even after settling, there is always the possibility of feeling unsatisfied with your choice. Statistics show that 80% of workers in their 20s want to change careers, followed by 64% in their 30s and 54% in their 40s. The majority of unsatisfied workers landed their job due to a lack of self-evaluation and unclear choices. The result can lead to negative relationships, in the workforce and in their personal lives, low job efficiency and even stress. In order to avoid running into the wall you could use your 15-minute break to take one of many personality tests provided online.

These tests can help with self-discovery and can provide additional reflection on career choices. Whether you have already chosen a path, or are in the process, it may be worth seeking external guidance. Your four-letter result can help build a path to a successful career, lay out your strengths and weaknesses, create stronger relationships and develop habits to improve your skills. When you think about it, how we perceive, interact with one another, problem-solve and reach conclusions affect how we work. One work environment may be different from another and it is important to match your abilities with the job descriptions. When used correctly this test can help you explore key personality traits and impact your decision making process.

It was common for me to blame my problems on external sources and justified my behaviors by making excuses. After taking the test I was able to point out my strengths and what I needed to work on. Now that I have identified my personality, I am able to adapt certain aspects into my life and work my way around difficult situations. 

The more you know yourself, the more you’re able to identify what you really need in life. After all, in order to grow, you need to start with YOU.

Taking Time For What Matters

You, yes you! Put your cell phone down and take five minutes to read this.

Why is it that when we eat out we take pictures of our food before we even take the first bite? The answer is that we live in the year 2015, and we need to record and publish everything we do in our day. This takes away from actually enjoying the moment and stops us from becoming more mindful.

The idea of being mindful means being more present and conscious of your surroundings. Many are used to sacrificing this in order to achieve their goals when in fact, one becomes more productive by being mindful. Ultimately, mindfulness is the energy that helps us recognize what surrounds us in our present lives. We are currently living in a materialistic society in which we are constantly being blocked from living in the present moment.

In order to be connected with our mind, body and spirit it is important to practice these 5 exercises at least once a day:

First Exercise: Mindful Breathing
This exercise may seem simple, but has a powerful result. When you breathe, your mental disclosure stops and you bring all your attention to your in-breathe. You don' think of the past nor the future anymore, only the present. This simple step can take at least two seconds, and in return, it gives you time to be alive.

Second Exercise: Concentration
This exercise is during your breathe in exercise, and it allows you to follow it from beginning to end. This helps with you to become more aware.

Third Exercise: Awareness of Your Body
This is when you become aware of your body as you are breathing. Most of the time our body is there but our mind is elsewhere. Ultimately, your body benefits from this too.

Fourth Exercise: Releasing Tension
This next exercise is to release tension from the body. The goal is to eliminate the stress that has been accumulated in your body. Your posture is very important in this step. Consider sitting up straight in a comfortable surface.

Fifth Exercise: Walking Meditation
The same can be done by walking and enjoying your surroundings.

In addition to these exercises, here are 20 things you can do in your every day life. 

Do You Have What It Takes?

Yes we've all been there. That nerve-racking process of going through job interviews, and let's face it, the workforce is getting more and more competitive. Leadership positions are becoming more demanding, and only those who posses excelling qualities, earn the spots. According to an article on Forbes, Generation Z will be entering the workforce in May of next year. Research on Gen. Z has shown that it's members are even more entrepreneurial, loyal, flexible and realistic in their approach to careers. About a third desire to become managers in the next five years already, and 45% believe working with boomers will be challenging.

If these soon to be college graduates expect to obtain leadership positions in the next five years, they should begin to incorporate 5 basic leadership skills. An article from Targetjobs lists these 5 skills consulting recruiters are looking for in 2016. They go as follows:

1. Entrepreneurial attitude: Looking for new opportunities to define strategic approaches and how to deliver them. Having a 'can do" attitude.

2. Intellectual curiosity: Finding simple solutions to complex problems. Be able to think outside of the box and beyond the immediate requirements.

3. Analytical skills: Learning how to work with data, mix quantitive and qualitative research and is detail oriented.


4. Extracurricular activities: These activities can transfer skills that are valuable in the workplace.

5. Interpersonal skills: Being able to work as a team to achieve common goals. Learn how to develop communication skills, body language skills, listening skills and negotiation skills.

