News & Articles Category

Relationship Strategy with 87.4% Success Rate!

Posted on October 23rd, 2012 by admin

By Sophia Demetriades

 

You can predict success and failure in business and personal relationships with 87.4% accuracy, right from the start!

 

How?

 

Self-Awareness.

 

Learning from relationship researcher and marriage expert Gottman’s (2012) formula to predict marital stability and divorce in couples, we can predict with 87.4% accuracy if a marriage will last in only 4 minutes, and we can apply this to all our relationships.

 

Here are the 4 major relationships killers:

 

1. Avoidance 

The first and most often employed tactic in destroying relationships is avoiding conflict or people. When you avoid conflict – either because you are unaware of your own feelings or afraid of arguing – a situation can escalate. Rather than confronting the issue with your partner, you disengage the conversation, and when this happens repeatedly, the problems tend to accumulate.

Solution: open communication and constructive feedback

Read the rest of this entry »

The importance of welcoming new staff

Posted on September 17th, 2012 by admin

By Jayanti Bhattacharjee

The benefits of an induction programme:

Recruitment selection is a lengthy and costly process that organisations invest on to add into the core value of their business.  Therefore,  successful organisations takes the first few weeks of their new employees on the job very seriously, as this phase will either engage new employees and motivate them to continue or to leave. In fact it’s the first few days that creates the strongest impression. A poor first impression is very difficult to reverse. The key to achieving a positive impression is to create an organised, structured and informative new employee induction program.

The objective of an induction program:

  • Is to ensure the new employee is set up to succeed in their new role. It is important to ensure they understand the organisation’s structure and its core values and policies.
  • Job, department and company goals and objectives.
  • All aspects of the employment relationship and available communication channels.
  • Finally the layout of the work place and work station.

The transition to new employment is challenging. What requires to be conveyed is that it holds the posibility to be rewarding both for the employer and the new employees. Skilled professionals are used to performing their job without having to frequently ask for help. However,the first month may be particularly challenging when employees can place additional stress and pressure on themselves. Employers may alleviate this pressure by taking the employee through an induction program.

Benefits of an induction program:

  • A professional impression of the company and management style is created
  • The new employee feels welcome.
  • Key stakeholders are met and accurate information is received by the new employee.
  • Clear expectations are established to help employee performance.
  • Employees are kept focused and feel engaged from day one.
  • Good work habits are quickly installed.
  • WH&S rules are comunicated to maintain safe and healthy workplace environment.

  Read the rest of this entry »

Employees: 5 tips to become better communicators

Posted on August 31st, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (August 31 2012)

The workplace may be an area of successful communication between employers and employees. At times though, communication may be hindered by certain aspects like disagreement, the lack of understanding and personal styles of communication.

Being an employee, like most of you may be, communicating with your employers can be difficult. To overcome miscommunication and to become a better communicator, I have outlined 5 tips as below:

1. Get straight to the point:

Talking around what you want to say may prove difficult. Be mindful that when you do say what you want, try not to sound so demanding.

2. Listen attentively and look at body language:

As your employer(s) have things to say, make sure you listen carefully. This shows that you’re are a good listener and as an employee, you value what your employer has to say. Look out for body language cues too, as they may help you understand and promote better communication.

3. Take feedback as a positive tool:

When your employer is giving you feedback, whether it be good or bad, take it in a positive direction. From this, you could ask for more guidance or explanation in the way your employer wants work done.

4. Offer alternatives in times of disagreement:

If there is an issue that bothers you, offer an alternative that your employer has yet to take. Be self-confident and make sure you have a valid reason to back your proposition. For example, you could say to your employer: “It’s not that I don’t like what you have set, but maybe it will be more useful to do _________ because _______”.

5. Consult your employer as soon as an issue arises:

Seek help or comment from your employer(s) as soon as possible. This may prevent misunderstanding in the future. And do note that outside of work hours, it may be best to email or make a phone call instead of texting. Texting may be seen as an informal method of communication despite its convenience.

 

How strangers may help you land a job.

