These are the 25 best cities if you are looking for a job

These are the 25 best cities if you are looking for a jobThese are the 25 best cities if you are looking for a jobHaving trouble finding a job? It may be your city. You may want to consider relocating to one of the 25 cities on Glassdoors best cities for jobs report. It is a great time to be looking for a job as nationally, unemployment dropped to 3.7% last month, its lowest point since December 1969.Glassdoor compiled the list by ranking U.S. metros with the highest Glassdoor City Score, determined by weighing three factors equally hiring opportunities, the cost of living and how satisfied employees are working there.Pittsburgh came in first for the second year in a row. With plenty of hiring opportunities (nearly 92,000) and a high affordability ranking, Pittsburgh is a super livable city. Newcomers to the list includedBoston(No. 6),Philadelphia(No. 18),Richmond(No. 24) andSan Francisco(No. 22).Ohiosaw the most representation with three of its cities making the Top 25 (Cleveland,Ci ncinnati, andColumbus.) Youll notice that major job hubs like New York, San Fr, ncisco and Los Angeles did not make it due to their high cost of living. In todays labor market, highly skilled job seekers are in an incredible position to find top jobs no matter where they live. But, the popularity of many major metropolitan hubs might be overshadowing the potential benefits of several midsize cities likePittsburghandIndianapolis, said Glassdoor Economic Research AnalystAmanda Stansell. While several of the cities highlighted in this report might fly under the radar, many are experiencing booming local economies, complete with a healthy dose of new job prospects and strong home affordability. Plus, employees working in these cities often find themselves quite satisfied in their jobs. In turn, this can benefit local employers asstudiesshow a correlation between high employee satisfaction and better geschftsleben performance.The 25 best cities for jobs in 20181.Pittsburgh, PAGlassdoor C ity Score (out of 5) 4.7Job Openings91,849zentralwert kusine Salary$46,500Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.2zentralwert Home Value$141,300Hot JobsFinancial Advisor,Registered Nurse,Warehouse Associate2.St. Louis, MOGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.3Job Openings75,061Median kusine Salary$48,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.5Median Home Value$161,400Hot JobsCloud Engineer,Business Analyst,Insurance Agent3.Indianapolis, INGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.3Job Openings55,344Median Base Salary$45,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$152,800Hot JobsMechanical Engineer,absatzwirtschaft Manager,Truck Driver4.Cincinnati, OHGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings61,320Median Base Salary$45,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.3Median Home Value$160,900Hot JobsAccount Executive,Software Engineer,sale Associate5.Hartford, CTGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings40,978Median Base Salary$55,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.3Median Home Value$227,600Hot JobsElectrical Engineer,Teacher,Maintenance Technician6.Boston, MAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings211,602Median Base Salary$62,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.5Median Home Value$455,600Hot JobsSoftware Engineer,Project Manager,Administrative Assistant7.Memphis, TNGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings26,022Median Base Salary$43,900Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$133,100Hot JobsProduct Manager,Account Executive,Restaurant Manager8.Raleigh, NCGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings49,003Median Base Salary$50,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$255,000Hot JobsRegistered Nurse,Research Associate,Business Analyst9.Cleveland, OHGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.2Job Openings44,385Median Base Salary$46,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.2Median Home Value$141,100Hot JobsJava Engineer,Consultant,Store Manager10.Detroit, MIGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings88,993Median B ase Salary$50,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.3Median Home Value$154,900Hot JobsManufacturing Engineer,Data Scientist,Auto Technician11.Kansas City, MOGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings57,362Median Base Salary$48,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$181,400Hot JobsMobile Developer,Licensed Practical Nurse,Office Manager12.Washington, DCGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings239,832Median Base Salary$64,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.6Median Home Value$399,500Hot JobsRisk Consultant,Security Analyst,Systems Administrator13.Birmingham, ALGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings24,864Median Base Salary$42,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$139,100Hot JobsRegistered Nurse,Operations Manager,Truck Driver14.Chicago, ILGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings271,947Median Base Salary$54,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$220,400Hot JobsSoftware Engineer,Speech Language Pathologist,Cook15.Columbus, OHGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.1Job Openings54,711Median Base Salary$47,500Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.3Median Home Value$182,200Hot JobsDatabase Administrator,Insurance Agent,Shift Manager16.Louisville, KYGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.0Job Openings29,495Median Base Salary$42,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$155,200Hot JobsBusiness Development Manager,Marketing Manager,Certified Nursing Assistant17.Baltimore, MDGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.0Job Openings93,092Median Base Salary$50,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$264,800Hot JobsProduct Manager,Software Developer,Police Officer18.Philadelphia, PAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.0Job Openings173,717Median Base Salary$50,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$228,100Hot JobsPhysical Therapist,Public Relations Manager,Store Manager19.Atlanta, GAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.0Job Openings145,356Median Base Salar y$50,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$204,600Hot JobsBusiness Analyst,Big Data Engineer,Restaurant Manager20.Oklahoma City, OKGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 4.0Job Openings27,186Median Base Salary$38,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.5Median Home Value$142,400Hot JobsTest Engineer,Medical Assistant,Sales Consultant21.Minneapolis-St. Paul, MNGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 3.9Job Openings102,664Median Base Salary$53,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$261,300Hot JobsManufacturing Engineer,Licensed Practical Nurse,Cashier22.San Francisco, CAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 3.9Job Openings193,262Median Base Salary$80,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.6Median Home Value$953,600Hot JobsSoftware Engineer,Marketing Manager,Account Executive23.Seattle, WAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 3.9Job Openings137,990Median Base Salary$64,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.5Median Home Value$492,700Hot JobsSoftware Development Engineer ,Product Manager,Barista24.Richmond, VAGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 3.9Job Openings34,802Median Base Salary$47,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$223,200Hot JobsFinancial Analyst,Clinical Nurse,Management Consultant25.Charlotte, NCGlassdoor City Score (out of 5) 3.9Job Openings55,030Median Base Salary$48,000Job Satisfaction Rating (out of 5) 3.4Median Home Value$195,800Hot JobsData Scientist,Business Analyst,Project Manager