As the workplace begins to shift in the year 2016, Generation Z are the main focus. This is the generation that will define the years to come. Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

http://restorationheart.blogspot.mx/2014/08/finger-pointing-when-god-doesnt-heal.html

Speaking Without Talking

Most of our communication is done through the use of body language. Many believe that more than 80% of it is done non-verbally. There are many ways in which cultures around the world use body language in order to communicate. Many may be unfamiliar or even rare to our culture, but it is important to understand each and every one of them. The following are unique ways in which cultures around the world communicate:

The Tibetan Tongue Sticking:

Yes, sticking your tongue out to someone in the region of Tibet shows a sign of respect. The origin ir believed to have derived from the Tibetan King, Lang Darma, known for his cruelty and black tongue. People fear that he may reincarnate and Tibetans greet one another by sticking out their tongues demonstrating that they do not have black tongues. 

Touching Feet in India:

This is still very common amongst cultures in India to touch the feet of elders and teachers a sign of respect. It is more like a sacred greeting in Hindus and in a way seek their blessings in return. In return, elders place their hand on their head or back of the blessing seeker. 

Yes and No in Greece:

In the United States, as well as in the majority of the countries, shaking your head from left to right means no and up and down means yes. In Greece they mean "yes" by tilting their head first to the left and then the right. When they mean "no" they tilt the head up and back. Other countries with similar tactics include: Bulgaria, Albania, Saudi Arabia and Iran. 

Eye Contact in Middle East:

In many Middle-Eastern cultures, intense eye contact between same genders is often a sign of trust and sincerity. This is not the case with opposing genders. Eye contact between different genders, anything more than a brief eye-contact is considered inappropriate. 

Pointing in Asia:

In the western world, we often point at things to help explain a point. However in many Asian countries, especially China, pointing with the forefinger is considered rude. An alternative way is to gesticulate towards the "point of interest" with an open palm that faces upwards. 

In case you are traveling any time soon, check out these websites! It is important to know what is acceptable, non-acceptable and required before landing in a foreign country. Nonverbal Communication Across Different Cultures and Cross Cultural Communication Tips. 

Words With A Voice of Their Own

Quotes serve as a "fillers" when you run out of things to say to yourself. When we need quick advice from someone,we lean on their words for comfort. The authors of these quotes are often people we look up to, or have gone through certain experiences in their lives and professions. These words serve as a motivator to keep on going, and a constant reminder to do what's best for us. The next five quotes are my guide to become the best possible me:

 People tend to base their decisions on money, power and success instead of desire. It is important to put aside what doesn't make you happy, and instead, rely on things that truly keep you engaged and motivated. Once you choose something that you are passionate about, the work will come easily to you. 

This quote, serves as a reminder that times will come when I'll have to do the hard things, or the things that no one else wants to do. The things that make me wonder how much longer I can hold on too, are what define me. Practice and patience will build the path to to my finish line. 

Frida Kahlo suffered from an injury that prevented her from ever walking right again and having children of her own. Never the less, this never became an obstacle in her artistic career. When ever I feel limited or incapable of doing something, I remember that there is nothing in life that can stop me, not even myself.

There are times in my life when I deprive myself from others opinions. It is important to hear every side of a situation and allow for others to get the chance to speak up. In the long run, one can learn amazing things from others by just listening.

There are many times when I feel an insecurity to be different, and prefer to give into the conformities of blending in. Anna Wintour's quote gives me the courage to accept myself for who I am, regardless of what I look or stand for. In our society, it is important to preserve our individuality and desire to be bold.    

Who knows, maybe one day I could also have my quotes embedded on my picture.

For more quotes visit Lifehack and Forbes.

The Clinton-Lewinsky Generation

My generation is defined as being pushed into adulthood earlier, emerged into a technological culture, witnessed the Iran hostage crisis and the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Being raised in a home where my parents were divorced and had a working mother, I was obliged to take care of my two younger brothers. Lets just say that I developed a strict hand and zero tolerance. 

The evolution in the music world and the creation of the first, house sized computer, opened me to a new world of multiple cultures. I guess I could say I earned my independence at an early age. I began working at the age of sixteen and worked my way into college. I entered the workforce in my early twenties and still remain to this day. I am a single mother of two, in the process of finalizing my divorce... great. I have learned how to manage my time between work and my children. I divide my day into PTC meetings at school and long work hours filled with business meetings. I am exhausted and have no time what for ME. I can say that I enjoy working. 