Posted on August 17th, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (August 17 2012)

It is often the connections we have and the people we know that help us get into our chosen industry. New research has shown otherwise. It has been shown in a study, that workers who have gotten to their current position through a connection didn’t know the person very well. This revelation demonstrates that it may be useful to discuss work with those we don’t usually associate with. Who knows where it may lead you.

One example of this that I have encountered myself was with a fellow university student. During group discussions, she introduced me to a fantastic website that complements well with the arts and entertainment industry. The website mind you, is a great resource for jobs and work experience.

I have found myself continually browsing this particular website, and have recommended it to my fellow peers. As Fiona Smith, from BRW (http://www.brw.com.au/Blogs/fiona_smith) has said, it is true that the people you know only know so much as you do, or that they know the same people as you do. Smith has also suggested that strangers may be beneficial to your career as they may hear of job opportunities that will never reach your ears. It is also likely that they will put your name down, whereas a friend might not, having known your strengths and weaknesses.

Having said that, it is possible to advance your career prospects through your connections, and seemingly, those your aren’t so close with. Perhaps then, it may be useful to take some time to communicate with those ‘strangers’, and your next job might be waiting for you.

The do’s of mental breakdowns

Posted on July 31st, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (31 July 2012)

 

The start of a new uni semester included my lecturer giving details of job opportunities. She outlined, as part of the opportunities, certain tests one had to endure. Some of these included a current affairs test, an interview and a broadcasting voice test. This was mostly for a position with the ABC.

I found it daunting to have to go through all these tests. I knew that this position was beyond me. If something sounds so overwhelming, it probably is, right? Well, to say the least, my public speaking skills aren’t as great as my writing. So the broadcasting test put me off.

As a student, one is bound to apply to countless opportunities in the hope to get some experience, recognition and a head start in the industry. With this procedure, I’m sure like myself, other students must be going through a mental break-down.

So I have established a list of things and thoughts that students could do to overcome the mental break-down that comes with applying for opportunities.

  1. Think positively: know that what you have done is good. Imagine yourself in the position and doing the tasks required. You’re one step closer!
  2. Look for other opportunities: alternatives do come up, and they may be better suited for you.
  3. Don’t take it personally: if one does get rejected, don’t be so put down. Perhaps there was something that did not fit the criteria. It’s not just you, but the skills and knowledge that you possess. (After this, see the step below).
  4. Strengthen your weaknesses: in the time that you have a break-down and are fussing over things, it would be a good time to increase your knowledge and skills.
  5. Keep putting yourself out there: it’s the only way that you’re going to get something back, right?
  6. Finally, other students will be experiencing this too: don’t be so afraid. There will be other students out there that will be feeling the same. It all comes with the territory of applying for jobs and opportunities.
Note that the above is what I usually do when it comes to applying and post-applying. I would like to hear other suggestions as to how students cope. Please post them onto our Facebook page.

 

Outcomes and the course of life

Posted on July 17th, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (17 July 2012)

I believe it is the norm that one should do what one is good at or passionate about. I question though, what happens if you’re not so good at what you do, or are passionate about? What happens then? Do you change the course of your studies or work?

Read the rest of this entry »

Confidence is key

Posted on July 3rd, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (3 July 2012)

I was told of an experience that I have never encountered before. This may not apply to many young people who have been brought up in Australia from a young age, like myself. The story was that my mother’s friend is not confident enough to regularly leave the house because of her lack of English. While raising her children, she has yet to go out and educate herself like other immigrant women.

Read the rest of this entry »

Who does one follow when resume writing?

Posted on June 18th, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (18 June 2012)

I’ve been faced with a dilemma, just a small one. It is regarding my resume. We all know some effort has to be put into it and it has to be presentable and professional and such, but what happens when you get differing views on how to write one?  Read the rest of this entry »

Lack of Motivation?

Posted on June 8th, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh (8 June 2012)

Earlier this week, I witnessed the blood bank van leave my former high school. It made me happy, to know that the students are continuing to donate blood. It was the second time that I had witnessed the bus leaving in the past year. Read the rest of this entry »

Are handshakes redundant?

