Always be Leading – 10 Must Traits On and Off Duty

Introduction

Do you believe that you must always be leading both when on-duty and off-duty?

Explanation

Always be leading on and off duty

Being a leader isn’t something you put on and remove like a shirt. Leadership skills and operating from a leadership perspective is something leaders do on and off duty. That’s because the skill sets that make a great business leader also make for great…

  • Spouses
  • Parents
  • Community partners
  • Volunteers

AND

Areas Where Leaders Will Always be Leading

Great leaders don’t go to work and put on their leadership hats only to take them off when they leave.  Truly great leaders lead in all that they do. They lead by how they…

  • Solve problems
  • Approach conflict
  • Prioritize their schedule
  • Treat subordinates and other people in their lives with respect

And…

  • Considerably more!
Leadership Success

Great leaders succeed in their leadership because their leadership skills are engrained in their everyday life. How you see them when they lead is also how you’ll see them when they’re behind closed doors.

In the truest sense, everyone is a leader one way or another. Your title might not officially place you in a leadership role, but you are leading. Whether it’s leading your family, friends, or a small group of people volunteering in the community, you are leading. Taking on a leadership mindset to always be leading on and off duty can help you be a more effective work leader.  That’s the type of leader that people willingly and enthusiastically follow.

Monitoring Leadership Behaviors

It’s important to realize that people are always watching, and in doing so they are evaluating one another’s leadership skills.  Based on these observations, workers will get behind the managers or even coworkers who are leading the way. People feel comfortable with others who are confident, considerate, and consistent in their behavior and their attitude.

Not all leaders desire to lead. Some people are placed in situations where they are required to lead despite their preference to blend into the crowd. Leadership is important though, and having the courage to lead…even when you don’t want to…is important too. Sometimes you’ve got to take the reins and do what’s best for the situation.

Whether you plan to lead or find yourself leading unexpectedly, you may well be  thrust into a leadership role at some point. Everyone is leading somehow and making things better for others in the process. Be cognizant of the importance of leadership and having a leadership mindset whether you are at work, at home, or in the community. Be aware of your impact on others and be sure that your leadership style is motivating and encouraging so you aren’t overrunning others or making them feel inadequate. The best leaders consistently make those they lead feel empowered and capable of whatever tasks need to be done.  In other words, they will always be leading whether on-duty or off-duty.

How to Become a Great Leader

So how do you become a great leader who will always be leading?

Leadership Traits

Always be leading to inspire subordinates

It’s certainly not always easy to be a leader, one who will always be leading.  But it is essential. Here we share with you the 10 traits of great leaders.

1: They are Inspirational

2: They Set Goals for Their Teams

3: They Manage their Time Wisely

4: They Motivate Others

5: They Encourage Creativity in Others

6: They Give Feedback Constructively

7: They Communicate Clearly and Openly

8: They Build Relationships with People on Their Teams

9: They Lead by Example

10: They Delegate Responsibility When Needed

Being a leader isn’t always easy, but it is essential. These are 10 traits that every good leader should have.

Summing Up
In conclusion, being a leader is not something that can be switched on and off. It is an ongoing way of living and behaving. Leaders are always learning and growing, and they never stop working to improve their skills. Those who aspire to be leaders should keep these things in mind, and continue to work on becoming the best leaders they can be.
Of course, while it is important to be a leader both on and off-duty, it is also necessary to be able to switch off from work and relax. It is essential to have a good work-life balance in order to be effective when always leading at work.

Real Leaders Boost Subordinates

Serve Others – Even When You’re the Leader

It’s a given that real leaders boost subordinates.  Most leaders started out as followers. Leadership comes from mastery of a concept or idea and inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal.   The best leaders have spent significant time in the trenches and never stop, even after they’re promoted.

Being a leader means more than being the boss. It requires a willingness to take on more responsibilities than the team and to be willing to work just as hard, if not harder. Sadly, leadership can get a bad name if they appear disengaged.

When it comes to boosting employees, it’s important that you don’t forget about them even when you’re the boss.

Four Ways Real Leaders Boost Subordinates

Here are four ways to boost subordinates even when you’re in charge:

1. Give feedback consistently and openly. This is one of the most important things a leader can do for their team. Feedback should be timely, accurate and actionable. If a subordinate isn’t getting feedback, they may not know how to improve their performance.

2. Listen carefully. It can be hard to listen when there are other demands on our time, but it’s crucial that we pay attention to what our team members are saying. Hearing what our employees have to say will help us understand their needs and better plan for the future.

