Are You a Pushover on Performance Issues - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Are You a Pushover on Performance Issues - Introvert Whisperer Are You a Pushover on Performance Issues? As a leader or manager, there are things you are responsible for that you’d rather not do. On that list of tough things to do is dealing with a co-worker or employee who is a continuous performance problem.  It impacts business and the ranks resent it.  To allow a known issue to linger is not good leadership. I have seen executives that appear tough turn into complete pansies when it comes to dealing with a problem employee.  Are we having fun yet? Here are some things you can do to address employee performance issues effectively and to avoid being a complete wimp: Set performance expectations.  Every employee needs to hear from you exactly what their performance should be and how you expect to measure them.  Once you set a clear direction, then ongoing conversations are easier to conduct. Act quickly.  When you see an issue, you need to jump on it quickly while the details are fresh in your mind and theirs. Make a script.  One of the biggest issues most managers face is difficulty in knowing how to start the conversation and what to say.  It’s easier to do if you think through the key points you want to make, jot those points down and use your notes while you discuss them with the employee. Don’t be vague.  Make sure you say early in the conversation, “There is an issue with your performance.”  Short, sweet and no room to misunderstand. Give examples.  Don’t just say there is a problem; be prepared to give examples that reinforce your observations. Stay calm. No one listens to a yelling person.  You will lose your effectiveness.  You will also lose respect from other employees if they realize this is how you function. Ask them to recap their understanding.  In order for anything to change, you have to know they heard AND understood your message.  Ask them to recap what you said and what they will be doing differently. Schedule follow-up.  You can’t just toss a scud missile at the employee and think your job is done.  While you are together, schedule time to reconvene.  Appointed follow-up will keep you both accountable. Repetition is key.  Keep in mind that the employee did not come to work for you with the intention of doing poor work. To get them on the right track will require your sustained focus and numerous follow-ups before the new behavior is sustained. If you aren’t dealing with the performance problems, you are creating numerous issues for yourself and those around you.  While this might rank right up there with a root canal, you can reduce the pain with a few thoughtful actions. Are you a scarce resource? Watch this video   Great Leadership is a skill you can learn and I’ve developed a program to increase your skills in just 6 short weeks with a live, interactive training.  Check out the details and be ready to get going: By Dorothy Tannahill-Moran

How to Approach a Take-Home Test

How to Approach a Take-Home Test When students hear about a take-home test, they may experience an initial moment of excitement. Some students assume that there is no need to study or prepare, but take-home tests are more complicated than they first appear. In fact, take-home tests can be quite difficult occasionally even more difficult than a traditional in-class exam. Since you do not have to work under the same time constraints, your instructor may design your test to be particularly challenging. However, a take-home test can be simplified with these strategies: Think about time Begin planning for your take-home test by developing a timeline. This will depend on how much time you have been given to complete the exam you may have hours, days, or perhaps a week or more. For tests where you have less time to submit, you should studyin advance, even though you are allowed to consult your materials during the exam. The information should be fresh in your mind so you do not waste much time looking through books or notes. This study tip on how to create a good study environmentcan be very useful! For tests with a long lead time, you should still ensure that you have a working knowledge of the subject area. If you are allotted a week or more to complete the exam, approach it like you would a writing assignment. Research, outline, and develop your answers. This is a a great guide to the study guide! For all take-home tests, begin preparing and writing earlier than is strictly necessary. Procrastinating is a detrimental habit, especially with respect to a take-home test; there is a great deal at stake, so try to treat the assignment seriously. Leave time to review and edit the assignment, as well. Finally, create a schedule that suits you. If you accomplish your best work at 2:00 p.m., start writing at that hour. Organize your study materials Once you have a basic timeline established, start to compile your materials. This might include a book with notes or highlighted content, an outline, or a class binder. Make sure everything you will need is organized and clearly labeled before you begin the take-home test. This is a great study tip on how to organize your notes. Another key tip to stay organized is to review the test prompt and speak with a teacher or tutor about any questions you may have. Check that you comprehend the parameters of the assignment, and try to imagine exactly what sort of answer your teacher is looking for. Choose a workspace While your bed or your favorite recliner might a be great place to complete certain assignments, plan to take your exam elsewhere. Ideally, you should work on it in a place where you feel you can achieve your best academic work. Find a location that is quiet and free of distractions, including other students. You can book a time-slot in a conference room, or go to an isolated area. The specific place does not matter as long as it allows you to concentrate and to be productive. Make plans for printing The worst reason to fail an exam is because of printer failure. Many students assume that their personal printers will function the day the test is due. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, so make sure that you have a back-up plan that addresses technical issues. A great rule of thumb is to attempt to print your take-home test at least an hour before it must be handed in. A take-home test is difficult by design. It should challenge your knowledge of a subject, your ability to write well, and your capacity to utilize resources. Try to give a take-home test the same amount of attention or more that you allow any other assignment. Remember, too, to approach it with a positive attitude and preparation. Good luck!

