8 Steps to Improve Problem-Solving Skills for the Workplace

8 Steps to Improve Problem-Solving Skills for the Workplace When employers are surveyed about the most important soft skills for employees, problem-solving almost always tops the list.Problem-solving is a universal job skill. In any line of work, challenges will arise.In my company, Transizion, my team and I solve problems each and every day. Weve built our skills to tackle all types of obstacles. But its a time-consuming process that you need to be committed to.Strong problem solvers can expertly navigate unexpected issues. They also find creative solutions that improve processes and make them more efficient.Boosting your problem-solving skills will make you a more effective employee and a more competitive candidate.So, how can you get started?Try the simple activities below to become a problem-solving pro.1. Play Games That Stimulate the BrainChallenge your brain with logic puzzles, sudoku, chess, or a Rubiks cube. These brain teasers require both analysis and lateral thinking. Lateral thinking means solving problems with a more creative ap proach.Youve probably heard the term Use it or lose it. When we dont confront challenges or think creatively, our ability to do so declines.On the plus side, our brains are neuroplastic. They shift and change in response to our experiences and activities. When you consistently stimulate your brain with logic puzzles, your neural pathways become faster, stronger, and smarter. Solving problems becomes easier.2. Stay ActiveThey say the best exercise for the brain is exercise. Numerous studies suggest that exercise positively impacts memory and thinking skills.In fact, regular aerobic exercise boosts the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain involved in learning and memory.Exercise also reduces stress and anxiety while improving mood and sleep. Naturally, this results in clearer thinking.Dancing, yoga, and strategic, fast-moving sports like soccer have also been shown to strengthen cognitive skills.If you want to improve your ability to solve problems, get up and get moving!3. Observe How Others Solve ProblemsDo any of your colleagues have strong problem-solving skills? Its helpful to observe their process and take note of how you can improve your own skills.If possible, ask some of your more experienced co-workers about their problem-solving process.Is there a specific way they approach problems?How have they honed their skills?Do they have tips for improving your abilities in this area?4. Learn a Problem-Solving ProcessOften, out-of-the-box thinking is the best way to find new, innovative solutions to workplace problems. But having a clearly defined process is a great way to start improving your skills.Heres a typical problem-solving process you can practice:Define the problem. What is the problem? Who or what is it affecting? How serious is the problem?Determine what caused the problem. When did this problem occur? Why and how did it happen? Are you missing any information? If so, how can you gather more info?Brainstorm solutions. What are some potenti al solutions to this problem?Evaluate your options. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Can any of these options be combined? Which option(s) would most likely lead to your desired results?Choose an option. Why is this solution the best one? How will you put the solution into action?Measure outcomes. What results are you hoping for? How will you know when the problem has been solved? Is your solution working? If not, what other options will you try?If you often feel overwhelmed by challenges, this structured process can help you tackle them one step at a time.Need a CIA-approved problem-solving hack? Try the Phoenix Checklista handy tool CIA agents use to tackle unexpected problems!5. Focus on SolutionsWhen we focus too heavily on a problem, our brains struggle to find solutions. Focusing on the problem activates negative thinking. In turn, negative thinking stimulates the fight or flight responseor emotional reactions such as blaming.Your brain power then goes to answering questions like: Why does dumb stuff like this always happen? Whose fault is this? How can I prove its not my fault?Instead, save your energy for the important question: How can I solve this problem?Remain calm. Once youve defined the problem, move on to solution-focused thinking. Instead of getting upset or finding fault, search your brain for helpful answers.6. Ask Why?Asking, Why? can help you get to the root of the problem and find an effective solution.Lets say your problem is that youre frequently late to work. Why?You always turn off your alarm, telling yourself, Ill get up in five more minutes. Why do you have difficulty getting up when your alarm goes off?You dont get enough sleep. Why?You stay up too late. Why?Maybe its because you drink too much caffeine during the day. Or you spend too much time scrolling through social media in bed.Now, you can find a solution.Have a cut-off time for caffeine and social media. Then youll sleep better, which will make it eas ier to get up in the morning and arrive to work on time.Of course, this is a simple example. But asking why can always help you discover the root cause of an issue. And unless youre addressing the root cause, you cant truly solve the problem.7. Try a Brain DumpWhen brainstorming, a brain dump is usually the way to go. We often second-guess ourselves with thoughts like, Im not sure this will work, or, Maybe this idea is stupid.With a brain dump, you list everything that comes to mind. Literally. All of it. It doesnt matter if its silly or unreasonable or just plain impossible. The goal is to stimulate creativity.Ask yourself What if or Imagine if instead of shutting down your thought process with negativity.Once youve recorded all your ideas, sift through them to find the best options.8. Seek Out Opportunities to Solve ProblemsPractice may not make perfect, but it certainly makes progress. Improve your problem-solving skills by practicing them consistently.Look for opportunities to s olve problems. Ask to join or sit-in on brainstorming sessions. Volunteer for new projects and put yourself in new situations.Start approaching everyday challenges with a what if mentality. Seek fresh ideas and solutions, and jot them all down in a journal.Over time, youll become more comfortable making decisions and more adept at solving problems.So, what do you think?Whats a major problem or challenge youve tackled at work? How did you solve it?What tips have helped you improve your problem-solving skills?Lets talk about it!