3. Encourage your team members to take risks. Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing something new—even if it’s risky. Giving your team members the freedom to try new things is one way of encouraging innovation and creativity in the workplace.

4. Make sure your policies reflect the values of your company culture and the goals of your team members. Policies that are fair and equitable will help foster a positive work environment for all staff members.

Being a leader means more than being the manager. It requires a willingness to take on more responsibilities than the team and to be willing to work just as hard, if not harder. Sadly, leadership can get a bad name if they appear disengaged.

Managers Can Give Off a Bad Vibe

The imagery of someone sitting at a desk with their feet up while others do the work that they claim for themselves leaves a bad taste in your mouth. The idea is that leaders have paid their dues and don’t have to work hard anymore. Sadly, this is a way that leadership gets a bad name. In addition, some leaders lose touch with what it takes to be on the front lines and diminish or discount the hard work of the people they lead. In both cases, this can cause a rift between leaders and teammates.

train your team to focus and avoid electronics distractions

3 Ways Real Leaders Boost Subordinates

The best leaders have a heart for service and never stop. No matter how high their leadership title, great leaders serve others and seek to better understand the needs of the people they are leading. Here are 3 easy ways real leaders boost subordinates and continue to serve, even when you’re the boss:

Boosting subordinates' efficiency so you don't lose motivation

1.Don’t be afraid to do the work too

2. Seek to determine what others need

3. Ask more questions

1. Delegate, but be sure to do the work too

The best leaders make time to get alongside the people they serve and do the work too. Delegating is an important function of leadership. You can’t lead if you are doing all the work but it’s important to keep morale high and keep your skills polished too. You can do both by working alongside the people you lead and showing them there’s nothing you aren’t too important to do.

Real leaders boost subordinates and keep employees engaged

2, Find out what people need to make things easier

The people you lead have a lot on their plate. They have on and off duty lives too. Keeping your finger on the pulse of what they need offers opportunities for you to serve them and build their trust and respect for you. Great leaders know when their teams need something to make their work easier or to offset troubles they have off the clock. Stay in touch and in tune with your teams and you’ll transform your leadership skills exponentially.

3. Always ask questions

Leaders have to hand down a lot of policies and procedures that their teams have to follow. Whether it’s your family or people you lead for work, asking them questions and getting their input can help everyone feel heard and valued. Sometimes someone you lead might have an idea or a process that is better than the one you came up with. Great leaders include their wealth of resources in their leadership. This includes asking questions of the people they lead, keeping an open mind,- and really listening to feedback.

real leaders boost subordinates by being a better listener

Serving others, even when you’re the leader, is vital. There’s no title too high that excludes someone from service. There are many ways to lead and many ways to serve and the two always go hand in hand.

Even More Ways to Boost Subordinates

Here are four ways real leaders boost subordinates even when you’re in charge:

1. Give feedback consistently and openly

This is one of the most important things a leader can do for their team. Feedback should be timely, accurate and actionable. If a subordinate isn’t getting feedback, they may not know how to improve their performance.

2. Listen carefully

It can be hard to listen when there are other demands on our time, but it’s crucial that we pay attention to what our team members are saying. Hearing what our employees have to say will help us understand their needs and better plan for the future.

3. Encourage your team members to take risks

Mentoring boosts subordinates and trains them to take prudent risks

Sometimes the best way to learn is by doing something new—even if it’s risky. Giving your team members the freedom to try new things is one way of encouraging innovation and creativity in the workplace.

4. Your policies reflect values of your company culture and your team members’ goals

Policies that are fair and equitable will help foster a positive work environment for all staff members.

Conclusion
There are many ways real leaders boost subordinates and continue to grow as a leader. It is critical to continue to develop your skills in this regard. Be open to feedback and and continually work to upgrade your communication and problem-solving abilities. As a leader, you play an important role in the success of your team and organization. By growing and developing your own skills, you can continue to boost employees and help them reach their potential as well.
It is important to find what works best for you and continue to strengthen your skill in nurturing subordinates to improve their engagement and your effectiveness.
Flexicrew Support
If you need assistance finding individuals who possess these leadership qualities, contact one of our recruitment professionals Today.

Flexicrew , founded in 2008, focuses on fast and flexible staffing solutions. Flexicrew uses technology and industry best-practices to deliver the most talented and qualified workers–skilled and entry level to employers within most major industries. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN with current branches  in the Tennessee, northwest Georgia, Indiana, and north Alabama markets.

 

Getting Motivated Quickly – 4 Keys

Introduction

Having trouble getting motivated quickly at work?  This article will show you 4 simple keys for getting motivated quickly when you just cannot seem to be more productive on the job.

