Safe-4-Work

You never know who you may be talking to

2008-08-06T00:57:00.000-04:00

Employed by the human-development center of a corporation in the
midwest, my friend trains employees in proper dress codes and etiquette.

One day as she was stepping onto the elevator, a man casually dressed in
jeans and a golf shirt got on with her.

Thinking of her responsibilities, she scolded, "Dressed a little
casually today, aren't we?"

The man replied, "That's one benefit of owning the company..."

'Ooops' goes the cheerleader

2008-07-31T22:23:00.000-04:00

Cheerleading Bloopers - A funny movie is a click away

Is there really always a bright side to things?

2008-07-30T00:36:00.000-04:00

No laughing at work

2008-07-30T00:16:00.002-04:00

Kollios, who works at the Trinity Grill in New Port Richey, said her boss approached her in front of a customer with one of the oddest requests she's ever heard.

"I had a customer at the bar and the owner came up to me and said, 'Please stop laughing,' Kollios said. "We giggled -- the guy at the bar and myself. And then I said, 'Are you serious?' And he said, 'Yes, if you laugh again, you will have to go home."

Kollios said she was then fired on the spot.

Kollios said she was shocked by her employer's actions.

"I will say that I don't have an odd laugh," Kollios said. "I did ask a few people but it's not."

The restaurant owner said a customer did not complain about the laughing. However, he prefers the restaurant to be quiet and cozy and Kollios' laugh prevented that from happening.

Under Florida law, employees are considered "at will," which means they may be terminated for any reason as long as they're not under contract and it doesn't involve age, sex or race discrimination.

This will never work

2008-07-29T00:48:00.003-04:00

Help getting up early

2008-07-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

1. Give yourself a good reason to get up!

If you don't know why you should get up early, then there's no reason for you to get up early. Write it down and keep it by the bed. When the alarm goes off, read what you wrote. And make it a good reason, like getting a making a healthy breakfast or spending a few extra minutes with your kids.

2. Get enough sleep.

If you are having a lot of difficulty getting up, it may because you're not getting enough sleep. Stop staying up (tape your favorite shows!); don't do work until just before you go to bed; go to bed on schedule.

3. Jump out of bed.

When the alarm goes off, DON'T hit the snooze button! Nope. Not even once. Hop up out of bed and start your day. No excuses. You'll actually get used to this if you do it regularly.

4. Consistency!

Go to bed at the same time. Get up at the same time. Don't constantly change things up.

A fishy pedicure

2008-07-28T02:23:00.002-04:00

For $35, a type of carp called garra rufa, or doctor fish, will help exfoliate your feet at Yvonne Hair and Nails salon in Alexandria, Va.

E-mail joke

2008-07-28T02:05:00.000-04:00

It's wise to remember how easily email -- this wonderful technology -- can be misused, sometimes unintentionally, with serious consequences.

Consider the case of the Illinois man who left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,
Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.

P.S. Sure is hot down here.

Watch this when you get home

2008-07-28T00:24:00.000-04:00

This is way too long for you to watch at work (unless you check it out over your a couple lunch breaks!) but I felt it was important to share.

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

Things don't always go as planned!

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Mastering the dreaded interview!

2008-07-24T02:53:00.002-04:00

1.Be clean. Shower 1 hour before, no perfume, no "statements" like punk clothing/haircuts/jewelry/nose or earrings/other body art. If you want to sell yourself, be relaxed and ready to kick butt.

2.Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview. You don't want to be late or rushed--arriving early will allow you to enter the interview calm, cool and collected (and ready to answer questions).

3.Keep in mind that a job interview is not "just about you". It is also your opportunity to determine if the company is one you wish to work for. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, the worst thing you can do is say no. Always have at least two or three job or company related questions ready.

4.Do a bit of research in advance of the interview and learn about the company's history and direction.During the interview, refer to things you've learned about the company. This tells the interviewer that you have an interest in the company and understand its mission, giving you an edge over applicants who simply "walk in".

5.Turn potentially negative answers into positive ones. A common example would be "What are your weaknesses?" The worst answer to give is that you haven't any. Find a weakness that you've improved upon and use that for your answer to this common question. "I learned in my previous position that my computer skills were not as strong as I would have preferred. I have since completed classroom training in that area, and have greatly improved." Remember, the question isn't meant to determine what the "weaknesses" are- it is meant to determine what you have done to correct them.

