The power of rituals How to build meaningful habits

The power of gottesdienstliches brauchtums How to build meaningful habitsThe power of zeremonies How to build meaningful habitsYou are what you repeatedly do.?- AristotleOur future is elend shaped by big decisions or events, but by ur daily habits. What you repeatedly do - your choices - defines who you become.Rituals give us a sense of control. Im not talking about religious ceremonies, esoteric chanting or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Rather, the more practical and down-to-earth kind of bung that makes us feel in charge.Think about a job interview, a presentation in front of a large audience, or a first date. When facing uncertain situations, rituals help us focus, deal with anxiety, or feel more confident.Rituals increase our performance by turning small, everyday acts into more significant ones. They add meaning and joy to our lives.The Power ofRitualsChange requires more than a functional approach - no method will work if your heart is not into it. Rituals are symbolic en actments - we engage our emotions and move into action.We turn to rituals when we are facing a situation where the outcome is important, uncertain or beyond our control, as Bronislaw Malinowski suggests.The anthropologist discovered that Trobrianders practiced magical rituals when fishing in the open sea - they wanted to ensure safety. But didnt exercise any ceremony when fishing in the hausintern lagoon, where they were no sharks.We usually associate rituals with maintaining the status quo. In religion, for example, ceremonies create a sense of belonging and continuity. Repetition drives familiarity.Though the nature of rituals is highly emotional, research shows they are more rational than we think.We see in every culture - and throughout history - that people who perform rituals report feeling better, says behavioral scientist Michael Norton.Rituals performed after a loss help us alleviate grief, and rituals performed before high-pressure tasks reduce anxiety and increase con fidence.Studiesby Michael I. Norton, Francesca Gino, and colleagues prove the multiple benefits of using rituals even among those who dont believe in the efficacy of rituals.Participants had to write about either the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship. Those who performed a ritual after suffering a loss reported feeling bothmore in controlandless aggrieved.Surprisingly, the majority of the mentioned rituals were neither religious nor communal. Rather, they were personal, private, and occasionally angry. One woman wrote about gathering all the pictures of her and her ex-boyfriend, taking them to the park where they met, and tearing them up. She made a point of saying even the ones where I looked good, which I loved. - Norton shares.Additional research suggests that practicing rituals mitigates grief caused by not only life-changing losses but also from more mundane ones (like losing the lottery).The power of rituals goes even further - they can shape our self-percept ion.Seeing Is BelievingWhen you compete every week, when you play under pressure daily, you find your rituals to be 100 percent focused on what youre doing. - RafaelNadalStudies show that superstitious rituals are effective too - we dont become luckier, but they boost our self-confidence.People who received a lucky golf ball or someone told them Ill cross my fingers for you performed much better compared to others who didnt receive that stimuli. Superstitious rituals enhance peoples perceived abilities - they motivate greater effort and improved subsequent performance.Sports psychologists know that pre-performance routines improve focus, execution, and confidence.Rafael Nadal, one of the best tennis players in history, isfull of quirks, rituals, and tics. While they may look like superstitious or obsessive-compulsive behavior, he insists they help him focus on his game. Before every serve, Nadal repeats the same sequence - butt scratch, shoulder, shoulder, nose, ear, nose, ear, right hand in pocket.As anthropologist Barbara Myerhoff put it, Not only is seeing believing, doing is believing.Tony Robbins believes that movement not only energizes us but changes our state of mind too. He gets himself in the zone before taking the stage - Robbins is known for bouncing on a trampoline to get his body awake and alive. The motivational speaker uses rituals to boost his energy so he can keep up with his vast audience.Rituals kill procrastination - they reduce anxiety andhelp us launchour projects.As Francesca Gino, the author ofSidetracked,explains,If you engage in a ritual prior to a potentially high anxiety task, like singing in public or solving difficult math problems, you end up being calmer by the time you approach the task, and more confident.Daily rituals build a positive mindset and drive us it into action.Rituals Create Emotional ConnectionHabits are something that we do without thinking.We all brush our teeth daily without thinking. Thats the benefit of habits, once we repeatedly do something, we get used to it - the behavior becomes automated. Rituals, on the contrary, are more meaningful - theyincrease mindfulness.According to sociologist Robert Wuthnow, rituals are anyactions or events that have symbolic meaning beyond their instrumental value.Youd probably watched the folding of an American flag on a movie. This ritual is not about easy storage or showmanship - each of the 13 folds has asymbolic meaning. The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor of the veteran departing rank. And so on.A ritual is like a celebration - it involves our emotions and full attention.Rituals are ultra-specific step-by-step instructions that are easily repeatable and help you get a specific outcome.A ritualis something done to prepare for actiona habitis something done repeatedly for the purpose of performing the action itself.Automated versus mindful actsHabits develop