What To Do When Rejected From Your Dream School

What To Do When Rejected From Your Dream School A lot of weight is put on a high school seniors shoulders to get into the best college they can. Not only that, but the pressure is on to get into that dream school he or she has been after. Most students have a particular school in mind that theyve decided would be absolutely perfect for them. It may be the culture, it may be a certain program, or it may be a combination of a lot of factors but regardless of the specific reasons, it is nice to feel so confident about this next phase of your life. The only problem is, there is no guarantee of attending that school until that large envelope of acceptance arrives in the mail. Students are rightfully encouraged to not put all of their eggs in one basket and make sure to apply to at least a handful of schools, even if they already have their decision made in their heads. More importantly, having a back-up school for which you know you can get into is crucial so you are not left with zero options come decision-making time. We certainly dont like to think about it, but it has to be acknowledged what if you dont get into your dream school? You may have scored exactly as needed on the SAT and acquired enough leadership positions in high school to meet this schools requirements, but admissions decisions are not always that simple and you just cannot predict these things. The outcome may be one you dont like or dont expect, and it is important that you prepare for that possibility. Just because you felt you this school would be perfect for you doesnt necessarily mean the admissions officers will feel youre perfect for it. If you are applying to medical school, you may also want to check out these tips on what to do if you get rejected from medical school. If you do find yourself in this unfortunate situation, dont throw in the towel! A fulfilling college experience can still be in your future. There a few steps you can follow to ensure you handle things in a healthy and proactive way so you can still enjoy those years ahead of you. #1. Accept it: It may sound a little harsh and obvious, but you really wont be able to move on unless you do it. Getting over the fact that you wont be spending your exciting college years at your first choice institution is a tough thing to face, especially if youve built up the dream in your mind over the past few years. But an important thing to realize is that not everyone attends the college they thought they were going to. Some people end up going to a different school even if they were accepted into their dream one. Why? Because people grow and change their minds, and that includes high school students. Just because you thought something was right for you once doesnt mean it still is or always will be. Dont be afraid of something different. Comprehend the fact that another school can offer you the things you want. It may not be the place you pictured in your head for so long, but it could make you very happy if you let it. A closed mind is one of the quickest ways to avoid a h appy college experience. Dont stand in your own way. Here are some great tips on how to handle rejection in college admissionsthat you may want to take a look at as well. #2. Congratulate yourself for the schools that did accept you: Unless you really did put all of your eggs in one basket, you should have a few other schools that are inviting you to be a part of their campuses. Take a moment to let that soak in and be proud of yourself for the accomplishment. It is always a great feeling to know you gained acceptance, so dont let it slide by just because you werent accepted by your number one pick. You can take comfort in the fact that you have still been given the opportunity to attend other universities, and now you are the one in control. Be happy you have other options and take the reins as the decision-maker of which path you will go on now. #3. Start over and research: Theoretically, you have already researched these schools because you decided to apply to them in the first place. But since you were planning on attending the one that didnt accept you, you probably didnt give the details on these remaining schools as much thought as necessary. Now is the time to have a little fun and take a deeper look into each of these universities elements, knowing that the hard part is over and all you have to do is pick what you like best. However, it is important that you do not directly compare them to your dream school. As has already been established, accepting the rejection from that dream school is critical so you do not have it in the front of your mind as you evaluate these other colleges. If you do have it in the front of your mind, none of these schools are going to look appealing to you and the fun and excitement will be gone. Look at each of these institutions with a clear head and youre bound to naturally find and learn about things they offer that genuinely intrigue you. Before you know it, youll be leaning toward one of them with the confidence that you do have an exciting experience ahead of you. Here is some great information you may also want to take a look at on why top colleges have lowered acceptance rates. In a nutshell acceptance, moving on, recognizing what you do have, and making an informed decision is what lies ahead of you. Its a bummer not getting into your top choice school, but dont let that stop you from having the experience you deserve!

