Promise Yourself

Promise yourself...
To be so strong that nothing...can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel like there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Promise yourself...
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living person you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To think only of the best...to work only for the best...and expect only the best.

Promise yourself....

anonymous

....just wanted to share a calming note....

Agreeing with Isaac Asimov

"The only constant is CHANGE." - Isaac Asimov

It would not surprise me if it turns out that Asimov got the quote from an ancient Greek or Chinese philosopher, but it sure is accurate! Change is one main item in our lives that is sure to occur over and over and over again. Now these statements will surely date me - but I remember my first pager (ugly!), my first cellphone (huge!), my first computer (green pixelated letters!)...and now....I blog, I FB, I tweet!!

Change is exciting! Imagine lying down in a tube, floating on a slow straight river for one whole day and you'll start feeling the monotony. Now imagine being in the same tube, but floating on a meandering river, gliding along its curves and going through the abrupt turns that may come up every now and then, giving new sceneries along the river banks, new sights, new perspectives - now that is better right?

Change is not a negative thing. If there is no change, there would be no innovations. We would not see all the new inventions, new theories and new ideas around us.

Change is a constant that touches our lives. Be it with our families, friends or in the workplace.

How to face it? One word - ADAPT.
Embrace change....it is all just a matter of perspective.

Inspiring Social Media Deluge

The world will never lack of inspiration....EVER!!

In my nightly reading, I chanced upon a list of social media tools that anyone can use, mostly free-of-charge. Reading through it, I felt like I was drowning on information overload. At the same time though, the information made me excited and had me glued to my monitor. I chose to highlight some of the social media tools here --- to share with you all --- however you want to use them.

BLOGS:
Not just blogging on public domains, but also blogging within an organization, is an excellent way to disseminate information and teach others. As I work for a post-secondary institution, I was drawn to one of the softwares featured which is EduBlog Campus - a software that not just manages multiple blogs within an institution, but hosts them all in one domain. It is a good tool to promote learning as employees could use blogs to write about lessons learned, project de-briefings, international academic exchanges/partnerships, etc.

Program to use - EduBlog Campus

COLLABORATIVE RESOURCES:
Software that runs on a web browser, so participants with permission can view and edit documents, encouraging them to share knowledge, generate content and learn.

Program to use - Google Collaboration Tools
(Docs, Sites, Conversations and Waves)

CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM:
Building your own web sites and online applications the easy way where you can keep track of every piece of information on your site has been an option that has been out there for years. There are now a number out there that require almost zero technical skills and are free!! I have used Weebly for a personal website I have - www.journeywithcharlie.weebly.com, but there are other ones out there. I have used Joomla as well, but I did not end up finalizing anything with it (as all my friends were using Weebly), and I guess I am not really the 'maverick' that I sometimes think I am...hehe...

Programs to use : Joomla or Weebly

LIVE WEBCASTS/INTERACTIVE WEBINARS:
Imagine having impromptu collaborative learning sessions that can be set-up in a snap! A session where participants can present powerpoint presentations and documents, share videos, audios and web pages. Participants can mark-up documents and use a shared multi-page whiteboard, with no need to install or download software to join in.

Program to use - Dimdim
(includes a free plan with full functionality for smaller groups)


MICRO-BLOGGING:
Twitter, the most used microblogging platform, is highly public, and for organizations that do not find this palatable, there is a secure enterprise microblogging platform. It’s a means for social sharing within an organization through messaging and collaborating.

An organization of isolated employees can be transformed into a network of approachable contacts. Discussions are searchable and so they can grow and serve as an organization's knowledgebase. It is a way to engage and to open communication across an institution.

Program to use - Yammer
(a secure microblogging platform)

MINDMAPS:
Visualization is another way to learn effectively. Mind maps are used for brainstorming sessions, to explain concepts and for creative problem solving.

Program to use - Mindmeister
(free basic browser-based service for creating mind maps through an intuitive interface)

MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATIONS:
Imagine a site where participants watch or listen and then comment via webcam, text, telephone or microphone. Although this does not equate to real-time conversations, it promotes collaboration and creates discussion threads. For example, an employee could create a starter learning event that gets enhanced by the knowledge distributed around the organization and recorded via the discussion threads.

Program to use - VoiceThread

PODCASTS:
Since podcasts can be played on small handheld devices, it is an easy way to distribute information. Features included are audio editing, recording, importing audio files, sound digitization and effects.

Program to use - Audacity
(free downloadable software)

SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM:
Another tool for learning and collaboration where participants can create and join groups, blog, connect with friends, microblog, add pages, upload documents, multimedia files and presentations. Employees can share knowledge across multi-locations or build 'study communities' where they all learn from each other.

Program to use - Elgg
(free social networking and publishing application)

WEB-BASED TALK SHOWS:
Free web-based service where anyone can create, join and listen to live interactive presentations and discussions. Talk shows can be recorded, making them available as podcasts later.

Participants can browse through their list of current and scheduled shows for impromptu learning. Workplace learning can be created by scheduling events and then sending out announcements about them. Examples would be a question and answer session with an in-house expert or a panel discussion using expertise outside of your organization.

