It is an alleged well known fact that men cannot multi-task, or can they? But in this age when we all have to buckle down and do more roles as departments become leaner, the question is: What kind of multi-tasker are you?
"Bleary-eyed," might seem like the most obvious answer, and for many who juggle multiple roles, it's no doubt true. But a study by Montreal's Concordia University and University of Toronto finds that there are actually three distinct types of multi-taskers and that some styles are definitely healthier than others.
The Universities studied people who had three hats to wear: student, employee, and family member. How did they cope? It appears in three ways:
Problem solvers.
This group face the problems of juggling multiple roles head-on, but, ironically, their can-do attitude can eventually get them into trouble. Problem solvers are great planners, but often fail to realise that even the best planning isn't going to create more hours in the day. They often have trouble accepting the fact that if they keep trying to do it all, they'll eventually burn out. The researchers say it's better to admit at the outset that energy and time are finite, and that things are going to slip through the cracks no matter what.
Talkers.
So-called talkers use venting, complaining and commiseration to help them deal with the stresses of multiple roles. As in the other two styles, this comes with both positives and negatives. On the positive side, talking to family and friends can result in new ideas about how to get things done and encourage other folks to lend a hand when possible. On the negative side, it's very easy for commiseration to become an end in itself, reinforcing feelings of hopelessness and eating up way too much time.
Avoiders.
These folks are in denial, and it's hard to blame them. They cut back on stress by trying to avoid it, and often resort to bad habits-sleeping too much, drinking too much, using drugs-to keep them from thinking about the stress they're under. Yet this 'type' has something to teach the others, too. Everyone who juggles multiple roles needs a break now and then, and healthy diversions are much-needed.
How to Cope
The study went on to give some advice for multi-taskers:
• Find areas where you can do double duty. Is there work-related projects that could also earn you class credit? If you're looking after an elderly relative, bring your own kids along and ask them to cook dinner.
• Talk to your employer about flexible work arrangements, even if they're only temporary.
• Give yourself a break. Dodge the stress, at least for a short time, with a small indulgence - even if it's only watching a favourite TV show.
• Let things slide. The house is going to get dirty. There's no use fighting it.
So there according to the Universities we have it. What do you think is the best way to deal with the conflicting, constant, and overlapping demands of being a spouse, parent, student, employee maybe all at once?
Answers and thoughts, as ever, to the team at www.chestertongray.com
Friday 24 February 2012
Friday 10 February 2012
The Eeyore Candidate
During a recent assignment we were interviewing candidates for a position that had been open for months and it felt like we were never going to find the right candidate who. That was until we found the perfect CV.
Before redundancy the candidate had a proven track record and had worked for some major companies in the right sector. Without any hesitation, we set up an interview and I was certain that as long as they showed up and were breathing, they’d get the job.
A week later it was time for the interview and I went to the reception where I saw two candidates waiting. One was sharply dressed and exuded confidence. The other looked like they had slept in their suit. Considering the importance of the role, the smart candidate had to be mine. I walked up and introduced myself, but a small, quiet voice behind me in the scruffy suit corrected me and introduced themselves as my candidate
What followed was the longest and most boring interview of my life. We gave them every possible opportunity to impress us, but every question was answered in a ho-hum tone and it became apparent that they weren’t all they seemed to be. Needless to say we didn’t include them on the shortlist but they definitely left an impression on me. We described them as Eeyore, the depressed donkey from “Winnie the Pooh.”
I understand that being unemployed and looking for work can turn even the best of us into an Eeyore, but keep in mind that Eeyores don’t get jobs.
If you think you might be an Eeyore candidate, try these 10 tips…
1) Surround yourself with positive peopleIdeally everyone you come across will be supportive of your job search, but some people’s idea of support is actually detrimental to your success. You will come across people that make up excuses for you, like “The job market just sucks right now. It’s not your fault.” Try to distance yourself from these people. While they are trying to help, their “solutions” will only keep you down. Instead, if you have friends, family, and colleagues who say things like “I know you can do it,” or “Keep it up!” or do things like e-mail you jobs to apply to, keep these people close. Their support is positive, and being around them will give you a more positive outlook.