4 Steps to Repair Your Reputation at Work

4 Steps to Repair Your Reputation at Work4 Steps to Repair Your Reputation at Work Maybe you botched a couple of major projects or had a recent deadline you fell down on. No matter the case, sometimes all it takes is a few critical mistakes to tarnish your reputation at the office. And once that happens, not only might your colleagues begin to respect you less, but you could also start losing out on key opportunities going forward. Thats why it pays to repair your reputation if youre convinced its taken a beating. Heres how.Were all human, and from time to time we fall victim to carelessness and poor habits. But if youre serious about cleaning up your act, the first thing you ought to do is acknowledge your failings and apologize to those impacted by them. For example, if you procrastinated too much and missed a project deadline that left your boss looking incompetent, sit down with him or her and let them know youre sorry. Dont make excuses for your behavior - jus t own up to it and pledge to do better in the future. A little humility could be your ticket to rebuilding your character quickly.Once youve apologized for the actions (or inactions) that caused your reputation to take a dive, youll need to prove to those around you that youre capable of changing your ways. This means that if youre now being regarded as a slacker for showing up late and failing to meet deadlines, make a point of clocking in on time every day and rocking your next bunch of projects. If its come to your attention that others consider you unpleasant or negative, make a point of offering positive feedback during your next team meeting . The key is to show your coworkers that youre capable of doing better and being better.Its hard to dislike that person whos always going out of his or her way to be helpful. So if your reputation at work has been suffering of late, start giving more of your time to make other peoples lives easier. You might offer to compile some data for your boss for his weekly report. Or you might jump in to help a colleague troubleshoot issues with your companys internal software. It doesnt really matter what you do specifically, as long as you go out of your way to accommodate others to the point where your actions are noticeable.Maybe you apologized for messing up that presentation and made sure to do well with the following one you gave. And perhaps you even made a point of helping some struggling coworkers along the way. While those actions will no doubt help your reputation improve, lets face it Its easy enough to fall back into our old ways. So if you want to avoid winding up right back where you started, establish some personal goals that will help you maintain a solid reputation from this point on. These might include coming in early several times a week, getting better about creating daily to-do lists or scheduling time for proofreading so youre more thoroughly editing your work. Having some goals mapped out will help you stay on track, which means your reputation will likely follow suit.An unfavorable reputation can ruin your career - but it doesnt have to. Follow these tips, and with any luck, youll be back in your coworkers good graces before you know it.This article was originally published on The Motley Fool . It is reprinted with permission.