6.Always bring questions full circle back to your stated achievements and qualifications. When the interviewer asks a "How would you handle xxx?", a good answer would be "I had a similar situation in a previous position, and I handled it by.." Whenever a positive result was achieved, it is imperative that you note it. "My actions resulted in a decrease of operating expenses by 15% while increasing revenues by 25%."

7.Practice asking yourself questions in a mirror or have someone you know assist. Do what all US Presidents, court witnesses and executives do to prepare for tough questions: using a role-playing format, have someone ask you the same potentially tough questions, giving you the opportunity to practice your answers and delivery. Allow yourself practice to work through not only the best answer but one you're most comfortable delivering.

8.Use the STAR method when asked questions such as have you ever been in a group that did not work well together? Discuss the Situation, what Tasks you needed to achieve, what Actions you took, and the Results. It's okay if the situation ended badly. Discuss what you learned and how you would have handled the situation differently.

Don't try this at work!

2008-07-24T02:50:00.001-04:00

We all have bad days. But when you do, try to take a deep breath and relax. Maybe go for a walk. Just don't do what these guys did ...

Christian the Lion - the full story

2008-07-23T00:42:00.001-04:00

Christian left the Kora Reserve in 1973. He made his new territory along the Tana river, but when the Wakamba herdsmen kept bringing their livestock to his hunting ground, he moved on. George Adamson said in his autobiography, "I used to count the days on which we hadn't seen Christian, but when they reached 97, I gave up recording them in my diary." Because a lion can live from 12 to 15 years in the wild, Adamson believed that Christian ended his days in the Meru National Reserve only a few miles up river.

To see the whole amazing story, you can buy the full dvd at http://www.bornfree.org.uk and help The Born Free Foundation save more wildlife.

Believe it or not: his bum is worth a million!

2008-07-23T00:39:00.000-04:00

A bed tester has such a valuable bottom that it has been insured for £1million.

Graham Butterfield's bosses were so impressed by his sensitive buttocks they took a policy out on his finest asset – making his rear as valuable as that of Beyoncé or J-Lo.

The 54-year-old, who works for Silentnight bed manufacturers in Barnoldswick, Lancashire, said: 'I am very proud to be the owner of a £1million backside.'

When you need to disagree with the boss

2008-07-21T00:01:00.002-04:00

This really applies to disagreeing for specific valid reasons in almost all situations. It requires that the person you are disagreeing with be willing to engage you in discussion on the topic, and assumes they are not completely closed minded. Check back in the future for tips on dealing with a boss who just won't listen.

1. Start out by having at least one specific, valid & provable reason why you know this idea won't work.

2. Provide a suggestion or alternative idea and why.

3. Begin asking the person questions to help you understand their views on the idea you disagree with. eg: "for this plan, you are suggesting x?"

4. When they answer, follow up with another question which leads in the direction of your reason for disagreeing. eg: "x requires y, how will we make y happen?"

5. When you get to the point where you believe failure will occur, ask a final question eg: "y is square, but x requires round - how do we get around this?" Don't demand an answer - let the person think about it.

However, you must always keep in mind that you could be wrong; expect a dialogue with your boss and make sure you listen as well as you hope they do.

A real three pointer!

2008-07-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

I can only imagine how many attempts it took to get this shot right.

Who's a good boy?

2008-07-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

2008-07-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Hangman. A fun and classic word game with a twist ;) Choose between different word categories, get hints, and change skins to see all possible ways a pixie can get 'hanged'... Simple, fun and addictive! Great for your coffee break or lunch.

Mistaken identity? No matter ...

2008-07-18T00:55:00.003-04:00

This video is 2 years old, but is still worth watching over again!

With the seconds ticking down to a studio discussion about a court case involving Apple Computer and The Beatles' record label, a floor manager had run to reception and grabbed the man, thinking he was Guy Kewney, editor of Newswireless.net, a specialist internet publication.

Actually, he was a minicab driver who had been waiting to drive Mr Kewney home.