Posted on June 4th, 2012 by admin

By Tina Huynh

I went to an interview yesterday and the one thing that really stood out to me is the traditional gesture when greeting someone. The handshake. Often enough, one has to shake another’s hand for purposes of job interviews, introductions and so on. But what struck me was that I was not offered a hand. I don’t remember the last time I shook someone’s hand. Maybe it’s not just me, can you remember the last time you shook someone’s hand? Read the rest of this entry »

Simon Sinek – Talk to the Why

Posted on May 10th, 2012 by admin

Why?

“I inspire others to do what inspires them”, Simon Sinek says in his famous TED talks and world wide presentations. Simons model, the golden circle, teaches organisations to speak to the why, rather than explain just what they do. If you do however wonder what Simon does, he conducts leadership training for organisations, and also teaches leadership at Columbia University in New York. You can read more about Simon here. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Simon in person at BusinessChicks in Sydney. BusinessChicks is a women’s network headed by Emma Isaacs, and they often host fantastic events with top notch speakers Australia wide.

 

Simon really inspires me. Not because of what he does, but because of what he says. You can read his blog here, and you will quickly understand that Simon has learnt to speak to the why.

Buried within the cerebrum the limbic system, often referred to as the “emotional brain”, support and control our emotions, our behaviour, and our long term memory (Campellone 2011). The limbic brain also controls our decision making, and visionaries and leaders who inspire action, are often people who speak to the limbic brain (Sinek 2010). Driven by cause, purpose and belief, some entrepreneurs who speak to the ‘why’ and thus inspire people who believe the same as what they believe. According to Sinek (2010), this ability is what sets companies and people such as Steve Jobs and Apple, Richard Branson and Virgin, Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, apart from others. They create a vision and image based on their own passion.

With this backdrop, I would like to share my vision with you. I believe that what people want the most, is for their dreams to come true. Too often however, fear of failure or success hold people back from realising their dreams. Another inspiration to me, Sir Ken Robinson, explain that the reason for this is because people grow up being taught what not to do or to conform rather than to do what makes them happy. This he says, stifles creativity. Similar to myself Robinson battles the unsexy stigma of education as an occupation. We fight beliefs such as ‘academia is for people who cant do’ or ‘education is for people who don’t know’. None the less, when people are asked about their education, they are sensitive, either stating how good it is, or excusing how limited it is. But education does not come from academia. There is a learning experience in everything you do. It’s just that we rarely stop to contemplate what we actually learn from the situations we put ourselves in. And then of course, you always come across those who never learn. I know thats not you.

We all however let our personalities shape at least one area of our life where we never learn, or should I say never change. However most of use are ready for change. Most of us are changing and working towards something bigger and better. That is the human in us, that is biology leading us in the right direction. We all know what we are dreaming about. We all know where we want to go. What we don’t know, is how to get there. And for that reason, we let ourselves scare. If only we dreamt out loud, if only we told people what we really honestly wanted, and then went to go for it, we would have our dreams come true. And this is why Robinson and Sinek both inspire me so much. Because they have taught me to feel comfortable about my dreams. Because when I found them I realised there are people out in the world who believe exactly what I believe. Because I have learnt to dream out loud, by believing in myself, and by stepping up to the challenge when things become uncomfortable.

So, if you don’t know it already, if you don’t know what it is that I dream about, here goes:

“My vision is to offer the most innovative and engaging education programs available – in the eyes of my stakeholders, communities and individuals”.

As a result, through DIA’s programs and services, I will add to life’s enjoyment by helping people develop to the best of their abilities which will help me develop to the best of my abilities.

This will testimony my leadership in offering education programs that enable and transform the way people and business find, manage, interact and communicate with one another, and thus make me part of a company that understands and satisfies the education, entertainment and self-actualization needs of our stakeholders.

In short, my dreams are realized through yours. Why? Because it makes me feel happy, balanced, and important. I love helping others.

And so when I met with Simon this week and asked him about his why, he said out loud the dreams I have inside. He believes what I believe, and spoke to me and my why:

“I inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that a vast majority of people come home at the end of the day fulfilled by the work they do. The ultimate goal is world peace. People who love what they do come home fulfilled and make better husbands, wives, moms, dads, children, neighbors and friends. And when we’re better people, driven by what fulfills us, there’s a better chance we’ll care about each other.”

