Four Ways Women Talk Differently In The Workplace

Four Ways Women Talk Differently In The Workplace Of all the tired clichés, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” may be one of the worst. In the workplace, notions that all engineers should be men and all nurses should be women are as outdated as they are ludicrous, and we girls can CEO as good as anyone, thank you very much. Yet when it comes to language, studies suggest that gender often does alter the way we choose to communicate. Women are politer, men are more assertive. Men are more attention-seeking, women more empathetic. Conventional wisdom is that the way to boost your career is to “man up” by copying traditionally masculine traits. Rubbish! There are massive advantages of ‘female’ communication styles, and recognising their uses and effects could get you far. Do women use more questions? Three times as many as men, allegedly. What’s the problem with that? Well, multiple-questioners are accused of slowing down progress and delaying decision making. Nobody wants to be the workplace equivalent of the inquisitive toddler in the backseat of the car but, used correctly, question-asking is actually highly beneficial. Asking a question in a meeting fosters discussion and stimulates debate. Engaging colleagues in this way creates a collaborative environment, and is proven to boost productivity. Asking questions also consolidates understanding and establishes priorities, minimising mistakes and focusing energy on the most important aspects of a project. How should questions be used? By prioritising quality over quantity. Ask questions that encourage specific, focused answers, and concentrate on questioning the particularly complex or controversial aspects of any discussion to ensure clarity and cooperation. Is that clear?     Women are really terrifically awesome at using super interesting intensifiers and adjectives. When Robin Lakoff famously listed the differences between male and female language, she implied that our increased use of “empty” adjectives and intensifiers was a bad thing. While she was right that women tend to use more adjective and intensifiers than men, anyone who claims such descriptive language is meaningless has almost certainly not read any good books lately. Description allows listeners to visualise what we’re saying and therefore connect more intensely with it. Indeed, the ability to paint a word picture is seen as such an effective sales technique that it’s been compared to hypnosis. And while intensifiers can be extremely annoying if overused, no one will be surprised to hear that verbal indicators of enthusiasm for work projects or ideas tend to go down well with managers. Of course, being concise has advantages too. Simple statements are best if you need to convey information quickly or establish hard facts and figures. The trick is to be able to adapt your language style depending on the situation at hand. Women may be a bit more likely to hedge their statements.   A hedge is possibly a form of tentative language which makes statements less forceful or assertive. Maybe. Women are almost 2.5x as likely to use them in conversation as men. Tentative language gets a bad rep because it can give off the impression you are indecisive or unconfident in your opinion. People are therefore less likely to listen to you, and more likely to ignore what you suggest. Certainly, it is a good idea to avoid tentative language for direct requests, especially if you’re the senior party and want to convey authority. But tentative language has its uses. Starting every last opinion or idea as though it is irrefutable fact makes people look foolish and egotistical â€" neither of which is a good look in the workplace! Plus, it’s actually harder to dismiss a statement you oppose if it’s hedged  and therefore offered as one alternative, rather than the alternative. The most important use of tentative language, however, is to disagree with someone. People don’t like to be told they’re wrong and get defensive if they feel their view is being challenged. Particularly when they’re an important client or your boss, it’s crucial to be able to disagree in a polite, non-aggressive way. Using tentative language means you’re not rubbishing someone’s position entirely.  And it lets them ‘save face’, which not only reduces conflict but actually makes it much more likely that they’ll change their mind to align with yours. It has been suggested by various studies over the years that women can display a tendency towards a greater volume of communication. Or; women talk more. Some say we beat men in our verbal word count by a massive 13,000 extra words per day.   But  that figure is hotly debated (presumably by women, men having used up their entire vocabulary by 3pm). It does seem to be true, however, that women tend to be more talkative in the workplace, because they are much more inclined towards collaboration. Ignore the stereotypes of nagging, gossipy women this conversationalist leaning actually gives us a professional edge. You know those trends for open plan offices and hot desking? That’s because employers want to encourage their employees to interact with each other. They understand that this stimulates the flow of ideas and creates a more positive work environment. Oh, and being able to communicate in a transparent, collaborative manner is one of the most highly valued leadership traits. Even non-work discussion with colleagues is an important factor in boosting morale and increasing job satisfaction. It’s always dangerous to generalise, and of course there is no universal ‘female’ language that we all subscribe to. The point is that the above traits are highly beneficial methods of workplace communication, and should be used by anyone who wishes to come across as an empathetic, engaging and cooperative employee. Insomuch as there is a ‘womenspeak’ however, well, we’ve got some pretty good ideas! So lean in boys; you’ve got a lot to learn. Beth  writes graduate careers advice for Inspiring Interns, a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in finding candidates their dream internship. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs London, visit their website. Image credits. Main.   Question.   Mixed.