The 2 Soft Skills You Need for Business School

The 2 Soft Skills You Need for Business School Two soft skills? Only two? Yes, there are countless skills, both hard and soft, that you need for business school. Areas like mathematics, data analysis, spreadsheet construction, and statistics interpretation fall on the hard side. The soft side includes stress management, self-awareness, communication, and collaboration. But which soft skillsare most important? In addition to actually listening to the people around you, the two soft skill areas you must develop for any MBA program fall under two main categories: being a strong colleague and being a strong leader. Learning to master this pair of skills will help you immensely as you navigate the competitive world of business schooland business! [RELATED: 5 Tips to Ease the Transition from Business School to the Business World] Being a strong colleague First, you need to develop friendships with your fellow classmates, particularly those in your study groups, assigned or otherwise. In the long term, you are building connections for the future; but for the short term, making new friends can make school more fun, especially when your group is spending hours together performing research, studying for an exam, or completing a project. Working with people who share an accord and solidarity can help create a more enjoyable MBA experience for all those involved. Second, it is also wise to cultivate positive relationships with members of your business schools faculty and administration. These individuals often have years of real world management experience, so you can learn from their perspectives as people who have truly been there. Furthermore, not everyone makes the effort to talk with their professors outside class, so you may stand out in your instructors mind if they have to make a tough administrative decision. For instance, its harder for someone to keep you out of a full class or give you a failing grade if they have had multiple endearing conversations with you. Finally, convert recruiters and alumni at your target companies from acquaintances to buddies. Dont merely learn a recruiters name, rank, and serial numberfind out about their company culture, what they like about their job, what they dont like about their job, and what they are looking for in a future team member. Ask what they like to do outside of work; discover what you have in common. Knowing you have advocates at the places you would like to work helps you feel more confident as you submit your applications to those companies. Being a strong leader When trying to persuade other individuals to share your point of view, it helps if these people already view you as a strong colleague. Lets start with your fellow classmates, particularly those in your study groups. MBA programs abound with students who have strong personalities. Therefore, it is crucial to master the art of leading others and managing conflict. As in your future career, influencing team dynamics involves working across culturesdifferent departments, ages, companies, viewpoints, and countries. You will need to exert great patience to effectively regulate these situations, and business school provides a valuable setting in which to practice these skills. Onto your business schools faculty and administration. As mentioned above, issues like getting into the classes you want and petitioning for a higher grade are easier to steer in your favor when you have a positive rapport with the people in charge. Additionally, when you want to connect with certain mentors in your field, asking professors who have personal links to these people may be the way to go. Those who can influence others with aplomb will likely have more success in these endeavors. Finally, in your career, you must be able to convince recruiters and alumni at target companies to hire you for positions, sometimes over your equally qualified peers. You are selling yourself both as a potential asset to the company and as a harmonious team member. If an alum or a recruiter selects you, then they may be interacting with you every day. To swing these professionals your way, present yourself as the only solution to their problems, stated or implied. After all, this is one of the main reasons you are attending business school, so make your influence count. [RELATED:Top Questions to Ask Alumni When Exploring Business Schools] As you can see, being both a good colleague and a good leader are inextricably linked. These are not just two of the most important soft skills you need for business school, but they are also two imperative talents to develop as you move from the classroom into your future career. In addition to learning how to gather, analyze, and present facts and figures as an MBA graduate and colleague, you will also need to know how to persuade your peers on how to act on that information, as you later hopefully move into management. Let your time in business school serve as an environment for you to expand both your emotional intelligence and management expertise.

