Life and business lessons from the chimney sweeper

Life and business lessons from the chimney sweeperLife and business lessons from the chimney sweeperIf youre looking for some useful lessons in business and in life, you could learn a few things from my chimney sweeper.First, let me tell you a bit about ur chimney issue and how we winded up finding our guy.We live in a 100+-year-old old house with a chimney that looks like it could be toppled over by a feather. After mora than a few people warned us that we could die while grilling, we decided to have a chimney sweeper come to take a look.The first chimney sweeper simply looked at the outside chimney and concluded steam welches unable to get out of the top causing it to expand and crack. Downstairs in our cousinement at the base of the chimney, we were told that debris from tile inside the chimney had piled up causing a blockage and that we likely needed to reline the inside of the chimney. Also, the current water and heater pipes had to be switched to be in code with the township. A fter roughly ten minutes, and merely eyeballing the issue, we had a quote that didnt even include actually fixing the chimney itself.Total Cost - $8000.The second chimney sweeper also simply scanned our chimney and arrived at the saatkorn conclusion. However, to win, he was going to merely undercut the competition and charge us half the amount. Why was he able to cut those costs in half - well let you know when we figure that out.Total cost $4,000.Our third and final chimney sweeper came in and had a completely different approach to the issue.Like the first two sweepers, a quick scan outside revealed that steam was unable to get out of the top and caused our cracks. He explained the obstruction was at the base, and this also caused carbon monoxide to release from our water heater. He described the danger and that regardless of cost, he couldnt leave until he fixed it.Unlike the other two, he took out his tools, got inside the base of the chimney and swept away the dirt causing the blockage. After sweeping away the dirt, he was able to look more closely at the chimney and see that our lining was fineFinally, he was also able to see that the arrangement of our water and gas heater line were correct inside the chimney.Total cost - $250I guess you know which chimney sweeper we chose. Beyond the apparent value in savings, 3s approach to the job showed that he took great care in his work and provided some valuable lessons that we all can apply to our own work and life.Establish trustSimply put, trust forms the basis of every relationship.Its been said that the best salespeople only spend a small percentage of their time selling. They spend most of their time understanding your challenges, offering value and building relationships.3 took the time to answer all of our questions, showed patience and stressed that our safety was more important than getting the job. He was going to fix the carbon monoxide issue regardless of getting paid.At that stage, we would have l ikely hired him regardless of cost. When you show your care, your customers can feel it, and they are more likely to trust your guidance and decisions.Have purposeThe purpose is not built or found, working with a sense of purpose day-in and day-out is an act of will that takes thoughtfulness and practice.While we all cant have jobs that make life or death decisions, and we might not want to, we each do serve someone in what we do.Through his enthusiasm and care, our chosen sweeper clearly understood that his work served others. His positive energy led us to trust him more and to a better overall experience. We could tell in five minutes that we liked 3 and that we would recommend him to others and that was before he even gave us a quote. And look how that turned out.Purpose isnt magic - its something we must consciously pursue and create. With the right approach, almost any job can be meaningful.Take prideThe more good work you do, the better your reputation will be.Going the extra mile and taking pride in your work will always lead to a better experience.Had 3 not actually cleaned out the chimney, he may have arrived at the same conclusion as the first two. By taking pride in his work and doing whats right, he determined a simple sweep was all we needed and this saved us a great deal of money.And while it might have cost the sweeper money on this job, his willingness to go the extra mile means well recommend him to anyone looking for chimney work and hell make that money back tenfold.Think long-termPeople who were most likely to succeed were those that took their long-term future into consideration when making decisions and acting in the present.3 clearly takes a long-term approach to his business. He wasnt out to dupe us and get a short-term win because he understood the value of his reputation and that protecting that will ultimately reap more reward for him.Think long-term - what choices are will you make day to day that will set you up for long-term suc cess, and what decisions should you avoid that will only hurt you down the line.Do the right thingWe dont become who we want to be because we do the right thing and the wrong thing. Whatever success looks like for you, doing the right thing will get you there faster.3 didnt try to deceive us, didnt try to heap on unnecessary costs, he just did the right thing. He was smart enough to recognize that being honest, trustworthy, hard-working would pay off in the long run.Wouldnt we all have the same upside if we approached life and work the same way?I hope that the story of our broken chimney provided you some useful lessons. Oh, and if you have chimney issues of your own and live in New Jersey I know a guy.This article first appeared on Medium.