without us knowing it - after various repetitions, our brain switches to automatic mode. Rituals, on the other hand, are done with deliberate intention and focus. A ritual requires intent and engagement.Maya Angelou rented a hotel room and removed all possible distractions such as photographs, books or TV. She started working every day at 7 AM sharp. Armed with a bottle of sherry, a deck of cards, legal pads, a thesaurus, and the Bible, she spent hours writing in this carefully designed environment.Singular versus multiple focusedA habit usually involves one specific action that you do over and over again. Flossing your teeth is a habit. Or drinking water once you wake up. Rituals involve different elements and activities - they include multiple habits.Mark Twain got into his study early in the morning and remained there until 5 PM. He always skipped lunch, and no one dared to interrupt him - they would blow a horn if theyve ever needed him. After dinner, he w ould read that days work to his family.Action-oriented versus system-orientedA habit is an action that you started at some point, and now continue doing without thinking - its action-oriented. A ritual is a sequence of activities - its performed in a particular distribution policy and according to set progression.A ritual must have a clearbeginning, middle, and end.Take rites of passage as an example. They have three clear phases separation, transition, and incorporation.In the first stage, the initiates areseparatedfrom their old identities. The second stage is full of ambiguity - they are transitioning from their old identities, but have not yet acquired a new one. In the final stage, the initiates are symbolicallyincorporatedin the new community.Rituals are habits that have become sacred because these carry a deep meaning to those involved.How to build more meaningful habits1. Rituals increase appreciationRituals turn the ordinary into something meaningful.Toasting before we d rink is a common ritual. It doesnt affect the quality of what we drink, but it makes it taste better. Rituals create a more positive mindset but also increase our attention - we learn to appreciatethe whole experience.Ever feel that you arent stopping to enjoy the small things in your life? Build a ritual that can bring together what you enjoy and love with what you have to do.Rituals increase awareness and appreciation in our daily lives - we stopliving on autopilot.2. Rituals transform themundaneIts necessary to create a special space and practice to protect what matters to us. Whether its taking a bath, reading a book, practicing meditation or just winding down listening to music, our personal time is precious.Benjamin Franklin took time to reflect twice every day. Warren Buffett spends80% of his day readingbecause it builds up his knowledge like compound interest. Sheryl Sandberg feels guilty for leaving the Facebook office when theres light out, but she promised herself sheda lways be home by 6 PMto have dinner with her children.Frustrated for never having the right moment to do what you want? Design a ritual that will help you protect the space, time, and energy to take care of yourself.Rituals turn ordinary experiences into sacred ones.3. Rituals help celebrate lifeWe are usually so busy that we miss noticing the good things in our lives. Rituals provide an emotional and rewarding way to celebrate good news - no matter how small or big.Camino Information Servicesbuys an Angry Bird desk plush toy for every new hire - people plektrum one to fit their personality.Taboolahas a sales bell they ring every time they close a new contract. The6pxteam has gamified its workflow to encourage completing tasks and create enjoyable conversation - they add a word to a hashtag after completing a significant task. Everyone keeps building from there.Do you feel like you do not appreciate progress? Create a ritual to remind yourself to celebrate small victories.Rituals are not obsessive behavior, but a way of celebrating life.4. Rituals build a stronger communityWe cannot change the world alone. Collective rituals are as important as individual ones.Thehuman megaphoneused by Occupy Wall Street protesters was more than an ingenious solution to NYC restrictions to electric ones. It became a ritual for participants to publicly live their values of do-it-yourself sufficiency and collectivity.Frustrated with people not collaborating? Design a ritual to reinforce the emotional connection between your team - rituals are much more effective than words.Rituals bring people together around a shared experience.5. Rituals help us jump intoactionA good ritual creates an emotional connection with our tasks. Work doesnt feel like work, but something more interesting.Stephen King writes every day of the year no matter his birthday or holidays. No surprise, he is one of the most prolific authors ever. Ernest Heming followed a strict writing regimen done by noon, drunk by three. He wrote furiously and kept count of how many words he achieved every day. Joan Didion holds her books close to her heart literally. When shes about to finish one, shell sleep beside it in the same room.Tired of experimenting with productivity hacks? Build your own ritual. Create an experience that is true to who you are and will create excitement.Rituals are anything but passive they move you into action.Rituals are personal find and design an experience that fits your emotions and needs, not someone elses.Rituals help you enjoy the journey and provide a sense of purpose to your life. They offer a sense of renewal a time-out from your everyday routine.Rituals are evolving daily practices. What works today, might not be so effective tomorrow. A ritual is not the destination, but the journey.Gustavo Razzettiis a change instigator whohelps people andorganizations create positive change. Author, Consultant, and Speaker on team development and cultural transformation.Th isarticlefirst appeared onMedium.