Prepare Now to be Healthy and Happy in Old Age [Book Review] - Career Pivot

Prepare Now to be Healthy and Happy in Old Age [Book Review] - Career Pivot Healthy and Happy in Old Age As a middle-aged baby boomer with living parents in their mid- to late-nineties, I think about getting old and wonder how I (with no children of my own) will face my later years on earth. My sister and I look after all my parents’ needs â€" financial, health, well-being and companionship. What can I do now to relieve some of the anxiety I have as I watch my parents lose their health, independence, and finances from living so long? Tips for Aging Well Joy Loverde’s book, “Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old? Plan Now to Safeguard Your Health and Happiness in Old Age” has excellent resources, with links to websites and names of organizations, to prepare you with all the details you need to think about as you age. And unfortunately, many of us may end up doing this alone. Loverde says, “One in three baby boomers falls into the category of separated, divorced, widowed or never married” Loverde takes this into account and divides the book into sections of what to start preparing for as if you needed to do it alone. The first four chapters cover: Meet Your Future Self Think Like a Strategist You are Tougher than You Think The Fierce Urgency of Money Other chapters deal with living with chronic illness, staying in your home and moving abroad to age. Every chapter begins with objectives to learn and ends with resources, links to check out and inspirations and insights. The last chapter, “Places to Go and Things to Do,” offers plans and resources on what to do after you die. I was surprised to learn that a mummification is an option as well as a Green Burial. I am undecided at this point. The last page of each chapter offers recommended reading, a YouTube clip, a movie, a song and a TED talk that covers the theme of the chapter. In chapter 11, Love Is Love: Pets Are Family, Too, Loverde covers the pros and cons of owning/adopting a pet as an older person. The recommended reading, YouTube, Movie, Song and TED Talk for this chapter is: What Pet Should I Get? (2015) by Dr. Seuss Ultimate Dog Tease (May 1, 2011), Ultimate Cat Tease (April 12, 2012) The Secret Life of Pets (2016) “No One”, Alicia Keys “Four Legged Citizens,” presented by Francis Battista (Best Friends Animal Society, September 10, 2014) I find these recommendations comforting. By seeing and hearing other people comment on this particular age-issue, I felt like I was connecting with others who know exactly what I know and how I feel. Nice. Listen to the most recent episode Throughout the book, Loverde emphasizes the importance of (1) asking for help, (2) cultivating relationships (even if you are an introvert), (3) making friends with older people to look to them as role models and (4) being purposeful to maximize your physical, mental, social and spiritual life choices â€" make daily conscious decisions. The goal, Loverde says, is to die in the best health possible after a short/brief illness. And she also says that old age begins around ninety. Get Personal and Resourceful She uses her own experiences to illustrate different situations that happen as you age. One powerful antidote is her story about her middle-aged friend who became ill at middle age and had to move into an assisted living facility. He was cut off from the world he knew and lost his independence. Frightening. The book has lots of resources for each situation that comes up. If you decide to stay in your home as you age, you can look up age-friendly resources (think AARP) and also educate yourself about Alzheimer’s and Dementia. No one wants to deal with debilitating conditions/circumstances before they have to. But, Loverde stresses that if you prepare beforehand, you prevent more stress by getting things done before it happens. I agree with Loverde’s step-by-step plan but find that too many resources (and worksheets) overwhelm me. I am also not sure when to start the process. Nothing Like the Present to Start Preparing Do you do it when you’re in my situation â€" the mid-50sâ€" with parents in their nineties? Because my parents’ situation is constantly reminding me of my own mortality and the precariousness of life’s state? Or do you just start doing this, one chapter at a time when you reach 55 or 65? I believe Joy Loverde book is a good, realistic view of what it is like to age and what you need to do to really cover all the bases if you are on your own and need to figure things out. Her advice on understanding what it is like to become a caregiver, deal with ageism in employment and find good, affordable healthcare is spot on. Her advice on taking care of your health really rings true for me â€" “Aging solo means guarding your well-being with a vengeance. Work out regularly. Develop hobbies (and friendships). The goal is to do what it takes to prevent the need to be taken care of in old age.” I think having a living will, having financial documents and pipeline prepared, and having a line of command is a good idea â€" just in case â€" and probably should be set up close if not before middle age. Learn from Others’ Experience Even though my 97-year-old father can’t see, has dementia and needs 24-hour care and my 93-year-old mother has a bad heart and lives in her house (and still drives when she can), they both planned well enough to take care of their finances (so far), get good health care and nurture their minds, bodies (both athletic until they couldn’t be) and social networks to make being very old tolerable and at times, good. Plus, they have me and my sister looking after them. Not everyone will have this. I won’t. And for those who are wondering who will look after them in their later years and how will they take care of themselves, read Loverde’s book. It gives me hope that I can use her steps and find the resources I need to start taking better care of myself right now. This post was written by Pam Willenz. Pam is a Web Content Manager for a health website, a freelance Web Developer and a Writer/Editor. She is a health/fitness nut who loves technology, building websites and bringing her project management/ public relations, technology, research and writing skills to projects. She has written for various health, small business and technology websites as well as authored hundreds of articles/press releases on health, cycling, and nutrition. She is also an integrative nutrition health coach where she coaches clients in functional medicine approaches to health and helps people develop their own roadmaps to wellness. You can find her on LinkedIn, Twitter and GitHub. Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Tech Mistakes Businesses Are Making In Todays Digital World

