The Smaller Your Goals, The Better

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Business Goals|The Smaller Your Goals, The BetterIf you want to build a successful business or career, stop keeping your eye on the big prize. Instead, focus on little victories.

Okay, you might be thinking, “Wait. Did I read that right? Surely you are joking. How can that possibly be true?”

Everyone today is continually searching for the big goal. For the huge win. For the epic victory. But what if I were to tell you that this search is mostly in vain—especially today during the COVID 19 crisis and all else that is going on in the world?

Instead of focusing on the big goal, try the little victory. In fact, the smaller your goals, the better. How?

Well, there was an ice cream machine salesman a few years back who wanted to sell more ice cream machines. That was his big goal. So, he tended to his big goal the way most of us do. He would not quit until he got there. And he used an analytical construct of ‘volume’ that would help him get there. Get more customers, sell more machines. Volume. Right?

But when you think creatively instead of analytically—and you begin to start to think in terms of the little victory—the everything changes. One day, he got an order from a particular restaurant that kept ordering more and more machines. He decided to think creatively instead of analytically. He went to the restaurant and discovered the best cheeseburger he ever had. His Name was Ray Croc, and the restaurant was McDonalds.

At any point, Ray could have stuck with his big analytical victory of selling more ice cream machines and ignored all else except volume to help him get there. That is what most of us do in business and our careers today. But Ray took a chance. He took a chance on creativity. He listened to the little victory—that this one particular restaurant was ordering more and more machines—and then decided to take a closer look. And in doing so, he discovered that his big goal should not be selling ice cream machines at volume after all. Maybe his little victory—the small goal—was telling him something far more valuable than the big win.

What little victories are occurring in your business or career today that you are ignoring? And at what costs?

It’s easy today to feel defeated by what is going on in the world. It is easy to feel that we are not living up to our potential with widespread lockdowns, work-from-home mandates, social distancing, and other hurdles. It’s easy to say, well, I haven’t had a little victory since COVID hit.

But I urge you to look harder. Dig deeper. Think creatively.

Creativity takes hold and allows us a view of the little victory as something worth pursuing. And often this is hidden in plain sight. Because while we are chasing that big victory, we are ignoring the breadcrumbs that are trying to tell us what path we should be on instead.

Yes, big victories can sometimes happen—but, then again, sometimes they don’t. And, in many cases, the timeline for a big victory can be months or even years. But when we look at the little victories and celebrate them, we learn to shift our perspective. We see that, indeed, they are all around us. We just need to look.

This is an amazingly powerful creative tool that you can use today in your business or career. Try it right now. Pause for a moment and think: What has happened recently that could be a little victory that you steamrolled over in your pursuit of seemingly more worthwhile goals? In that small victory is a morsel of amazing creative potential. But you need to see it. Value it. Treasure it. And, yes, learn to love it.

If that sounds unimpressive to you—or, perhaps. lacking in vision—it is anything but. It turns out that when we allow ourselves to be guided by the little victory and the small goal, the road we take may be much richer than the road we started off on. And in today’s climate, nothing can be more important.

About the Author

Nir Bashan is the founder and CEO of The Creator Mindset LLC, where he teaches business leaders how to harness the power of creativity to improve profitability, increase sales, and make work more meaningful. His clients include AT&T, Microsoft, Ace Hardware, NFL Network, EA Sports, and JetBlue. He received a Clio Award and an Emmy nomination for his creative work on albums, movies, and advertisements, and was one of the youngest professors ever selected to teach graduate courses at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He lives in Orlando, Florida. Learn more about his new book, The Creator Mindset: 92 Tools to Unlock the Secrets to Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability (McGraw-Hill; August 2020), at https://www.nirbashan.com/the-creator-mindset. Or visit Amazon

Security Training Options

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Security Training Options

Security training is a must for anyone that wants to make it in the industry. Irrespective of whether you are interested in becoming a CCTV operator or a door supervisor, you need to attain your license. This all begins with finding the best security training provider. Read on to discover how to do so.

The first thing you need to look out for is experience. Make sure the company has been in operation for a considerable number of years, as you don’t want a group of people that are effectively going to be learning on the job.

They should also have a wide assortment of different courses for you to choose from, for example, door supervisor training, bodyguard courses, first aid training and much, much more. Don’t only look at the course title, but check out the syllabus. You want to make sure the courses are modern and in line with the security of today.

They should not simply provide you with training and leave you to it either – they should help you to apply for your licence once you have completed your course. The best companies will have all of the details about applying for the licence on their website, making it much easy for you. At this point, it would be beneficial to note that you will need to renew your licence every three years. For example, the use of drones has become prominent in the security sector over the past few years. You can head to DrDrone for more information. The latest training courses will cover this.