Despite knowing nothing about the case - a judge ruled that the computer company could continue to use the Apple symbol for its iTunes download service - the man gamely attempted to bluff his way through and, speaking in a strong French accent, sustained a (somewhat illogical) form of conversation. Meanwhile, the real Mr Kewney watched indignantly on a monitor in reception.

Quotables

2008-07-18T00:19:00.002-04:00

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.

Hamilton Wright Mabie

Popularity IS important if you want to move up

2008-07-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

Being popular is important if you want to move up in the company. Yes, you also need to be competant but if people know who you are, and genuinely like you, then getting that promotion will be so much easier.

In an ideal world, promotions would be based solely on merit. We don't live in an ideal world, though, and office politics will often play a role in who gets promoted and who doesn't. Use and develop your people skills. Be kind and helpful to your co-workers, supervisors, and underlings. Develop relationships with people you work with, play golf with the boss, and get to know people (other than your immediate supervisor) who make decisions in the company. Be present at company events and network with people from outside your department.

Pavement Art: Julian Beever

2008-07-17T02:27:00.009-04:00

Julian Beever is one of the greatest sidewalk chalk artists. This is certainly a far cry from the flowers and rainbows we drew when we were kids ...

An Inspirational Story - The Hospital Window

2008-07-16T01:22:00.002-04:00

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Microwavable S'Mores Maker

2008-07-15T01:23:00.000-04:00

It's a crime that more people have never experienced an authentic S'More. So the good people (or evil people, you never know these days) at Progressive International have created the Microwavable S'Mores Maker. Just fill the base with water, stack your smores, lower the arms, and microwave for approximately 30 seconds. The graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate will heat quickly and evenly while the arms hold everything in place. Crazy!

Check it out: Progressive International Microwavable S'Mores Maker

Don't turn around!

2008-07-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

Sometimes ignorance really is bliss!

Creature from the deep

2008-07-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is an actual fish that lives deep deep deep under the ocean's surface. Not the kind of thing we'd want to meet up with while swimming down in the lake.

Ricky Gervais learns how to act

2008-07-14T00:02:00.000-04:00

Too funny by half! I can think of several actors who could use this advice!

Monday morning pick-me-up

2008-07-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

Proof that Monday's don't have to be all that bad!

Interview Control . . . It's Easy When You Set the Tone!

2008-07-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

By: Paul Megan

Ok. So you got invited in for an interview. It's time for interview control. Maybe your resume did the trick. Or you were referred by an agency. Or maybe you used an alternative job search strategy and got introduced directly to a decision-maker.

Whoever it is you're going to meet with, you basically have one shot to make an impression. The result of your initiative will determine whether or not you proceed to the next step . . . or even get a job offer.

Notice, I said "your initiative."

This means you have to establish interview control. Gone forever are the days when you could dress nice and then passively sit and answer some questions. Unless you're content to be treated like just another number. Which means you're a good candidate for a TNT (thanks-but-no-thanks) letter.

Remember, interviewers at all levels see lots of prospects. You need to stand out from the rest. The secret is to present you in a memorable way.

Now, there are many proven tactics to help you attract attention and gain control of the interview. But I want to focus here on some whereby you set the interview control tone in the first three minutes. If you can't do this, your interview will be just another routine Q & A session.
So, here are three important tips.

1. Greet the interviewer with a smile. Look directly into his/her eyes. Give a firm handshake (be sure to wipe your hands before you go into so they're not wet or clammy.)

2. When you're invited to sit down, move the chair a couple inches. This is a proven technique for breaking the spell and establishing your own space as well as a certain independence.

3. Take the initiative to talk first. And you do that by paying a friendly compliment. Say something nice about the organization that you've learned. Or about the interviewer. Or perhaps there's something in the office (like a picture or plaque) that deserves a friendly comment. The main thing is that you're prepared to speak up first.

Interview control is critical to your success. There are lots of books about how to conduct yourself in an interview. But if you can't get past the first three minutes, the rest of the session will become another routine procedure that turns you into another cipher.

Looking beyond the first three minutes, your interview control goal is to establish rapport and chemistry. For a very simple reason. Studies have shown that if an interviewer doesn't feel some connection with you, you'll never move forward. And interview control requires that you be prepared in advance to take the initiative.