Becoming a Special Forces Medical Sergeant

Becoming a Special Forces Medical SergeantBecoming a Special Forces Medical SergeantThe special operations medical sergeant employs conventional and unconventional warfare tactics and techniques in providing medical care and treatment. Duties Performs and maintains proficiency in all Major Duties- Ensures detachment medical preparation and maintains medical equipment and supplies, provides examination and care to detachment members and establishes temporary, fixed and unconventional warfare medical facilities to support operations with emergency, routine, and long-term medical care. Provides initial medical screening and evaluation of allied and indigenous personnel. Manages detachment, allied, or indigenous patients, administration, admission and discharge, care, laboratory and pharmacological requirements and the initiation, maintenance and transfer of records. Orders, stores, catalogs, safeguards and distributes medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceutical. Supervises medi cal care and treatment during split detachment missions. Operates a combat laboratory and treats emergency and trauma patients in accordance with established surgical principles. Diagnoses and treats various medical dermatological, pediatric, infectious and obstetric conditions using appropriate medications, intravenous fluid support, and physical measures. Develops and provides medical intelligence as required. Note You cannotlage enlist with a guarantee for this MOS. New recruits interested in Special Forces may enlist under the 18X, Special Forces Enlistment Option. They then attend Infantry OSUT (basic training and infantry training in one course), and their Special Forces MOS (18B - Special Operations Weapons Sergeant, 18C - Special Operations Engineer, 18D - Special Operations Medical Sergeant, or 18E - Special Operations Communications Sergeant) is determined during the Special Forces Assessment and Selection portion of their training, based on their interests, qualifications , and the needs of the Army. Training Information 3 weeks of Airborne (parachute) Training at Fort Benning, GA4 weeks at the Special Operations Preparation Course (SOPC) at McKenna MOUT Site, Fort Benning, GA.30 days of Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS), Fort Benning, GA.40 days, Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), Phase I, Individual Skills Phase, Camp Rowe Training Facility.57 weeks, Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), Phase 2, MOS Qualification Phase, Fort Bragg, NC38 days, Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC), Phase 3, Collective Training Phase, (location unknown) 4 to 6 months (depending on language), Special Forces Language School, Fort Bragg, SC. Note The Special Forces training pipeline is inarguably the toughest training program in the Army, and has a very high wash-out rate. Soldiers who are retraining into Special Forces, who fail any of the above training courses, revert to their primary MOS (job). New recruits, who enlist under the 18X Special Forces Enlistment Program, who fail to complete any of the above training courses, are reassigned as 11B, Infantryman. ASVAB Score Required 110 in aptitude area GT, and 100 in aptitude area CO Security Clearance Secret Strength Requirement No Standard Set. Physical Profile Requirement 111221 Other Requirements Red/Green color discrimination requiredMust be US CitizenRe-Trainees must be in the rank (paygrade) of E-4 to E-7Criminal history waivers (other than minor traffic offenses) are generally disqualifyingMust have a minimum of 24 months remaining Time in Service (TIS) upon completion of the SFQC, or be able/willing to re-enlist, or extend enlistment agreement.Must not be barred to reenlistment or be under suspension of favorable personnel action.Must not have been convicted by court-martial or have disciplinary action (such as Article 15). Must not have been terminated from SF, ranger, or airborne duty, unless termination was due to extreme family problems.Must not h ave 30 days or more lost time under USC 972 within current or preceding enlistment.Must be able to swim 50-meters wearing boots and battle dress uniform (BDU) prior to beginning the Special Forces Qualification Course.Must score a minimum of 229 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), with no less than 60 points on any event, using the standards for age group 17-21. This job is closed to women Similar Civilian Occupations There is no civilian occupation that is directly equivalent to MOS 18D. However, emergency medical technicians and paramedics make use of the skills developed through MOS 18D training and experience.