2) Don’t take it personallyThe most amazing job seekers will encounter rejection from time to time. Most of the time, the reason for rejection has nothing to do with you anyway. The reason you don’t get the job or don’t even get an interview might be because of budgeting, internal candidates, or a complete revamp of the company or department you’re applying to. Don’t focus on things you can’t control. Focus on yourself and your abilities.
3) Tell yourself you’re hirable
If you’ve worked at least one day in your life, then you must have some hirable skills. You are good enough to get a job, but no one will hire you if you don’t think you deserve it. And besides, beating yourself up every day gets downright exhausting.
4) Practice interviewing
There’s nothing as depressing as completely blowing an interview. There’s one easy way to combat this: practice the interview. Most recruitment people will ask the same questions over and over again. You can find articles and books online of standard interview questions. One word of caution though: a successful interview isn’t just about being able to answer the questions. It’s about how you answer the questions. Practice how you will answer the questions you anticipate being asked. Set up a mock interview with a friend, a recruiter, or even your other half. Acting out the scenario in a friendly setting will help you prepare for the real deal.
5) Get out of the house
When you’re looking for a job, your job search should be one of your top priorities, but it should not be your only priority. You can only sit in front of your computer and send out CV’s for so long before you get cabin fever. Getting out of the house is okay. Reward yourself for your hard work by going out for a walk or a treat of some sort. Just getting outside, being around other people, and being in sunlight will have a dramatic effect on your outlook.
6) Network
Find some professional networking groups in your area or in your industry. Many of them may even have events that cater to people who are “in transition.” The people you meet at these events may be able to give you advice on how to be an effective job-seeker and may even point you in the direction of companies that are hiring.
7) Set small, achievable goals
It’s great to start with the end in mind, but don’t let the end be your one and only goal. If you wake up every day of your job search thinking, “Today is the day I get the job,” the fact of the matter is that you will fail from achieving your goal every day except for the very last day of your job search. That feeling of failure isn’t exactly motivating. Focus on the smaller steps you need to help get you there. Tell yourself, “I will apply to 15 jobs today,” or “I’ll RSVP for two networking events today.” These are small, achievable, attainable goals, and you will feel good about yourself when you cross them off your daily to-do list.
8) Go shopping and give yourself a job seeker makeover
As I commented at the start; Clothes definitely make the man (or woman), so take some time to go shopping for a new interview outfit if necessary. Apparently the act of shopping makes you temporarily happier!! Investing in a new outfit that makes you look like a success will also make you act like a success. When you like the way you look, you will exude the confidence, happiness, and positivity that Eeyore candidates lack.
9) If it’s really serious, then get serious help
Being unemployed, especially for a long period of time, can easily lead to a serious depression problem. If you notice any depression warning signs over an extended period of time, such as having difficulty getting out of bed every morning or heightened alcohol consumption, go to your doctor right away and get help. Your job search is important, but your mental health should always be your top priority. Also, if you are clinically depressed and not getting proper treatment, your depression will be a major hindrance to your job search. Take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place.
So let’s look forward to a positive year and make sure that it’s the one where we all achieve our objectives.
www.chestertongray.com
Before redundancy the candidate had a proven track record and had worked for some major companies in the right sector. Without any hesitation, we set up an interview and I was certain that as long as they showed up and were breathing, they’d get the job.
A week later it was time for the interview and I went to the reception where I saw two candidates waiting. One was sharply dressed and exuded confidence. The other looked like they had slept in their suit. Considering the importance of the role, the smart candidate had to be mine. I walked up and introduced myself, but a small, quiet voice behind me in the scruffy suit corrected me and introduced themselves as my candidate
What followed was the longest and most boring interview of my life. We gave them every possible opportunity to impress us, but every question was answered in a ho-hum tone and it became apparent that they weren’t all they seemed to be. Needless to say we didn’t include them on the shortlist but they definitely left an impression on me. We described them as Eeyore, the depressed donkey from “Winnie the Pooh.”