Get motivated quickly with a can-do attitude

 Motivation Research

The term “motivation” is commonly used in ordinary speech to express why someone does something. It is the force that propels human behavior. According to a study by Washington University, “Most people readily acknowledge that motivation is the desire to do something but is it that simple? While motivation can start with a mere thought or verbalization, it must be followed by visible action—and anchored by a clear vision. The natural, psychological, interpersonal, and intellectual elements that trigger behavior are all motivation. Without these things, the thoughts and words tied to a desire for change remain empty and powerless.”

Workers’ drive and willpower fluctuates for a variety of reasons. At times, you may feel energized and motivated to attain your objectives.  But you may also feel unmotivated or unclear of what you want or how to get it. Even if you aren’t feeling very motivated, you may take measures for getting motivated quickly.

Keys for Getting Motivated Quickly

Get motivated quickly

Interested in some approaches for getting motivated quickly at work?  Among the things you can undertake are the following:

1. Just Get Started

You do not need to wait for motivation to begin. If you want to work consistently every day, you’ll have to get started sooner or later. And the odd thing is that once you’ve been working for a bit, things become simpler and more enjoyable, and your motivation returns.

Most of the time, procrastination results from having too much on your plate and not knowing where to begin. It’s difficult not to feel this way when you attempt to address it all at once: but when you concentrate on one or two things at a time, it’s simpler to stay motivated and not feel so burdened. The next thing you know, your entire list is completed, and you’re out for some entertainment.

2. Start Small and Slow Build-Up

Avoiding procrastination

Don’t let the size or difficulty of a project or assignment cause you to procrastinate. Try to narrow it down somewhat into more manageable stages.  For example, you might send that email during a break. Or you could start an activity and promise yourself you will only work on it for 5 minutes.  Attack a stage of a project starting with the one you have accomplished successfully on a different project.

3. Minimize Your Daily Workplace Distractions

It’s difficult to concentrate when there are so many distractions all around you in your workplace. As a result, close the door (if you have one) to your workplace. At the opposite end of your work area, put your phone on silent mode. Also, use a browser plugin like StayFocusd to keep oneself on track.

4. Take Periodic Work Breaks

The distinction between being sluggish versus resting is significant. Laziness serves no proper function. Rest and relaxation are essential for consistent work productivity.  It clears your thoughts so you can focus on your near-term assignments and longer-term job and career goals.

Perhaps you’ve been working on a project for far too long and are exhausted. Try sleeping on it for a while. Allow yourself some time to back off the problem and relax. Rest is necessary for our bodies and minds to perform at their best.

Summary

Getting motivated quickly in your job is a big deal.  It can make or break your productivity. But there are many things that can work against you when trying to stay motivated. The first thing to understand is that motivation is different for everyone. It’s not about being more motivated than other people – it’s about feeling motivated in the moment. So the key is to figure out what triggers your motivation and figure out a way to keep that going.

We described the 4 keys for getting motivated quickly in this article.  Here are some other considerations:

1) Set an intention – setting yourself an intention to be more productive can help you feel more confident, which in turn makes you more inclined to work harder. 2) Be realistic – knowing exactly what work assignments need to get done is crucial, especially while starting out. 3) Reward yourself – this can mean anything from a relaxing walk around the block to a cup of coffee.  But it’s important to find something that works for you so you don’t lose sight of your goal. 4) Keep moving forward.  Even if you’re not feeling fully motivated at the time, just keep pushing through at work and eventually you’ll start seeing results!

Retain Top Employees – 9 Useful Tips

Introduction

Retaining top employees is challenging employers

Keeping your productive workers is a challenge during this overall work environment . Here are 9 ways to make it easier to retain top employees.

How to Retain Top Employees – 9 Tips
1. Ensure Employees Feel Appreciated
Engaged workers are productive. 9 tips to retain your top employees.

One way to keep your top employees satisfied and motivated is to make sure they feel appreciated. Praise them for their hard work and successes.  Tell them you value their contributions. Make it a regular practice to communicate with your employees about the company’s goals and objectives.  Let them  know where they fit into the bigger picture. Additionally, offer flexible work hours, flexible vacation policies, and other benefits that will make them feel appreciated and valued.

2. Promote from Within

people in a meeting with laptops in front of them

When it comes to retaining employees, many organizations focus on hiring new talent. However, this is not always the best solution. In fact, research has shown that promoting from within is one of the most effective ways to retain top talent.

One reason promoting from within is so successful is because it creates a sense of continuity and familiarity for employees. They know the culture and how things work at their workplace.  This makes them more likely to stay with the organization. Additionally, promoting from within also sends a message that the organization values and respects its employees. This can help maintain morale and encourage employees to give their best effort.