Concentrating Solar Power Cracking the Code

Concentrating Solar Power Cracking the Code Concentrating Solar Power Cracking the Code Concentrating Solar Power Cracking the CodeHow do you know when a new technology has truly arrived? Contrary to what one might think, its not when manufacturers of the next big thing surpass break-even and settle comfortably in the black. Or when brand awareness has evolved such that a product becomes the solution of choice among potential users. Rather, the highest praise makers of any promising new technology can hope to receive is when industry cares enough about the product to demand rules be written to ensure it performs exactly the way it should.Its behauptung heightened expectations, says Bernie Pastorik, engineering manager of testing services at McHale Associates, Inc., that separates the good from the great. You can come up with a good engineering idea that benefits industry, and for years, theres no code, he says. Its only once it becomes prevalent that industry will begin to feel the need to have a well-defined and agreed-upon standard that everybody respects.The Need for CodesIn the field of alternative energy, one of the more promising technologies now being put through these paces is concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, which use the suns heatrather than fossil fuelsto boil water and create steam that spins the large turbines that drive electricity generators. Due to the spate of state and federal legislation passed to wean the U.S. off of foreign oil and promote green energy, CSP systems, along with their carbon-neutral cousins, wind, and geothermal, are taking off. That development has created a need for codes to provide industry with guidance on how to prepare, execute, and report on wertzuwachs tests, says Pastorik.Concentrating solar power (CSP), a promising technology, uses the suns heat to power turbines that drive electricity generators.According to researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO, which forms public and private partnerships to make CSP technologies competitive in power markets worldwide, CSP offers one of the most promising solutions to the power generation issues facing the West. There, rising population growth, drought conditions that render hyrdropower infeasible, and rising demand for electricity, make the idea of harnessing the power of the sun, especially during the season when both its potency and the public demand on utilities peak, a win-win.In 2010, much of that potential came to fruition as six CSP plants received permits from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. According to U.S. Solar Market Insight, a joint publication of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research, the rash of permits represents a strong comeback in the U.S. after a two-decade fallow periodfrom 1996-2006that followed an initial surge of CSP development in California in the 1980s. Today, the U.S. Southwest is the site of 41 new CSP projectson tap to generate a combined total of 9 GWincludi ng some of the largest CSP projects to be built. These will come online over the course of the next five to six years, with 2013 expected to be a milestone for the industry with some eight projects due for commissioning.ASME CommitteeThat timing could dovetail nicely with the work Pastorik and other CSP stakeholders are doing on the ASME committee formed in 2009 to ensure performance testing codes for those plants are ready to handle the boom. Pastorik, who now serves as vice chair of that ASME committee, recalls the 2009 ASME Conference on Energy Sustainability in San Francisco at which attendees from various sectors of the solar Industry debated whether there was enough interest in creating a code. Should we even bother? But consensus emerged that rapidly advancing CSP technologiesparabolic trough, linear fresnel, and power towercombined with stepped-up government funding and legislation to push green energy meant the time for a new code had come. Performance Test Code (PTC) 52 wa s born.Citing the usual four-to-five-year gestation period for new codes, Pastorik estimates the committee is about halfway through the process. With the codes goals and scope defined, members are now drilling into each technology to determine whats important in terms of those goals and how do we get there? What measurements do we need and what considerations do we evaluate for testing? All angles must be assessed, from the duration of the test to the test conditions themselves Is one hour adequate or is a full-day test, with equipment evaluated from sunrise to sunset, more meaningful? Should the test be conducted near solar noon and only on sunny days?These are the questions committee members, carefully chosen from among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), independent engineering firms, testing service companies, owners, PV contractors, and government entities, have been debating to arrive at the right answersand a solid code. A firm grasp of engineering knowledge, experience, and research represented on the committee ensures that risk doesnt get pushed unfairly onto the owners, lets say, or the OEMs, explains Pastorik. A balanced perspective ensures you get the right compromises on the right values, and most importantly the most accurate test thats economically possible within a reasonable time frame. Thats what everyone is shooting for.The lists of stakeholders who stand to benefit is a long one. Among the many who await the new codebeyond those engineers who will use the codes guidelines to test CSP equipment performanceare design engineers who can use PTC 52 to identify and plan proper instrument connections by targeting high-priority maintenance/capital items. Purchasing agents and abverkauf people can refer to test results when seeking to add equipment guarantees to contracts while the very same results can also be used by manufacturers and suppliers to validate their equipments performance. Just as important, engineers, maintenance, and operations staff can use PTC 52 to evaluate the key components of their plants and plan improvements accordingly.The development of ASME PTC 52 will enable the solar-power industry to standardize performance testing and analysis effortsjust as other forms of power generation have already doneand further solidify its status, says Pastorik. That outcome will serve the committees larger objective enhancing solar powers viability as an alternative to fossil fuels.In that scenario everyones a winner.Marion Hart is an independent writer.Today, the U.S. Southwest is the site of 41 new CSP projectson tap to generate a combined total of 9 GWincluding some of the largest CSP projects to be built yet.