Training Session Offers Society Leaders Details on ONE ASME

Training Session Offers Society Leaders Details on ONE ASME Training Session Offers Society Leaders Details on ONE ASME Training Session Offers Society Leaders Details on ONE ASMEOn July 12, more than 100 volunteer leaders from ASMEs various technical divisions and Institutes took part in a training session during which they learned about ONE ASME - the Societys new organizational model that was approved by the Board of Governors during its meeting in April. The four-and-a-half hour meeting, which was held in Kansas City, Mo., was the first of three sessions designed to help Society volunteers better understand why the reorganization took distributions-mix and how the new arrangement will operate. The training session, which volunteers could also attend via webinar, featured presentations by Board of Governors members Stacey Swisher Harnetty and Richard Laudenat, and three other ASME volunteers who were instrumental in the reorganization - Karen Ohland, former senior vice president , Knowledge and Community Bobby Grimes, senior vice president of the new Technical Events and Content Sector and Richard Marboe, vice president of the Programs and Activities Operating Board.In April, ASMEs Knowledge Community and Institutes Sectors were dissolved. A new Technical Events and Content (TEC) Sector was created to foster knowledge sharing between members, increase industry participation in ASME events, and make more efficient use of Society resources. Principal functions of the new sector include overseeing ASME technical conferences, events, webinars, and outreach programs, and managing all conference and event budgets. Copies of the brochure Engineering a Brighter Future, providing information on the new ONE ASME organizational model, were distributed at the training session in Kansas City. The brochure, pictured above, can now be downloaded from the ONE ASME Group page (https//community.asme.org/one_asme/default.aspx). The ONE ASME model also introduces a new Gro up Pathways and Support (GPS) system that is designed to encourage greater, more effective member engagement in ASME activities. The GPS consists of a network of volunteers and staff, along with various tools and resources, intended to advise groups on how to operate within ASME and make use of the Societys available programs and services.The GPS system will also give ASME volunteers the ability to help the Society develop new products and services, according to Michael Ireland, managing director of the new TEC Sector. Our volunteers know their markets well, but weve never really asked them to help us identify new opportunities, he said. The GPS will allow volunteers to engage with the Society, and then they are there to help the Society better understand the needs of the customer so that we create better products and programs to meet their needs. Were always looking for ideas, and now theres a process for members to put those ideas forward.The GPS System Group Page, to be posted on ASME.org in coming weeks, will serve as the hub for information exchange and provide links to additional direct communication tools, such as the online Requisition Tool, which can be used to submit inquiries, requests, and ideas and proposals for new programs. In the meantime, the GPS team can be reached by e-mail at GPSasme.org.I truly believe the new ONE ASME strategy and approach will position us for game-changing growth as a Society going forward, doing more good than ever before for humankind by more effectively implementing the mission-driven strategies and priorities as expressed by our Board of Governors, added Grimes. The newly established pathways of engagement, GPS framework, and TEC Sector should unleash the potential of our subject matter expert volunteers working collegially with our staff professionals in newly defined, complementary relationships. While we previously participated primarily in our own silos, individuals and groups will now be able to engage in many m ore ways across the Society which should increase personal satisfaction and deliver more value for others, Grimes continued. This represents the inflection point we will look back on in a few years and marvel at how we realized the mission and financial growth objectives set by our ASME leadership team.The best is yet to come Two additional training sessions will be offered in September and October for leaders of the Societys geographic Sections. The meetings, to be held Sept. 27 in Houston and Oct. 11 in Istanbul, Turkey, will also be webcast live for Section members who wont be able to attend in person. As space is limited in behauptung training events, invitations will be going out soon requesting that individuals RSVP if they plan on attending in person.For more details on ONE ASME, visit the ONE ASME Group Page on ASME.org at https//community.asme.org/one_asme/default.aspx, where you can view a short video or download a copy of the brochure Engineering a Brighter Future, which was distributed at the Kansas City training session.