Overall, promoting from within is an effective way to retain top talent. It creates continuity and familiarity in your workforce.

3. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to retaining top employees. When customers are satisfied with the service they receive, it sends a message to employees that their work is valued and important. Additionally, providing great customer service can help attract new customers and keep current ones happy.

4. Welcoming Workplace Culture

Top employees engaged with welcoming workplace culture

It’s no secret that retaining top talent is a challenge for businesses of all sizes. One way to help you retain top employees is to create a welcoming and positive workplace culture. Here are four ways to do just that:

  1. Encourage employee feedback and participation in decision making. This encourages communication and collaboration, two key ingredients in creating a positive workplace culture.
  2. Make sure your policies and procedures are clear and consistent. This will help employees know what they’re expected of, both in terms of job duties and company values, and make it easier for them to follow instructions.
  3. Reward employee performance consistently, no matter the situation or circumstance. This will encourage employees to put their best foot forward.
5. Competitive Pay and Benefits

One way to retain your top employees is to offer them competitive pay and benefits. This will help keep them satisfied and motivated.  It may also lead to them staying with your company for a longer period of time. Additionally, offering excellent benefits can make your company stand out from the competition.  That can help you both attract quality new candidates and retain top  employees currently on board.

6. Encourage Creativity and Innovation

Group of employees practicing creativity and innovation

Encouraging creativity and innovation in your workplace can be a great way to keep your top employees happy and engaged. By encouraging your employees to think outside the box, you can help them develop new ideas and find new ways to improve your company’s performance. Additionally, promoting creativity and innovation can also lead to increased employee productivity.

7. Proper Work-Life Balance

Proper work-life balance helps retain top employees

It is important to make sure the work-life balance is right for your top employees. This means balancing work with personal time, family, and other responsibilities. Of course, it can be difficult to find the right balance.  But it is important to do so in order to keep your top employees happy and motivated.

8. Provide Challenging Opportunities for Growth and Development

Provide employees challenging opportunities for growth and development

Employees want to feel like their work is meaningful and contributes to the organization’s goals. Providing opportunities for growth and development not only keeps employees engaged.  But you also ensure that they contribute their best efforts. Challenging employees on their skills and abilities can help them develop in new ways. You also help your organization achieve its goals.

9. Confidence in Employees

It is important to show confidence in your employees’ abilities and let them do their best work. This will help to keep them motivated and ensure that they are putting their all into their work. Additionally, it will help to build trust between you and your employees.  That is essential for a successful workplace where you retain top employees.

Conclusion

Offer competitive pay rates, excellent benefits, a welcoming workplace, and challenging projects and opportunities. You can ensure that your employees stay loyal and don’t head for the exits.

By following these tips, you can improve your employee retention rate and retain top employees in your business.

Nighttime Work Focus Actually Better than Days

Is your nighttime work focus actually better than daytime?  Biorhythms?  Habit?

Nighttime Work Focus

Introduction

We often face tasks while at work that we cannot complete during the day. If you have low level anxiety or suffer from perfectionism you may procrastinate your work through the day. But, this is not always a problem. Then when the deadline of night comes along, your body shoots out a little cortisol and you feel alive, clear-minded and focused. Then you may start to feel a little wired as the night goes on.

Some recent research has shown that you can get more work done at night.  However, you must still get enough sleep afterwards. For night owls, this is even more true.

There are two reasons why some people are more focused and can work more productively in the evening  They are: 1. because you are more relaxed and 2. there are less distractions.

This is true not just for night owls, but for most workers in general.

Nighttime work focus means more productivity

More Relaxed at Night

At the end of the day, most workers breathe an audible sigh of relief—the major tasks are done, and your mind is free until tomorrow. For some this means that their minds shut off for the evening, but for vampires it can provide a burst of motivation.

Greater relaxation at night yields focus and productivity for work

This is because we are more relaxed if there is less expected of us at that particular time. Chances are, your boss or coworkers won’t be calling you at midnight or 3 am.

Sense of Relaxation

There is also the sense of relaxation that comes with:

  • Lack of expectation for news or communication.
    • New laws, policies, or major updates are not likely to be released at night.
  • You don’t expect to make or receive phone calls from associates or your boss.
  • There will likely not be new work assignments designated in the late evening hours.

This lack of expectations allows your mind to relax and makes you better prepared to complete work tasks efficiently.