Program to use - TalkShoe

WIKIS:
Promote collaborative learning and information sharing by allowing anyone with rights to add content. Imagine your organization's Director of Centre for Information Technology or Director for Computer Services adding tools and tips to an organization’s Wiki after a new software is introduced.

Program to use - MediaWiki
(free and open source Wiki for a large organization)

Much too many choices right????
but FOLLOW YOUR PASSION......and whatever you do will be great!!

Having more Women in your Team will make it a Better Team? Yes? No?

This might get me in hot water with my male friends, but the answer is YES.
Having more women in your team will make it a better, smarter team. Do I hear "and she has the nerve to add smarter"!! So, it is now not only "better", but "smarter" too?!! YES again...

Research studies from Carnegie Mellon and MIT show that if you want a smarter team, include more women in it. They are not referring to mere intelligence, since we all know that men and women are equally intelligent or equally dull (whatever the case may be). Their studies show that for a team to succeed, the members of the team must have high social sensitivity, and women always always score higher in social sensitivity rankings. Once again, there are men who are very much equipped with social sensitivity as well, but with women, social sensitivity is the norm. Being socially sensitive means you maintain an open mind during discussions. The team dynamics you adhere to is that of brain-storming and accepting any negative criticisms that may come your way. It is giving way to those who at the specific time has the best idea and not just barrelling-on with what you initially perceived as the best course. If in a team it is only the so-called "smart" persons who run the show, then it is not really a smart team.

Women are 'nurturers'....and that nurturing attitude transfers to a team in the way they help their team-mates be more collaborative and be more open about what they are passionate about. Who can question the fact that when you are passionate about something, you put your heart and soul into it, resulting in the fruition of whatever goals you've set?!! Multiply this open passion into however many members there are in a team, have them all work in unison and you have a great team in your hands.

The long and short of it is --- women help their team-mates work together in a 'smarter' manner.

Do I still hear mumbled rumblings from the male species?

How 'Real' Are You?!?

I do not think I know of a single individual nowadays who is not on at least one social media tool - Facebook...Twitter...LinkedIn...whichever tickles their fancy. It could be just one of these three, it could be all three, it could even be more than three!!!

Let me ask you this - whenever you post on your FB wall or whenever you send out a 'tweet', do you say things straight from your gut? or do you censor yourself? Being in the HR world, the general perception is that an HR professional is always amiable, client-centered, discreet, positive and is an olive branch-bearing peace-keeper. It is in my nature to be all that - it is 'me' (pardon me for sounding narcissistic, but I know I am not an abrasive, self-centred, negative war-freak). However, being 'me' also mean that I say what I feel when I feel like saying it...most especially when I feel strongly about it. This aspect about myself is very evident on my Facebook Wall. I type bubbly shout-out words of glee when I am extremely happy, I type scathing words of seething fury when someone or something has teed me off so bad, I am very frank about my opinions on specific issues, and I bravely expose my broken heart when I am going through intense grief. Should I feel ashamed for being uber-candid?? Once again, that is not ME. There's this supposedly 'hip' phrase - 'just keepin' it real!'...well folks, I am 'keepin' it REAL' indeed!!!

No one can ever accuse me of not being a positive person, I assure you. I hate negativity! But whenever I read wall post after wall post of 'I am at a party tonight!! It's a blast and I am soooo happy!' and 'My boyfriend just gave me a dozen roses again!' and 'I lost 10 pounds! Hooray!' and 'I am eating my super-yummy hamburger!! Deeee-licious!'...post after post after post...all along that vein - ALL from one single individual! A continuous barrage of saccharine, grinning, inane yippees...I can't help but think - 'GET REAL!!' I am not denigrating people who seem to be perpetually living life through rose-colored lenses, but I would like to read more 'meat'....I'd like to see more of a person's inner core...enough with skimming please...

Nevertheless, social media is another matter.

In the workplace, it can be a boon to have cheerful people to work with, but it can also be a bane to not really 'know' these perpetually cheerful people with a little more depth.

10 Workplace Tips - From Our DOGS!!

Okay, sounds absurd? We've seen articles about things our dogs teach us that we never seem to take notice of. Having read through them, I assure you, those lessons reflect on the workplace as well. These are some of the lessons you might learn:

* When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Choose your battles. Some discussions at work can be time wasters. If the decision came from the top, it is in your best interest to follow.

* Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Learn to set your boundaries with peers, supervisors and yes, even clients.

* Run, romp and play daily.
All work and no play...blah...blah...blah...you know the drill.

* Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
Voice out complaints and criticisms, but only if they can produce positive results. If all it'll create are hurt and pain, keep the lid on it.

* When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Appreciate the good in your workplace. Celebrate the achievements, no matter how small. If it was your achievement, savor the triumph.

* No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
Things won't always be fine and dandy. Errors are made, emotions may sometimes run high. Deal with it, stay friends and move on. Never never burn your bridges.

* Be loyal.
Love the organization you work for. What the heck are you there for?

* Never pretend to be something you’re not.
Be yourself. Know your limitations and admit to them. Then, do something about those limitations - take courses, get a mentor, read up on it.

* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
Be persistent.

