Archives For Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

“Never stop questioning!” Albert Einstein

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” — Albert Einstein

Most successful people share this quality. They’re always curious, search for answers to questions important to them.

Embrace childlike curiosity, pursue the things that interest you, strive to learn something new every day.

People like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Leonardo da Vinci, Elon Musk, Galileo Galilei, Maria Montessori, Rosalind Franklin, The Wright Brothers… all varying in where and when they lived, all varying in interests, occupations, age, and gender… but all remarkable people prioritize the desire to learn, grow and make a contribution to the culture.

Questers, described in award-winning, Questers Dare to Change, redefines life career advancement, and shows how to continue learning, growing and navigating lifelong career decisions.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life

https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Case studies of purposeful, growth oriented, Questers, quizzes, and guidelines show readers how to empower themselves to manage lifelong personal, career, and spiritual growth.

Take the Quester Quiz: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz

Check audible Questers: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Questers Dare to Change answers many questions adults have about lifelong decision making and growth.

* Are you a Quester? Check Quester traits with self-scoring quiz: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

* Courage – A crucial skill in changing times

* Develop a lifelong master plan for career success

* Develop a winning mindset

* Understand how job dissatisfaction affects health and productivity

* Are you ready for a career shift?

* Overcome fear of failure

* Entry, mastery, and disengagement – Where are you?

* Find your truth – Complete self-scoring quizzes

… And so much more

I will be delighted to send a complementary PDF version of Questers for review, and be available for a consultation or speaking engagement at your request. Sample articles and bio are on my web site: www.questersdaretochange.com/blog.

Many thanks for sharing lifelong life career decision making and growth.

Tips for Quitting Your Job

June 12, 2018

“I quit my job by email since that’s how I normally communicated with my boss. But I’ve been thinking that quitting by email may not be appropriate…!”

Have you had enough? Is quitting the right option? If so, resign with class. But first, know why you’re leaving.

Do you have patience with customers or co-workers? Are company policies and ethics congruent with your values? Do you have supportive superiors? Do you dread Mondays? Does your job meet important needs (e.g., work/life balance, challenge, variety)? Do you enjoy job tasks? Other?

Evaluate your current situation. List everything you like and dislike about your position. Also identify career successes. Review why you chose your job (e.g., salary, opportunity to use skills), and whether you still have these rewards. Note whether you’re committed to your employer, what you’ll gain by remaining with the company, and what you’ll lose if you leave. Determine whether non job-related factors (e.g., relationship, health) affect your attitude.

Examine all options. If you’re unhappy, consider personal vacation time to gain perspective. Think about transferring to another department in your organization, a different employer, a new field, self employment, or further education. Consider asking the company’s employee assistance provider (EAP) for assistance.

Talk to your supervisor. Share satisfiers, dissatisfiers, and possible solutions. Discuss reshaping your job to fit interests and talents.

Clarify your long term career goal, and state reasons for wanting it. Review the pros and cons of achieving your goals with this company.

If you decide to leave the organization, resign gracefully.

Transitioning Tips

– Prepare financially. Save enough to survive a two month unemployment drought. Create a budget. Look at needs, not wants. Cut expenses. Use coupons, comparison shop. Reevaluate housing costs. Look for additional income sources such as temp work.

Check unemployment benefits. Quitting may disqualify you from collecting benefits that are often based on circumstances surrounding your departure. Consider the economy and the demand for your skill set.

– Know company policies regarding resignation letters. A few sentences indicating notice and termination dates usually follow the verbal notice.

Write a short, gracious, visually attractive, specific letter. In the first couple of lines, indicate your intention to resign and departure date. Appreciate your boss, colleagues and experiences. For example, state you thoroughly enjoyed implementing ABC project with your team, or selling the company’s product or services. Remind the company of your achievements. If you’re taking study leave, mention that, but don’t name your new employer. Proofread your letter and ask a trustworthy friend feedback..

– Leave on good terms. Your boss should be the first to know. Schedule a face-to-face meeting. Don’t fax or email your resignation. If your supervisor only visits your site every few months, ask for a meeting prior to her next site visit.

Get to the point. Give reasons for leaving. If your reasons are financial, give your employer a chance to make a competitive offer. Discuss entitlement to benefits. Stress the delights of having worked for the supervisor, whether delightful or not. Focus on the positive, but give reasons for leaving. A new job may offer more promotional opportunities or better work hours. Time out for travel or study may rejuvenate you personally and professionally.

Be flexible regarding departure time and terms. Think in terms of a new reference. You’re behavior in the final days shapes others’ opinions. Tell colleagues after the official notice, but don’t discuss details. Maintain friendships.

– Give sufficient notice. Follow company procedures. The standard is two to four weeks, but this depends on length of tenure. In some circumstances, such as ongoing harassment or physical threat, it’s justified to leave without notice, but. document complaints.