Tech Mistakes Businesses Are Making In Todays Digital World It is no exaggeration to say that technology has taken over. It has completely transformed the way that we go about our daily lives and the way that we work too. Of course, there are so many benefits associated with this. Technology enables us to work smarter, quicker, and more effectively. However, this is only the case if it is used properly. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the mistakes that businesses are making with regards to technology in today’s digital world. Skipping the training phase â€" You can purchase the most sophisticated and intelligent piece of tech in your industry â€" something that has received rave reviews across the board. However, if you have skipped the training phase, what is the point? Your tech is only going to be as good as the people that are using it. If they do not know how to use it properly or how to make the most of the different features, then you are missing out on a whole host of opportunities for improvement and efficiencies. Using the wrong tech â€" This is something a lot of businesses are guilty of. They know that software will help them to improve their processes and work more efficiently. They know that most of their competitors are making the most of online tools to help them achieve more. However, this does not mean that you should simply buy any old software solution. You need to make sure it has the right features for your business and that it can easily be integrated into your current set-up. This is where hiring a technology consulting company comes advised. They will be able to assess your current set-up and processes to determine what sort of tech is actually going to be beneficial and take your business to the next level. Failing to plan ahead â€" Last but not least, you have probably heard the following: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail! This is certainly the case when it comes to tech. After all, it is highly likely that you aim for your business to grow. Therefore, your home Internet service and a couple of computers are not going to suffice. You need to plan so you can ensure that your IT can keep pace with the growth of your company. Not only this, but you need to make sure you are able to respond should there be any computer issues so that you do not experience any downtime. So there you have it: some of the most common mistakes that businesses make when it comes to technology in the current day and age. Are you guilty of making one of the errors that have been discussed? If so, there is nothing to panic about! You simply need to make sure that you put steps in place to make some changes for the better.

When Writing the RSum, Which of the Following Writing Styles Is Most Efficient?