So that I can get to know you better, what is your why?

Networking your way to success!

Posted on May 3rd, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No31.May2012)

By: Sophia Demetriades

 

We’ve all heard it before; ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ or, ‘it’s not what you know it’s what you do with it’, or ‘it’s not who you know, its how you manage who you know’. No mater the quote, the message is clear; its definitely not what you know and you need to make an effort to manage those you know, because future business is born through networks!

 

Unfortunately, many of us are not efficient networkers. Excusitis claims reasons such as: “I ‘m too shy”, “it hasn’t worked in the past”, “I don’t have time” etc etc. But can you really afford not to network when its the most likely way for you to win work?

 

When it comes to networking, quality definitely means more than quantity. You need to spend time building genuine relationships. In business, there is no point knowing hundreds of people if none of them mean anything to you. Referrals are the most robust strategy in job hunting. In short, a referral means that someone who knows you endorses you to someone else in their network. No job application needed.

 

Michelle Gamble from Marketing Angels, confirms my story. I met Michelle at a networking event for Small Business September in 2009 where she spoke about the power of social media. Two years later Michelle hired one of my friends Erin, who I had met at a university course the previous year. So for both business and employment, networking works. More than 60% of employment happens through networking.

 

So what skills are required to network like a pro?

Before I get into the top 7 networking skills, I just want to remind all you beautiful women out there that despite being a pro networker, don’t forget to say NO too!

 

Ivan Misner Ph.D. is one of the worlds most renowned academics and professionals in networking. Keeping one leg in each pot, Misner has conducted research on his privately owned professional business network BNI for more than 20 years. The research confirms a set of

7 must have skills to be a pro networker:

7. Be sincere

6. Have a positive and flexible attitude

5. Listen properly, don’t just wait for your turn to talk

4. Follow up on referrals, call or meet in person

3. Work your network effectively

2. Be trustworthy and Reliable

1. You must like to help others

 

Make sure you make an effort now to learn what these 7 skills mean and how you can employ them. Tell people about them. Ask yourself and others questions to see if you are a skilled networker. Make a networking scorecard and game plan for how you will network in the future. Make sure you buy Misners books ‘networking like a pro’ and ‘networking and sex’ to understand and act on these vital networking skills that will be the number 1 reason behind your future success. Because future business is born through networks!

 

Next time you meet someone:

  1. Introduce yourself in context
  2. Be Interested
  3. Request Contact Information
  4. Follow up

 

7 Vital Networking Skills:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Resources and Contacts:

Ivan Misner Ph.D. Networking like a Pro

Must know Employment Facts

“The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business” – from Merriam-Webster

By Sophia Demetriades and Dream Internship

HR & Education Landscape Starving for Mentoring Programs

Posted on April 16th, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No30.120416)

By Sophia Demetriades

The education landscape is rapidly moving towards a renaissance of program delivery. People are increasingly interested in personalised and customised programs suited to the individual of the 21st century.

An important idea in the definition of a university is the notion of academic freedom. Interestingly however, academic freedom is no longer the reality of today’s university practice. If academic freedom refers to the freedom of inquiry by students and faculty members as essential to the mission of the academy, it is long lost. No field is generalised and standardised and limited by beurocracy more so than the university.

In March 2012, The Economist wrote an article on American and Japanese students wisdom in relation to age. The study revealed that due to mentoring in Japan, students/  mentees, were equally as wise as their elders/ mentors, as opposed to wisdom being acquired with age in Americans. This is a wonderful example of the cultural representation of responsibility. In Japan, menthes are rewarded with the notion that they are wise when they learn the words of wisdom taught to them by their mentors. In America, one is not wee unless one is old, and society therefore take responsibility and opportunity away from their young ones by putting an age limit on on wisdom. If you cannot be wise in your youth, and if you cannot be respected as a wise person in your youth, could this not be seen as discouraging?