Fewer Distractions

There is much less going on in the evening than during the day, including:

  • Minimized contact with others
  • Less outside noises
  • Fewer tasks to complete

Nightowls work focus and productivity

When you are faced with limited external stimuli, your ability to focus improves drastically. People associate the day with activities such as commuting, fitness routines, school, and work, but our nights are generally considered open. The song “Night Time, My Time” comes to mind.

The truth is that during the day, there is stuff going on all around employees at work—its inevitable to get sucked in from time to time, which diminishes your ability to focus. At night, this is a non-issue.

Conclusion

The bottom line in all of this is that nighttime work focus begins mainly for night owls, as there are some diehard morning people who are most productive in the very early hours of the morning. However, for those night-dwellers, nighttime work focus is greatly improved because of being in a more relaxed state.  They face fewer distractions that could hinder concentration.  Yet, graveyard and night shifts are a rarity.  Approximately three-fourths of U.S. workers work day jobs.  They start their workday in the four-hour span between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Yet. as remote work remains a “thing” in the future of work, employees can set their own schedule to parallel the times to work that match their most productive period.

Flexicrew Support

Does your organization need more 2nd or 3rd shift workers?  Flexicrew has willing, hard working shift candidates  available Right Now!  Contact Flexicrew Staffing today and we will quickly deliver those night owls with nighttime work focus your organization needs.

How To Beat Remote Work Isolation

Most of us have become accustomed to commuting to a work site surrounded by co-workers. Remote work is something new to most workers. Yet, we are fundamentally social beings.  So extended remote work isolation has affected many workers if we’re working at home for an extended period.  We can’t help feeling isolated. Isolation blues have become common, and it’s not something to simply ignore.

Beat remote work isolation

Cures for Remote Work Isolation

As you spend long hours and work from home, you need to take care of your mental health.

As much as I was happy to “get away” from my officemates,

I realized that I relied on colleagues to keep my mental health in check. Panion.com

Here are 7 tips to beat remote work isolation blues:

1. Step Outside Periodically

 Don’t stay cooped up inside your home. Step outside to get some fresh air and much-needed sunlight. If you have a garden, that’s great. If not, you can practice social distancing and other safety measures so you can take a walk at a local park or around your neighborhood. It’s even better if your location is surrounded by greenery and nature views, which can help relieve stress and loneliness.

Get outside to beat remote work isolation

 2. Reconnect With Co-Workers

 While staying at home, it’s a good time to catch up with friends from work or your boss.  Reconnect with those you haven’t seen for a long time. While you may not be able to invite them for a cup of coffee face to face, a lot of employees are setting virtual meetups to chat with peers outside the normal work day. If you can do Zoom calls for work meetings, why not try it to keep in touch with team members to socialize? It can be more fun than you expect.

How to beat remote work isolation blues

What’s good about being online these days is that you can reach associates from miles away that you haven’t talked to for a while. Many of them are also most likely at home and craving social connections.

 3. Maintain a Routine

 Being out of the workplace and staying at home may have thrown you off your routine. To beat remote work isolation blues, you should create a new routine and stick to it. That will help retain some sense of normalcy. Get up at the same time in the morning, preferably the same time that you woke up for work before the pandemic.

Plan your day and eat your meals on time. If you live with your family, having a routine helps everyone to know what’s going on.

4. Move, Move, Move

 Don’t forget to get your body moving. Be physically active as much as you can. Exercise will give you an energy boost and improve your mood.  That will help beat isolation and maintain your productivity.

Physical movement beats remote work isolation

For example, a neighbor of mine walks her dog several times per day for 10-minutes.  She does it at the same times each day.  That keeps her moving and maintains her routine. Even doing house chores is good while on work conference calls.. If you’re up to it, you can also join online fitness classes. You could also walk around your local area early in the morning before work begins.

5. Write a Journal or Letter

Get your thoughts out by journaling. You can journal about the things you’re grateful for, which will bring optimism and good vibes. When you focus on the good things that happen in your life, it boosts your mood and makes you less isolated.

Letter writing has also been revived during the pandemic. Why not send your prospects, customers or other employees a postcard to let them know that you’re thinking about them? Handwritten letters and postcards help promote deeper relationships.

6. Learn Something New

Sometimes you feel neglected when you’re bored. Find something to do to keep your mind busy. Learn a new skill or do a pursuit you’ve always wanted to do. Try to attend webinars, read blogs, or take an online course to boost your work skills.

When you’re doing something that you enjoy, you don’t notice how slow the time goes by, and you don’t have time to dwell on depressing thoughts.

