They#8217;re Not Soft Skills They#8217;re Courage Skills

They8217re Not Soft Skills They8217re Courage Skills They8217re Not Soft Skills They8217re Courage Skills Depending on whom you ask, todays college graduates will change careers an average of 4-6 times during their lives. Note that I did not say jobs.Industries will rise and fall in months rather than years. That means the single most important skill for success in todays and tomorrows professional landscape is the ability to change continuously.In our career and engagement programs at Inspired Work, weve found that true personal change is often frightening to many professionals. That may be because it involves not only letting go of our previous beliefs, but also learning brand new sets of beliefs. The dance of unlearning, learning, and relearning is central to success in modern careers.Thus far, we have assisted more than 42,000 people in defining what they were born to do and assessing how to do it best. This how is a matter of building up any life skills or soft skills, as t hey are called you may be missing. That may sound daunting, but all that it takes to learn them is initiative and a small dose of courage.Many of these skills are also the very ones people need in order to successfully manage change in their lives and careers. Personal transformation is often what a person needs to break out of the trance so familiar to the 87 percent of the worlds workers who are not engaged at work.Given how important change and transformation are to career success, why do we dismissively categorize the skills we need to manage these things as soft skills? The more I have spoken with professionals on the subject, the more I realize that soft skills scare people, partially because of their designation.Wouldnt they become more attractive if we used the term courage skills? Not only would that be more a honest name, but also it would show people that these vital and necessary skills are aspirational,not beneath them.And what courage skills does one need in order to succeed in these tumultuous times? Here are a few examplesThe ability to draw healthy attention to oneself.The ability to give healthy attention to others.The ability to build an effective and comprehensive support system.The ability to sell ones ideas and concepts.The ability to solicitothers for help.The ability to respond to fear in healthy ways.Its time to build a stronger and more fulfilling future of work. Lets start by acquiring the skills we need.David Harder is the founder ofInspired Work.

Writing Letters Can Boost Your Career - The Muse

Writing Letters Can Boost Your Career - The MuseWriting Letters Can Boost Your Career On January 1, I made an unusual resolution. I committed to sending one hand-written letter per week- and not to relatives, or friends, or former teaczu sichs, but to other professionals. What would these letters say? That would depend on the week and the person. (Basically, Id wing it.) My only rule was the letter wouldnt include any requests I didnt want it to come off as a polite way of asking for something.At the end of the first week, I actually had the perfect reason to write a letter. Id been working with a PR rep on a story and wanted to thank her for her helpfulness, responsiveness, and all-around great attitude. notlage only did she give me everything I needed for the article, but she also took the time to answer my questions about the public relations industry and her career. Im interested in PR, so getting an entry-level employees perspective was super helpful. I dropped a letter saying a ll that in the mail. A week later, I got a happy email.I almost never get mail at work, so I was super excited it read. By the way, did you have any luck finding a summer internship? If you forward me your resume, Ill pass it along to our VPId mentioned I was looking for a summer position during one of our conversations, but wed never brought it up again, and I certainly hadnt mentioned it in the letter. While my gesture wasnt done out of self-interest, it may end up transforming my career- and even if I dont get the internship, Ill have turned a casual professional relationship into a stronger connection.The second week rolled around. I decided to send a letter to my mentor were always talking over email, Skype, and phone, but this would be a nice change of pace. I updated her on my current projects, asked her how her startup was doing, and described how I was incorporating the feedback shed recently given me.My mentor sent a text thanking me for the wonderful notenzeichen. I figur ed that was that. Then I got a package from her, containing a book shed loved and her own hand-written letter. Now we regularly communicate by snail mail. Its a great tradition, and its brought another dimension to our relationship.I decided to write my third letter to a writer who contributes to one of the same websites as I do. Not only did she inspire me to apply for the job, but I love the honesty, humor, and charm of her pieces. I sent the letter to the magazine headquarters so they could forward it to her.She sent me an email in response, saying my words had made her day, shed checked out some of my work, and shed give my name to a couple editors she knew who were looking for writers.Sending someone a hand-written letter shows effort and gratitude. If you dont have an ask- especially if you dont have an ask- it turns out its a gesture people really, really want to reward you for. Even without the tangible benefits of my letter campaign, Id definitely keep it up. Its one of the simplest ways you can strengthen a professional tie. Starting is simple Buy yourself a nice pack of cards and some stamps. Then, look for opportunities to send a letter to other people youve worked with or (like the case of the writer I admired) want to work with. Almost anyone is fair game- a person in the office next to you, a person in the office across the world from you, a former co-worker, your current boss, an intern whos been extra helpful, someone whos doing great things in your industry, an inspiring speaker or author I could go on and on. If you dont know someones address, you can always ask him or her. Just say, Hey Im sending you something in the mail, can I get your address? However, if you want to make your letters a surprise, youll have to be a bit more creative. For people working in the same space, leave your note on their desks. For others, send it to their workplace (finding the address should only take two seconds on Google). The only rules are you cant ask for anything, the person cant be from your personal life, and you have to send one letter a week.If youll be joining me, let me know how it goes ajavuu Ill write a letter to every person who tweets a picture of his or her letter and tags me.Photo of mailbox courtesy of Shutterstock.