If your contract requires working for a longer time frame, discuss options with former and new employers. Your new employer may be willing to pay your current organization to get you sooner. Negotiate the possibility of working weekends or evenings to complete projects.

Advise the new company of your requirement to give notice before starting. Employers usually respect your need to terminate with grace.

– Manage in-between time. Tie up loose ends, organize files. If you have to train a replacement or hasten the completion of a project or task do so professionally, sincerely.

– Express appreciation. Keep negative feelings to yourself. Find something good to say. For example, “I’ve really gained from the experience, and my colleagues meant a lot to me.”

– Prepare. Some companies require terminators to leave the company site immediately. Be prepared to remove personal belongings and files from your computer. Budget for the possibility of not receiving a paycheck.

– Plan for the exit interview. Many companies conduct exit interviews to pinpoint sources of employee dissatisfaction. Offer suggestions and feedback on how the organization can become more competitive and improve products or services.

Avoid career busters
– Never quit the day before joining a new organization.
– Don’t resign on impulse.
– Keep your mouth shut. Don’t badmouth or trust anyone with negative information.
– Don’t damage property or steal.
– Don’t feel guilty. Don’t mourn a job that no longer fits, or worry about what colleagues think.

Look forward to starting a wonderful new chapter of your life career!

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, provides additional tips for getting, keeping, and quitting a job: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

Carole Kanchier, psychologist, coach, and speaker, may be contacted at: www.questersdaretochange.com.

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Conquering Conflict

June 5, 2018

Are you frustrated with your boss or irritated at co-workers’ annoying habits? Do some customers’ behaviors infuriate you? How do you react in these situations?

In today’s workplace there are varied people with diverse perspectives and behaviors. Disagreements occur because people hear, see and interpret things differently. To resolve disagreements with people who have divergent perspectives, try the following.

Understand how unproductive thinking patterns develop

Because we are exposed to more input from our environment than we can assimilate, we classify the information into categories. This serves as the basis for making generalizations that help us define and understand our world. Generalizations are useful, if accurate.

Generalizations influence our assumptions, which in turn affect our understandings and relationships. They cause us to stereotype and prejudge people. “Older workers are set in their ways.” “Younger workers are irresponsible.” These stereotypes may be true sometimes, but not always. Individuals with rigid stereotypes usually don’t alter their views when they meet people who don’t fit the mold.

Question your assumptions and stereotypes

Your partisan lenses often determine how you view others. Do you pigeonhole people to expect certain behaviors because of age, color, ethnicity, or other characteristic? Do you put labels on your enemies?

Ask questions to identify your assumptions and establish a sound basis for future communication. How valid are the conclusions you’ve drawn? Are they based on research? To what extent do they color your experience?

Note how you stereotype people. Most people are complex. Understand their viewpoints so that you’re not surprised when they express them. Enjoy each others’ differences.

Since you learned false stereotypes, you can unlearn them. Replace stereotypes with attitudes based on sound research. Understand and communicate with those who look, act and talk differently. View conflict as a normal process which can enrich your life.

Develop productive behaviors

Acknowledge that a conflict in a relationship may be partially due to your unfounded assumptions. Here are some conflict resolution skills suggested by Jack Hamilton and Elisabeth Seaman of C P & R Services and other experts.

1. Be assertive. State your perceptions, share your thoughts and feelings, and make your needs and desires clear. Colleagues may not know that your unfriendliness is due to a tight deadline
Watch your body language. For example, when speaking to others, maintain eye contact. This conveys honesty and confidence.

Stick to the facts. Avoid words like “always” and “never.” These seldom describe reality and often elicit defensive reactions. Make specific request rather than complaints.

2. Be tolerant, understanding. Are you annoyed at co-workers’ incompetence? Are you hypercritical of others? Respect others and value their opinions. Respect is a key ingredient in nourishing relationships. It requires trust, equality, empathy, and connectedness in all kinds of relationships. Recognize the dignity, worth and humanity in all people.

3. Listen. Conflict accelerates when people don’t feel heard. Listen to what people are really saying. Consider their viewpoints carefully without defensiveness.

Try to understand the message even if you disagree. Pay attention to what is said without interrupting, judging or offering solutions or ideas. Ask questions when you’re not clear about something. This will enable you to get more information and demonstrate your interest and concern. “Please tell me more about that.”

Summarize what you hear the person say to correct misunderstandings. Let the person know you hear the emotional content of the message. Listen between the lines. What’s the person feeling but not saying?

4. Share your thoughts with the person. Discuss the factual basis of each other’s thoughts to learn new truths and get a different interpretation of words spoken or actions taken. Give merit to another’s view until you can validate its accuracy. Then change your view if new information proves you wrong.

5. Agree on a solution after developing a factual understanding of the assumption that lead to the conflict. Think of creative ways to deal with conflicts. Act on those that are valid.