The definitive guide to exclamation marks in work emails

The definitive guide to exclamation fruchtfleischs in work emailsThe definitive guide to exclamation marks in work emailsBack in the day,the rules were simple.In the office? Suit and tie. Write a memo? Keep it formal.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraToday, social mores have changed and the default setting is often business casual. That means the clothes we wear on down to how we communicate. Two recent studies suggest the office is more like an Ultimate Fighting Championship bout than dignifiedplace of work. Marketing firm DDB found millennials wouldtake credit for someone elses workto get aheadfives timesas often as baby boomers. Job placement service RiseSmart reports 16 percent of workerscriticize employers online.It seems we have entered ananything-goes era in the workplace. Where are the rules?Whatsappropriate?If you want to jump on emailand bash your boss, go ahead. But bef ore you click Send, I have one requestcut back on the exclamation marks.Yes,we glide from gmailto Twitter to gchat and the messages muddle together, but work email should remain a cut above. You might sellpatriotic kitten ornamentsorcakuleles, but business is business and money is money. Too many exclamation marks imply youre young and inexperienced (like this). Right or wrong, they make people question your seriousness.I createdthe guide below tounderstand how to employ exclamation marks in work emails. Im not so rigid and old-school to suggest they disappear altogether. As in all things, moderation is key.Hello and goodbyeLets start where all emails begin the introduction. Plenty ofpeople open a work email withHi, _____Good morningThey also end withHave a great dayExclamation marks at the beginning and end. No big deal.The other half of the population goes withHi, _____Good morning.And for the finishHave a great day.Which one is right? They both are. Intros and outros are just tha t the entrance and exit of the conversation. They are onlypleasantries so, yes, you can come and go with an energetic tone () or something more subdued. Either way, its not a distraction to the reader.Let the other person make the first moveNowwe departthe safe harbor of the email introduction (where the exclamation mark is up to you) and enter the treacherous unknown the body of our message. Heres where exclamations are a far riskier game.If you already led withHi, _____Good morningThen you might think its fine to keep on rolling with the excited streakI want to send an email to catch everyone up on the project since we have a lot going on Please respond thatyou saw this email so I know youre in the loopAnd the reader thinksYeesh, calm down over there. Its Monday morning, and I havent even finished my coffee.So lets make a new plan. Rather than start off strong with exclamations,let other people make the first move and matchtheiremotion. That way, youre always in line with how they want to exchange messages.If the person writes backThanks so much for the noteThen you sayYoure welcomeIf the person goes withThanks so much for the note.Then you replyYoure welcome.When you defer to other people, youre always right. If they want to drop exclamations here and there, so do you. If they prefer to keep it plain, you feel the same way.Double exclamationsIn parts I and II, I make the case you can go either way with exclamation marks. In part III, the tune changes.Double exclamations have no place in a work email. I make no apologies for that rule.Theres a difference between energetic and overkill, and it happens somewhere between and If youre on g-chat or talking to a friend through Gmail, go nutsBut when it comes to work, the double exclamation is double trouble. Remember youre a working professional. Business is business. Money is money.SeeThe One Sentence That Makes Anyone a LeaderYou need people to feel comfortable using you or your firm. If youre young and droppin g everywhere, it could be seen as a red flag.When the exclamation is necessaryYou might be like my dad and againstexclamation marks in all work-related situations. Maybeits generational and millennialsfind online communication so casual and natural.Anyway, part IV is where you learn the rules and break them. Thats because there are situations where an exclamation mark matters even if you dont like to use one.Hey there,I just want to tell you I landed the promotion so now Im VP of development for the entire east coast. Thought youd like to know the good newsThats a pretty big deal, right? You cant come backwithThats great news. Congrats.Your answer does not match the persons emotion. At all. No, the moment deservesThats great news CongratsIf you want the person to know youre excited, then you need an exclamation mark. Plus, if the person wrote the big news email to a group and everyone else has responded withAmazingCongrats WoohooIncredibleTheres no way you could drop inwithCongrats .Not only do you appearunenthusiasticitkinda sounds like youarenthappy for the person and sending good wishes through gritted teeth.Some moments require you to fall in line.Trust your instinctsWhen you finish composing an email, look over your work. How many exclamation points have you used?If it feels like you overdid it, then youoverdid it. Even if youre only trying to keep pace with the other persons usage.No matter what,you never want to appearlessprofessional than the person on the other end.You want to bewhats the word?Ah, yes.Appropriate.This article first appeared on DannyRubin.com.