Paul Megan writes for EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and non-traditional career advancement strategies . . . since 1985. Grab our stunning FREE REPORT: "How To Lock Up A High-Paying Job In 14 Days (Or Less)!" And click on RSS! <>http://www.fastest-job-search.com/.

Read More Articles at GiveMeArticles.com.

Who knew bunnies could be so handy?

2008-07-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

Doing the Robot

2008-07-11T00:07:00.001-04:00

For those of you who may have missed it during the pre-lims of So You Think You Can Dance, here's your chance to check it out! This guy really can dance!

Free to good home

2008-07-11T00:07:00.000-04:00

Funny Images

Tips On Appropriate Workplace Dressing

2008-07-11T00:06:00.000-04:00

Your various wardrobe choices set different tones in all your encounters and can have a subtle yet deep impact. What you wear and where you wear it all affects the way you are perceived and treated.

Take advantage of those massage benefits

2008-07-10T03:01:00.000-04:00

If you currently have coverage for massage therapy you need to start taking advantage of it. Why? Well, firstly you are probably paying for it through work deductions. If that's not enough, work is extremely stressful, both physically (sitting too long, bad posture, moving boxes) and mentally (long hours, bad bosses, difficult assignments). You've actually earned some time getting your body worked over and the kinks worked out.

Most times you will need a doctor's note before you can claim for a massage. This shouldn't be a problem; ask your doctor, referencing your hours spent at the computer or doing physical labor. If your doctor refuses you need yourself a new doctor. just saying.

Did you know:

1) Medical school students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School who were massaged before an exam showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system.

2) Preliminary results suggested cancer patients had less pain and anxiety after receiving therapeutic massage at the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio.

3) Women who had experienced the recent death of a child were less depressed after receiving therapeutic massage, according to preliminary results of a study at the University of South Carolina.

Convinced?

Working it

2008-07-10T00:17:00.000-04:00

These guys really know how to work it. Simply amazing!

Career Changes for Baby Boomers: Ability, Not Age, Matters

2008-07-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

By: Kelli Smith

Baby boomers. They're the generation born between 1946 and 1964. They came of age in the early 70s and early 80s. They're the generation that made changes and waves, worked harder and longer, put off marriage and children, did things differently than previous generations.

Whether because of financial necessity or because they have something to offer, baby boomers are staying in the workforce longer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and projections indicate that by 2010 there should be 18.5 million boomers ages 45 to 49 in the labor force, as compared to 14.7 in 1995, and 16.8 million versus 10.6 million in the 50- to 54-years-old range.

They're still making changes. They're retiring later, or not at all. If not downsized or laid off, boomers often continue to work. When they don't choose to continue in the same career, it doesn't mean they're ready to stop contributing, and sometimes they're making transitions to new careers.

"On average there are three to five career changes in a person's lifetime and that's pretty common," says Kevin Gaw, Director of Career Development, University of Nevada, Reno. "It's pretty common that a layoff ends up being a great opportunity for someone to find something that's more suited to them, too."

But it can be challenging to a baby boomer to be suddenly confronted with a career change. They were raised in a world where you got your education, then got your job, and while you may not have stayed with the job until you retired, you would probably stay in the same profession. "It can be jarring to realize you have to transfer your skill set to another area," says Gaw.

In 2004, Gaw's office worked with 208 alumni. Nearly 7.5 percent were going through a career change, three percent because of a forced situation such as layoff or company closure or relocation. The rest of them just wanted to do something different. When you?re faced with an important career shift, there are things you can to do make it easier on yourself and achieve a more enjoyable, productive career change.

• Look at your skills. Determine which are transferable to other jobs.

• Find your passion. What do you love to do? "It's not about the money," Gaw says. "The money isn't what makes us happy. What makes us happy is doing something that's meaningful to us."

• Look at reality. If you want to be an astronaut but can't do math, Gaw says, the reality is it's unlikely. People need to work through that disappointment and maybe change that passion to a hobby rather than a vocation.

• Determine whether you want to make a radical career change? say from legal secretary to Web designer? or stay within the same profession.

• If you like the company you're with but feel the need for change, see if they can retain and retrain you. If it comes down to a complete career change, there are also some things you can do to help create a whole new career for yourself.

• Promote yourself rather than your age. Once you get into a position and can show off your skills, you'll be known for those skills rather than your years.