Continue to learn

Read books, view or listen to audio or video tapes that address interpersonal issues. Take courses to enhance communication skills. People skills are crucial for most jobs. Greater understanding and acceptance of others will enable you to resolve day-to-day differences smoothly and be a happy, productive person.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier offers many tips for conquering conflict: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Test Your Professionalism

May 29, 2018

During lunch a valuable customer makes an offensive racist remark. As a professional, how would you handle this situation? What does professionalism mean to you?

The American Heritage Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionary define a professional as a person having a high degree of knowledge, skill, judgment and continuing practice in a particular activity. Mirriam Webster College Dictionary indicates professionals exhibit courtesy, conscientiousness and businesslike work manners.

Typically, professionals provide a service in exchange for payment or salary in accordance with established protocols for licensing, ethics, procedures, standards of service and training. Professionals generally belong to a professional society that exists to further their profession or trade as well as to protect the interests of the public and their members.

Test your professionalism

Respond Professional or Unprofessional

1. I usually ignore irritating behavior when interacting with someone.
2. I’m content with my performance.
3. I always tell the truth.
4. When a deadline looms, I try to improve the product.
5. I often download files from the Internet or newspapers for use in my work.
6. I usually compare myself to others.
7. Appropriate job skills are more important than good work habits.
8. I often engage superiors in conversations regarding how some matters should be handled.
9. If I know a lot about a topic, I listen to others then explain my viewpoint.
10. I would report unethical or unsafe practices to the CEO.
11. It’s OK to be late for meetings occasionally.
12. I won’t work with a co-worker until we settle disagreements.
13. I tell others what I like and don’t like about their performance at staff meetings.
14. I judge clients quickly.
15. I attend meetings sponsored by my professional association.

Answers
1. Professional. Don’t take the behavior personally. Ignore irritating but unharmful behavior to avoid unpleasant consequences. Walk away or quietly smile.

2. Unprofessional. Professionals strive for excellence. They don’t fear trying new and better ways of performing tasks or maximizing services. They take pride in all their work, not just jobs for which they’ll receive high remuneration.

3. Professional and Unprofessional. This may depend upon the circumstances. It may be appropriate to stretch the truth if it will hurt someone. However, it’s not professional to conceal the truth to destroy a relationship or someone’s reputation.

4. Unprofessional. Be optimal but practical. Know that projects must be completed on time. Perfectionism becomes impractical when it takes excessive time and additional resources. A perfect product is of no value if it’s not shipped to the consumer on time.

5. Unprofessional. It’s unethical and illegal to use creative materials without first obtaining permission from the creator. The content of most newspaper articles are protected by copyright. Contact the authors for permission to reprint or post their work. Federal laws protect the intellectual property of creators. Those not in compliance may be penalized.

6. Unprofessional. Don’t compare yourself to others. Avoid statements such as, “I can do ______ better than anybody else.” Instead, say something positive about a competitor’s work.

7. Unprofessional. Studies suggest that about 85 percent of dismissed employees lose jobs because they lack appropriate work habits. Behaviors which most often lead to job loss are tardiness, absenteeism, inability to follow instructions, quality of work, consistency of performance, lack of cooperation and personal appearance.

8. Unprofessional. Be respectful of power, roles, privileges and responsibilities of different hierarchical levels. It’s acceptable for a senior manager to be informal with employees, occasionally asking about their interests and listening to concerns. But it’s not appropriate for subordinates to give unsolicited advice to superiors.

9. Professional. A highly trained team member acts professionally when he listens to colleague’s ideas and explains his view. However, a person who is knowledgeable about the topic and frequently monopolizes the discussion, is acting unprofessionally.

10. Unprofessional. Be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. If you observe someone engaging in unethical behavior, speak privately with the individual and give him time to correct his behaviors before taking details to the supervisor.

11. Professional. North Americans are conscious of time. Meetings are expected to begin and end on time. Set realistic deadlines, and be conscious of others’ time constraints. If you arrange to meet a colleague at 9 AM, plan for traffic delays and call when you know you’ll be more than five minutes late.

12. Unprofessional. Separate the controversy from the person. Openly discuss differences. If these can’t be resolved, agree to disagree. Keep your opinion, and let the other person keep his. Focus on the common goal.

13. Unprofessional. When someone is not up to quality standards, discuss these with the individual privately. Offer constructive feedback.

14. Unprofessional. Don’t judge too quickly. Consider all relevant information to avoid misunderstandings. This is particularly important when communicating with international clients on the Internet.

15. Professional. Professionals belong to their professional associations, keep informed of industry and professional developments, get involved in committees, and follow professional ethical guidelines as well as those of their company and industry.

Professionalism is for everyone. Professionalism is the underlying foundation supporting all productive organizations. Professionalism increases productivity and quality, reinforces trust, improves teamwork and inspires excellence.