The Small Talk Question That Doesnt Feel Fake - The Muse

The Small Talk Question That Doesnt Feel Fake - The MuseThe Small Talk Question That Doesnt Feel Fake For someone who likes to talk to people as much as I do, Im elend necessarily the best at engaging in small talk. Usually I get nervous, which eventually evolves into panic, and Ill comment on things like just how blue my water looks or how good of a deal I got on a recent pair of socks. But a few years ago, a friend of mine told me a story about one of her students. Without knowing it, this kid asked her one of the fruchtwein profound questions she ever had to answer.How are you doing- and why? Without the added caveat at the end, the question is a complete throwaway, especially when youre talking to someone you dont know too well- a la the networking conversation. But two words tacked on to the end- and why- make all the difference. And while you might want to dismiss this as something adorable that an elementary school student said off the cuff, asking someone to elaborate on why theyre feeling a certain way is a surprisingly good way to turn small talk into a quality conversation. In fact, I couldnt help but wonder if it applied to real-world conversations among adults. So, I recently decided to give it a shot. For a week, I added the and why when I said hello to people around the office. For the most part, they laughed and asked me where on Earth I had come up with that kind of question. But not surprisingly, after they said that, it led to more meaningful conversations than we wouldve had otherwise. As a bonus, some people looked at me as they walked away and said, Wow, that was a surprisingly pleasant way to start my morning.It became pretty obvious to me why this resonated with my colleagues as much as it did. Adding that little wrinkle to whats otherwise a boring way to start a conversation is an effective way to show someone that youre 100% invested in their response. Not only is this an effective way to start a conversation, but it can also lead to s ome really interesting fodder that can help you turn an awkward or even empty chat into a meaningful discussion about something important. (And for even more questions thatll help you start a convo, check out these 48 questions to ask.)I know this might sound awkward- and truth be told, it was very uncomfortable for me to do this for a week. So, of course, use your judgment and feel free to skip this with anyone who you dont think will react well. But in most cases, it led to a few co-workers opening up to me and sharing something- work-related or even personal- that they otherwise wouldnt. That didnt just make that one interaction more productive, but it also gave me something to say later on in the day or week when we ran into each other again. Hows that presentation coming?Is your dog feeling better?Good luck at your softball game tonightAnd thats pretty awesome. Because I dont need to tell you that the better you and your co-workers get along, the easier your job will be.What ar e some of the most common questions that you think have room for a curveball like this? Let me know on Twitter.