How to Get Real-World Experience in Your College Major

How to Get Real-World Experience in Your College Major While pursuing your college degree, you will take many classes that will help you explore your intended field. The knowledge gained from these major-focused courses can be very beneficial; however, gaining real-world experience in your college major can be the extra boost you need when entering the job search. Unfortunately, many students neglect to get real-world experience during their schooling, only to realize its importance once its too late. You can get real-world experience in your college major by taking on internships, career-related jobs, and relevant extracurriculars while in school. Having examples from classes can be helpful, but showing potential employers you have more direct experience can increase your chances of standing out. But what steps can you take to get this real-world experience? Read on: Gain real-world experience from internships There are many reasons you could choose to pursue an internship in college. Some colleges or majors require that you complete a minimum number of hours in an internship role before graduation, while others leave it up to the student to decide. Regardless, holding an intern position at some point throughout your college career is a great way to apply what youve learned about your major in the real-world. [RELATED:4 Career Skills for Students to Develop] Internships in your field give you the opportunity to have multiple professional experiences throughout your education. Typically, internships range from three to five months and may occur during one of the semesters of school. For example, a potential employer may have an opening for a fall or summer internship, which would typically last the duration of that session. Depending on the internship and company, these can sometimes be paid positions and potentially turn into a real job opportunity! Neither is guaranteed, but regardless, gaining the experience and networking opportunities may come in handy down the road. Utilize your college major in a campus job or organization Another great way to gain experience in your major is to take on a part-time job in your field (or in a related field). This could be the university newspaper if you are interested in graphic design, advertising, or journalism, for instance. Or, you could consider the admissions department if you are interested in hospitality, public speaking, or anything else that involves heavily interacting with people. Often, there are many roles right on campus for students to take on as well, including: Writing, math, or science center tutor Teaching assistant Lab assistant/technician Assistant in the IT department You can also join various college extracurriculars that may support your intended field. Holding leadership positions (and even simply being involved) in campus groups and organizations can broaden your knowledge of your area of study. Jobs or volunteer opportunities off campus in your community are another great way to showcase your major-related skills. Consult with your academic advisor who may be able to help you locate these opportunities. Gain real-world experience through networking Both internships and jobs in your intended field give you the opportunity to begin networking with individuals in the career you hope to go into. Oftentimes underrated, taking advantage of any networking opportunities available to you can be a great way to get your name out there. Many universities host job fairs and other networking events that allow students to meet professionals in their desired field. This is where everything ties together: by having gained real-world experience in your major, you will have something to showcase when talking to these individuals that will give you the confidence to network. At the end of the day, gaining real-world experience in your college major can do nothing but benefit you. It doesnt hurt to help yourself feel as confident and prepared as possible for what the real world will bring! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

What is it Like to Attend Duke University

What is it Like to Attend Duke University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Margaret is a Washington D.C. tutor specializing in Writing tutoring, AP Psychology tutoring, all levels of Spanish tutoring, and more. She is a graduate of Duke University holding a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Check out her review of her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Margaret: For my undergraduate, we had an interesting situation. There wasnt that much public transportation at the time in Durham, North Carolina. I think that might have changed in the last decade. However, we always had a free bus service not only for the campus, but between our school and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill called the Robertson bus. It was a way to go to not only different library resources if we needed them, but to a different, more typical college town. Durhams not exactly the safest place as its very urban and not a place to walk alone at night, to be honest. Chapel Hill, by contrast, was the typical college hamlet and it was a fun place to be able to get to as a change of pace. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Margaret: I really had a great relationship with my professors as I got to my upper level classes. They were great mentors as I worked on applying for graduate school and on my senior theses. That said, as a freshman, I had pretty terrible teaching assistants for General Chemistry who were barely able to speak English. It made the class almost impossible to pass and I resented it. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Margaret: I always laugh about the dorm life. There was this show from the late 90s called Dawsons Creek that filmed its final two seasons sometimes on Dukes campus to show where Katie Holmes character went to college. Her dorm room was massive. I knew kids my freshman year whose living space was literally converted from an old janitors closetfor two people. Despite the price tag, you dont go to Duke for spacious on-campus accommodations! VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Margaret: I know back in 2002, that the big thing to start majoring in was in Investment Banking. I know that since the bank crashes in 2008, thats probably not the hot ticket major it was before. Of course, Dukes extremely proud of its pre-med program and takes about 10% of its actual medical school classes from its undergraduate program, which is fairly unheard of. Also, theyre very supportive of their pre-law students and make sure they have the best resumes possible before applying to programs. I was a Psychology major and we had a great wealth of access to lab research and paper writing opportunities. I always felt supported there. Similarly, as one of the few people involved heavily in their primate/lemur studies program, I had very enthusiastic mentors who were happy I was continuing their work. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Margaret: Its possible to make friends without Greek life. In fact, Duke wont let anyone rush a fraternity or sorority until the second semester so bonds can be established before then. That said, I made great sorority friends when I did rush and join but I also had great friends whose weddings Ive attended since then that I met the first week in my freshmen-only dorm! VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Margaret: I honestly dont know. I never used it because I was in a science track and relied on my mentors to help me apply to graduate schools. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Margaret: Again, this is sort of a sign of having been out of college for so long. When I was there, the main library was Perkins and hadnt been renovated since the 1970s. However, by the time I was a senior, most of the library stock had moved to a beautiful, new spacious library called Bostock. I lived in Durham again for two years from 2011-2013 for other reasons and sometimes went into Bostock for books and research. Its not overcrowded, has comfortable sitting areas, and tons of available computers. So, Dukes come a long way from when I was using their stacks. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Margaret: Its Durham, North Carolina. Theres just not that much to do. I like the South Point Mall off campus. I also liked going to Chapel Hill. Again, take the free bus over there on weekends. Its your best bet! VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Margaret: It was about 6,000 undergraduates back then with about 1,600 per class. The typical intro class sizes for things like General Chemistry are huge, but mostly, the classes are around 20 people. Its very intimate past the general requirements. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Margaret: I dont have one memory specifically as much as a whole year. I really enjoyed every minute of working on my senior thesis for lemur studies with my mentor, Dr. Digby. She had been my favorite teacher in the primate department and she was invaluable in helping me get grants and learn the art of being a good scientist and building up my own study from the ground up. Check out Margarets tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Physical Wellness An Underappreciated Key to Improving Performance on Tests