If you’re a leader, model professionalism, and nurture an environment where individuals take pride in themselves and their work. If you’re an employee, adopt a professional approach. You’ll strengthen confidence and competence. Everybody will want you on their teams

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, offers additional tips for strengthening professionalism: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Is Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Advancing Your Career?

May 22, 2018

You’re in a meeting when a colleague takes credit for your work. What would you do: 1) Publicly confront the colleague over ownership? 2) After the meeting, request she give you credit when discussing your work? 3) Nothing? 4) Publicly thank her for referencing your work, and give the group additional information?

If you selected # 4, you’ve demonstrated emotional intelligence or EQ. Studies show that emotionally intelligent people are more successful in their careers than people who possess only intellectual smarts.Daniel Goldman, who popularized the EQ concept, identified five interrelated EQ competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Self-Motivation, Empathy, and Effective Relationships.

What’s your EQ?
Answer “yes” or “no.”

1. I recognize my feelings and differentiate among them.
2. I know and accept myself.
3. I need to discuss my problems with others.
4. I’m realizing my potential.
5. I hang up on angry clients.
6. I get facts before reacting in an uncomfortable situation.
7. My life is stressful.
8. If I don’t get the promotion, I’ll continue to perform well, believing I’ll get the next one.
9. I get depressed regularly.
10. I usually reframe bad experiences.
11. I don’t handle adversity well.
12. I’m persistent.
13. I’m sensitive to others’ feelings.
14. If a colleague has a problem, I’d volunteer to help.
15. l share my thoughts..
16. I value others’ viewpoints even though I disagree.
17. I’m dependable, cooperative.
18. My conscience guides my actions.
19. I’m comfortable with people.
20. I have good communication skills.

Scoring: One point for each “yes” to all items except 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. A high score suggests you may be emotionally intelligent. (The items listed are only examples of emotional intelligence.)

Strengthening Emotional Intelligence

1. Self–Awareness.Items 1 to 4 measure competencies such as self-understanding, confidence, and self-reliance. To enhance self-awareness, know and accept yourself. Be yourself, not who you “should” be.

Clarify your purpose, and commit to at least one goal that enables your to express your purpose. Tips for clarifying purpose are found in www.questersdaretochange.com/blog/page/11/

Build on strengths. List proud personal qualities and accomplishments such as confident, caring, optimistic. Each week, enhance a previous performance related to one strength. For example, list what else can you do to become more optimistic, resilient or other?

Recognize feelings such as sadness and anger. Note what triggers these feeling and subsequent successful and unsuccessful consequences.

2. Self-Regulation. Items 5 to 8 measure self-management skills such as self-control, flexibility, and tact. Learn to manage emotions and negative thoughts and feelings. Restructure negative thoughts so they’re more positive. Recognize time wasting habits and modify your schedule accordingly.

Minimize fear by identifying worrisome issues, and using appropriate information and resources to minimize these. Live in the present. When angry, take time out before acting. Go to a quiet place and breathe deeply, or wait a few days to cool down. Engage in physical activities to reduce stress.

3. Self-Motivation. Items 9 to 12 measure competencies such as optimism, drive, and inner-directedness. To strengthen self-motivation, develop positive thinking patterns. Focus on opportunities. Practice positive self-talk. Believe good things will happen. Begin each day by smiling at yourself in the mirror.

Take charge of your career. Experiment with new ideas, strategies. Think and talk about things you want. Define success personally. Persist in achieving goals. View mistakes as leaning experiences.

4. Empathy.Items 13 to 16 measure empathy, awareness and appreciation of others’ feelings. Strengthen empathy by listening. People feel reassured and understood when others pay attention. Listen to peoples’ needs and perspectives.

Summarize what you hear the person say. Let her know you hear and understand her thoughts and feelings. Listen between the lines. What’s the person feeling but not saying? Ask questions when unsure.

Build rapport and trust. Be genuine, approachable, open to suggestions. Make people feel physically and emotionally comfortable. Demonstrate appreciation.

5. Effective Relationships. Items 17 to 20 measure interpersonal skills such as friendliness, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Cultivate friendly relationships with co-workers. Know peoples’ names and special strengths. Develop ”small-talk” skills. Celebrate peoples’ accomplishments.

Develop a social conscience. Volunteer for company-sponsored or community projects. Get involved in hobbies that involve social interaction. Practice communication skills. Read, take courses. Join Toastmasters.

Success and satisfaction in our global workplace require emotional intelligence in addition to technical and professional skills. Identify one EQ trait to strengthen each week.

Chapter 3, QuestersDare to Change Your Job and Your Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, provides additional ways to strengthen EQ or Quester traits: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

How to Succeed in Your New Job

May 14, 2018

Rosemary writes: “I’m starting a new position and want to make sure I get off to a good start. What to do?”