November 2018 Jobs Report

November 2018 Jobs ReportNovember 2018 Jobs ReportEmployers expanded payrolls by 155,000 positions in November, according to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Since the start of 2018, the economy has added nearly 2.3 million jobs, or an average of 206,000 jobs per month.The following sectors created the most new jobs in November, according to the BLSEducation and health services - 34,000 jobs addedProfessional and business services - 32,000 jobs addedManufacturing - 27,000 jobs addedTransportation and warehousing - 25,400 jobs addedRetail trade - 18,200 jobs addedUnemployment tarif holds steadyThe national unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in November, marking three consecutive months that the rate has sat at a 49-year low.The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers who are 25 or older ticked up slightly, to 2.2 percent, after sitting at 2.0 percent in October and September. These workers are in the highest demand by employers.What employers need to knowWinter weather may be rolling in, but the hiring market remains very hot. There is intense competition for skilled talent - and with every new job created, that competition only increases. Data from the BLS underscore the challenge employers face when hiring There were more than 7 million job openings at the end of September 2018.The good news is the last month of the calendar year can be a great time for connecting with potential hires. There are many active candidates - and passive job seekers - scoping out opportunities in preparation for a job change in the new year. You could gain an edge on the competition by kicking off your hiring efforts now, instead of putting them on ice until January. Consider enlisting the help of an expert recruiter to help you cover more ground, faster, in these last few weeks of 2018.Also, be careful not to let your retention efforts slide during this busy season. Let your existing staff know how much you have appreciated their hard w ork over the past year - and how much you look forward to having their support in 2019.START HIRINGWhat job seekers need to knowIf your New Years resolution is to find a new job, why wait until 2019 to start your search? Many businesses are trying to staff open jobs before year-end, or at least, make contact with promising candidates to follow up with in January.So, as youre sending good wishes to your professional contacts this holiday season, be sure to let them know that youre open to new career opportunities. They may be aware of promising leads that you can investigate now and perhaps can help you get a dialogue started with potential employers.This extra effort now could help shorten the path to an interview - and, potentially, quickly lead to a new job in 2019

Customize this Outstanding Medical Sales Representative Resume Sample

Customize this Outstanding Medical saleRepresentative Resume SampleCustomize this Outstanding Medical SalesRepresentative Resume SampleCreate Resume Thomas Edden100 Broadway LaneNew Parkland, CA, 91010Cell (555) 987-1234example-emailexample.comProfessional SummarySkilled Medical Sales Representative with a primary concentration in pharmaceuticals, but can also represent medical equipment. Excellent cold calling skills, customer maintenance abilities and product knowledge retention skills. Understands the extreme importance of being accurate and honest in the medical sales field.Core QualificationsCertified Pharmaceutical Sales ProfessionalCertified Medical Equipment ExpertProfessional NetworkingOutside Sales TechniquesCold CallingComputer Software UtilizationExperienceMedical Sales Representative, May 2010 May 2015Yellow Medical Sales New Cityland, CAEstablished the second most lucrative sales route in the company.Delivered new product information directly to doctors and office ma nagers.Worked in the field an average of three weeks out of every month.Medical Sales Representative, June 1994 September 2004Helray Medical New Cityland, CAExpanded sales territory by 20 percent in only two years.Developed a lucrative network of referrals.Collaborated with management to develop training materials.Education1994 Bachelor of Science, Medical TerminologyBrit Technical College New Cityland, CACustomize Resume

Experienced Teacher Resume: the Ultimate Convenience!