7. Get Quality Sleep

Getting enough sleep (or not enough) affects your mood, so it’s important to have a healthy bedtime routine. When you don’t get a good night’s sleep, you don’t feel rested. You’ll wake up feeling more tired, and it makes you more vulnerable to stress or even illness. Sleep heals your body and keeps your mental well-being in shape.

beat remote work isolation

Wrapping Up

 Spending time working virtual doesn’t have to be dull and boring. Don’t let remote work isolation beat you. Instead, make conscious efforts to focus on bringing positivity to your situation. Use the time to reconnect with your friends, learn something new, and get your body physically active. Stick to a routine, and know that a feeling of isolation is only temporary. The situation will certainly improve or you will become accustomed to this new paradigm, so hang in there.

7 Keys to Impress Your Remote Manager

How to Impress Your Remote Manager When You Don’t See Him Often

We’ll highlight 7 keys to impress your remote manager.  But first, don’t ignore the 6 traditional keys we list for impressing your boss.

Studies show that often workers are not interested in returning to the workplace because of how convent they found working from home. They enjoyed many benefits by working remotely including reduced time spent commuting, lower expenses in meals and travel, and reduced childcare.  Also, remote work proved to be as productive as performance in the workplace.

Impress your remote manager

Wherever you work, impressing your boss is a necessary part of your job performance and getting ahead. You probably know what to do when your supervisor is colocated with you in the work facility, but you may need to be more creative to impress your remote manager if you rarely see each other.

Bridging that gap is a growing concern now that more employees work remotely or travel extensively for their jobs. Try these suggestions for hitting it off with your boss up close or long distance.

Traditional Methods for Impressing Your Boss

Some strategies apply in any context. Please your boss by excelling at your job and contributing to a successful team.

1.Take initiative. Identify needs and propose solutions before anyone asks you to look into a situation. Focus on areas that are essential to the company.

2. Continue learning. Take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge and hone your skills. Sign up for a webinar on the hottest trends in native advertising or the latest news on health insurance requirements. Send your boss a summary about how you’ll use what you learn to work smarter.

3. Hold yourself accountable. Assume responsibility for your actions. Be prepared to explain your decisions and accept the consequences.

impress your remote manager even in your pajamas

4. Radiate enthusiasm. Go the extra mile with a smile. Empathize with your boss and colleagues. Cheer each other on during tough projects.

5. Network vigorously. Technology makes networking easier for remote employees. Professional associations and industry events can help you to show your boss that you’re engaged with the key players in your industry.

6. Deliver results. Meet and exceed expectations. Develop a reputation for high performance. Your boss’s confidence in you will grow as you prove that you can work independently.

Staying in touch to impress your remote manager
7 Keys to Impress Your Remote Manager

These 7 long distance methods are important to keep in contact with and impress your remote manager:

Now that you’ve covered the basics, you can take some additional steps. Skillful communications and sound work habits will help you to capture your boss’s attention and remain on his radar.

  1. Schedule virtual meetings. Dress up and arrange your work area to present a professional appearance to your boss. Prepare an impressive powerpoint presentation and hang around to eat a virtual lunch together.
  2. Master social media and collaboration tools. Flaunt your technological savvy and connect with your boss. Tweet an interesting news story. Make it easy for your manager to track progress on each project.
  3. Check your internet connection. Maintaining a stable and speedy connection keeps your good qualities on view. You’ll also want to assure your boss that you’re protecting network security.
  4. Watch the clock. Are you in a different time zone than the rest of the office? Adjust your timetable so you contact your boss during the most convenient hours.
  5. Say good morning. Simple office rituals can have a great impact. As a substitute for greeting each other in the break room, send an early morning email to wish your boss a good day and let them know you’re at your desk.
  6. Post your hours. Work at being accessible. Let your boss know when you’re quitting for the day and when you’re heading out for lunch. For the hours when you’re on duty, respond promptly to your boss and colleagues.
  7. Take a break. Resist the temptation to work excessively long hours. In the long run, a sustainable pace will make you a more valued employee. Keeping your life in balance enables you to remain friendly and productive, which are traits that your boss will appreciate.

Show your boss that she can count on you to offer solutions and make them look good. You’ll impress your remote manager, earn his trust and build a mutually beneficial relationship, even if you work on opposite sides of the world.

 

Does Your Future Employer Share Your Values

Importance of Shared Values in the Workplace

Must a potential employer share your values?

The answer is “Yes.”

Many employees are becoming more selective about job offers, thanks to labor shortages and the increase in hybrid work. If you’re part of the Great Resignation or just considering your options, this may be an ideal time to find an employer share your values.  Even if you’re currently working, it’s important that your employer share your values.