Starting a new job is exciting and sometimes intimidating. You have a fresh start, new challenges and renewed energy. But you may also feel apprehensive, particularly if you were fired or laid off from your last job.

Tips for thriving in your new job

– Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities. Own your power. William James, the famous psychologist said: “Your belief in at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures the successful outcome of the venture.” When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind, which by the law of attraction, tends to bring the best to you.

Recognize that you create your own thoughts and have the power to change them. Practice self-talk every day. Say, “I like myself because…” “I can…” Use positive statements about such things as being healthy and being in control. Don’t criticize. Think of ways to improve the situation. Avoid phrases such as, “I can’t.”

Don’t put yourself down with false modesty or boast with misleading claims. Maintain standards of good taste. Avoid extremes in mannerism, dress and hairstyles. Stay conservative until you know the lay of the land. Don’t take unfair advantage of the employer. Avoid extended breaks or personal emails. Stay overtime to complete projects.

– Know the organization and key people on the management team. Know the company’s mission statement, values, customs, practices, rituals and communication networks. Read the organization’s policy manual. Inquire politely about the rationale behind policies or procedures you dislike. Adapt your behavior to the company’s style, but don’t eliminate qualities that make you unique.

Although knowing what happened to your predecessor should have been determined in earlier interviews, you may get a different perspective when you’re in the organization. Discussing issues and concerns with your predecessor or colleagues can minimize errors and illustrate successful practices.

– Respect and cooperate with superiors, peers and subordinates. They can be supportive, or make things difficult.

Get to know experienced co-workers. They’ll advise you of informal procedures and networks. Avoid close association with any one group or clique. Learn the jobs of associates and superiors. Acknowledge co-workers’ interests, concerns and contributions. Volunteer to help colleagues who need assistance.

Demonstrate loyalty to your employer and supervisor. Air disagreements with supervisors. Don’t discuss these with colleagues. Speak well or don’t speak.

Debate the pros and cons of work-related issues with co-workers. These discussions usually result in effective problem resolutions and company growth.

– Listen and observe. Learn how the company works. Don’t try to change things during the first few weeks. Move cautiously. You won’t cement good relationships by being labeled a know-it-all. Avoid making statements that suggest things are done better elsewhere. Offer a suggestion like “I wonder if this might work?”

Follow instructions, rules and regulations. Ask questions until you understand where you stand and how you should proceed. Listen to ideas offered by others before suggesting a problem solution. Contribute, but don’t criticize. Demonstrate how your suggestions could complement others’ ideas.

– Clarify roles, responsibilities and priorities. Although you undoubtedly discussed things that needed attention during the selection process, clarify these with your current boss. This will give you an idea of the pace your boss would like you to set.

– Demonstrate excellence. Concentrate on quality. Demonstrate attention to detail, discipline, and willingness to accept unglamorous but necessary tasks. Be responsive to things that need doing without taking on the whole project.

– Monitor job satisfaction and performance. Review job satisfiers and dissatisfiers. Ask for feedback on performance. Don’t wait passively for formal evaluations. Requesting feedback shows that you take your job seriously and enables you to correct minor issues so that major problems won’t develop.

– Stay employable. Keep skills current. Continuously refine professional and technical skills. These will enable you to exercise mental muscle and creativity. Equally important, maintain physical fitness. Good nutrition and fitness bring health and vitality. Network with professional and industry personnel to stay in the loop.

Avoid the following traits that lead to layoffs: poor performance and productivity, resistance to change, lack of teamwork and enthusiasm, failure to contribute at meetings, poor interpersonal and communication skills, and frequent absences.

The key to an ever evolving career is to monitor your own career development and stay attuned to new opportunities.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier, offers additional ways to succeed in your new job: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Use Intuition for Career Decision Making

May 8, 2018

Use Intuition for Career Decision Making, May 7, 2018

Kathleen, a grade six teacher wonders whether to accept the promotion to principal. Les, a human resources manager, wants a job that “excites” him. Recently laid off, Barbara thinks this might be a perfect time to start her own business. Tom, an engineer, wants to try a different field where he can still use his engineering skills.

Intuition is a great tool to use in solving varied career and personal challenges. Sigmund Freud’s advice is legendary. “When making a decision … in vital matters … such as the choice of a mate or a profession, the decision should come from the unconscious, from somewhere within ourselves.”

Individuals who make wise career decisions combine intuitive strengths with intellect. Trust and value your intuition. Recognize that you do have the capacity to tap into it. Intend to develop it. Believe you’ll get the required information.

Practice relaxation. Relaxing the body allows you to relax the mind. This enables you to slow your brain wave frequency allowing the subconscious mind to function more actively.

Find a regular time and place to be alone so that inner signals can be heard. Release negative thoughts and feelings which block energy. Make yourself talk positive. Replace negative thoughts with more positive statements or pictures.