• Start slow. Before investing heavily in education, determine if it's the right career path for you.

• Network. Many non-entry level positions are found by references. Join professional organizations in the field you want to enter.

• Consider working for yourself. A job market survey conducted in 2005 by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., quoted on thematuremarket.com, indicated that of 3000 job seekers, 13 percent chose to work for themselves, and 86.6 percent of them were over 40.

Another option is to leverage your experience and teach or train. Moving into training and coaching people just entering the profession you're leaving is a fairly informal move. Teaching requires state licensing, and there are programs helping place retiring workers into teaching positions. The University of Nevada Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning takes executives through a first-time licensing program and puts them in the schools in just a couple semesters, often teaching in high-needs areas like math, science and languages. Likewise, IBM unveiled their Transition to Teaching program in September, reimbursing them for tuition and providing stipends while they student teach. Many of their executives are highly trained in math and computer sciences.

Whether making a career change to a new profession or a new position, Gaw says such changes are a normal life pattern. "It's a good thing to be open to change. The challenge is recognizing skill sets and knowing how to capitalize on them and present them to the new opportunities."

Author Bio
Kelli Smith is the editor for Edu411.org, a career education directory for finding colleges and universities, training schools, and technical institutes.

Giraffe leads circus break-out

2008-07-09T11:11:00.002-04:00

Fifteen camels, two zebras and several llamas and pot-bellied pigs escaped from a circus visiting Amsterdam.

"We suspect that a giraffe kicked open a pen," claimed Dutch police, adding that the animals did not get far before they were rounded up and returned to the circus.

And you thought the coyote was wily ...

Advice from 'The Boss Whisperer'

2008-07-09T00:51:00.000-04:00

Dr. Laura Crawshaw, 'The Boss Whisperer', explains how hostility and unpleasantness can be curbed in the workplace. If you hate your boss, or you hate your employees, this book is for you

The top ten signs you're eating too much

2008-07-09T00:07:00.000-04:00

10. Hundreds of volunteers have started to stack sandbags around you.

9. Doctor tells you your weight would be perfect for a man 17 feet tall.

8. You are responsible for a slight but measurable shift in the earth's axis.

7. Right this minute you're laughing up pie on the carpet.

6. You decide to take a little nap and wake up in mid-July.

5. World's fattest man sends you a telegram, warning you to "back off!"

4. CBS tells you to lose weight or else.

3. Getting off your couch requires help from the fire department.

2. Every escalator you step on immediately grinds to a halt.

1. You're sweatin' gravy.

A pup to fall in love with

2008-07-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

A puppy born with a heart-shaped pattern on his coat becomes a symbol of luck in northern Japan. The long-coated baby male chihuahua was born in May, one of a litter, to a breeder in Odate, northern Japan. Dog shop owner Emiko Sakurada says it's the first time a puppy with the marks has been born out of a thousand she has bred.

What a wonderful world

2008-07-08T00:50:00.000-04:00

A collection of pictures of animals and the natural world with the song 'what a wonderful world' by Louis Armstrong. Something to make you smile!

Dealing With Negativity at Work

2008-07-08T00:47:00.001-04:00

Jon Gordon, author of "The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work," tells Paul Lin that driving out the negatives in the workplace could save companies hundreds of billions of dollars a year.

What's In a Name: the A's

2008-07-08T00:34:00.005-04:00

It's not only plastic surgery that made some celebrities who they are today. Some felt a name change was very much in order.

Woody Allen (born Allen Konigsberg)
Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.)
Julie Andrews (born Julia Elizabeth Wells)
Fred Astaire (born Frederick Austerlitz)
Frankie Avalon (born Francis Thomas Avalonne)

Look closely ...

2008-07-08T00:06:00.002-04:00

This is one way to drive the car you've always wanted, but could never afford!

Funny Images

Quotables

2008-07-08T00:05:00.000-04:00

The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it. ~Franklin P. Jones

I'd stop eating chocolate, but I'm NO quitter!

Hard work never hurt anyone, but why take the chance.

A husband is someone who takes out the trash and gives the impression he just cleaned the whole house.

When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.