I understand that being unemployed and looking for work can turn even the best of us into an Eeyore, but keep in mind that Eeyores don’t get jobs.
If you think you might be an Eeyore candidate, try these 10 tips…
1) Surround yourself with positive peopleIdeally everyone you come across will be supportive of your job search, but some people’s idea of support is actually detrimental to your success. You will come across people that make up excuses for you, like “The job market just sucks right now. It’s not your fault.” Try to distance yourself from these people. While they are trying to help, their “solutions” will only keep you down. Instead, if you have friends, family, and colleagues who say things like “I know you can do it,” or “Keep it up!” or do things like e-mail you jobs to apply to, keep these people close. Their support is positive, and being around them will give you a more positive outlook.
2) Don’t take it personallyThe most amazing job seekers will encounter rejection from time to time. Most of the time, the reason for rejection has nothing to do with you anyway. The reason you don’t get the job or don’t even get an interview might be because of budgeting, internal candidates, or a complete revamp of the company or department you’re applying to. Don’t focus on things you can’t control. Focus on yourself and your abilities.
3) Tell yourself you’re hirable
If you’ve worked at least one day in your life, then you must have some hirable skills. You are good enough to get a job, but no one will hire you if you don’t think you deserve it. And besides, beating yourself up every day gets downright exhausting.
4) Practice interviewing
There’s nothing as depressing as completely blowing an interview. There’s one easy way to combat this: practice the interview. Most recruitment people will ask the same questions over and over again. You can find articles and books online of standard interview questions. One word of caution though: a successful interview isn’t just about being able to answer the questions. It’s about how you answer the questions. Practice how you will answer the questions you anticipate being asked. Set up a mock interview with a friend, a recruiter, or even your other half. Acting out the scenario in a friendly setting will help you prepare for the real deal.
5) Get out of the house
When you’re looking for a job, your job search should be one of your top priorities, but it should not be your only priority. You can only sit in front of your computer and send out CV’s for so long before you get cabin fever. Getting out of the house is okay. Reward yourself for your hard work by going out for a walk or a treat of some sort. Just getting outside, being around other people, and being in sunlight will have a dramatic effect on your outlook.
6) Network
Find some professional networking groups in your area or in your industry. Many of them may even have events that cater to people who are “in transition.” The people you meet at these events may be able to give you advice on how to be an effective job-seeker and may even point you in the direction of companies that are hiring.
7) Set small, achievable goals
It’s great to start with the end in mind, but don’t let the end be your one and only goal. If you wake up every day of your job search thinking, “Today is the day I get the job,” the fact of the matter is that you will fail from achieving your goal every day except for the very last day of your job search. That feeling of failure isn’t exactly motivating. Focus on the smaller steps you need to help get you there. Tell yourself, “I will apply to 15 jobs today,” or “I’ll RSVP for two networking events today.” These are small, achievable, attainable goals, and you will feel good about yourself when you cross them off your daily to-do list.
8) Go shopping and give yourself a job seeker makeover
As I commented at the start; Clothes definitely make the man (or woman), so take some time to go shopping for a new interview outfit if necessary. Apparently the act of shopping makes you temporarily happier!! Investing in a new outfit that makes you look like a success will also make you act like a success. When you like the way you look, you will exude the confidence, happiness, and positivity that Eeyore candidates lack.
9) If it’s really serious, then get serious help
Being unemployed, especially for a long period of time, can easily lead to a serious depression problem. If you notice any depression warning signs over an extended period of time, such as having difficulty getting out of bed every morning or heightened alcohol consumption, go to your doctor right away and get help. Your job search is important, but your mental health should always be your top priority. Also, if you are clinically depressed and not getting proper treatment, your depression will be a major hindrance to your job search. Take care of yourself and everything else will fall into place.
So let’s look forward to a positive year and make sure that it’s the one where we all achieve our objectives.
www.chestertongray.com
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