Take a break to regain your focus at work Recharge at work by switching to a different task or by leaving the office for a short break, writes Anisa Purbasari Horton. You can also try letting off some steam with a co-worker or revisiting your priorities. Fast Company online (3/30)Minimize distractions to get more done Switch off social media and phone alerts while you're working so you can focus on the task at hand, writes Blake Snow. Put off meetings until the afternoon so you can be more productive at the start of the day, he writes. Entrepreneur online (3/29)
Making the Connection
Traits that will make you a successful networker Make it a priority to schedule time to reach out to your networks so you don't lose touch, writes CEO Falon Fatemi. Connect with others even when you don't need anything from them, and try to keep conversations informal. Forbes (3/31)How to communicate more effectively as a manager Ensure your message is getting through to your team by being clear and to the point, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle. Don't omit important details, and be mindful of how your speech might be interpreted by others. SmartBrief/Leadership (3/30)
The percentage of workers made to feel guilt or shame for taking a vacation has dropped to 41% this year from 49% last year, according to the Alamo Rent A Car Family Vacation Survey. Job candidates should ask employers about vacation policies before accepting an offer to gauge company culture and views of work-life balance, writes Monster career expert Vicki Salemi. U.S. News & World Report (3/29)
Find out as much as you can about the companies where you apply and take note of what other employees are saying about working there, writes Eileen Hoenigman Meyer. Doing some research will give you an idea about the pay range you should expect. Glassdoor (3/30)
Federal judge: Iowa man can say his hometown smells A US District Court judge has blocked officials in Sibley, Iowa, from suing a resident who said on a website that the town smells bad. Josh Harms runs a website that criticizes the town for an odor problem caused by Iowa Drying and Processing, a company that makes animal food. ABC News/The Associated Press (3/29)
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