Quick change artists

2008-07-07T07:43:00.000-04:00

Find love and save money ... Japanese style

2008-07-07T03:20:00.000-04:00

A Japanese electronic piggy bank aims to help people save money and find virtual heartthrobs. Bandai's Ikemen or "good looking guy" bank is a heart-shaped depository where up to $500 in coins can pile up. Dan Sloan reports.

Kiss the Ring: Hierarchy Matters

2008-07-07T03:17:00.000-04:00

By: Dr. Karen Otazo

Excerpted from The Truth About Managing Your Career... And Nothing But The Truth.

Someone once asked a Washington insider how to deal with important people whom you can't stand. His reply? "You put on your respectful face and you don't blink." This strategy is known in business circles as "kissing the ring." Its origins lie in a much earlier era, when royalty and clerics wore rings of office denoting their status. Bowing your head as you kissed their rings was how you showed respect for their office, while not necessarily feeling that sentiment towards the characters themselves.

Why go to the trouble to show deference to someone you don't personally like or respect? In the cut and thrust world of business, as in the political sphere, it's all about survival. Or, to look at it more positively, enlightened self-interest. Like it or not, the business world is structured by a strong sense of hierarchy. Why else would we be so fixated on gaining promotions and better titles? Those high up can have a significant impact upon your reputation and career: positive if they like you and see you playing by the rules, negative if they feel slighted by you in some way. Showing them the appropriate respect helps keep your career path obstacle free.

"Kissing the ring" might mean responding in a neutral to positive way when someone important says something off base in a meeting. Or staying positive with your boss when he or she doesn't understand what you're trying to do or say. However irritated or amazed you feel, keep your facial expression kind and free of negativity, a kind of poker face. It's worth practicing this in front of the mirror so that it's ready to put on when you need it.

"Kissing the ring" doesn't mean being sycophantic though. It's just about treading carefully around egos. There's nothing wrong with telling a senior person that you think there might be a better way of doing things, but just make sure that you think strategically and don't react there and then, especially if there are others present. If you are genuinely concerned about something you might want to bring it up in private in a neutral way but not make a big deal out of it. You do this by talking about it in a low-key way, tactfully introducing your point by saying, "By the way, what do you think of... " or, "Is there is a case to be made for this other point of view?"

Are there "don't kiss the ring" moments too? You bet. As soon as anything looks the slightest bit immoral or illegal you need to stop and think. Don't jump to conclusions, but once you've confirmed that something improper is up, do everything you can to extricate yourself from the situation before you get into trouble. If, for example, your company requires that the highest level person at a dinner should pick up the expenses then you might hesitate before paying for something so that your boss doesn't have to put it on his or her expense report. While illegality is something that you should always report, without exception. There are ex-employees of Enron or Health South, currently in jail, who probably wish they had spoken up, or even left their jobs, rather than keeping mum.

"Kissing the ring" is one of a repertoire of respectful behaviors that will serve you in good stead with high ranking people. At some point in your career you will have to suck in your gut and show deference to a senior person whom you can't stand. Be prepared for it.

Author Bio Dr Otazo is an author, consultant and global executive coach. She worked in multi-nationals in US, China, Indonesia, India, France. See more about Dr. Karen Otazo at www.globalleadershipnetwork.com

Marks for swearing

2008-07-07T03:01:00.000-04:00

A British student who scribbled an expletive on an English language exam paper has been awarded 7.5 per cent for accurate spelling and effective communication.

The pupil, who wrote "f–- off" after being asked in an English exam to "describe the room you are sitting in", got 2 marks out of 27 and would have got more if he had added some punctuation, chief examiner Peter Buckroyd told The Times.

"It does show some very basic skills we are looking for – like conveying some meaning and some spelling," said Buckroyd, who works for the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance examinations board. "It shows some nominal skills but no relevance to the task".

"If it had had an exclamation mark it would have got a little bit more because it would have been showing a little bit of skill".

Prepare to be grossed out!

2008-06-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

Funny, yes. Gross? Very!

Simon's cat wants in

2008-06-20T18:11:00.000-04:00

Too cute? Too bad! ;)

Martial Arts meet Dance

2008-06-20T18:07:00.000-04:00

These guys, who competed in last year's "America's Got Talent" put together an impresive show that mixed martial arts expertise with a dash of choreography. The results are impressive!