The Demise of Build a Resume Free

The Demise of Build a Resume Free A resume is a significant document and therefore it is important to frame it using the ideal format and content. There are several online resume maker tools which will sure help you to acquire a resume in pdf format only as long as you pay them. PDF documents look the exact same on every computer, which means you wont have to be concerned about any formatting inconsistencies. Begin with a well-formatted document and be sure it has been proofread. Build a Resume Free Secrets Resumizer free resume creator allows you to preview yur resume at any stage in the creation approach. Our objective is to create the creation process simple for you. The process of producing a resume is quite straightforward and straight-forward. For first-time users, theres a guide that produces the practice of producing resumes and cover letters easier. If you are feeling uncomfortable about sharing facts about your professional life, you might not need a stranger to take charge of the plan practice. For instance, if youre interested in work that revolves in the computer science industry its advised to have a better comprehension of how certain programming languages and software work. Dont forget the idea of Less Is More and filter the information that you have in your job program, only including the relevant particulars. Whether you will need a resume at the moment or if youre making one proactively, theres a choice to suit your requirements. Build a Resume Free Fundamentals Explained A simple resume template is going to be your very best bet. The upcoming free resume template is devised in the shape of a brochure. Utilizing a resume template is getting an acceptable and smart practice for quite a few explanations. Resume builder includes an instantaneous preview, and therefore you dont will need to save and refresh the page to see the way that it appears like. There are various ways to create a PDF of your resume, based on what kind of computer youve got. To be able to have a professional created resumes and if youre utilizing a Mac OS device, you may use a number of the best resume templates for Mac. Quick Resume has an easy interface without a great deal of extra options which can make things complicated. There are lots of free resume templates readily available on the web but sometimes it can be very challenging to select the best one that is most suited to you. Whispered Build a Resume Free Secrets Theres an excellent chance it wont include all the keywords set out in the work description. With some essential info in the ideal order, everyone can create one. Theres no doubt that a resume which is both cohesive and professional will have a much better prospect of standing from the crowd even supposing its made utilizing a template. Dont make the error of answering each job posting with the very same generic resume. Obviously, there are a lot more courses on unique topics that will earn a change in your resume. The absolute most important section of your resume will become your work experience. The peak of your resume should includecritical key terms and a fast snapshot of your core strengths, Leavy-Detrick states. If youre terrified your skills might not be sufficient completely free certifications are there to assist you. Everyone hopes to put on an opportunity to impress potential new employer at a job interview, but theres no denying that interviews can be quite stressful Without one, you likely will not land an interview. An interview may also be needed to land the job, but a resume is imperative to begin the practice. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for Build a Resume Free Although creativity is critical in how you present yourself, it is not going to be beneficial if you dont understand how to create a resume and it doesnt contain any sort of special abilities or knowledge that can be gotten through free certifications or another kind of education. When youre a sking for a job which relies on the strengths of the person, you require a resume template you may inject a little more personality into to make it pop. Each one of our creative style templates provide a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. You are able to showcase your work history, but in addition fill in more space by talking about your abilities and other knowledge youve got. What Everybody Dislikes About Build a Resume Free and Why Employers admire those who have worked hard in an assortment of positions. Resume Edge is among the best resume builders where you are able to build sophisticated, professional and extremely impressive resumes in an issue of a couple minutes. Resumes can be hard to write, particularly if you are not certain on what should be included to make it a skilled and effective one. The capability to edit your resume from any place in the world is a remarkable asset that it is possible to utilize to assist you land that upcoming great job. Guarantee that the skills are related to the job which you desire. Language skills are sometimes a fantastic selling point on your resume. You may be a great team player.

