Creating New Training

I just started a new project where the Community College where I work doing work-based traning was approach by Oklahoma City to do an ADA Contractor Certification Course.

My director and I met with city officials and determined the needs, tasks, skills, information, etc.

Of course, now I have to put together a presentation, course, assessment, and so forth. And of course, they wish we had it ready, yesterday.

My hint, is:

DO NOT REINVENT THE WHEEL.

I think that is what you learn in doing research, in writing a dissertation.

Somewhere, out there in the world, there is someone who has the information, or at least, part of the information that you need.

FIND THAT PERSON.

I spent several days Googling and researching until I found three different programs that I thought would meet segments of the criteria, for which I was searching.

I contacted the individuals (which in itself is a task). So far, I have heard back from one, whom said I could use their information (as long as I reference them).

The other two programs, I have spoken to individuals that know somewhat, but still not to the specific person I need.

However, they seem pleased to share what they know and are interested in what we plan to do.

I still have not found any assessment tool, but will keep searching.

Most knowledge is out there...it is just finding it.

I use many words when I search. Sometimes whole sentences or phrases.

Be specific. If you want PowerPoint, put that in your search. If you are looking for a course that is free, for example, put .org or .gov or .edu in the search bar.

.com is commercial and those individuals usually want money (not always...look at my website)

Organization = .org

Government = .gov

Education = .edu

United States =.us

State =.st

Network =.net

10 Attitudes of Successful Workers

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Why do some people seem to reach the top of the corporate ladder easily, while others remain stuck on the middle-management rung?

You might think that it is just because those people have more of what it takes to succeed, like brains, talent and powerful people in their corner. But there is something else that is just as important: attitude.

Dr. Martin Seligman, an authority on optimism, discovered that attitude was a better predictor of success than I.Q., education and most other factors.

He found that positive people stay healthier, have better relationships and go further in their careers. And he even found that positive people make more money.

Anyone can adopt the right attitude. No matter where you are from or how much innate talent you have, the right attitude can make a difference in your career. Try adopting these 10 attitudes of successful workers:

1. I am in charge of my destiny.

If you spend your entire career waiting for something exciting to come to you, you will be waiting a long time.

Successful professionals go out and make good things happen. So commit yourself to thinking about your career in an entirely different way. You will make it to the top, and you are in charge of making it happen.

2. Anything is possible.

Think that there is no way you will ever be at the vice-president level? Then you definitely won't. Remember: If you think you can't, you probably won't. Adopt the attitude of The Little Engine That Could -- "I think I can."

3. No task is too small to do well.

You never know when you are going to be noticed. That is one reason to take pride in your work -- all of it.

One public relations executive in Chicago said that her first task in the PR department of a ballet company was reorganizing the supply closet. She tackled the project with gusto and was immediately noticed for her hard work and attention to detail.

Remember this the next time you feel like slacking because you are working on a menial task.

4. Everyone is a potential key contact.

While you do need to be aggressive in the workplace, you can also go far by being nice to those around you.

Do you think it's unimportant to establish a good rapport with your boss's secretary? Well, just try getting your meeting squeezed onto the schedule when you really need it.

Be courteous to those around you -- you never know when your past contacts will play a role in your future.

5. I was made to do this job... and the one above me.

If you spend your days feeling like you are not cut out to do the work you are responsible for, your performance will suffer.

Your job may not be the perfect fit, but successful workers act like they are in their dream job, no matter where they are.

6. It's not just what I know, but who I know.

Successful workers understand the importance of networking, both in and out of the office. You need to proactively establish professional contacts.

Invite a colleague out to lunch. Go to the after-work happy hour. Join your professional association. Do your part to establish a networking path for your future.

7. What else can I do?

Since you are in charge of your destiny, it's your job to look for ways to improve your professional self. Volunteer to take on an extra project.

Learn a new skill that will make you more marketable. Stay late to help your co-workers. Successful workers don't just complete the job and sign out -- they look for additional ways to make their mark.

8. Failure will help pave the way to my success.

While it seems like some people never experience setbacks, the truth is everyone fails from time to time. The difference between successful and unsuccessful people is how they deal with failure. Those who find success are the ones who learn from mistakes and move on.

9. I am my own biggest fan.

Have you been waiting for someone in the office to recognize your talents and efforts? Maybe it's time you start tooting your own horn.

Step up and talk about your accomplishments and what you have done for the company. Successful workers know how to point out their achievements without sounding boastful.

10. My opportunity monitor is never turned off.

Yes, there will be days when you will want to just be happy with the status quo. But remember that successful workers are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve.

Keep your eyes, ears and your mind open to new opportunities -- you never know when you will discover the one that will change the course of your career!

Do you want to avoid becoming a Bad Boss?

A consensus doesn't exist, but as I speak with employees from many sectors of the economy...several character traits appear more frequently than others.

Bad bosses, from what I hear most often, do the following:

They love brown-nosers, gossips, tattletales, and relatives who come to them with reports of "what is going on".

They choose favorite employees and cover up and make excuses for the poor work of their incompetent favorites.

They ignore selected people and discriminate against certain employees.

They are poor communicators and organizers. They usually do not have; expectations, time lines, priorities, or goals.

Bad bosses change their minds frequently leaving employees off-balance.

Bad bosses change expectations and deadlines frequently. ·

They use disciplinary measures inappropriately when usually, clear, specific, and positive communication would correct the problem.

Bad bosses ignore employees until there is a problem, then they jump all over them.

At times, they speak loudly, rudely, or one-sidedly to staff.

Bad bosses do not provide the opportunity for staff to respond to accusations and comments.

They intimidate people and bully staff.

They allow other employees to bully or tease employees.

They take credit for the successes and accomplishments of employees.

They are quick to blame employees when something goes wrong.

They fail to provide rewards or recognition for good employee performance.

Bill Gates gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school.

He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.