Learn to successfully ask for and process advice

Learn to successfully ask for and process adviceLearn to successfully ask for and process adviceNo matter how much of an expert of you are in your chosen career, sometimes you need outside perspective. Im endlessly surprised though, at who people choose to rely on though even more so when they pose very specific or sensitive questions to their social networks.For one thing, you never really know who your true friends or lurking frenemies are and whether their advice will be designed to help or hinder your goals. For another, random advice and conflicting ideas can cloud your journey instead of clarifying it. So, what should you do if you need help trying to figure something out?Create a trusted communityInstead of posting extremely personal details into the ether, figure out a way to present it only to the best and most potential helpful group. Alice Labaton, the founder of MyMakeupBrushes comes from an extremely tightknit, in some ways isolated community that has been hugely influen tial in every aspect of her life. For that reason, when starting her business, she welches always looking for some sense of community. I felt like I was failing in the entrepreneur community. On the flipside, when tapping into her existing community, she said I felt that some of the people I encountered werent the right people because they werent of the world.Labaton joined various entrepreneurial ventures and searched until she felt she found one with a safe environment, where you can ask any question at any given time. Shes currently president of an accountability group made up of a small circle of trusted like-minded entrepreneurs. Its four or five people. Were very open. Were all here for the same purpose. If you feel youre falling short, well help.Use your own filterEven in an extremely trusted group - and even if youre the one in charge, its important to stay true to your own goals and specific needs. In todays highly sensitive environment, its important that leaders specific ally solicit, listen to, and be grateful for diverse opinions, said Deloitte principal Joni Swedlund. Especially since we apply our own filters to any situations. It doesnt matter what stage or position youre at, trust your wohl overall.Know your valueHeres the thing, when you ask for advice, you admit vulnerability and show others that you cant or choose not to do it all on your own. It took me maybe five years to be confident in being an entrepreneur, said Labaton. Some people own it from day one. It took me time to get there. I was proud of myself, I just didnt know how to accept praise - this is a good thing, this is who I am, this is what I do.It wasnt until she started trying to promote her business that Labaton finally realized shed been going about it all wrong. I watched myself on video - I was blushing and stammering. At one point she realized Im amazing, my product is amazing. Labaton was challenged to create a new elevator pitch, and the more she heard it, the more she believed it. When she asks for advice now it isnt born of insecurity, but rather soliciting input to help move her company forward.Maintain perspectiveWhen receiving advice from others, Swedlund believes that even those in leadership positions do well to maintain perspective in determining what types of advice resonate the best. And it doesnt matter what stage youre at because lets face it - not all advice is good, let alone wise. Even if you can glean a nugget of something valuable from someone elses input, it will have been worthwhile to ask.Use good advice twiceLabaton was recently approached by a major international corporation for a potential partnership. I know Im good enough, but theyre pushing me to do something I want to do that I wouldnt have done. Labaton sought advice from friends and colleagues in various careers to understand how best to proceed. Even if it doesnt work out, she knows the next one will. Im making this viable so that when the next company comes to me, Im ready.Say thank youIf someone ends up giving you valuable advice, follow up and let them know how it went. Swedlund says Dont forget the importance of thanking your colleagues both personally and publicly for their counsel. It both validates their input and gives them credit for their insights. It also makes them more inclined to help out the next time around.