The Basics of Writing a Resume for College Students

The Basics of Writing a Resume for College Students The Fight Against Writing a Resume for College Students Most employers wish to find a resume too. As you start seeking your very first job, your resume is among the very first challenges that you will have to tackle. To begin with, examine the job description to see whether it indicates the sort of skills the provider is seeking. Taking into consideration the degree of competition in the jobs market, it is exceedingly essential for students to receive some internship experience. Finding Writing a Resume for College Students on the Web It is necessary for candidates to take advantage of resume samples and practical guidance when producing their student resume to be able to ensure they highlight their abilities and potential in lieu of absence of experience. If youve completed a masters or a doctorate degree, you may also want to incorporate a sentence which provides an overview of your research. A College Student resume shou ld showcase superior multitasking abilities and the ability to stay organized and on-task through the day. Youre going to compose a college student resume. If youre a high schooler that has been accepted to a college already, you may also state your colleges name and the date you will start attending. Youve precisely what it requires to be successful in college. Daunting job for students whod love to college. musiknote your GPA at every institution youve attended, including your existing GPA in case you have not yet graduated. No matter whether youre writing a college freshman resume or a graduate resume, the sample below is a superb template you may use to make your own advertising document. Whether its a freshman college resume or a graduate resume that you require, its a fantastic time to think about just how to make it right. Your resume will be broken into sections. Utilizing a student resume template can help you save you time and effort and offer you ideas on which sections to include and the way to complete them to be able to draw the appropriate employers. While the functional resume format may be an attractive alternative for job seekers with minimal experience, most employers would rather have a chronological or hybrid resume format. The following resume template was created utilizing the college resume template you may use as well at no cost and create the perfect one page resume template.

5 Tips for Using Instagram for Job Searching

5 Tips for Using Instagram for Job Searching5 Tips for Using Instagram for Job SearchingTake, for example, the job seeker who landed a job after commenting on the companys Taco Tuesday tradition. The insight she gained from an Instagram photo connected with the interviewer in a big way and changed the course of the interview atmospherbeie.Or theres the story of Hannah, who used her Instagram to showcase her artistic skills and gain the attention of potentialclients. Her current employer hired her because of her Instagram feed.These examples drive home the idea of using Instagram for job searching. Weve compiled a list of a few ways you can use this social media platform to your advantage.Here are fivetips for using Instagram for job searching1. Learn about acompanys culture.A companys social media is a great way to learn more about its company culture. Perusing the Instagram feed of any company youre interested in can you tell you about the company dress code, what sorts of fun event s employees take part in, and even give a glimpse of the office setup.Check out the comments on each deutsche post ag as well to see if employees interact and comment on the photos. Enthusiastic comments can reveal a positive company culture and happy employees.2. Determine questions to ask during the interview.A companys Instagram feed can help you prepare questions to ask during an interview. Perhaps there are photos of the companys products, pictures of employee participation in volunteer activities, or photos of the company picnic. Base some questions off of these photos for example, ask more about a product or project or ask about the company volunteer policies.3. Cultivate your personal and professional image.Cultivating your own profile can help you use Instagram for job searching. First of all, your photos can give employers a look into your personal life. But be sure to really think about what photos you post- do you really need to post that picture from last Friday night?S ocial media can hurt your career if not used properly. Incorporate career-related photos as well. Did you attend a conference related to your industry? Snap a pic, tag the conference, and write a professional caption. Did you design a website for a freelance project? Screenshot and share.4. Interact with companies and employees.Go beyond simply following employers on Instagram. Interact with the posts by commenting, tagging, and liking. If employees are commenting on photos, interact with their comments. Be sure your comments are on topicand actually add to the conversation. Inserting yourself into every conversation wont make you appear like a knowledgeable follower, but more like a desperate job seeker.You can also check out the profiles of any employees who may be tagged in photos from the companys feed. Their photos can also give you insight into the company.5. Find companies in your industry.Use the searchable hashtags to find other people who could be added to your network and companies that could be a potential new workplace. This is a great way to uncover companies and jobs you werent aware of before.Another option is to look through the Following list of companies you already follow. They mostly likely follow like-minded and similar companies that might of interest to you and have that perfect open job.Check out more ideas on how you can use social media to find a job.

Why You Should Research Companies Professionals

Why You Should Research Companies ProfessionalsWhy You Should Research Companies Professionalsjob searching efforts, find out which industry leaders are going to be there. Then do some research on them and their companies. Doing your due diligence before any networking event will help you be prepared to approach the person and start a conversation. For example, lets say that in doing your research you discovered that the CEO of the company you would like to work loves pugs- and you just happen to own one. Whipping out the photo of your pug Emma gives you an instant commonality and something to talk about beyond boring conversation starters like the weather.It gives you a head start over other aggressive candidates who are eager to land a job interview. It will also give you the confidence you need to show off your knowledge about the advancements the CEO has made in your industry- and why youd be a perfect asset to the company.Start to research companies and professionalswith the Guide to the Best Companies for Flexible Jobs.Its a FREE database with information on over 35,000companies who have offered flexible jobs in the past, like telecommuting, part-time, freelance, and flexible schedule jobs. Each company profile includes unique staff-written descriptions, job posting history, company headquarters, and website.Readers, how do you research companies and professionalsto get to know people who could help you in your job search?