Meditate to get into a deeper state of awareness where answers will come more easily. You can meditate on any object, a candle flame, a mantra, a nonsense phrase or even your name.

Because intuition connects to a vast data base, it needs concise direction to retrieve a specific answer. For example, Eleanor was wondering whether she should relocate to southern California to join her fiancee. Instead of asking, “Should I relocate?” she asked, “Should I relocate to southern California?” When she received a yes response, she asked for additional information, “Should I move next spring or summer?”

Try These Problem Solving Techniques

– Program Your Dreams. Tell yourself, “I want to have a dream that will contain ……… information to solve a specific problem….I will have such a dream, remember it and understand it.” Dreams usually come to us in language or symbols we can understand. Examine the sequence of events, how you felt upon awakening how the dream ended. Note the internal and external cues you receive the next day such hearing some news on the radio while driving to work.

– Draw or Doodle. Write out a question that clearly states what you want to know. Underneath your question draw whatever comes to your mind or flows through your hands. Draw until you have nothing to add. Look at the meaning behind the drawing and the symbols within it. Note the sequence of steps. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you look at the picture.

– Exercise. Pose a question to your intuition before any kind of physical activity. Then focus on your activity. Pay attention to the various cues that appear during and after the exercise.

– Make a Dream Inventory. Spend about 40 minutes writing down all the things you want to do, have, be and share as quickly as possible. Create the people, feelings and places you want. Everything is possible. Ignore security or financial considerations. Identify major themes that emerge.

– Program a Successful Day. Relax on your bed after awakening in the morning. Visualize your entire day on a mental screen. Put a clock on the screen and mentally move the clock forward each hour to the end of the day. Play a mental movie illustrating everything moving smoothly and successfully as you desire. Use this technique to rehearse a successful job interview or anything also you desire.

– Keep a Journal. Write your daily thoughts, feelings and hunches. Pay attention to what you write and how you feel at the time. Note thoughts and feelings that emerge when you finish. Notice how intuitive hunches feel different from calculated ones.

– Practice Makes Perfect. The more you listen to and pay attention to your intuition, the more you’ll become aware of it. Take at least five minutes of quiet time every day to listen to your intuition. Ask for help, support, direction, awareness or anything you want an answer to. Have faith it will come.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Your Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, provides additional ways to access intuition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Wondering What To Do With Life?

May 3, 2018

Are you wondering what to do with your life? Wish you could understand and control your life career? Want to succeed in changing times?

Two leading books show how to create your desired life.

The books are based on Dr. Carole Kanchier’s ongoing research on career, personal, and spiritual growth.

1. Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life (6 Ed.) redefines the way we look at careers and work, and offers a master plan for lifelong career success.

(Take the Quester Quiz: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/ )

Questers is available from amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963O)

2. Arouse the Force Within You! (In preparation) describes how humans are part of an infinite and eternal energy from which all things proceed. Numerous strategies show readers how to use this power within to create their desired lives, and contribute to a peaceful planet.

Please contact Carole Kanchier for additional information. carole@questersdaretochange.com

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Do You Feel Guilty at Work?

May 1, 2018

Have you ever felt guilty at work when there really was no reason to?

True guilt is the negative feeling we have when we harm others. False guilt, on the other hand, is a negative feeling triggered by not living up to standards that are no longer realistic or because of things outside our control. For example, we may feel guilty because we think we are no longer contributing to our group project. Or a manager may feel guilty because she keeps her job, but some workers she supervised were laid off due to restructuring.

Much of the guilt we experience is self-imposed. For example, over the past month, our very busy schedules may have had us working every weekend. Even though we had worked every weekend, we may feel guilty about talking a day off for ourselves one day during the work week.

Feelings of guilt may be initiated by several factors including: working late, sleeping in because we worked late the night before, eating a delicious but fatty dessert, missing a friend’s special event, or forgetting a parent’s birthday.

Our choices should reflect what we want to do, not what we feel obligated to do! Feelings of guilt rarely increase people’s effectiveness. Most people don’t find guilt an attractive trait, either.

Tips for Minimizing Guilt

1. Identify feelings of guilt. List (on paper or computer) when and where you have guilt reactions.
Select one situation that makes you feel guilty. See and experience yourself managing this guilt situation competently and confidently. (Note people, resources, skills and other required to manage this situation.)

2. Live by your own values and standards of excellence. Feelings of guilt can develop when a person has a lot of “shoulds” in life. As an adult you have responsibility for yourself. But you also have the option to live your own life, not live by the values of supervisors, parents, co-workers, or the media. Do not feel guilty because you try to live up to standards that don’t fit your needs, values or goals. Question where these “shoulds” come from. Then determine whether they serve you well.