How to Become a U.S. Border Patrol Agent

How to Become a U.S. Border Patrol Agent How to Become a U.S. Border Patrol Agent The United States Customs and Border Protection agency is about far more than simply curbing the influx of illegal immigration and undocumented workers into the U.S. In fact, The primary focus of CBP agents is to keep the country safe by preventing dangerous weapons and people from entering the nations borders and fighting to reduce the growing and horrific crime of human trafficking. Theres a lot that goes into preparing someone for such a worthwhile job, so its worth finding out exactly how to become a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Minimum Requirements for U.S. CBP Agents Before you even consider applying for the job, you need to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications set for CBP agents. In order to have your application considered and to advance through the hiring process, you must: Be a United States citizen and currently live in the United States.Be under 37 years unless you have prior federal law enforcement experience or are a military veteran.Hold a valid driver licenseBe fluent in Spanish or be able to learn the languageBe willing to work anywhere along the southwestern border of the United States Next Steps to Become a Border Patrol Agent If you meet the minimum requirements, the first step is to apply for the job. You can do so by visiting USAJOBS and searching for Customs and Border Patrol Opportunities. If your application meets muster, youll progress through a series of steps that include physical and written testing, a background check, a polygraph exam, an oral interview process and finally training at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy. Written Testing for Border Patrol Agents At the time you apply for a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent job, youll also register to take the U.S. Border Patrol Entrance Examination. The test consists of four sections that measure your math and logical reasoning skills, writing skills, and your past experiences and achievements. The test takes about 5 hours to complete  and is available at various locations throughout the United States. To pass the written test, youll need to achieve a score of at least 70 percent. In addition to the test, you will also participate in a Spanish language assessment to determine your ability to speak or learn to speak Spanish. Once you pass the written exam, youll move on to the first of two physical assessments. Physical Fitness Requirements for Border Patrol Agents The first physical assessment, the PFT-1, is a medical screening to ensure you are healthy enough for the rigors of the job. The medical screening will ensure that you meet the following requirements: Vision must be 20/100 or better in each eye and correctable to 20/20 with lenses. You must have normal color, peripheral and depth perception.You must have adequate hearing in both ears.You must not have any physical impairments that could pose a danger to you on the job.You must be in good health and your blood pressure must be within the normal range. The second assessment, known as the PFT-2, is a fitness assessment that comes later in the process, about 30 days before you begin the academy. It measures your overall physical fitness level and requires the following: Complete a 220-yard run in 46 seconds or lessComplete 25 sit-ups in 1 minuteComplete 20 push-ups in 1 minuteComplete a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes or less If youre not yet in shape, start working now to get yourself where you need to be. The above minimums arent overly taxing, but they can be difficult for someone who is not accustomed to physical activity. Consult with a physician before beginning an exercise program, and then start a regimen that can put you in the best position for success. Background Investigation for Border Patrol Agents If you make it far enough in the process, youll undergo a very thorough background investigation. The background check will include criminal histories, prior employment, references, training, and education verification and a polygraph exam. It is extremely important to understand that if you have any inclination toward working in any criminal justice career, you need to refrain from doing anything that could jeopardize your chance of getting hired later on down the road. The U.S. Border Patrol Academy If you can make it through all the hoops, youll move on to the United State Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The academy consists of 58 days of training in physical fitness, U.S. immigration law, firearms marksmanship, defensive tactics, and other law enforcement-related subjects. For those not fluent in Spanish, after you complete the 58-day basic academy youll attend another 40-day Spanish language course that will consist of instruction and immersion in the language. If you are not functionally fluent in Spanish at the end of the course, you will not be able to continue with the agency. Becoming a U.S. Border Patrol Agent Now more than ever, keeping the nations borders safe and secure for U.S. citizens, visitors and immigrants is vitally important. As the crime of human trafficking is on the rise and concerns of potential international terrorist attacks remain, U.S. Border Patrol agents stand on the front lines to maintain the integrity of the countrys borders. If youd like to be a part of keeping the nation secure while helping some of the most vulnerable among us, you should definitely consider a career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent.