The Benefit of Getting Close to Your Co-workers -The Muse

The Benefit of Getting Close to Your Co-workers -The MuseThe Benefit of Getting Close to Your Co-workers Youre at work for 40 hours a week- sometimes even more than that. But how well do you really know the person sitting next to you?Building trust among co-workers fosters a more inclusive culture and helps build a community within your team. And thats critical to doing your best work. When you trust your co-workers, you work better togetzu sich and are more productive.Joy Stanfield knows firsthand how powerful it is to build trust in the workplace. Stanfield came out to her friends and family when she welches 18, but at her first full-time job, she was very much in the closet at work. Her employer had no clue she was gay or had a girlfriend, and it was commonplace to hear co-workers or leadership in the company make homophobic jokes. It was a terrible environment to work in, Stanfield says, and to be honest, I just thought thats the way I would have to live my professional life.Fast forward to today and Stanfield has 13 years under her belt as a Customer Success Representative at T-Mobile. When I came here, I was shocked, she admits. I had two openly gay trainers, who talked freely about their lives. It was a culture shock for me. I didnt even realize this was possible. I knew Id found my home.Since then, Stanfield has worked her way up to become a Team of Experts Manager in Chattanooga, TN, where she oversees a crew of 40. Shes also experienced firsthand how leaning into inclusivity can create a thriving community. Here, she shares what shes learned about creating trust and building an inclusive culture.Let Everyones Voice Be HeardThe first step, according to Stanfield, is to collaborate as a team on decisions- big and small. We get together as a big group or a small group, and we talk and get everyones perspective so we dont miss anything, she says. Making sure that everyone has a voice is key to building trust.Its a very strong family environment, Stanfield says. Listening to everybodys different points of view makes us stronger as a group, and I think it makes us stronger as a company.fasson Personal BondsWhen you get to know your co-workers on a personal level, you can better understand their perspectives and their day-to-day lives- and that creates a lasting bond. Stanfield believes thats the best way to form a relationship built on trust.As a leader, its important that employees trust me enough that I can be their sounding board, she says. When you look at a call center, its kind of like a small town. We all know each other, or at least know each others names. We have people were close to and we have people that we know we can go to for advice. Stanfield makes sure her employees and co-workers know she falls into the latter category.Team outings can also help build a cohesive unit, whether youre going out into the community to volunteer or youre just planning a departmental picnic. I think you see people differently when you get a glimpse into who they are outside of work, Stanfield says.Create Space for AuthenticityIts also important to create space for employees to be who they are. A great way to do that is to support your team members in joining employee resource groups that speak to them. In Stanfields case, that has meant, for example, not only encouraging a customer service representative on her team to take part in a Womens Leadership Network, but carving out time in the reps work schedule to allow her to attend meetings.For Stanfield, T-Mobiles Diversity and Inclusion Networks (one of T-Mobiles employee resource groups) are important because of the opportunity they offer to connect with others. I like being a mentor to the people in the call center and in the company, she says. I think I have a different perspective because Im little older than a lot of our workforce. Ive been through what a lot of them have been through as a woman, and as a gay woman. So it means a lot to me to be able to help guide them through not just their professional lives, but their personal lives as well.Watch People GrowOne of the undeniable joys of getting to know your co-workers and building a community in the workplace is that you get to see the person sitting next to you transform, not just in how they develop during the course of their career, but through the whole of their life.My favorite part about being here is seeing people grow, Stanfield says. Ive seen so many people buy their first homes, buy their first cars, have children, and achieve their dreams.In fact, Stanfield herself has grown during her time at T-Mobile in both her career and her life She met her wife there a decade ago, and because of their benefits, was able to have a son- a story shes proud to share and hopes will inspire others around her.I like to see other peoples dreams come true, and I like to pour back into that, Stanfield says.