In addition to this, you should take the time to read reviews that have been left by previous customers. This is the best way to get a truthful picture in regards to the level of quality you are likely to experience. If you come across a lot of negative comments, you know to look elsewhere.

What You Need To Find Out Before Taking A Course

Different security training courses have long been popular with those that want to make it in the security industry. If you have booked a training course, read on to discover the information you need to know beforehand.

The first thing you need to do is assess the dates and times for the security training course in question. In most cases, this will be a short, intensive training course, with the aim of ensuring you pass as quickly as possible. You may need to take time off work to accommodate this, so it’s worth finding out how long the course lasts per day.

Aside from this, you need to find out what you are going to need to bring with you. The best training course providers will supply all training materials so that you don’t need to spend extra money on this. However, it is likely that you are going to need to bring proof of identity with you and possible proof of address as well.

You also need to make sure your English language skills are up to scratch if you are going to take this test. You will be expected to have good knowledge of the English language if you’re to work in the private security industry. You don’t want to spend your money on a training course if your language skills are going to let you down. Don’t let this dishearten you though; arrange some English lessons until your tutor tells you that you’re ready.

What Course Is Right For You?

Firstly, one option to consider is CCTV training, which is designed for people who want to have a career as a CCTV operator. Once you have this licence, you will have the ability to monitor and work with CCTV camera systems that oversee any public spaces. For example, you could work for the local council or a busy shopping centre. The options are extensive.

Another popular option is a security guarding course. Once you have completed this, you will have the ability to work on unlicensed premises. This includes businesses like universities, banks, and construction sites. Please note that you cannot work on licensed premises with this course. If you wish to do so, a door supervisor course is advised. If you take the security guarding course you will learn about what you should and should not be doing on the job, as well as information on good communication, managing conflict, what it is to work as a guard and other things you need to be aware of, such as basic first aid.

Another option you may want to consider when working in the security sector is door supervision. You will need to obtain your door supervision licence, which will involve taking a training course. There are some other requirements too, such as being over the age of 18-years-old. As a door supervisor, you will have a number of different roles. This includes determining whether an individual is allowed to enter a licensed premise, such as a pub or a nightclub. You will not only be concerned with determining who is able to enter the building, but you are responsible for keeping everyone inside safe as well. Having tact and diplomacy is critical, as challenging situations can often arise and you will need to be able to defuse them. There are a number of other qualities you need to have as well, including having good people skills and being calm when troubling situations arise.

There is then the upskilling training for those who have been impacted by the new assessment rules that recently came into place regarding training to become a door supervisor. A lot of people need to take regular courses depending on their role in the security sector.

So there you have it: an insight into the world of security and the different options that are available. We hope that this will help you to carve out a career for yourself in this exciting sector, as demand is high and there are certainly diverse opportunities available.

10 Tips to Get Others to Take You Seriously

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Get Others to Take you Seriously|10 Tips to Get Others to Take You SeriouslyWe all know those people who command a room the moment they walk through the door. How do they signal that they have what it takes?

Recent research identified three qualities as key for commanding the respect of others — gravitas, communication and appearance. Gravitas, as in serious and impressive, mattered most, with 67 percent considering it crucial if you want to be taken seriously.

Use these 10 tips to establish your gravitas.

1. Prepare thoroughly. If you want others to take you seriously, bring your A-game. The biggest challenge to preparing is that we put it off because we’re nervous. The answer? Embrace technology and use voice notes on your phone to record your pitch or your presentation. Practice saying it out loud and listen back. The recording let you know when you’re ready to “go live.”

2. Be concise. To draw attention, be concise. Drill down to your elevator pitch — what you’d say to pitch your business in the time it takes to travel between floors. Think like a news reporter. Introduce your topic, offer up two or three supporting points, then conclude with an impactful statement. Keep it simple and punchy and you’ll earn respect as a clear thinker.

3. Banish Powerpoint overkill. Hiding behind your slides is a good way to lose the respect of an audience. You are the expert, so step away from the slides and distill your content down to a few bullet points. Make your argument compelling with powerful examples and stories. Take the audience on a journey. Bring your ideas alive in the way that only you can.

4. Change gear. Choosing the right tone for the situation is key to earning respect. When preparing for a meeting, ask yourself what approach is required here? Crisp and formal and focused on the task? Or smiling and conversational and focused on relationship-building? If you need to change gear fast, a palms down gesture is good for credibility. A palms up gesture and a warm smile will up your approachability.

5. Use your breath. Actors will tell you that giving a powerful performance relies on maintaining a relaxed breathing pattern. Why? It signals that you’re in control. If you can stay calm when the pressure hits, you earn respect. Controlling your breathing is the key to getting out of the nervous system’s panic room and into a space where you can think. Notice the butterflies, then breathe down into them, relaxing your shoulders. Notice the feeling of relief. Your breath gives you a quick way to settle down the nerves.