Should You Update Resume When Writing Followup to Your Original Job Application?

Should You Update Resume When Writing Followup to Your Original Job Application?If you are asking yourself the question, 'Should you update resume when writing follow up to your original job application?' it is important to understand the process of writing follow-up letters. This is critical for you to make sure that you do not provide an incomplete statement or put in a false statement.Interviews and job interviews can become an unpleasant experience. At this time, many people are intimidated because they are interviewing for the first time or the second time, etc. This can make you feel a bit uncomfortable, even if you do not want to meet with a new individual for a job interview.In order to create a professional mind set and a professional resume, you need to start your job search off right. You can do this by offering something of value to the person who will be interviewing you. You can offer to meet them in person and show them that you are a professional who has previous expe rience. If you have a co-worker or a former employee who you know has the same job you do, it would be best to meet with them for a meeting.It is important that you remain focused during interviews and demonstrate your professionalism and ability to be a team player during the interview. Some people do not realize this but you need to realize that a prospective employer will use your resume as a chance to get to know you better. They want to see that you are a professional. You can include your professional contact information on your resume and you will have the option to include professional references to help the employer find you.You should also learn how to write a letter of recommendation from a previous employee. This is not as difficult as it sounds. Do not spend any more money than you have to on your reference letter. Just find some that are similar to yours and find a way to relate your personal attributes to them. Be sure to include some details about the company, for ex ample, 'We went through a tough time together at this company and helped build the trust and morale of our organization.'When applying for a job, you should perform a job background check. If you do not know this skill, it is crucial that you learn how to do so. This is a crucial step before any interviews and is very important for some companies.A major piece of the puzzle when applying for a job is an employee background check. This includes background checks from several different agencies. Remember, the reason you are applying for a job is to get the right job. Find out if they have performed this type of check and if so, how long it took for them to do it.One of the biggest issues facing job seekers these days is not to meet the right person at the right time. The times when a job seeker must meet a potential employee are very limited. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are active in making sure that you know about the company and the employee. Not only will you b e better able to determine if this individual is right for you, but you will also be able to tell the company that you have been paying attention to their efforts.

Head to the islands of Zakynthos

Head to the islands of Zakynthos If giant white cliffs and crystal clear warm blue waters, shipwreck to explore, and clubs to entertain sound like the perfect holiday to you, then you need to make a bee-line to Zakynthos, Greece. Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Island and while it’s no secret beach escape, it is a fantastic and affordable island retreat with all the comforts of home and the exotic tastes of afar. We found cheap flights to Zakynthos to be quite frequent. While many do their island hopping starting in Athens, we booked and decided to hit the islands from the islands! The best way to get around the island is by rental car. We had considered hiring a scooter â€" imagine the warm Greek wind in your hair â€" but that dream can to an end as soon as we realised how hilly the island is. To get the best of both worlds, we hired a car and hired bikes for the day (which cost 5 Euro) and took to the rolling hills. But the mode of transport we enjoyed the most was the boat. Yachts and boats are available for charter all over the island and tour boats go out daily if there’s just one or two of you. The beautiful white cliffs contrasted against the bright blue sea are a sight to behold. Enjoying a cocktail on the deck and a dive into the ocean is absolute bliss. Zakynthos is known for its Blue Caves â€" these can only be reached by boat in the northern part of the island. Natural arches have been carved out by erosion; the water inside the caves is a magical colour. Another great nautical experience is the shipwreck of Navagio, a smuggler ship which lost engine power in 1981 and washed ashore in the most beautiful bay, surrounded by giant cliffs. While you can also visit this island via chartered boat, if you go by car do in the early morning or late afternoon as tourist boats flock here around lunch time. Zakynthos, like many in the Greek archipelago, is filled with history. A trip here is not complete without taking in the millennia of history found around every other corner. From the quaint in-land villages to the Venitian architecture â€" much of which was sadly damamged in the 1953 earthquake â€" scattered around the island, make sure you drag yourself away from the beach if only briefly. This is worth seeing. Nicknamed “The Flower of the East” by the Venetians, Zakynthos is a popular tourist destination filled with clubs and bars and plenty of opportunity to slow down and soak up the sun. For us, it was the perfect blend between history, party and relaxation. It was also perfectly positioned to do more island hopping…but we were far too comfortable to move, so we just stayed!