I began to work at a very young age and I never had anything handed to me for free. I know the value of hard work and dedication, and lets just say I am great at multi-tasking. I read this great article on Parents called, "10 Ways to Reduce Single-Parents Stress". The article gives 10 easy steps that I have learned to follow: It goes as follows:

1. Get a handle on finances                                                          

2. Set up a support system
3. Maintain a daily routine
4. Be consistent with discipline 
    (especially with my kids)
5. Answer questions honestly 
6. Treat kids like kids
7. Abolish "guilt" from your vocabulary
8. Take time for your children
9. Take time for yourself
10. Stay positive

The Working Mother has a great article by Lori Gottlieb that helps give a perspective of what it is like to be a single mother in the workforce.

Image from Adobe Stock

Think Global, Act Local

Limited minds lead to limited success. In order to become successful in life or in a business, a person needs to think globally. A leader needs to have an open mind and be prepared to deal with anything they put in front of him/her. This person needs to have an ability to learn new skills, have an open mind to other cultures and accept change, and have the ability to form new connections. In a business, a leader needs to develop an organizational culture based on their abilities. A leader must be willing to pass their knowledge to the employees in order for the company to form their own culture. It is important for a leader to avoid ethnocentrism and adapt parts from different cultures that exceed others.

 A great way of doing this is by comparing cultures and never stereotype people coming from the same culture. Going against this could lead to forming gender, race and religious barriers in a workplace. It is important to form a collectivist culture to avoid the "me" and "I" and focus on the "we" and "us". Think as a team... think as a whole. It is important to remember that in a business there will be people coming from different cultures and countries, especially in the U.S. People are leaving their home in order to work, and a leader should create a tolerant and open organizational culture to avoid foreigners to feel unwelcome. 

A company should prepare its employees to be more culturally accepting and open. In an article from the Harvard Business Review, Bill George states that American companies have the ability to form global leaders. This will strengthen our economy as well as global trade and attract other companies to establish their operations in the country. He goes on by listing 5 advantages that America possesses in this matter. It goes as follows:

1. America’s higher education system is a magnet for talented leaders from all over the world. 
2. U.S. companies actively promote executive officers with diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds.
3. American companies send their most promising leaders abroad for global leadership assignments. 
4. The U.S. leverages its pool of top talent to attract research and business units.
5. America fosters risk-taking and innovation by entrepreneurs who become global leaders.

In my opinion this country still has a long way to become more culturally accepting in the workforce. A great way to incorporate this more is to provide cross-cultural-training for employees and create an environment with people who are culturally diverse. 

An article from the Huffington Post, states that due to advances in technology the world has become smaller and more connected. One business or event can impact other businesses from other countries due to the connections formed between countries. By using technology in a positive way, people can become aware of their surrounding and ultimately become more global minded.  

Image from: Free Photo Pixabay

Five Things Needed to Make an Organizational Culture

Would you dress for a gala event as you would for your neighbor's barbecue? Although you would never receive a dress code along with these invitations, there is a certain ambience that implies for you to dress, think and act a certain way in each event. An organization's culture works in a similar way. The culture conveys shared values, attitudes, beliefs and standards that characterize an organization's goals. An example would be, if a company treats a maintenance employee differently than they would towards a finance director, there will be a lack of progress from the maintenance employee. Overall it is imperative for an organization to create a strong culture and therefore, create a good impression for potential future employees as well as customers. Co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneur, Jeremy Bloom, highlights six easy steps for organizations to follow in order to construct a solid culture within an organization:

1. Transparency
2. Time to Disconnect
3. Empowerment and Sense of Freedom
4. Physical Space
5. Talking to Customers and Employees
6. Input Organizational Design "How you do things"

Recently Business Insider listed the microblogging company, Twitter, as the number one company in terms of corporate culture and values according to it's employees. According to Fortune, people working for Twitter receive "rooftop meetings, free meals at its San Francisco headquarters, in-office yoga classes, and unlimited vacations for exempt employees". 

I was surprised to discover that tech companies are dominating the top rankings. Glassdoor community expert Scott Dobroski states that employees working for such companies buy into their organizations' mission statements.

If a company creates a good environment within it's walls, it's employees will respond positively. This will reflect on the output and overall product of their hard work. All of the values and beliefs within an organization contribute to the final brand image by which it will become remembered by.





Images from StockSnap