Top 4 Hiring Trends

Top 4 Hiring TrendsTop 4 Hiring Trends Top 4 Hiring Trends1. Timing is everything.Top candidates often receive multiple offers, so organizations need to move quickly. When faced with a lengthy hiring process, 39% of candidates lose interest and pursue other opportunities.2. Skilled talent is in short supply.The unemployment rates for specialized positions are typically lower than the national rate. These professionals are difficult to hire given the high demand and short supply.3. Education is essential.Employers consider college a must for most professional roles. More than 95% of jobs created during the recovery have gone to individuals with some college education.4. Temporary is becoming permanent.Rather than let a job sit vacant, firms are bringing in freelancers. This gives them more time to recruit or determine if the project professional is the right fit for a full-time role.Sources 1. Robert Half survey of more than 1,000 working professionals2. U.S. Department of Labors Bure au of Labor Statistics3. Americas Divided Recovery College Have and Have-Nots, Georgetown University Center on Education and the WorkforceDownload your free copy of The Creative Group 2017 Salary Guide at creativegroup.com/salary-center.

Heres What I Know About Computer Science Resume Objective

Heres What I Know About Computer Science Resume Objective The War Against Computer Science Resume Objective Computer Science is a particularly fascinating field due to its wide selection of applications. This computer science resume template was kept relatively easy and professional. Read more about the way to turn into a Database Administrator. Exceptionally skilled at computer facets of SQL. You only have to understand how to generate successful use of resume templates. Uploading to our resume database requires you to make an account. You can also see Resume Templates. Read more about the way to turn into a Software Developer. As youre at it, take a look at these hints to nail a resume that will produce success. Nobody utilizes cover letters anymore. Our resume computer you can get a dissertation literature review your resume here will offer you tips and examples about how to compose your guide summary or another section. Our resume builder will provide you with tips an d examples on the best way to compose your resume summary. Responsible for making sure customers individual info and payment way is correctly implemented into the computer system. Resume writing tips and sorts of resumes. The punkt needs a competent understanding about distributed algorithms. Dont forget, your objective ought to be work-centered, not self-centered. It has to be clear and concise. The trick to writing a thriving objective is focus. You dont wish to make the error of leaving any important information out. This info can help you to self-assess yourself to be certain you are well suited for the computer science position at the organization, along with provide you the materials you will need to create a terrific objective statement for your resume. You have to take some time over your cover info and be certain theyre immaculate. As stated above, only consist of relevant things. Up in Arms About Computer Science Resume Objective? Computer science pros like to ti nker. Computer Science graduates may have a plethora of careers. In addition, it is possible for you to learn about technology careers and search for computer science jobs on Monster. Computer science degree programs are the most often seen, because they have a tendency to cover a wide variety of topics. Also, bear in mind that, as a programmer, you have to be quick and productive. Youre going to compose a killer programmer resume. After attending STNA courses, youre likely to be educated with a lot of the present wisdom and trainings to develop into quite a simple nurse. Simply take a while to think what activities will fit the work description. When you have previously said substantial job experience, youre ready to jump in your high school info and also give attention to completed courses that may be related to the occupation or commerce youre hunting for. A highly effective internship resume objective is necessary to stand out as the correct internship candidate. The ed ucation part of your entry-level resume can produce the hiring manager say the words above. Learn whatever you can about the organization, concerning the hiring manager, about the resume offer. Learn all you can about the organization, in regards to the hiring manager, regarding the work offer. Learn all you can about science company, in regards to the hiring manager, concerning the work offer. Almost anyone can create a decent data scientist resume like that. The very best way is to choose the hilfestellung of Cv builder for writing a resume so that you may not loose the project prospect. Essentially, each job should get its very own specific resume. Even though most of resumes must offer advice on your own work and education experience, along with your abilities and accomplishments, there are various techniques to present this info. After graduation, to have a job within the field of computer science, you are in need of a well-written resume which shows your core competencie s. Youll discover a variety of projects out there for qualified nursing assistant. In addition, you can look for computer science jobs on Monster. Its well-known that computer science is among the absolute most in-demand majors in the work industry.