A Great Day at Work Starts the Night Before Â

A Great Day at Work Starts the Night Before   (Guest post by Disha Clark) Productivity in the workplace isn’t just based on teamwork and large amounts of coffee. It’s also heavily influenced by the choices you made the night before. A stressful or tiring night will likely occupy your mind and lower your output during the following workday. In turn, however, healthy decisions made at home can improve your mindset and overall effectiveness as an employee. There are several ways to set yourself up for a great day on the job before even leaving for the office. Whether big or small, lifestyle changes made at home can have a hugely positive impact on your efficiency at work. A stressed-out mind will not be as effective as a relaxed one, especially when it comes to crunch time in the office. After a long day of work, it’s important to blow off steam to clear your head and re-energize. Find whatever stress-relief tactics work best for you. Yoga, running, socializing, reading, or a simple hot bath can go a long way in allowing your stress to melt away and setting yourself up for a fresh start the following day. One form of stress-relief is especially beneficial when it comes to workplace benefits: exercise. The added advantages of a consistent workout routine don’t just extend to physical health; your brain also benefits from physical activity. Even a simple 30-minute jog can improve your memory as well as your problem-solving and multitasking skills, rounding out your resume and making you a much better worker. Plus, if you make exercise a nightly habit, you could improve your immunity and cut down on sick days. Try to keep your activity earlier in the evening in order to maintain healthy sleep patterns, and, if possible, get outside in order for your brain to reap the benefits of fresh air. If you consistently get overwhelmed at work, it could also be helpful to spend some time at night planning out the following day and creating a to-do list of responsibilities. Studies have found that scheduling out your tasks sets more realistic time frames and deadlines for projects, which in turn improves overall productivity. Try to keep creative tasks earliest in the day while your mind is still fresh, and then move on to simpler projects in the afternoon. Creating this schedule should also help you stay motivated and allow you to manage your time better. Then, set yourself up for a relaxed morning by prepping whatever you can. Try laying out your outfit every night before bed to avoid rummaging through your closet at the last minute. This should also help you prevent showing up to the office wearing unplanned wrinkles or stains. Similarly, you can prepare a healthy and hearty breakfast the night before. Overnight oats, a smoothie, or a protein-heavy chia seed pudding can all be prepped and left in the fridge overnight. This should only take a few minutes every night but will help you transition smoothly into complete wakefulness in the morning and set the tone for a successful, stress-free day at work. Finish the night off with a proper rest. The high-quality sleep that a peaceful bedroom and comfortable bedding can bring will have a powerful effect on your creativity as well as your focus. A rested brain is much more likely to have a productive morning and workflow. In fact, research has found that employees who work earlier in the morning, closer to their deep sleep stages, produce more accurate and creative work. Sleep’s work-related benefits don’t end with improved workflow, however. The mood and energy boosts that are associated with good rest can make it easier to collaborate with coworkers and complete projects faster and with more diverse thought. Your work performance doesn’t depend solely on the time you put in between 9-5. A few healthier lifestyle choices made at night can significantly improve your efficiency on the job the next morning. Make sure you’re taking the necessary steps at home to be the best employee you can be.

Resume Writing Services to Help You Get Hired

Resume Writing Services to Help You Get HiredWhen your resume is ready for submission it needs to be eye catching, to grab the attention of a hiring manager. Resume writing services are able to get you that attention you need with a streamlined, professional approach. It can also help you get the attention of that hiring manager you have been looking for.In order to submit your resume properly, you need to follow the right procedure. The process of resume writing services starts with preparing your resume. You need to make sure your cover letter and resume are both ready to go. This way you can be sure that you have everything you need in order to submit your resume properly.Next you will want to sit down and write out a schedule for yourself and your family during your job search. The ability to do this is important. Your resume can be the first thing a hiring manager sees when he or she reads through your application. If you do not have a plan in place, you may find yourself scramb ling after submitting your resume. That scramble will end up putting you way down at the bottom of the pile.Do not wait until the last minute. Be sure that you have everything in place before you submit your resume. If you must submit early, then you need to be sure that your resume is done properly. Also, be sure to submit your resume to as many agencies as possible.The next step of the process is to start getting your resume into the hands of the hiring manager. There are two ways to do this. One is by personal request, and the other is by going to your local employment agency. Be sure to have a hand in choosing which route you would like to go in order to get the best results.A great online resume service will help you learn how to format a resume correctly. Once the resume is formatted it will come out a lot cleaner. The formatting should also be able to withstand some of the challenges that a new employee may face. The resume should also make an impact. It should be professiona l looking and on target with the skills you are trying to showcase.One mistake that many people make is that they submit a resume to a resume writing service and then forget about it. Instead they just keep submitting their resumes and never actually send it. The reason this happens is because many people forget that their resume was ever even sent. It should be sent more than once. This way you are always receiving your resume and adding to it.Take the time to learn how to make a resume, cover letter, and resume stand out. Try to see what kind of services are out there and which one will best meet your needs. Use resume writing services Dallas TX to avoid wasting time and money on hiring an agency to do all of the legwork for you.