Bad Reputations at Work

Bad Reputations at Work Bad Reputations at Work As hard as it may be to practice what I preach, I’m a firm believer that we shouldn’t care what others think about us. After all, it’s not great for our self-esteem to constantly be worried about how people will perceive us. But, while I will stand behind this in most situations, the fact of the matter is there is at least one instance in which what others think about you is extremely important- work. As Selena Rezvani- speaker, leadership consultant, and author of The New Generation of Women Leaders: What You Need to Lead but Won’t Learn in Business School and Pushback: How Smart Women Ask- and Stand Up- for What They Want- says, “The most important career capital you have isn’t your technical skills or academic pedigree. It’s not your high-flying title. It’s not even your relationships… It’s your reputation.” So, in an effort to make you more likable at work, here are eight reputations you’ll really want to avoid earning. 1. The Late Arriver It’s really annoying if you’re perpetually late to meetings, even if it’s only by a few minutes. You’re not the only one who’s busy, and consistently showing up tardy to the party is really disrespectful. So, plan accordingly and get there on time. Most likely, part of this planning includes determining why you’re always running late. Perhaps you need to set your alarm for a different time or make your coffee at home instead of waiting in line at Starbucks. Whatever it is, figure it out and make the appropriate changes in order to be on time (or, better yet, early). 2. The Snitch I was a fairly superior tattletale in my preschool days. And my teacher never failed to say, “Did this person hurt you? Did this person hurt someone else?” And if the answer to both was no, she would say “Then why are you telling me this?” Because I want to get this person in trouble, gosh darn it! (Preschool was pretty cutthroat in the early ’90s.) Basically, unless what someone else is doing is detrimentally affecting you or your team, you don’t need to tell your manager. It’s really none of your business. So, before you start blabbing, answer the following: “Why am I telling this person this?” If the only reason you can think of is “just because” or, worse, solely to make your colleague look bad, keep your mouth shut. It’s not your place and, ultimately, it reflects badly on you. 3. The Drunk So, you go out for an innocent happy hour drink with some colleagues and all of a sudden you’re three sheets to the wind. (Hey, when drinks are $3 off from 3 PM to 5 PM, it’s natural to want to take advantage of that- I get it). But, that one drink too many causes you to badmouth your co-workers, stumble all over the place, share way too many personal details (you did what at your New Year’s party? Gross), and so forth. Just like that, no one at the office takes you seriously anymore. And the happy hour invites stop coming in, too. Here’s the thing: You can go get a beer with your team and not end up embarrassing yourself. These two things aren’t mutually exclusive. Limit yourself to one or two drinks, and in addition, double fist it. Nope, not with two alcoholic beverages- beer in one hand, water in the other. Furthermore, you don’t have to drink. It’s perfectly acceptable to just grab some H20 or other booze-free drink instead. Remember: Office happy hours aren’t really about the drinks- they’re much more about getting to know each other. 4. The Drama Queen (or King) Have you ever had a co-worker who makes a big deal out of nothing? All the time? He runs around like a chicken with his head cut off, and when you ask him what the problem is, it’s quite anticlimactic (because after the huge fuss he made, you thought the entire world was burning). Yep. That’s a drama queen. Mistakes happen. People mess up. But not each one of these situations needs to be much ado about nothin’. Before you stage a major freak out, take a step back from the problem at hand and assess it objectively. If you’re having trouble doing that on your own, it’s OK to (calmly) chat about the situation with a colleague, or even your boss. Most things really aren’t as bad as you think they are, so don’t pull the fire alarm all the time. 5. The Lazy One Listen, there are always going to be tasks we don’t want to do. That’s not just the nature of every job, but it’s the nature of life, too. But doing a shoddy job because you’re too lazy hurts your team and you. Think about it: If you’re not putting in 100%, you’re also not taking advantage of the opportunity to learn new things and build upon current skill sets. And, you’re making your team believe you’re fairly useless. Are you? The solution is easy here- put your best effort into everything you do. No, you don’t have to go above and beyond all the time. But you should make sure you fulfill all of your responsibilities- and that you do it well. 6. The Know-it-All Wise words from my dad: Just because you’re smart doesn’t mean you always need to be talking. And it’s true. Yes, you shouldn’t “hide the truth” from your co-workers. If they’re going down a completely incorrect path and headed for disaster, you should steer them in the right direction if you can. But, you don’t need to say something just to prove someone wrong or to show off how brilliant you are. Ask yourself: “Is what I’m about to say relevant to the conversation? Does it help anyone, or does it just show off my completely unrelated knack for computing difficult calculus problems in my head?” Telling everyone every single thing you know doesn’t make them like you. It doesn’t make them think you’re the next Einstein. It makes them think you’re really freaking annoying. 7. The Self-Server Speaking of hiding the truth from your colleagues, this is totally something the self-server would do. Instead of lending a hand, you keep valuable information to yourself and only share it when it can make you look good (i.e., in front of your boss or the CEO of the company). Other things the self-server does? Takes credit for others’ work, throws people under the bus, and goes above and beyond to knock his projects out of the park but declines to help others (just to name a few slimy traits). Eliminate your ego from the game and learn how to do what’s not only best for you, but for your team and the company as well. Climbing on top of others to ascend up the ladder may work well in the short-term, but when you come crashing down later, no one will be there to help you up. 8. Negative Nancy (or Ned) Negative Nancy types are the exact opposite of the people who try to find the silver lining in everything. Instead, they make sure everyone knows what’s wrong with every single situation. Every. Single. One. Before you open your mouth, answer this: “Does this feedback provide any sort of value? Or is it just me whining again?” Even if you do decide that it needs to be said, try to keep any adverse feelings out of it. Here’s an example of what a Negative Nancy could say, “The way the product team designed this is complete crap, as per usual.” Basically, just insulting the product folks and adding no suggestions to rectify the problem. Nice. Instead, one should say: “I’ve noticed these design aspects make it a little tricky to accomplish our goal. Do you think we could discuss this with the product team to see if there’s a way we can work together to improve it? It’s really hard to look at yourself objectively- most times, you won’t even notice that the habits you formed are causing others to throw darts at your photo. And, I repeat: In most situations, I don’t think you should give a second thought to what others think or say about you. But at work, a bad reputation can severely hinder your career success and movement forward. And, the truth is, if you’ve gained a “reputation,” it’s likely because it’s not just a one-time thing. Rather than panic that you’ve ruined everything forever, instead take a look at your behavior and start working hard to change it. You’ll be the most beloved person in the office in no time. Or, at least, more beloved than you were before.