An Inside Look at Our Event with Symantec

An Inside Look at Our Event with Symantec Since the PowerToFly team is based all around the world (we have team members on every continent except Australia and Antarctica) we love it when our journeys take us outside of the United States. Thats why we were thrilled to partner with a truly global company, Symantec, to present an evening for software and support engineers in Toronto, Canada on November 7th. Hosted by PowerToFlys Cristina Duke, the auffhrung featured a mix of presentations, panel discussions and networking and featured several of Symantecs women tech leaders and male allies. The intimate event kicked off with networking over food and drinks before Cristina formally welcomed out attendees. She then passed the mic over to two amazing male allies Andrew Porteous, Manager, Technical kooperation and Kristopher Persad, Associate Manager, Technical Support who dove a bit deeper into life at Symantec and expanded upon the role of software and support engineers there. Next up, w e welcomed a diverse panel from throughout Symantec to comment on their career journeys both in and out of the organization. This fabulous panel included Junko Sadamitsu, Sr. Technical Support Engineer Grace Saati, Enterprise Account Manager and Beatrice Dias, Enterprise Security Account Manager.The night concluded with plenty of time for our guests to continue to network with their peers and members of the Symantec team before we needed to call it a night. Overall, it was a great Ontario evening and we cant wait to go back.Symantec is hiring Visit their page on PowerToFly to learn more about their open roles. A look at our audience Kristopher Persad, Associate Manager, Technical Support Andrew Porteous, Manager, Technical Support Our expert panel. Our panel takes questions from the audience. Related Articles Around the Web Symantec Corporation Aki Merced

The Art of Inspiring Inspiration

The Art of Inspiring Inspiration The Art of Inspiring Inspiration Heres an interesting look at how to design your schedule for more creative inspiration and flow.I find inspiration hits at odd times but I work best if I have a routine for creative time vs. the rest of the day. What about you?

Tune in, turn on, and disrupt The power of insubordination

Tune in, turn on, and disrupt The power of insubordinationTune in, turn on, and disrupt The power of insubordinationIt once was that climbing the corporate ranks was impossible without a healthy respect for authority. Toe the line, and you were rewarded with a promotion. It may have helped a year-end report, but for more creative growth opportunities, businesses suffered in the long run. Todays recipe for corporate health and prosperity goes against the grain and calls for greater individual autonomy as well as limited authority among teamberaters. But its a formula that works, and one that more companies should embrace.Take the story of Dick Boak, one of Martin Guitars most creative luthiers. A crafty music lover, Boak self-taught himself instrument making in the basement of his family home when he was only 12 years old. He followed his artistic skills to study visual arts in college before dropping out and working his way around the country before fate intervened in Nazareth, Penns ylvania.It was there, behind the Martin Guitar headquarters, that Boak was caught by a foreman while rummaging for discarded wood scraps. Boak explained himself by showing two instruments he had already built with discarded wood which caught the eye of the head of the company, C.F. Martin III. He hired Boak immediately to build instruments for the company.Sounds like a Cinderella story, doesnt it? For most employees, it would hired by the CEO to do work you love, work that is recognized and praised by those around you. Yet less than a year after this momentous event, Boak was just as quickly fired.Martin Guitar, like so many other companies, was structured as a top-down hierarchy. The CEO made an impulsive hire, yet Boaks direct supervisor was an engineer hired after Boak joined the company. The designer and engineer came to a disagreement over design modifications for a new banjo model Boak believed the change would lead to structural quality issues his supervisor disagreed, and g ave a direct order to proceed with the modification. Boak, motivated by the potential cost to the company for such a change, reported the issue to the personnel manager. Boak was dismissed the following morning for the insubordinate act of going over his bosss head.The shock and disillusionment Boak felt after losing his dream job were amplified by the awareness that the very actions that led his supervisor to fire him were made in the best interests of his employers future success. Doing the right thing should never be subordinated by following orders.Even though it meant going over the bosss head yet again, Boak made a creative appeal to C.F. Martin III a signed pen-and-ink drawing of Martins acclaimed D-28 model, with the inscription please consider this my reapplication for employment. Delighted with the gesundheitsgefhrdender stoff, and appalled to learn of Boaks termination, Martin re-hired Boak to a new role producing designs for the factory gift shop, an effort that delivere d a tenfold increase in sales. Boaks career grew at Martin as he served as director of artist and public relations, developed the Signature Editions line of guitars and became historian-in-residence. He just retired from Martin in January 2018.As for the engineer who first terminated Boak, he lost his job a few years after Boak was rehired it seems the banjo model he worked on with Boak kept experiencing broken rims that resulted from the very design modification Boak refused to make. It created a significant quality issue for the company.This story provides us with terrific learning. One of the most important foundational principles for business leaders dedicated to great work culture is no single individual should have the authority to kill a good idea or to keep a bad idea alive.Instead, a business must create a culture that inspires creativity and does elend punish brilliance and irreverence. The authority of individual bosses should be limited, and companies must create a space where it is safe not to follow orders.In the world of hierarchical management, Boaks engineer supervisor had every authority to make a unilateral decision based on Boaks actions. The operating rule of thumb in those environments continues to be one of keep your mouth shut, and do what youre told.If the most knowledgeable voices in a company regardless of job title can be systematically silenced, then an organization is designed to embrace structured ignorance. And its probably just a matter of time before such ignorance creates a difficult, and hopefully not fatal, business crisis.

