Prioritize your priorities to take hold of your productivity | Paid leave supported by Americans, but not cost | Tell the hiring manager directly that you really want this job
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Pair unpleasant activities with more pleasurable ones to get difficult tasks done during the workday, such as finishing a report you've been putting off by doing so in a cozy environment, like a local coffee shop or park. Layering activities also helps push through hard or boring tasks, such as listening to music while cleaning and organizing the office, suggests Elizabeth Grace Saunders. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (12/21) Prioritize your priorities to take hold of your productivity The key to mastering your schedule is prioritizing your priorities, rather than accounting for every minute of the day, explains John Rampton. Once priorities are in order, focus on strategies for getting these priorities done, such as blocking out chunks of time for "deep work" or creating task lists to keep you on track. Entrepreneur online (12/25)
5 tips for recruitment, retention From what to listen for--and avoid!--during job interviews, how to vet remote workers and why it's time to rethink your hiring protocols, five tips to help sharpen your recruitment and retention strategies. View the article >
While a national paid-leave policy is supported by the vast majority of Americans, that support decreases when asked how the policy should be supported, and only 12% of Americans overall think it should be paid for by the federal government, according to a recent survey. The survey also found that 62% of Americans opposed a paid-leave policy when those who won't use the benefits would be required to pay higher taxes to fund the policy. The Hill (12/21)
Your Next Challenge
Tell the hiring manager directly that you really want this job Telling the hiring manager in the interview that you really want the job shows your humility, sincerity and courage, points out Suzy Welch. Follow up within 12 hours of the interview, but do not continue to contact them over the course of the week, Welch suggests, as this may appear desperate and overeager. CNBC (12/25)
Balancing Yourself
The basics of taking a sabbatical Discuss the proposition of taking a sabbatical with your company's HR department to see if this is an option and whether it is paid or not paid. Consider the financial implications, as well as the effect your absence will have on your co-workers and make preparations accordingly, such as taking the sabbatical during a time of the year when business is slow. U.S. News & World Report (12/24)
The Water Cooler
Albino ring seal caught in Canada is a rare sight An extremely rare albino ring seal was caught in a fisherman's nets in the northern stretches of Canada, and this is just the fourth albino to have even been found, points out Steven Ferguson of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Unfortunately, the seal died before the fisherman discovered it caught in the nets. CBC News (Canada) (12/23)
Even the wolf has its moments of weakness, in which it sides with the lamb and thinks: I hope it runs away.