When Writing the RSum, Which of the Following Writing Styles Is Most Efficient?The most obvious question that has to be answered before you start to write the Rsum, is whether to write in a classical way or one in which you express yourself more fully. The answer is of course both. Classical style means that you still use the exact same style of writing you were using previously. Whereas when you express yourself more fully you use new terms and concepts to describe what you are writing.One of the most important principles in writing the Rsum is that it is not necessary to be as careful as you used to be when you wrote a thesis. If you wrote the thesis in the first place you were writing in a certain context. But now, you have to write a project in which the context is completely different.So it is better to write the project in the classic way in the first place. If you do that, it will give you a lot of freedom to think in ways that no longer work for you when you write the Rsum. I t is best to take that first step into writing the Rsum in the classic way.This will allow you to know exactly what you are writing in the Rsum and which part of your work you want to emphasize and which is irrelevant. As a matter of fact, you have to find the area that you want to concentrate on when you write the Rsum and that will be the most important thing for you to remember in the project.When you write the project in the classic way, it is likely that you will get a few challenges. This is a good thing and it means that you are on the right track. But do not expect that you will enjoy every challenge you will face because most of them will be technical in nature. The challenge that you are likely to face when you write the Rsum will be mostly technical in nature. This is because you will be dealing with terms that are not very commonly used in students. So you need to familiarize yourself with the English language and these challenges will be technical in nature.Also, the mo st important thing when you write the Rsum is that you have to identify the point in the project that you want to focus on. This is something that you have to remember when you write the Rsum because the moment you do this, it is very likely that you will stumble upon a lot of ideas that you can integrate in your project. This is a very good thing because it gives you an edge over the other students.Another challenge that you might face when you write the Rsum is the fact that you might have to write the project very quickly. If you do this, you will have to think about different ways to present these things. If you do this correctly, you can be sure that the result will be very impressive.

Tips on How to Write a Resume For Technical Support

Tips on How to Write a Resume For Technical SupportAre you looking for tips on how to write a resume for technical support? If so, then read on. I'll show you some tips on how to write a resume that will not only help you get your foot in the door but will also help you get that job you've always wanted.The first thing you need to do is research what kind of job you're looking for in technical support. Because the job market can be very competitive, it's very important that you don't just hop on the first position that comes along. You'll have to carefully read through the job listings and determine what you want and what you need.The second thing you need to do when you're looking for tips on how to write a resume for technical support is to put yourself in the person's shoes. Do you know if you are what you need to be in order to get that job? If you do, then you will be able to better understand what kind of job you should be looking for. You will also be able to better write your resume.When you're writing your resume for technical support, it's important that you research all the things that you need to include. Be sure to list every skill you possess and make sure to list everything you know about the company and the position you're applying for. Once you've done this, you will be able to see what they need and what they want from you.When you're looking for tips on how to write a resume for technical support, it's also important that you know your objectives and what you hope to accomplish with this position. Make sure that you have a clearly defined objective and that you work towards achieving it.Before you start writing your resume, you need to write down everything you need to include on it. If you haven't done this, you'll need to learn how to write a resume properly, otherwise you won't know what to include and what not to include.Finally, don't give up until you've written your resume. There are tons of methods and tips on how to write a resume th at are out there. Just keep at it and you'll soon find yourself writing a successful resume that will land you the job you've always wanted.

Reules to Writing an It Resume: the Ultimate Convenience!

Reules to Writing an It Resume: the Ultimate Convenience! If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Reules to Writing an It Resume The majority of the applicants believe that one pager resume always have more worth in the opinion of employers and it's required to provide a professional appearance to their resume. Impress your employer The Resume can earn a very first impression in the view of an employer. Software today provides a lot more options with regard to style and formatting. Resume editing service must have some important qualities to assure the success rate in line with the demands of new trends. Resumes have changed, and that means you wish to ensure you're keeping up with the most recent trends and standards. The Fundamentals of Reules to Writing an It Resume Revealed A professional resume writer will have the capability to place your accomplishments in context for you. You have to write about your career objectives, what you mean to achieve if chose n and what you've done in only a single page. If there will not be any facility of direct communication between the customer and writer, the author will surely miss a few important details about the customer in the resume and ultimately, client must request the changes repeatedly. Don't delay to try and find assistance if you aren't a strong writer. Therefore, it's far better to adjust your resume to every particular job opening. Writing a professional resume an employer will discover irresistible will boost your probability of landing your dream clinical research assistance job. If you know you're taking work that you won't need to keep, you will want to keep that resume current and circulating. Even when you have to have a less than the optimal job, it's excellent to understand what you're getting into. Things You Should Know About Reules to Writing an It Resume Developing an effective resume can be an intimidating job. Therefore locating a person who knows the way to wr ite properly can be a huge help. The important thing here is to demonstrate you have experience interacting with many different people (use the job posting as a guide for crafting an appropriate bullet point). Compiling a resume can be a troublesome activity but doing so is generally vital for obtaining nearly any form of job. Resume writing services are present to give you a hand whenever you're hunting for employment. If you wish to land the job that you want, then you want to submit a high quality resume. If you would like to receive a job in a well-known company, do your very best to fulfill their standards and to present yourself accordingly. The 5-Minute Rule for Reules to Writing an It Resume It's well suited for the candidates who don't have a stable career history. In fact, some candidates don't even dare obtain their resumes read as their cover letters just don't look impressive enough. Infographic resumes become more and more common. The majority of the resume s writing services don't provide the chance of direct contact by making use of their writers.