Evaluating Your Unwritten Résumé

Evaluating Your Unwritten RsumEvaluating Your Unwritten RsumYour brand is what people say about you when youre not in the room. - Jeff Bezos, founder of AmazonWhile our formal rsum helps to define our relevant skills, abilities and experience during a job search, therbeie is an entirely different kind of rsum that can also have a significant impact upon our work lives. It is the unwritten or invisible rsum that lives in the minds of our co-workers, trusted colleagues and supervisors. In a 2009 blog post for Harvard Business Review, Dr. Vicky Gordon, the CEO of the Gordon Group, explains this invisible rsum captures what others are thinking (and sharing) about us when our names are mentioned in workplace conversations. This alternative source can prise every facet of our work lives, in ways that we might not have expected. As such, this question becomes critical How do we determine the contents of our unwritten rsum?Revealing its components can be challenging on a number of levels, bu t worthwhile to pursue. Part and parcel to this process is gaining a real-life, real-time view of your work-life reputation. What areas might be included? Think of topics such as attitude, openness, timeliness and follow-through on promises. In some cases, a supervisor or colleague might openly offer a piece of information included in this unwritten document. Beth Comstock, the chief marketing officer with GE, explains in a recent LinkedIn post how her former boss, Jack Welch, chided her for being too efficient during meetings. While Comstock believed her communication strategy to be quite effective, in fact, this behavior caused her to be viewed as abrupt and cold.The truth is, we can be a poor judge of our own qualities and it is a wise to seek alternative perspectives. In some situations, what has worked for us in the past has long passed its expiration date, yet no one is honest enough to call us out on our behavior. On the other hand, we may be viewed much mora positively than we think, and are underestimating our worth. Ultimately, this lack of awareness can negatively influence our career path going forward.Some solid reasons to explore your unwritten rsumYouve been passed over. There is nothing more frustrating than working toward a valued goal that does not materialize. When you felt deserving of a promotion or project and the opportunity doesnt occur, it may be time to assess. If things just do not add up, it may be time to gather more information.You have your eye on a leadership role. If you are considering a change of focus or responsibility, then it is important to gather a complete view of your potential. In some cases, the skills that have brought us to our current level are not fully sufficient to lead us into the next chapter.You arent making progress. There is nothing more confusing (and disturbing) than having your career stall. If you are having issues gaining momentum and are unsure as to why, something unsaid may be getting in the way.Yo u are targeting development goals. Forming a list of your development must haves can be tricky business without an accurate view of current skills. An honest appraisal is necessary to craft a plan that is sound.Keep these points in mindFocus on the future. Be keenly aware that the information included within your unwritten rsum can help power your career forward. This may help you process what you might uncover. Remember that what you dont know can hurt you.Build a network. Build a trusted group who will offer a realistic view of your performance in a variety of workplace situations. This group should be robust, and include those that can speak to your performance in a team setting, how you handle challenge or frustration and your ability to develop ideas.Review often. tischset up channels to review your invisible rsum at frequent intervals. For example, after completing a project or proposal, ask each member how they viewed your contribution.Above all, strive for a 3-D view. Attemp t to see yourself from all perspectives, and become completely open to areas of strength and weakness. All in all, information is power.Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist who specializes in workplace success strategies and organizational change. She helps individuals, teams and organizations develop intelligently- to meet work life challenges with a sense of confidence and empowerment.