Employer share your values

A cultural fit with your prospective employer has been a standard part of career advice for years.  That’s because satisfaction at work usually means thinking about more than your salary. After all, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled if you support your company’s mission and practices.

In fact. more than 9 out of 10 adults are willing to earn less money in order to do meaningful work, according to a report by Harvard Business Review.

Figure out your priorities and use them to plot your career path including the next position you accept.

How to Identify Your Personal Values:
  1. Be authentic. Work values vary greatly from one individual to another. You might yearn for a chance to travel the world while someone else wants more time at home to devote to their family or hobbies. Listen to your heart instead of trying to conform to external expectations.
  2. Make a list. If you search online for core values, you’ll find lots of tools to help you get started. Pick out the words and phrases that resonate with you.
  3. Create categories. On the other hand, you may feel overwhelmed by too many choices. Sort your priorities into similar groups to help organize the process.
  4. Review your experiences. Take some time to reflect on the kinds of situations that energize or drain you. Previous jobs or volunteer work might give you ideas for what you want out of life.
  5. Imagine your dream job. In the real world, any position has some trade-offs. However, visualizing can help you clarify your goals.
  6. Take some tests. Personality tests can be another resource. Take them online or work with an employment coach who may give you more insights into interpreting the results.
  7. Ask for feedback. Input from family, friends, and coworkers can be valuable. Listen with an open mind to discover issues that you may be overlooking or areas where your choices seem out of alignment with your stated values.
How to Find if an Employer Share Your Values in Your Job Search:

There are really three steps in the process of discovering whether your personal values are consistent with the values of potential employers.  These will be summarized at the end of the article.

1. Do your research

Take a deep look at any prospective employer. Read press releases and blog posts.  Scour news stories to learn about their leadership and community activities. Check websites like Glassdoor to browse through reviews of the new employer from current and former employees.

2. Talk with others

Network to find if potential employer shares your values

Once you’ve gathered some background information, you can reach out to your network contacts and try to find referrals to anyone familiar with the companies that interest you. That way you can ask pertinent questions and confirm your impressions.  That will help avoid wasted time and search effort.

3. Follow social media

Facebook and other platforms let you see what companies say about themselves and the kind of image they want to maintain. You can also gain insights into how they interact with customers and other stakeholders.

4. Broaden your sights

Large firms use PR firms to build a socially responsible image. However, smaller employers can have a positive impact, too. You might find promising opportunities anywhere.

5. Discuss the mission

Use job interviews and other conversations to learn more about a company’s mission statement. Find out how it was developed and how it guides their decision making. For example, how is it communicated to different employees, candidates, suppliers, etc.  And how does it tie into employees’ performance evaluations?

Finding an employer shares your values can take some time and thought. However, the results are worth it. Feeling like you belong can make your work life less stressful and more rewarding.

Less workplace stress if employer shares your values

Flexicrew Support

Check out our previous blog post to learn how we support job searchers. Learn how the Flexicrew team can help you find the ideal employer that matches your values and reaches your goals. Flexicrew supports job seekers looking to match their values

Remember to feel certain that an employer shares your values from the get-go takes 3 steps: First,  understand your own values; second, inquire about the employer’s values in the interview; and third, make a judgement whether  your values match those of the prospective employer.

Boost Remote Work Efficiency – 4 Tips

Favorite Tips to Boost Remote Work Efficiency

This article will identify tips to boost remote work efficiency if your employer allows it or a hybrid approach during the pandemic.

While working from home, you have enough flexibility to complete your job in your own way. But this luxury sometimes kills both productivity and work-life.

A lot of people think work from home is a litmus test to your productivity.  And it requires significant amounts of motivation to perform tasks and complete them within your deadline while working at home.

Well, this is not true. You can only lose track and productivity if you do not form your basics right.

While you are working from home, you are less likely to step out of your home and follow a proper adult routine. Furthermore, you may face a lot of distractions.

This article presents some simple, but very effective tips to follow a well-organized remote work routine to boost remote work efficiency.

Boost remote work efficiency

1. What’s your favorite outfit when you are work remotely?

Pajamas, is it?

People always like to be in the comfort zone and you are probably not an exception to it.

However, you need to change that habit. You should be in proper work attire, even if you are working from home.

You need to get out of your sleep wear because it gives you the comfort and sense of freedom.

It’s not necessary to wear something formal but the act of changing clothes will give a signal to wake up and effectively get into the work mood.

2. Set up a proper home workstation:

What’s the best thing that you like about work from home? Comfort, right?

But the comfort can come at the cost of lost productivity, focus and work motivation.