6. Practice active listening. The best speakers are always the best listeners. To show gravitas, don’t commit the cardinal sin of repeating what’s already been said. People take you seriously when you respond with something relevant that shows you’ve been paying attention. The key to owning any encounter is to turn up, listen, speak your truth and don’t be too attached to an outcome.

7. “Talk low, talk slow, don’t say too much.” John Wayne offered this advice. Researchers have found that voters tend to prefer political candidates with a lower voice. A low voice shows that you’re relaxed and in charge.

8. Put the brakes on. If nerves speed you up, consciously put the brakes on. Speak in short sentences, with a full stop between each one. One thought, one sentence. Take a relaxed breath in between (think of breathing in a lovely smell). By slowing down, you can take your audience with you. Natural pauses raise the audience’s perception of the speaker’s intelligence.

9. Show teeth. If you want gravitas, you need to be able to do what’s called “showing teeth.” No, it doesn’t mean showing off your pearly whites. Instead, it means that you can push back when required. The best way to approach an opposing viewpoint is to remember why you’re there. Think: “Who am I? Who are we? What’s our common purpose?” Then you can stand up for your beliefs in a way that works for the group.

10. Stand firm. Gravity is intrinsic to having gravitas. The Sanskrit word “guru” means “weighty one.” Staying grounded signals to your audience that you’re not a pushover. Find the points of support between your body and the earth. Focus on the feeling of your feet on the floor (or, if sitting, your bottom on the chair), moving your mind away from anxious thoughts. Try it — it has real power. It brings you “down to earth” when under pressure and communicates presence and calm to others.

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Caroline GoyderCaroline Goyder has an international reputation as an expert speaker and trainer with senior management within organizations as well as private individuals. She worked for many years at London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama as a voice coach before launching her own company. She is regularly sought out by the media, and her extremely successful Ted Talk has had over 7.5 million viewers. Her new book is Find Your Voice: The Secret to Talking with Confidence in Any Situation (Penguin Random House UK, Jan. 30, 2020), along with previous books Gravitas: Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority and The Star Qualities: How to Sparkle with Confidence in All Aspects of Your Life. Visit www.carolinegoyder.com, or find her across social media: @Carolinegoyder.

How Effective Communication Skills Can Yield High Results in Leading Fields: Business and Politics

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Effective Communication Skills|HOW EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS CAN YIELD HIGH RESULTS IN LEADING FIELDS: BUSINESS AND POLITICSWe live in a highly competitive business environment, where most start-up businesses close down or file bankruptcy due to a lack of competency. It is easy to establish a business, but to make it succeed and run its operations smoothly requires ample hard work.

Respectively, every field requires a particular skill set to achieve the targets. Hence, in these challenging times, people need to evolve with time and polish their abilities to succeed. It will help if you have an amalgamation of expertise to conquer your goals, but communication skills seem to have taken the focal point in recent times.

Communication means exchanging information, and communication skills are the ability to impart knowledge in ways that are understandable for recipients. Not everyone possesses these qualities, but with training and exposure, one can learn them. Regardless of field one chooses to serve, communication skills are vital for survival. Experts comment that people possessing practical communication skills are more likely to achieve their goals. Communication plays a crucial role in enhancing business practices as it ensures the efficient and seamless running of an enterprise. Whereas in politics also, smooth transmission of messages is essential, and success heavily relies on it.

Advancement in technology has transformed modes of communication and enabled humans to use several mechanisms to transmit information. User-friendly devices have made it convenient to send eloquent messages across. There are different types of communication mediums: written, verbal, visual, and listening. Effective use of dialogue in the technological era means the use of appropriate words. Still, it also means that you are aware of when to use which mode of communication and with whom. A degree in communication equips you with all such knowledge and provides you with opportunities to demonstrate these skills. When communication degree holders step in the corporate field, persuasive communication skills give them an edge over others. The good part is a career in communications is not limited to any one sector, and you can quickly obtain a lucrative job in any industry. For example, currently, politics and business are the two leading fields. Both are experiencing growth and booming at a fast pace. Therefore, a communication degree provides you with multiple career opportunities in different areas.

Below we present a detailed analysis of how communication plays a pivotal role in both the leading fields.

Advantages of Effective Communication in Business Field

An organization runs on several departments and involves numerous aspects to run its operations smoothly. But communication plays a significant role in binding all the business processes together.

Benefits of effective communication in the business arena are far too many, and some of them are as follows:

1.Boosts Productivity

Effective communication is a quality of leaders, and team members of such leaders feel a sense of contentment while working under their leadership. As a head in any department, dynamic communication helps transmit the vision and motivates employees to give a hundred percent. Clear instructions mean that employees know what does the company wants from them, and they take deadlines and instructions seriously, which provides a boost to their productivity.