This dream job will pay you to taste chocolate for a living

This dream job will pay you to taste chocolate for a living This dream job will pay you to taste chocolate for a living It’s happening. It’s truly, finally happening.The search for the  best job ever can now  end because I’ve just found it.   There will never be another, better job. Start polishing your resumé and prep your interview answers, because this is the right career move for just about anyone (unless you have allergies to gluten, dairy or nuts).Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Mondelez International, home to Oreo, Cadbury, Milka and many of your other favorite drug store candies, is hiring a part-time chocolate taster. And what will this job entail, you may ask? The answer: All of your wildest dreams and more.According to the listing, these are the responsibilities for the role: Be able to taste chocolate products and give objective and honest feedback Work within a team of panelists to share opinions and collaborate to reach an agreement on taste Use a clearly defined vocabulary to describe products and aid in the discrimination between products Be consistent in the results given Know the ethical and legal compliance responsibilities of the position; raise questions and concerns when faced with an ethical or compliance issue; apply integrity in all aspects of professional conduct Now, I know what you’re thinking - this sounds like an awesome opportunity, but what if you’ve never tasted chocolate professionally before? No problem, says  Mondelez International.“No experience is required as full training will be provided to develop your taste buds and the specific vocabulary required to communicate your opinions,” according to the listing.What does this training entail? Who knows, but it sounds delicious.So then, if prior experience isn’t a must, what qualifications do you need to make it as a part-time chocolate taster? Good question - the answer is basically a love of chocolate, good communication skills and the ability to understand English. Here’s what the listing says: A passion for confectionary and taste buds for detection Honesty when it comes to giving opinion Eager to try new inventive products A communicative personality to build great relationships with your panel A firm grasp of the English Language If you live for chocolate, this may sound like the opportunity of a lifetime. Just a few caveats:   The role is part-time, so you’re only going to get paid for 7.5 or 8 hours a week. Also - and this may be the bigger obstacle - the listing says the position’s based in  Wokingham, England. So if you’re not ready for a move across the Atlantic, this may not be your big break into the chocolate business after all.But if it does sound like the ideal job - and you know it does - you might as well apply here. Fingers crossed you get the golden ticket!You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