* When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by… and nuzzle them gently.
Do not be quick to judge. Be tolerant of your co-workers. You do not know what they are going through.

We learn from everyone and everything. Every single thing in this world is here for a reason.

By the way, that is my baby doggy on the picture. :-)

A Shrinking Violet??

Are you a shy person? Do you tend to be a shrinking violet and prefer to be mum most of the time? How can an introvert show his value in a work environment where extroverts are viewed as the 'better-performing' employees?

There are the 'introverts', and there are the 'assertive introverts'. Assertive introverts may not have the power of glib and the engaging persona that extroverts seem to project, but they are equated with being thorough and deliberate.

Now then, how can you make sure that you become an assertive introvert and get 'recognized' in the workplace? Here are some tips:

1. Determine the setting where you are more at ease with and utilize it often. An example is if you prefer small meetings rather than large group presentations, then aim to achieve your specific goal in such settings.

2. Inform your supervisor and peers what your 'style' is. If you tend to not talk too much in meetings because your style is to digest everything being discussed first before reacting at a later time, if you prefer to mull things over and think things through on an in-depth basis before providing a response or making a decision, then let it be known.

3. Take charge of how your peers and supervisors perceive you. Describe who you are, why you are how you are, and stand by who you are. Prove to the rest that your being quiet does not mean that you are dis-engaged, but rather that you are being deliberate.

4. What 'pseudo-extrovert' activities are you most comfortable in? Playing basketball? Then join a work team! Fund-raising activities? Then volunteer for your organization's United Way committee! Show this side of yourself more often.

Always keep in mind....being an introvert does not make you a less effective employee.

Life-long Learners

I work in the post-secondary sector, and so the term "Life-Long Learner" is something I encounter every so often. A Life-Long Learner is defined as an individual who continuously aims to improve with the use of various educational modalities. There are classroom setting lectures and workshops, conferences, books and blogs/websites to read, on-line web courses, audio tapes, plus one mode that is so prevalent nowadays are webinars. What a very convenient way to learn, right?!!

Being a life-long learner does not have to mean pain for your wallet! There are tons and tons of free e-books and free webinars out there. Just this morning, I received another free webinar offer from Electronic Recruiting Exchange on Social Media.
http://www.ere.net/webinars/go-from-social-media-starter-to-superstar/

For the CHRPs (Certified Human Resources Professionals) out there...here's a chance to get more 'points' towards re-certification! :-)

Civility at Work

I was in a meeting today where we discussed possible professional development day themes for our next PD Day.  Our theme of "Technology: the Great Experiment" for this year was a success and so we want to up the ante and we're searching for ideas.  One great idea that came up (which I have also been thinking of!!! I was just too slow to the draw!! Ha-ha!!) was "Civility at Work".

After the meeting, I remembered an article on workplace civility by Tom Teres, (an international consultant and speaker on organizational development) that I read awhile back and so I searched for it. Here is a major portion of the article.

20 Ways to Building a Kinder Workplace:
1.   Say what you mean, and mean what you say. There's no substitute for authentic communication.
2.   Be less inclined to give advice -- and more inclined to seek it.
3.   Resist the urge to jump to conclusions about people and their motives. Go to the source, get the facts, and then decide.
4.   Identify the biggest redeeming quality of that person who's always driving you crazy. Keep it in mind the next time the two of you interact.
5.   When greeting a colleague, skip the mindless how-ya-doin'. Ask a question that shows genuine interest.
6.   Go out of your way to say thank you. Sincere appreciation is powerful stuff -- it's feedback, recognition, and respect all wrapped in one.
7.   If you're overdue in showing gratitude, make up for lost time. Contact everyone who's owed thanks from you, and let them know how much you appreciate their help.
8.   When credit and compliments come your way, spread them around to all who helped. And if you think you're solely responsible for that honored achievement, think again.
9.   Promise only what you can deliver. If what you deliver falls short, explain why.
10. When things go wrong, resist the urge to assign blame. It's the system that usually fails, so fix the system, not the people.
11. Widen your social circle. If you always go to lunch with the same group, invite someone new.
12. Give a gift for no reason. If you work with nature lovers, order some plants or flowers. If the group has a chronic sweet tooth, get a few candy dishes and keep them full.
13. When a rumor reaches your ear, let it go out the other.
14. Step down from the treadmill of daily tasks and have an inefficient chat with a colleague. If it's someone you rarely engage in conversation, all the better.
15. Show interest in someone else's interests. Okay, maybe you're not dying to hear about Pat's passion for stamp collecting, but Pat will be thrilled you asked.
16. When you take a stand and later realize it's the wrong stand, be honest enough to say so.
17. Involve more people in weighing options and making decisions. There's incredible brainpower all around you, so why not put it to work?
18. If you tend to send e-mails to colleagues who are an easy walk away, give the computer a rest. Get up, walk over, and have a no-tech conversation.
19. Try going a whole day without making judgments about people. Good luck -- it's tough!
20. Don't wait for kindness to come your way. Gandhi had it right: We must be the change we wish to see in the world.

I know it is not always easy being nice....but as the catchphrase after LA's Rodney King incident goes...
"Can't we all just get along??"