3. Set limits on your time and energy. Let others know these. If you don’t want to do it, give it, or go to it, politely say “no.” If you don’t want to have lunch with co-workers, say so. Express support for, and defend your opinions. Consider stating your ideas at the next staff meeting. Value yourself; your opinions count.

Limit time you spend with individuals who tend to make you feel guilty about doing or not doing something.

4. Make amends if you’re wrong. Guilt can be helpful if it motivates you to take better care of yourself, and to treat those around you with more care. For example, if you do something to hurt a co-worker, like lashing out at him, verbally apologize.

5. Adjust Expectations. Guilt is often triggered by perfectionism, holding ourselves accountable to standards that don’t fit our values, needs and abilities. Do a reality check on your expectations. On the left side of a piece of paper, list all those things you no longer do but think you should do, for example, bring treats to work occasionally, take turns washing dirty coffee cups, or stay late to meet a project deadline. On the right side, write your judgment of whether the expectation is realistic. Then modify goals based on what you learned from the exercise.

6. Reframe Self-Talk. Change your internal dialogue so that it supports your efforts to a live happy, productive work life. Restructure negative thoughts so they’re more positive.

Keep a log to track negatives you say. Each time you catch yourself saying something that fuels guilt feelings, replace it with a more positive statement. Think “I can” instead of “I can’t”.

Sample situation: A supervisor is respectfully giving constructive feedback to a worker. The worker begins to cry! Guilt moderating thoughts of manager: ” I had to provide the feedback; not giving it wouldn’t serve anyone well. I did the best I could do to be understanding and respectful.”

7. Shift attention. Control how you respond when feelings of guilt arise. For example, if you feel guilty about not going to a staff party, ask yourself, “Is this feeling productive?” If the feeling is not productive, turn your attention elsewhere by going shopping or completing a project early. Guilt feelings about the staff party will pass.

8. Cultivate friendly relationships with co-workers. Know peoples’ names and special strengths. Develop ”small-talk” skills. Celebrate peoples’ accomplishments .Develop a social conscience. Volunteer for company-sponsored or community projects. Get involved in hobbies that involve people interaction. Practice communication skills. Read, take courses. Join Toastmasters.

9. Build confidence. Know and accept yourself. Know what you can do and want. If you love yourself others will also. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Prepare a list of positive achievements and personality characteristics. Post this where you can read it daily. Don’t compare yourself to or compete with others.

Affirm yourself daily. Each morning before you get out of bed, see yourself proceeding confidently and competently throughout your desired work day. Confirm yourself: “I’m confident, intelligent, caring and attractive” (or whatever you want to be).

10. Schedule time for self care. Include healthy diet, sufficient sleep, meditation or prayer, exercise and supportive relationships.

Questers Dare to Change tour Job and Life offers additional tips for managing guilt and shows how to create your desired life career: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Prepare for Key Job Interview Questions

April 23, 2018

Preparing for interview questions will give you the edge over other qualified candidates. Although there isn’t one correct way to respond to questions, keep the following in mind:

1. Understand what’s being asked. Employers want to know about your adaptive skills (meeting deadlines) and personal qualities (dependability, motivation).
2. Answer questions briefly. Present the facts as advantages.
3. Answer the real question. Show how your skills and experience can do the job. Demonstrate how your past accomplishments relate to the job.

Provide concrete examples and relate stories. Describing situations where you’ve used your skills is more powerful than just stating this. Include details.

Quantify to provide a basis for your accomplishments. Give the number of clients served or the amount you increased the profit margin.

Emphasize results. Give data indicating positive results you’ve obtained such as sales increased by 10 percent over the previous year.

Sample Key Questions

1. Tell me about yourself? This is a terrific opportunity to give your “one minute commercial.” Relate your background to the position being considered. Provide some personal history, then show how your skills, accomplishments and training are directly related to the job.

2. Why should I hire you? Market yourself. Talk about your achievements, awards and promotions, but don’t take credit for things you don’t deserve or claim experience you don’t have.

Show how you can help the employer make more money by improving efficiency, reducing cost, increasing sales or solving problems. Present your skills and experience in a direct, confident way. Show your portfolio which can include concrete examples of your work.

3. What are your major strengths? Emphasize your self-management skills (hard working, goal directed). Once you begin speaking about one strength, the rest of your response falls into place.

4. What are your major weaknesses? This is tricky. Employers want to now how you’ll react in a tough situation. Be honest, brief and positive. Turn a weakness into a strength. Share something you’re currently working on. “I’m improving my time management skills. I develop and adhere to a daily schedule.”

5. What salary do you expect? Never discuss salary until you’re offered the position. Once you expose yourself, you’re less efficient at negotiating your value. If salary comes up, state: “Because I’m really interested in the job, my salary would be negotiable.”

Many candidates are dismissed prematurely because they state an excessively low or high salary. Defer the question politely. Then, when the timing is right, maneuver the interviewer into stating the starting salary.