Yes we have less experience and less information as young in terms of time. However, the internet and free information along with it, has provided younger generations with an immense amount of opportunity for knowledge. They may not always know what to do with it, which is why they still need guidance, however they are very intelligent and learn very fast, so it is to the benefit of employers and organisations world-wide to invest in mentoring programs between younger and more mature employees.

28. 8 Steps to Happiness

Posted on April 8th, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No29.120413)

By Dream Internship (Ref Grant & Leigh 2011)

1. Goals and Values

2. Altruism and Kindness

3. Mindfulness

4. Stengths and Solutions

5. Gratitude

6. Forgiveness

7. Social Networks

8. Reflect, renew, review

Read the rest of this entry »

Motivating Gen Y on Radio Adelaide

Posted on April 6th, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No28.120406)

By Tim Molineux and Sophia Demetriades

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://bmediaradioadelaide.com/y-2012-5/program-3/

6. The Right Weapon for a Killer Job

Posted on March 25th, 2012 by admin

(Vol1.No06.120625)

By: Nova Khoe

Being ignorant in your job hunt is like going to war without a strategy. Ask Napoleon Bonaparte whether or not he handed the rest of Europe a sloppy application asking them to hand over their pride and glory. Exactly. Finding a job in the 21st century is like finding a husband in a haystack (eh), yes, perhaps you’re looking in the wrong place?! But do not fear my friends; there are plenty of jobs out there. Did you btw know that most jobs are not advertised?

So, it was that strategy thing. It can take months to land a job and sometimes even years if you’re looking for the right one. And I guess as with the husband, you’re better off with the right one. In worst case scenario, you may end up with a temporary job, which is far better than the wrong guy…

  Read the rest of this entry »

27. 9 Best Mobile Apps for finding a job (CBS News)

Posted on March 25th, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No27.120325)

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-47540504/9-best-mobile-apps-for-finding-a-job/?tag=mwuser

  1. Monster.com, which now has apps for the iPhone, Droid, and iPad that allow you to keep your job search — including resume, cover letter, and listings — with you at all times. Because if you’re hunting for a job, the last thing you want to do is to be a day late — and possibly a job short — just because you missed a posting
  2. Jobs by Careerbuilder App What it does: Lets you find and apply for jobs right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. So if you’re out networking (or taking a coffee break from your job search), you won’t miss a single opportunity. Read the rest of this entry »

26. Gen Y Discrimination: a shame or a kick in the butt?

Posted on March 25th, 2012 by admin

(Vol3.No26.120225)
By Sophia Demetriades
Gen Y is going through a discriminatory stage. You could say that the exception becomes the perception, because the few Gen Y individuals who are loud and obnoxious in the media make the public believe that these individuals are representatives of the whole group (generation). Clearly, you can find many Gen Y’s who are capable, intelligent and serious. We dont all host crazy parties on Facebook and trash our parents house!
This is both a shame and perhaps a kick in the but.

25. Developing Communication Skills

Posted on December 17th, 2011 by admin

By Dream Internhsip

(Vol3.No25.120125)

In whatever industry you choose to pursue, there are certain skills sets that will carry over to each and every one. One of those sets, in particular, is developed communication skills.

Communicating is more than just talking to people. It is displayed in three different ways; verbal (spoken), non-verbal (written) and body language. Although the latter is statistically less important than the first two, all three legs of this communication tripod affect how your message is portrayed. Read the rest of this entry »

24. That Is Exactly What I Meant (Vol2.No24.111225)

Posted on December 17th, 2011 by admin

By Dream Internship

This month’s theme is about communication and the importance of it. As my colleague, Chelsi, mentioned in her article, “Communicating is more than just talking to people.” It is a basic function of being a human being. It is not only important to express your message clearly, but to also make sure that your message is being received exactly how you need it to be. Although some people may see the word “appearance” and think of physical appearance, don’t forget that this also includes the way you send a message to your receiver. For the more forward individuals who are honest, these may help with your tact. Here are some tips I found in an article on how to “Get your point across without being rude.”

Tip 1: Get more information before making a statement

You don’t want to shut off the source of the message too early. Open your mind and remember to listen. Read the rest of this entry »

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