2. Loyalty

Effective communications build a sense of ownership in the staff, and they start identifying with the company. They develop loyalty towards the organization, and if someone badmouths it, they take it on themselves to defend it. Moreover, they never think of switching companies, even if they come across a better opportunity.

3. Customer Satisfaction

Business often runs on the rule that a customer is always right. Satisfying customers is the topmost priority of enterprises as they want to sustain them. Effective communication is vital for customer service as they have to deal with different temperaments, and satisfying all of them requires persuasive communication.

4. Team Bonding

A team that bonds well deliver better results. Communication assists in developing synergy, which increases team morale. Therefore, team members who step in to share responsibility and workload, yield profound results.

Advantages Of Communication In The Field Of Politics

The field of politics is dominating, as it concerns millions of people. Decisions of politicians have effects on the whole country. Better communication skills are of grave importance in this industry because it can impact a lot of significant decisions.

The following are the top benefits of effective communication in politics:

1. Convincing Power

Political people want to convince people that they possess all the qualities that the community wants to see in their leaders. They require the public to believe in whatever they say so that political people can get votes. Effective communication is a key to win confidence, and it works like magic in convincing others.

2. Enlightens People

Many times, people are not aware of the problems that a nation is facing. But politicians use effective communication to enlighten them about the ongoing issues. They raise awareness about injustice, social and cultural intolerances, and persuade people to make better choices.

3. Dynamic Campaigns

Campaigns are an indispensable part of politics. Effective communication is the base of a powerful drive that generate desirable results. The process of running campaigns require people from different departments, and effective communication is what makes the whole procedure seamless.

4. Ability To Bear Criticism

Criticism and scrutiny are inevitable in politics; however, it takes people with thick skin to bear it with utmost patience. Effective communication allows them to draw a line and create boundaries. It also helps to build excellent stamina to take criticism positively and then use it for their improvement. These criticisms help pinpoint weak areas and give politicians the chance to improve the situation and resolve the general public’s grievances.

Conclusion

Communication is vital for every industry. Similarly, the world’s leading fields, business, and politics cannot thrive without communication. Excellent communication skills guarantee better performance, which in turn yields good results. Hopefully, with the help of a detailed analysis above, you can easily opt for a communication degree and increase the chances of getting a high-paying job.

Careers You Can Get Started in Fast

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Careers You Can Get Started in FastEverybody wants to have a successful career, but that’s easier said than done. Not only do you have to spend years mastering your craft and working hard to succeed in any career, but most careers also require years of school and thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are some careers that let you skip all the schooling and money spent. If you’re looking for a career you can get started in fast, here are some options.

IT

IT is one of the most interesting, popular career fields today. Those who work in Information Technology (IT) deal with computers and computer networks, including the individual software and hardware that creates a system for an organization. If you’re a big fan of working with computers, you’ll love IT. You have so many options within the field. You can work in any industry as an IT professional, as the modern day business culture depends on technology to succeed.

The coolest part about choosing IT as a career is how easily you can earn IT certifications through online programs. Certifications do require you to pass a test and you will have to pay a fee for each attempt.. Keep in mind there are several types of certifications, which is great since it allows you to follow the area of study necessary for the career you want. Choosing a certification path immediately puts you in a strong position as you begin pursuing opportunities in the IT field.

Trade Work

While many people are looking for careers in the fast-growing fields of technology and medicine, a big hole has opened up in the world of trade work. While trade work does require a bit of schooling and some time in an apprenticeship program, you don’t need to have a degree or a ton of experience. Some of the most popular trades include plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC.

To get started in a trade, find an appropriate shop to work in as an apprentice. After securing an apprenticeship, enroll in classes as a supplement to your work hours. At the end of it all, you’ll earn the title of a journeyman, which allows you to start your own shop or work on your own.

Computer Programming

It may be surprising to learn that you can get into almost any computer-related field without having a college degree. For example, if you’re interested in creating software, you can actively pursue a career in computer programming while avoiding the high costs of a college education. However, preparing to take that step requires a lot of work.

Becoming a computer programmer from the comfort of your home means spending hundreds or even thousands of hours learning how to program. If you’re a beginner, expect a steep learning curve that takes a while to overcome. Fortunately, there are tons of great resources online, including short courses you can work through to understand various programming concepts. If you’re interested in programming, you should also know a fair bit of math, as that can be a big part of the job.

You have to spend an eternity going to school in order to have a successful career. With these great career choices, you can get started quickly and not waste your time working somewhere you don’t want to. If you’re interested in one of these fields, you can find more information online about where to start.