Experienced Teacher Resume the Ultimate Convenience Experienced Teacher Resume Help Nowadays youve graduated and earned your degree, youre now prepared to face off one of the most difficult obstacles to a wonderful careergetting yourself a job. Each bullet point needs to be relevant to the job which youre applying for. No matter the sort of industry youre aiming to land work in, you want to personalize your list of skills for the position. Resume writing isnt a very simple undertaking but its extremely important to your job hunting good benefits and also writing a resume for a technical man is a little unique from normal restart. Resumes are always employed for applicants who wish to apply for particular jobs in a company where resumes are the vital item theyd need. Infographic resumes appear nice, but you also have to be concerned about applicant tracking system computer software. Every hiring manager differs. If your work search is broad, you might need numerous versions of your resume. Its not simple to acquire work in the very first place. As you start looking for jobs as a teacher, take some opportunity to appraise your targets and techniques. The Key to Successful Experienced Teacher Resume Even if your information is in bullet format, it may mucksmuschenstill be tough to quickly recognize the pertinent abilities and accomplishments which are important to the prospective employer. You shouldnt overlook the significance of resumes. As soon as you are already done with self-assessment, list down your qualifications and assure that youre conscious of how they may be used to your benefit. So, make certain that you provide evidence of further personal or skilled training and Inset days in addition to your qualifications. More so, our Teacher Assistant Resumes might also be helpful in your present undertaking. During the time you are visiting you can read these ideas on the best way to Make Your Teacher Resume Standout. Teacher resumes can be m ore complicated to create than those for different fields due to the abundance of certifications necessary and additionally the wide range of teaching jobs out there. Picking the most suitable references could be the best technique for receiving the work that you want. List experience based on the way that it is going to be the absolute most impactful. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. Adding your resume is only one of one of the most essential elements of landing your ideal project. The History of Experienced Teacher Resume Refuted In the event that you establish that you want to compose a CV, dont forget that while there arent any particular formatting guidelines, then you ought to use shared belief to make a doc that is surely extensive and well arranged. There are a lot of fashions, formats and also forms of resumes to choose from. Just stick to the format and youll be fine. To find some formatting tips for your resume, have a look at our samples. What You Should Do to Find Out About Experienced Teacher Resume Before Youre Left Behind Indian students utilize declaration below resume. oben liegend teachers are famous for their vivacity and sunny disposition. Most teachers should list all their certifications, or whenever they anticipate receiving them. Even experienced teachers need to renew their licenses every certain number of years, and several enroll in supplementary training or greater education programs to advance their career. An interview could always result in a future position for a math teacher. Below you will discover a cv example together with some pieces of tips that can help you easily pass the science teacher job interview. The most significant thing you should remember when writing your teacher resume is that it needs to be clear and simple with an excellent structure. Turning into a teacher may be noble profession. Understanding Experienced Teacher Resume Now you understand how to compose the ideal teaching resume, its time to discover the ideal place to send it. You must get gain and using experienced teacher resume to make your self shine that could force you to leap to the most truly effective priority. A resume is extremely crucial as its the very first introduction to you. Consider experienced teacher resume as a weapon, which you might strategically generates to be in a position to goal a specific work and to win the middle of the business. The Downside Risk of Experienced Teacher Resume The resume profile is among the crucial elements of a good teaching resume. If so, our site provides an extensive selection of curriculum vitae templates also. Be mindful of the standards of the teaching industry so its possible to be well guided inputting the information which will be great for your application. Incorporating the right information is essential to obtain the upper greifhand over your competition.