Boosting remote work efficiency so you don't lose motivation

Dedicate a specific space in your home as your work station.  When you have workplace-like surroundings, your attention is bound to be in-sync with your productivity. Choose a corner of your room with natural light. Place a chair and desk there and make it comfortable enough where you can sit for long hours to do your work jobs.

3. Set Up quality technology:

Can technology boost remote work efficiency?

Maybe.

But poor internet connection or outdated systems can make your work from home experience frustrating. What happens if you are attending an important meeting via Zoom call and suddenly your internet goes off. You feel embarrassed and potentially miss out on a major discussion.

This is the reason why you should install a good internet connection and have a laptop or desktop with decent configuration. Make sure you have the latest version of the processor or operating system.

4. Maintain consistent working hours:

How often do you lose track of time while working remote? Almost everyday, right?

When your mind is completely into work, it’s quite natural for you to be unaware of how much time that has passed.

It’s not a right practice. Being a workaholic is good but make sure that you are a hard worker within your work time.  But overdoing it is not right.

You should always make a routine for your work days and working hours. You should build a routine that you can always follow.  This will generally boost your remote work efficiency regardless of the functions you perform.

To all, who are working remotely, we believe these tips would really help to boost your remote work efficiency and productivity.

Boost remote work efficiency

Flexicrew Support

Talk with the experts who have experience hiring efficient remote workers.

If your firm’s workforce  is experiencing an efficiency deficit  among remote workers, you need to change what you have been doing to attract candidates. Rewriting your job postings, implementing programmatic advertising, and contacting former applicants are effective ways to find the candidates you need to fill your remote job orders.

 

Defying the Rules Liberates You in 2022

Defying the rules liberates you in your life and career!  If done correctly.

No doubt!

Consider if the rules are appropriate before following

Danger of Some Rules

Not all rules are ironclad.  Some can severely limit your belief in yourself and your purpose in following the right career path for you.  Or can restrain you from expressing your true sentiments or from trying new things.

Defying the Rules Liberates in 2022

Negative Thoughts

Think about the negative things you may tell yourself on a daily basis:

  • “My boss or peers said I couldn’t do that”
  • “I don’t have the skill set to lead a work team”
  • “I don’t have the intelligence to solve that work problem.”

Each of these negative thoughts are derived from a rule of your environment you need to violate.

Defying rules liberates and overcomes bad habits

Handling Workplace or Personal Negativity

If your boss or peers said you couldn’t achieve something that you really feel capable of and really want to accomplish. – Defy them by breaking the rules.  Try it your way anyway.  Remember the famous Frank Sinatra song, “I Did It My Way.”

Regardless, unless you try, you may choose a path which will keep you dissatisfied for the remainder of your career or at least displeased that you didn’t try.

When you stand silent like a stone in a group setting and let someone disrespect you or disparage another coworker and you don’t speak up, you’re demeaning yourself – and that’s staggering for your self-esteem.

Consequences of Rule Breaking

Speaking up and defending yourself or your belief or your coworker can help you feel pride in yourself.  You will have acted based on your own belief system. – Being bold in the face of others who may want to put you down is your way of correctly applying the rules and regulations.

You may have been through one or several painful experiences in your past career. It has made an impact on your psyche.  Unfortunately, it could still be keeping you from moving forward with power and a purpose on the job.

Dealing with the negatives that are defining you now is the only way to combat the experience and move on successfully with your career. That may mean defying the rules liberates you to reject what has held you back. You will gain strength from taking what you believe is the appropriate action and will bolster your mindset.  You will also be recognized as a valuable employee.

Defying the Rules strengthens and liberates

The Rule of You

On the other hand, at some point, you know you’re more than what your negative experiences have made you. You know through self-reflection that  you made honest mistakes.  You did what you had to at the time.  Regardless of how others told you to act.  You realize that you can maintain your power and belief in yourself with determination and knowledge.

Engaging in optimism in your thoughts and trusting yourself to do the right thing are important in the liberating process. Find joy in defying  the rules liberates the workplace constraints which have held you back, made you feel cynical about work and makes you negatively compare your work performance to other employees.

Be your own guide when it comes to empowering yourself. Don’t let coworkers dictate what you should and shouldn’t be. Follow your own rules and guidelines for that, always being aware of and weigh the consequences or rewards of ‘disobeying’ a rule. Then, you can make an educated decision.

Takeaway – Defying the Rules Liberates

Just remember  – defying the rules liberates you and should be your mantra in 2022.  It will give you a sense of power and let your employer and associates see you can think for yourself and act suitably  That makes you a valuable asset to the company in these chaotic times.

Defying the rules liberates and shows you have a mind of your own