Poll claims this is the sexiest accent in the world

Poll claims this is the sexiest accent in the world Poll claims this is the sexiest accent in the world A  global poll of 1.5 million people from 60 different countries, conducted by Big 7 Travel, determined, once and for all which accent is the most alluring. Unfortunately, there’s been a bit of controversy  surrounding the way the whole thing shook out.Yes, all the classic favorites made the Top 10, but according to the poll results, the official sexiest accent in the world is the one used by the rock monster-alien from Thor Ragnarok,  played by director Taika Waititi, and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson.The authors of the poll report, “To a novice ear, the New Zealand accent might sound just like the Australian accent, but Big 7 Travel readers disagree. The ‘Newzild’ dialect is outrageously charming.”Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!Obvious choices like Italian and French accents both made appearances in the Top 10, each claiming the number four and seven spots respectively.Although not many people find regular ol‘ American accents particularly desirable, a good deal of voters expressed an affinity for a slow southern drawl. Coming in at number nine, was the Southern U.S. accent, the kind you mind find in residents of  North Carolina,  South Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi, Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Louisiana, or Kentucky.Rounding out the Top 10 was the Brazilian Portuguese accent, which, again makes perfect sense.“The least popular Slavic language” â€" the Croatian accent â€" came in at the bottom of the Top 50 list. Some of the others that bottomed the list were the Romanian accent, the Pakistani accent, German accents, Thai and New York accents, described as “fast and hypernasal.” If you belong to one of these regions and are a little “verrgert”  you’re not alone. The days following the release of Big 7’s report has been tailed by a bit of backlash.For example this tweet:This Twitter user’s response wa s a bit more nuanced:And, unsurprisingly, some of New Zealand’s neighbors didn’t take the news well:The problem might have a lot to do with poor public relations. Most of the Kiwis famous to Americans are famous in a strictly comedic  context (though singing sensation Lorde has managed to capture a large American audience.)Jemaine Clement and  Bret McKenzie of  Flight of the Concords for instance and Waititi are truly  three of the funniest minds to debut in the last few years, though they don’t exactly spring casanova to mind. There’s this reserved silliness attached to them.But if you extract the very same accent and observe it in a non-comedian, maybe’ you’ll feel differently. Or maybe you won’t.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

5 best things for your morning routine, according to science

5 best things for your morning routine, according to science 5 best things for your morning routine, according to science From  Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson  to Richard Branson, some of the most successful men alive claim that their secret is waking up at the crack of dawn. But research suggests that it’s not as simple as the  early bird  getting the worm- or getting paid. You need a  morning routine  to get the most out of those dawn hours.  Here are five scientist-approved ways to maximize your morning:Wake up at the same time every dayGetting up at the same time every day might matter just as much as getting up early. One  study  that followed 61 Harvard students for a month found that individuals with the most consistent wake-up times  performed better than those who opted to mix it up, despite getting the same amount of sleep overall.  When authors Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander interviewed  300 successful people  about their morning routines, they found that the average wake up time was a very specific 6:27 a.m. Every single day.Make time for things that make you feel goodIn their research S pall and Xander also found that the most successful morning people got up early to carve out time for things that make them feel good. This may be especially important for parents who may not otherwise have that time once the kids wake up. There’s evidence that  journaling  and  exercise  are great ways to get ready for the day, unless you hate exercise and journaling. Marie Kondo, lifestyle consultant and host of a new Netflix series,  says she starts the day by opening windows, burning incense, and of course, tidying up, but the trick is finding what works for you. Drawing a blank?  Morning sex  can boost mood, lower blood pressure, and improve concentration, not to mention make for a better marriage. So maybe start there.Kill your alarm clockWhile it may seem hard to become a morning person- and certainly a consistent one- without an alarm clock, learning to not depend on it is one of the best things people can do for themselves. Alarm clocks jolt people awake and cause what ex perts refer to as “sleep inertia” - a period of cognitive and motor impairment after waking up that feels like it qualifies as a coffee emergency.