Whatever They Told You About Professional Resume Writing Services in Houston Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why

Whatever They Told You About Professional Resume Writing Services in Houston Is Dead Wrong...And Heres Why If your resume starts with an Objective indicating what you are searching for rather than that which you have to offer to an employer, youve already lost points right there. Or, it could be that youre not correctly communicating your strengths, experience and techniques. When writing a titelbild letter it is essential that you include as many specific details as possible regarding the job, company, and your urge to work for the organization. For example if youre searching for a writing job, it is preferable to use a keyword like web content writer or content writer instead of simply employing the term writer. Getting the Best Professional Resume Writing Services in Houston You must not incorporate a false info on your cover letter. A cover page for Resume isnt that important but correct spellings are definitely much more critical. There are lots of websites which gives you a Resume builder facility. You have to select a suitable cover letter format. Although no one becomes hired only on the basis of a resume, many job seekers miss the chance of an interview due to an inadequate resume. You do not have to bring up that you were laid off from your final job on paper, particularly if you were there for a couple of years. Additionally, if your skill set becomes matched with job openings then definitely you will receive the job. There are many qualified candidates on the market for employers to pick from. You should only consist of information that is beneficial to the job that you are applying for. Locating a job in the current market is very hard. The market for IT professionals is a lot stronger than others today and is extremely competitive. Possessing stable employment is absolutely not a poor thing.

How to Get a Job at Google - No Coding Required!

How to Get a Job at Google - No Coding RequiredHow to Get a Job at Google - No Coding RequiredAh, Google. A job-seekers fantasy. No.1 on Fortunes Best Companies to Work For list six different times. And so desirable that people spent $12 just to watch a bad movie about internships there.Too bad they only hire computer science majors, right? After all, the company was founded by two PhD computer scientists. And it has mora than 16,000 CS majors on staff.LinkedIn Recruiter data 12/18/15Dont tell that to the nearly 17,000 Googlers who majored in things like economics, political science, or even English literature.LinkedIn Recruiter data 12/18/15Wait a second. Who are these non-coding Google employees? And mora importantly, how did they get in without knowing how to code???To answer that question, lets look at five paths into Google that dont involve even a whiff of programming1. Youve got business skillsIt turns out that coding makes up just a part of all jobs at Google. Because as bril liant as Googles engineers are, they still need someone to manage their code, sell their code and protect their code. And thats where you, the experienced business professional, comes in.Lets say youve been a management consultant for a few years. Well, it turns out that Google needs you to help develop strategy for its new products.Or maybe youve been recruiting top talent yourself. In that case, a company growing as nahe daran sein as Google could definitely use your help on the HR front.No matter what youve done, chances are you can find a fit between your past experience and a business role at Google.To learn more about these different roles from BizDev to BizOps check out my free book on 12 tech jobs that dont require technical skills.2. Youre in schoolBut what if you dont have any skills yet because youre still in school?Dont sweat itGoogle actually has tons of internship opportunities for students still honing their skills. For instance, the BOLD program is specifically des igned for students who want to explore fields like absatzwirtschaft, sales and HR.3. You just graduatedUh-oh. Youre stuck in recent grad limbo. Too far along to get an internship (Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughans example, notlagewithstanding) but too inexperienced to land a regular job.Game over, right?Nope. Because, believe it or not, Google actually has special programs just for you.Want to explore a career in marketing? Try the Associate Product Marketing Manager Program.Is sales more your style? How about the Business Associate Program?Either way no experience, no problem.4. You know someone who knows someoneHow does Google stay sharp even when its grown from a tiny startup to the second-most valuable company in the world? By letting its current employees serve as a filter for future employees.Instead of just hiring a bunch of random people from the outside and hoping for the best, Google believes that one great hire will lead to another, so it puts incredible stock in referrals. So much so that Google interviews are 75 percent more likely to come from referrals than interviews at Apple, Amazon or Microsoft.But what if you dont know a current Googler? No worries. Just run this search on LinkedIn. Now you can find a friend of a friend who does work at Google. Once you do so, just have your friend make the introduction and ask for a referral.Its the quickest way in. And it doesnt require a single line of code just a little bit of social engineeringTo get more tips on networking in tech, download my free book on the 7 essential secrets of the tech job search.5. Youre desperateOK, but what if you dont know anyone who knows anyone? And youre not that experienced? And youre not even a student or recent grad???Your Google dream must surely be over.Not necessarily. Because the one thing that Google relies upon, more than anything else, to keep its business growing is a steady stream of new leads. Specifically, other businesses that might want to buy advertising fro m it. And so Google requires a steady stream of people to do the hard work of finding those leads.Thats where you come in. If youve got the tenacity to work the phones, set up meetings, and ultimately get results for the sales team, you could be just the sales development representative the company is looking for.Its not the most glamorous job but, just like working the mailroom in Hollywood, its a foot in the door. And sales development reps get to eat the exact same food and jump in the same ball pits as every other GooglerSo there you have it, five ways into the most desirable company in the world. And not a drop of code between them. Just a little hustle and ingenuity that would make Owen and Vince proudSearch Google jobsJeremy Schifeling is the CEO of Break into Tech, a site for anyone who wants to launch a tech career, regardless of background. Learn how Jeremy landed jobs at Apple and LinkedIn through his free, step-by-step course.