9 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Achieve Your Goals (And Stick With Them!) - Work It Daily

9 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Achieve Your Goals (And Stick With Them!) - Work It Daily Take a deep breath of that January air â€" Smells like a fresh start, doesn’t it? A new year, a clean slate, and a million goals to achieve… What could go wrong? Unfortunately, it’s too easy for those newfound resolutions to fall to the wayside after the New Year high. It’s understandable â€" I mean, you’ve got a million other things to do... you don’t have time to focus on your goals, right? WRONG. Don’t sell yourself short this year. Here are a few surprisingly easy ways to achieve your goals: 1. Keep your role models nearby. Who inspires you? Whether it’s Sandra Bullock, Steve Jobs, or your mom, keep him or her close by. Call your mom a few times a week or pin a photo of Sandra Bullock on your bulletin board at work. Seeing or talking to them will help you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. Remember, inspiration gets things going, motivation keeps things going, and determination gets things done. (Tweet this!) 2. Rid yourself of the “I can’ts.” Everyone has that little, negative voice in their head that whispers (sometimes screams), “I CAN’T!” Unfortunately, many people let this little voice control them. It’s time to ditch that thought, and come up with a new, positive twist to “I can’t.” Christie Mims, founder of the Revolutionary Club, suggests recognizing that the thought isn’t serving you, and replacing it with a new thought that makes you feel empowered. For example, if you wanted to start a business, but that annoying voice is saying, “I can’t do that â€" I don’t know anything about running a business. I would suck,” replace that thought with something like, “You know what? I might not know everything about running a business, but I’m pretty smart, I can figure this out.” 3. Couple your goals. Want to lose weight but having trouble staying on track? Find another reason to eat healthier. My secondary reason for eating more veggies and less junk is my skin (eating better helps your complexion, who knew?!).What’s your secondary reason for eating better? 4. Think more, not less. Trying to lose a few pounds? (Who isn’t!?) Find reasons to eat MORE good things, not just reasons to eat fewer bad things. Want to stop being such a tech zombie? Focus on spending MORE time outside or reading books, not just less time in front of a computer screen. Thinking about doing things as a reward rather than a punishment can really help you stick with your goals. Changing your perspective really helps! 5. Treat yourself once a day. Whether it’s getting your nails done, indulging in a few MMs (the peanut kind, of course!), or just having a beer at the end of the day, make sure you treat yourself with something small each day. It’s the little things in life that make us happy â€" don’t skip out on them because you’re trying to save money or lose weight. Just don’t over indulge! 6. Write about it. Start a blog, keep a diary, or keep a notebook of your goals and use it to track your progress. Make a point to write in it at least once a day. Writing about your goals on a regular basis will help keep you motivated to stay on track and show off all of your hard work! 7. Don’t feel guilty for taking ‘you time.’ It’s a busy world, and everyone seems to be going at a million miles per hour. Yes, you have obligations, but don’t use those obligations as an excuse to skip ‘you time.’ Taking time for yourself is important for your mental and physical health, so make sure to schedule a little ‘you time’ each day â€" whether that means 10 minutes to decompress in front of the TV or an hour of Pilates. By making time for yourself each day, you will be less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to stay on track with your goals. 8. Find a buddy. What’s better than one person struggling? Two! Find a buddy who wants to achieve the same goal as you. Make a plan with them, motivate each other every day, and meet in-person at least once a week to make sure both of you are staying on track. 9. Whatever you do, do it well. Walt Disney once said, “Whatever you do, do it well.” Keep these words in mind at all times. Find something you want to be known for â€" whether it’s working on a project for work, dressing to impress, or keeping a clean house - and do it well! People will remember you for it. So, what are you waiting for? Get off your butt and make those resolutions a reality! How do you stay motivated? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us your tricks in the comment section below! Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles: How To Create SMART Goals Why Do You Set Goals? Don’t Be Afraid Of Changing Your Job Goals Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!