4 Steps to Prepare for your Job Search while youre Still in College - CareerAlley

4 Steps to Prepare for your Job Search while youre Still in College - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. As many recent graduates will tell you, its tough out there right now for your age group in the job market. Full-time jobs with benefits are very hard to come by, and most recent graduates will go several months to several years after graduating without ever finding a good job that fits them. If you dont want to join the part-time recent grads who still live with their parents, its very important to prepare yourself for the job search a year or at least six months before you graduate. Here are some tips: Suggested Reading:Finding a Job Fast Using a 30 / 60 / 90 Day Plan 1. Take advantage of whatever career services your university offers. Many students complain that their respective schools did not help them find employment upon graduation. While some of these complaints do have merit, its often the case that students never take it upon themselves to actually employ career services. The best time to go to career services is the semester before you graduate. Talk to a counselor who can help you find job listings pertinent to your interests and who can help you polish up your resume and interview skills. 2. Look into post-graduate student job or research options that offer stipends or some form of pay. As noted earlier, its really tough finding a good first job in this economy. Many students I know took another route by applying for research fellowships or other such opportunities available only to recent grads. For example, many students apply to programs like JET or Teach for America, which pays well, looks great on your resume when youre finished, and gives you a leg up on nearly any kind of career afterwards. 3. If you have time in your class schedule for non-required classes, take a class that can help you professionally. Its often the case that recent grads can list relevant courses theyve taken on their resume if they dont have much job experience. If youve majored in a subject thats hard to match up with a career, like, say Latin or Medieval Studies, then be sure you take some non-required courses that could be useful in a job setting. Many universities offer practical classes like teach skills like basic computer programming and web design, public speaking, and business writing. 4. Start out with requesting informational interviews well before graduation day. The information interview, which is an interview that you set up with an industry expert, is never a ticket to a job. Its just the start of networking and getting a feel for what you want to do in the future. Send some emails to professionals in your community, and ask if you can meet them for coffee to discuss the work they do. Its a great way to meet new people and get your foot in the door before your actual job search begins. Of course, no matter how early you begin your job search, its likely that you may still be looking well after graduation day. But the earlier you start, the better chances you have of being employed as soon as possible. Good luck! Career Tip of the Day:12 of the Best College Grad Job Search Links We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+

How Denmark won the 1992 european soccer championship - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

How Denmark won the 1992 european soccer championship - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog TV2 Zulu (ubertrendy danish TV channel) has just finished showing all of Denmarks games from that glorious summer ten years ago, and it brings back to mind one of the most unlikely tales in sports history. Denmark went into the tournament as rank outsiders. We didnt even qualify, we were just called in to make up the numbers after Yugoslavia was banned because of the civil war in the balkans. While the other teams had had months to prepare, the announcement that Denmark would participate instead of Yugoslavia came ten days(!) before the start of the tournament. Denmarks best international result until then had been a place among the best 16 in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (unless you go back to -56 where we won an olympic silver medal). And yet we won in -92! Always with the smallest possible margins, always with luck on our side, never doing more than the minimum requirements, and yet eliminating teams like England and Holland, to finally beat Germany 2-0 in the final. Ask any dane above the age of 18, and he or she will probably be able to tell you what they were doing on that day. And how did we do it? The most important reason was a good team, with few strong individualists. The danish team seemed to fight for each other, every player backing up his team-mates. Luck played into it, and we had plenty of it that summer. We had so much luck, that it couldnt just be a coincidence. Also, we were the outsiders. We had nothing to lose and everything to win. We went in to every game with no expectations. It would have been irrational to expect anything of the team under the circumstances. And yet we won. Might there be a lesson here? And if youll excuse me, I will now lean back in my chair for a moment, think back on those days, and enjoy that irrational, beautiful, warm, glowing feeling I always get when Im reminded of it even now ten years later. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related