Research going salary ranges for similar positions in comparable organizations. Think in terms of a broad salary range. Begin with their probable range and end a bit above your salary expectations.

Never refuse a job or salary offer on the spot. Think about it. Instead of rejecting a given salary, say: “That’s lower than I had in mind, but since I want this position I’ll accept this. When will there be a performance review with a salary increase?”

6. How does your previous experience relate to this job? Try to overcome limitations in your background. Emphasize your strengths such as personal and technical transferable skills to counter lack of skills or experience with the prospective job. Show how school courses or accomplishments in a different field relate to the position. Be confident.

7. Why do you want this job? Employers want someone who’s motivated to do a particular kind of job with their company because this usually ensures long-term commitment. They don’t want someone who is seeking any job anywhere.

Know why you’re a good match for the position. Show how your interests, skills, accomplishments, special training, credentials, mission, goals and other qualities relate to the position. Explain why you want to work for this company. Know its mission.

8. What will your former employers say about you? Formulate a rational explanation of why you left. Show that you’re a team player. Discuss your career plans with former supervisors. If you were fired negotiate what would be said to prospective employers. Interviewers usually understand conflicts presented positively. Use referees who will give favorable references.

Be yourself and emphasize your suitability for the position.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier, offers additional job search tips: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein

Re-Entering The Job Market

April 16, 2018

Amanda wants to reenter the job market, but she doesn’t know where to start! Ihor, who took time out to care for his aging mother, is in a similar position.

Thousands of women and men who took time away from work feel the same as Amanda and Ihor. Those who research and plan, do very well. You can too!

Tips for re-entering the workforce

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life offers case studies, quizzes and strategies that show how to take charge of your life career. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

– Know who you are and what you want to do. Do you want to work solely for the income? Or do you want a career that will be an expression of your identity?What is your dream job? What skills, interests and needs do you want to use on the job?

Identify job duties, work environment, salary, benefits advancement opportunities, and the skills required. List your accomplishments in prior jobs, and school, volunteer, community or homemaking endeavors. Recall activities you really enjoyed. Include homemaking talents such as budgeting, catering parties, or helping others with yard maintenance tasks.

-Take stock of your personal strengths. List adjectives that describe you such as mature, sociable, discreet, confident, enthusiastic, precise, helpful and creative.

Use action words to describe your strengths: designed, researched, supervised, prepared, trained, etc. Make the list as long as possible. Ask your partner or friends to help you identify strengths.

– Identify occupational fields and occupations that will enable you to use your skills and express other personal qualities. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) published by US Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov/ooh) is a great start. As well, cruise the internet and interview people in your desired fields. Identify job duties, work environment, salary, benefits, advancement opportunities, and skills and training required. Determine personal qualities needed and lifestyle of workers.

– Set long- and short- term goals. Outline your goal and time line. Then develop a plan and focus on your goal. Break the goal into small steps. Transfer the action steps onto your daily calendar and move forward. Modify these as circumstances change.

Specify skills you may wish to upgrade and new skills you may wish to attain. Consider returning to school for retraining, upgrading or an advanced degree. Education can ease reentry into the work force by enabling you to acquire knowledge and skills and develop contacts. Colleges and universities offer certificate and degree programs. Workshops and courses offered by community, business or professional groups, correspondence school, and on–the–job or apprenticeship training provide valuable information.

Acquire job-search skills. Many good books and courses can help you develop a resume, market yourself and prepare for the interview. Enthusiastically show prospective employers how your skills and accomplishments can contribute to the organization.

Network. Getting the right job is often the game of who you know. Contact everyone who might help you gain access to an employer. Include former employers, teachers, professional associates, friends, relatives, neighbors, etc. Visit trade shows, attend chamber of commerce meetings, and events sponsored by local community groups. Many meetings are listed in local newspapers or online, volunteer for a cause. Conduct informational interviews.

– Engage in part-time or volunteer work. You’ll get experience and adjust to the new lifestyle. It may also lead to a full-time position.

Register with a temporary service agency. Temps provide a testing ground, new contacts and help you get your foot in the door.

– Consider a home based business. Eleanor, a single parent with two young children, started a children’s discount clothing boutique in her basement. Debbie Fields started Mrs. Fields cookies at home. Frank and his brother started a window cleaning business.

– Budget for housekeeping, child care, business clothes and commuting expenses. Interview other re-entry adults for more suggestions.

– Manage time wisely. Schedule errands, appointments and play time. Ask your partner and children to help with chores.

– Value yourself. Develop relationships with positive people who support your endeavors. You are capable, and will achieve desired goals.

Additional tips for taking charge of your life career are found in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.

Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist, coach, columnist, speaker, and author of Questers is available for consultations: carole@questersdaretochange.com

In Never Stop Questioning Albert Einstein