Physical Wellness An Underappreciated Key to Improving Performance on Tests Improving Academic Performance No matter how confident you may feel, final exams can still cause a great deal of anxiety. For many students, the pressure builds even if the understanding of the material is thorough. In more extreme cases, you might begin to doubt yourself, lose sleep and fail to remember the information you studied so hard to learn. When it comes to improving your performance on exams, taking care of your overall health can be almost as beneficial as studying. This is because your physical health can have a major impact on your ability to memorize, think and reason. Disregarding your physical health and well-being could result in your brain not functioning at full capacity. Getting plenty of sleep, eating the right foods and drinking enough water all can improve your test-taking abilities and help you to get better grades. An example of this is that many students may not realize that proper hydration is essential in how well they perform on their exams. Dehydration can lead to irritability, fatigue and lethargy â€" which all will prohibit you from doing your best. Research suggests those who drink a bottle of water during their exam perform slightly better than those who don’t. Good nutrition is also a key factor for how well you’ll perform on tests, as the brain uses as much as 20 percent of the energy your body needs daily. Eating nutritional foods can help keep you focused and energetic so you won’t feel fatigued during your midterms or finals. Given how critical your grades can be in order to reach your academic and professional goals, it’s worthwhile to seek any additional advantage you can. It is important to not let bad habits such as overindulging on junk food or poor sleeping habits hurt your chances to do well on exams. The below slideshow has more tips you can use to reduce stress and improve performance on exams: Tips To Improve Performance Around Testing Time from MacCormac College Author Bio Dr. Kenya Grooms is a clinical psychologist and Dean of Student Affairs at MacCormac College, the oldest two-year, private, nonprofit institution in Illinois. MacCormac offers educational programs for court reporting, criminal justice, business administration and more. Dr. Grooms has written and presented about family life, international partnerships, personal resilience, support services for non-traditional students and many other topics in psychology.

Take 5 Minutes to Improve Your Fluency

Take 5 Minutes to Improve Your Fluency I always love watching OK Gos music videos.  In their latest one, they turn a 5 second clip into a slow motion video for their song, The One Moment.  As you enjoy the video, I invite  you to sing along with the lyrics below.  Singing is a great way to improve English fluency because of the quick and repetitive nature of songs.  It also helps us learn new vocabulary  and  common slang words.  Its even better to memorize the song so you can continue to practice in the car, shower or wherever you are!Do you have a favorite song that helps you practice  fluency?  Please share it with us in the comments section!  You might also notice some strange grammar or vocabulary as you read the lyrics.  As always, feel free to write  your comments or questions in the section provided.  Now, have some fun!Youre right There is nothing more lovely Theres nothing more profound Than the certainty Than the certaintyThat all of this will end That all of this will endSo open your arms to me Open y our arms to meAnd this will be The one moment that matters And this will be The one thing we remember And this will be The reason to have been here And this will be The one moment that matters at allSo while the mud Reclaims our footprints And while our bones keep looking back The overgrowth is swallowing the path There for the grace of god go we There for the grace of god go we There for the grace of time and chance and entropys cruel handsSo open your arms to me Open your arms to meAnd this will be The one moment that matters And this will be The one thing we remember And this will be The reason to have been here And this will be The one moment that matters at allSo wont you stay here with me And well build until weve blistered our hands So wont you stay here with me Well build us some temples Well build us some castles Well build us some monuments And burn them all right downSo open your arms to me Open your arms to meAnd this will be The one moment that matters And this will be The one thing we remember And this will be The reason to have been here And this will be The one moment that matters at allSo wont you stay here with me And well build until weve blistered our handsThis will be The one thing we rememberSo wont you stay here with me And well build us some temples Build us some castles Build us some monuments Well build us some temples Build us some castles Build us some monumentsThis will be This will be The one moment that matters And this will beThe one moment that matters at allWritten by Damian Kulash, Timothy Nordwind • Copyright © BMG Rights Management US, LLCLyrics credit