 |
Friday, 26 October 2012
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office
This book has some really good tips for women entering the work force!
Some that I particularly liked.
18. Not asking questions for fear of sounding stupid - asking a legitimate question to ensure understanding is mare a sign of confidence than of ignorance. Asking yourself the simple question, “will the answer apply to only me?” should help you decide whether you should ask it.
28. Offering a limp handshake – a handshake is how you make your first impression upon initially meeting someone. You do want your handshake to convey the message; I’m someone to be taken seriously.
38. Putting work ahead of your personal life – having activities and people outside of work that are important to you helps you remain positive and productive. It’s a fallacy that you have to give up your life to have a successful career.
39. Letting people waste your time – being nurturing and kind is not mutually exclusive of being protective of your time. Think about how you let others take advantage of your time.
47. Using only your nickname or first name – the diminutive of anything diminishes importance. It’s a small but significant difference. Using only your first name relegates you, once again, to a childlike status. The combination of your first and last names moves you to adulthood.
48. Waiting to be noticed – make sure that you know your value and that you communicate it to others.
52. Giving away your ideas – Women often let their ideas get stolen rather than calling attention to the source. Every time you give away an idea you give away your self-respect. Do this enough times and yours self confidence begins to dwindle immeasurably. Your ideas have value in the marketplace.
56. Couching statements as questions - This is a common mistake women make – asking a question as a safe way of expressing an idea without being perceived as too direct or pushy. By asking a question instead of making a statement we relinquish ownership of and the outcomes for our ideas.
60. Apologizing - Apologizing for unintentional. Low-profile, non-egregious errors erodes our self-confidence and, in turn, the confidence others have in us. It’s a conflict-reducing technique, but one that makes you look like you’re at fault when you’re not.
72. Failing to pause or reflect before responding. A pregnant pause is a powerful tool to add to your communication skill set. A pause before speaking does several things. It conveys a message of thoughtfulness about what you’re about to say. It generates interest on the part of the listener. A pause and the ensuing silence give others the impression you’re self-confident. And they give you time to put your thoughts into a concise framework.
82. Grooming in public – no matter how discreet you think you are, grooming in public is noticed and mentally logged by those around you. Real women avoid PDG (public display of grooming).
83. Sitting in meetings with your hands under the table. In meetings, lean forward slightly, resting your forearms on the table with hands lightly clasped. Not only does it make you look more involved in the conversation, but it also puts you in a perfect position to gesture when needed.
Some that I particularly liked.
18. Not asking questions for fear of sounding stupid - asking a legitimate question to ensure understanding is mare a sign of confidence than of ignorance. Asking yourself the simple question, “will the answer apply to only me?” should help you decide whether you should ask it.
28. Offering a limp handshake – a handshake is how you make your first impression upon initially meeting someone. You do want your handshake to convey the message; I’m someone to be taken seriously.
38. Putting work ahead of your personal life – having activities and people outside of work that are important to you helps you remain positive and productive. It’s a fallacy that you have to give up your life to have a successful career.
39. Letting people waste your time – being nurturing and kind is not mutually exclusive of being protective of your time. Think about how you let others take advantage of your time.
47. Using only your nickname or first name – the diminutive of anything diminishes importance. It’s a small but significant difference. Using only your first name relegates you, once again, to a childlike status. The combination of your first and last names moves you to adulthood.
48. Waiting to be noticed – make sure that you know your value and that you communicate it to others.
52. Giving away your ideas – Women often let their ideas get stolen rather than calling attention to the source. Every time you give away an idea you give away your self-respect. Do this enough times and yours self confidence begins to dwindle immeasurably. Your ideas have value in the marketplace.
56. Couching statements as questions - This is a common mistake women make – asking a question as a safe way of expressing an idea without being perceived as too direct or pushy. By asking a question instead of making a statement we relinquish ownership of and the outcomes for our ideas.
60. Apologizing - Apologizing for unintentional. Low-profile, non-egregious errors erodes our self-confidence and, in turn, the confidence others have in us. It’s a conflict-reducing technique, but one that makes you look like you’re at fault when you’re not.
72. Failing to pause or reflect before responding. A pregnant pause is a powerful tool to add to your communication skill set. A pause before speaking does several things. It conveys a message of thoughtfulness about what you’re about to say. It generates interest on the part of the listener. A pause and the ensuing silence give others the impression you’re self-confident. And they give you time to put your thoughts into a concise framework.
82. Grooming in public – no matter how discreet you think you are, grooming in public is noticed and mentally logged by those around you. Real women avoid PDG (public display of grooming).
83. Sitting in meetings with your hands under the table. In meetings, lean forward slightly, resting your forearms on the table with hands lightly clasped. Not only does it make you look more involved in the conversation, but it also puts you in a perfect position to gesture when needed.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Update
I miss traveling. The lack of routine and repetition, the adventure, and being amazed by a new culture and way of life. Yet when I'm traveling, I miss home. I miss you but I have to keep busy.
I really want to do an Asia trip next summer, maybe by myself. We had a discussion of backpacking alone over pho yesterday.. it would be scary but I would be really excited.
It's been almost a month back in Toronto. I have been extremely homesick but am slowly falling in love again with Toronto. School has been a lot more challenging yet extremely rewarding. It has changed my view on what it means to be Canadian, our health care system, and most importantly, has made me question my passion for the field.