Turning down a high-paying job for lower-level role can be good

Turning down a high-paying job for lower-level role can be goodTurning down a high-paying job for lower-level role can be goodHave you ever turned down a high-paying job, and if so, why did you do it?It may sound counter-intuitive, but turning down a senior punkt for a lower-level role can benefit your career in the long-run.I know this from personal experience.There were promising options in front of me. I could have been recruited into director-level positions at a number of major pharmaceutical companies on my credentials alone. I even watched my peers step into upper management roles. But I decided to go another direction.I could have been recruited into director-level positions at a number of major pharmaceutical companies on my credentials alone. I watched my peers step into upper management roles. There were promising options in front of me, but I decided to go another direction.I stepped backwards.My background at this point welches in medicine, and I didnt have any family me mbers or mentors who could guide me in the business world. So rather than taking a high-level position at a corporate company, I decided to work in an environment that provided optimal learning opportunities. I accepted a manager role at a small startup- an entry-level position that offered one-third of the salary of the director roles.I learned more during those 18 months I spent in that job than I have in any position since.Most people arent crazy about starting near the bottom of the ladder after getting an advanced degree. I understand its not the route everyone wants to take, but it has some very real benefits.Heres when this trajectory makes senseWhen you dont know the mechanics of the businessIf you enter a company at a senior position, you can miss a lot of the low-level mechanics of how the business actually functions. This is the origin of your eventual limitations- the Peter Principle in the making.Some people may think youre overqualified in an entry-level position. Dont focus on that. Instead, work on being a complete sponge. Learn the startups inner workings better than people at the most senior level. And in doing so, youll set yourself up for success later on.My entry-level role was at a typical lean startup without adequate legal resources, so part of my job was navigating contracts and agreements. When I first looked at one of the agreements, I was shocked. Every word of it was English, but I couldnt understand a single sentence. Id never seen anything like it, and I had no idea what I was doing.But all that time working with legal documents paid off, because today, I can read them nearly at the level of an attorney. Thats extremely helpful, because much of my current role as CEO revolves around managing legal agreements and contracts.If you dont know the basics of a business, get close to the low-level work. Perform under-appreciated, but necessary, tasks. I guarantee it will benefit you in some way later on.When you want a broad scope of wo rkSenior positions typically have narrowly-defined functions. In big pharmaceutical companies, these roles tend to be analysts, sourcers, or negotiators.In a smaller company- like the startup where I began- every position is more generalized. And its the same with entry-level positions at a bigger company.For these roles, you need to perform as an all-around athlete. Rather than being an expert in a particular field, you have to be a quick learner who is adaptable and multi-faceted. That means you naturally get a chance to perform a broad scope of workMy first company didnt have the resources to hire specialists for every task. So I had an opportunity to dip my toe into a number of different areas. I wasnt immediately pigeonholed into a very narrow component of business development.The range of knowledge I learned in that first position is still paying dividends today.When you want to meet your highest potentialTheres a concept in management called the Peter Principle. It states tha t people in a hierarchy rise to the level of their incompetence. Put simply, a good employee will be promoted based on their past success, no matter the role. Eventually, they reach a level at which they can no longer perform competently because their skills dont necessarily translate from one position to the next.Entry-level and mid-level positions are where you establish the building blocks to thrive in your career. As you move from rung to rung, you broaden your skill set, establish important relationships, and expand your areas of knowledge.When you spend time building your base of knowledge in a measured manner, youre less likely to be thrust into a position where the Peter Principle comes into play.Ive seen many people land narrowly-defined senior positions, where a lot is at stake, simply by getting lucky or having superior interviewing skills. I certainly dont fault them for taking those positions. But I do caution young professionals that a meteoric rise based on a thin lay er of expertise is often followed by a similarly rapid fall.Remember, you wont be stuck in an entry or mid-level position forever. By creating a base from which to grow, youre giving yourself an opportunity to continue moving upwards without plateauing - or falling back down - when you find yourself in a difficult role.While accepting a lower-level role isnt the only way to grow, its the route I recommend for maximum career-security, growth, and learning opportunitiesThis article first appeared on Quora.

Life Insurance Adds Value to Employer Provided Benefits

Life Insurance Adds Value to Employer Provided BenefitsLife Insurance Adds Value to Employer Provided BenefitsLife insurance is an employee benefit frequently offered by employers. Life insurance is an insurance policy that provides, in exchange for monthly, quarterly, or annual premium payments, a lump sum of money to the designated beneficiary of an employee who dies. Life insurance marks an employer as an employer of choice when desirable candidates select job opportunities. It is one of the comprehensive set of benefits that employees look for when the job search and choose an employer. Especially employees with families like the security of the safety net that life insurance provides. Life insurance provides peace of mind for an employee who is concerned about how his or her family, or heirs, will make out financially in the darbietung of his or her death. Life insurance provides a certain financial cushion for the employees survivorsif the employees death is not due to his faul t. For example, life insurance carriers generally exclude some deaths, including death by suicide, civil commotion or riots, death occurring during military service, and other events that vary by policy. Life insurance is purchased through a vast variety of options. Term Life Insurance Term life insurance, in which the insured or his employer pays a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee for the stated amount of insurance coverage is typical. No investment or cash value accumulates or is built up in a term insurance account, but the account pays out the insured value at the death of the employee. Some term life insurance policies have a time limit. Others increase their premium fee annually as an employee grows older. Other policies have expiration dates such as at age 70. Many financial advisors recommend term life insurance as most other insurance options cost more and involve an investment component that muddies the waters. Permanent life insurance policies that build up cash valu e in the policy over time are available and are more costly. Older participants pay a substantial premium in return for the benefits as time is not available to build up the cash value of the policy. Types of Permanent Life Insurance The most common forms of permanent life insurance are whole life, variable life, and universal life. Whole life insurance is insurance that you purchase as an investment because it accumulates money that you can withdraw if you experience an emergency. Whole life insurance covers you for your entire life as long as you pay the premium. You may also cash in your policy before you die and this would cause the policy to end or no longer cover you in the case of death. Most investors regard these policies as a bad investment. Despite the fact that you can cash them in, their rate of return is typically small. Variable life insuranceprovides money to your beneficiaries when you die. What makes it variable is that it allows you to allocate part of the pre mium you pay to a separate account that is composed of various investment funds provided by the insurance company. These may include a stock fund, money market account, and/or a bond fund. They differ from whole life in that their value fluctuates based on your investments with usually a nadir guaranteed by the insurance company.Universal life insurancehasa savingscomponent that grows on a tax-deferred basis. A portion of your premium is invested by the insurance company in bonds, mortgages and money market funds. The investments return rate is credited to your policy on a tax-deferred basis. A guaranteed minimum interest rate provided by the policy, which is usually around 4%, means that, no matter how the companys investments perform, you are guaranteed a minimum return on your money. Life insurance is an appreciated employee benefit. Sought after employees expect life insurance as a component of a comprehensive employee benefits package.